Biomedical Engineering PHD
Why choose this course
The Centre for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Surrey provides world-class research into biomechanics, biomedical engineering and tissue engineering. We have links with globally leading companies such as Blatchfords, the Transport Research Laboratory, Smith and Nephew and with hospitals across the south of England, as well as extensive international research collaboration. Many of the UK’s senior biomedical engineers were trained by us.
The quality of our undergraduate and postgraduate students’ research has been recognised by national professional bodies, with prestigious awards such as the IET Dennis Hill Award for best final project in 2015, the IMechE JRI award for best taught masters project poster presentation, and the IET Leslie H Paddle Scholarship for doctoral research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, 80 per cent of our ‘general engineering’ research outputs were rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Our graduates have since gone on to clinical engineering positions in the NHS, to design consultancies, to medicine, to prosthesis manufacturers, to car manufacturers as safety specialists, and others. A PhD programme in Biomedical Engineering will allow you to test the cutting-edge of science and make new discoveries. The Centre celebrated its 50th group of students in 2015, and we hope you’ll join us as we enter our second half-century.
What you will study
Our PhD in Biomedical Engineering will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in engineering, research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in your chosen field of study.
It normally takes around three years to complete a full-time PhD. You’ll be assigned a minimum of two supervisors, who will guide you through your PhD. You’ll learn how to conduct literature review, how to develop your ideas and verify them with experiments, and how to collaborate and perform interdisciplinary research. Over time, we’ll develop your skills and transform you into an independent researcher.
Course facts
| Qualification | Study mode | Course length | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHD | Full-time | 48 months | January 2020 |
| PHD | Full-time | 48 months | April 2020 |
| PHD | Full-time | 48 months | October 2019 |
| PHD | Part-time | 96 months | January 2020 |
| PHD | Part-time | 96 months | April 2020 |
| PHD | Part-time | 96 months | October 2019 |
Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Code of practice for research degrees
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Research themes
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical engineering
- Tissue engineering.
Our academic staff
See a full list of all our academic staff within the Centre for Biomedical Engineering.
Research facilities
As a PhD student within the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, you’ll have access to all our facilities, including our gait laboratory and our mechanical testing facilities.
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required).
View entry requirements by country
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here. The University of Surrey is also an IELTS test centre.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of application, successful interview and suitable references where required.
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
Fees
| Study mode | Start date | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | January 2020 | £4,327 | £21,400 |
| Full-time | April 2020 | £4,327 | £21,400 |
| Full-time | October 2019 | £4,327 | £21,400 |
| Part-time | January 2020 | £2,163.50 | £10,700 |
| Part-time | April 2020 | £2,163.50 | £10,700 |
| Part-time | October 2019 | £2,163.50 | £10,700 |
For fees payable in 2018/19, these will increase by 4 per cent, rounded up to the nearest £100 for subsequent years of study. Any start date other than October will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Overseas students applying for 2018 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4% rounded up to the nearest £100.
View a complete list of all fees for our research programmes.
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey. Find out more.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Studentships
We have many studentship opportunities available, including our new Vice Chancellor’s Studentship Award and Doctoral College Studentship Award.
Understanding and enhancing the mechanical performance of bioinspired dental composite
Funding information:
This research project has funding attached. The studentship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees, plus a tax-free stipend of approximately £14,777 p.a., in line with standard RCUK stipend levels [2018-2019]. Studentships are open to overseas students provided they can support the difference between home and overseas fees (£16,540 p.a.).Doctoral College Studentship Award 2019
Funding information:
This competition funded studentship (UK and European students only) covers home/EU fees and stipend of £15,000, a research training support grant of £500 and financial support for research materials and consumables (if successfully applied for) up to the value of £1,000.Apply online
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Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682 222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH