The Master of Engineering (ME) at University of Galway is part of an integrated (Bachelors + Masters) 4+1 programme of study, meeting the European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation. Successfully completing this (level 9) ME course, as part of an accredited 4+1 structure, will allow you to achieve the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status upon graduation. 

The ME programme on its own is a 60ECTS one academic year course of study. Graduates with an honours degree in a cognate Engineering discipline may be eligible to take the ME. This will be of interest to graduates who wish to study more advanced topics in their core engineering discipline. Applicants wishing to use the ME programme as part of their CEng certification should be aware that professional accreditation is assessed by the Engineering Councils on the basis of the aggregate periods of study (Level 8 + Level 9), and not on the Masters year alone. Candidates need to satisfy themselves that their undergraduate (Level 8) degree meets the relevant standards. 

The ME (Master of Engineering) programme in Biomedical Engineering is designed to give advanced technical, analytical, and transferrable knowledge and skills in biomedical engineering to graduates who already hold an undergraduate degree in engineering. 

What will I study?

The programme is delivered over one academic year and consists of 40 ECTS (approx. 8 modules) of taught modules, involving the ongoing and world-class biomedical research at University of Galway, and a 20 ECTS thesis project. The medical device based project is conducted in partnership with the highly successful BioInnovate programme and focuses on developing advanced technical knowledge and skills and real-world implementation of these in terms of innovation, commercialization and business development. 

The ME is designed to allow engineering graduates who hold an internationally recognised degree (under the Washington Accord) to meet the criteria for Chartered Engineer professional accreditation (by Engineers Ireland) under the European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation. The programme is closely related to the MSc in Biomedical Engineering which is aimed at applicants who do not hold the required engineering undergraduate qualification. 

The ME programme is interdisciplinary in nature; it is based around our core teaching and research expertise in biomedical engineering and is enhanced by direct links with other engineering disciplines, science, and medicine. We work closely with our industrial partners in the medical device hub centred around Galway. 

The taught component consists of modules (5 or 10 ECTS) in our core areas: biomechanics, biomaterials, and medical devices.  Students take 25 ECTS in biomedical engineering specific modules and 15 ECTS in transferrable skills modules. Students make their choices for each semester after attending introductory lectures in each module.

Curriculum Information

• Outstanding Career Opportunities in a Global MedTech Hub 
  The ME in Biomedical Engineering is an internationally accredited degree that equips graduates with advanced skills in biomechanics, design, materials, and innovation. Located in Galway - home to global medtech giants and thriving start-ups - graduates launch careers in R&D, manufacturing, and product development across Ireland and internationally. Galway’s dynamic medtech sector offers unmatched access to real-world opportunities in one of Europe’s top medical device clusters.
• Learn from World-Leading Experts in Cutting-Edge Facilities
  You’ll be taught by internationally recognised researchers, engineers, scientists, and clinicians who bring their research into the classroom. Our award-winning Alice Perry Engineering Building houses state-of-the-art labs for biomechanics, cell culture, electronics, structures, and ergonomics. As a postgraduate student, you'll also have access to dedicated study spaces designed to support advanced learning.
• Study Biomedical Engineering in the Heart of Europe’s MedTech Industry
  Galway is at the epicentre of Ireland’s €12.6 billion medtech industry. Eight of the world’s top ten medtech companies have operations here, and 80% of the world’s coronary stents are made locally. Ireland ranks as the second-largest medical device exporter in Europe, and University of Galway is at the centre of this innovation ecosystem. Ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide, we attract over 3,000 international students from 115 countries.
• A Globally Recognised Engineering Qualification
  The ME represents the modern standard for engineering qualifications in Europe. It enables graduates - especially those with Washington Accord-compliant degrees to meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status under Engineers Ireland and the European Framework Standards. Earning your ME at Galway places you among Europe’s best-trained engineers, ready to lead in a global industry. 

Our graduates are highly sought after by employers in the biomedical engineering field, and have gone on to successful careers in a variety of settings, including international medical device companies, innovative start-up companies, and research institutions. 

Our campus is situated in Galway city; the centre of the biomedical industry in Ireland. The medical technology sector in Ireland is recognised as one of five global emerging hubs. Eight of the world’s top ten med-tech companies are based here, and devices designed and made in Galway are saving lives all over the world. 

Graduates will also be ideally qualified to undertake PhD-level research, leading to employment in the academic and industrial research sectors. 

Accrediting Body 

All Engineering Degrees at University of Galway are professionally accredited by the statutory professional body, Engineers Ireland. This means that the degree has been assessed and approved to meet the educational requirements for professional Engineers. 

• Under an international agreement (Washington Accord), any Degree accredited by the National professional body (Engineers Ireland) is recognized internationally. So having an “Accredited” degree means that employers outside of Ireland can (1) understand the quality/education achieved by a graduate and (2) know that it is equivalent to their own Education system/standards, and (3) can offer appropriate employment on this basis.
• Engineers Ireland require a Masters (Level 9) qualification as the education standard required for Registered Professional Titles of Chartered Engineer* The standard European engineering qualification (degree or diploma) is at level 9, and European industry maintains a strict differentiation between those engineers qualified at level 9 and those qualified at level 8. Any graduate interested in working in Europe/Worldwide is now strongly advised to get an accredited level 9 award. 

Engineers’ Ireland accreditation can be obtained at the following levels: 

• Level 8:  4-year honours degree - associate engineer
• Level 9:  5-year masters degree - chartered engineer 

A Chartered Engineer holds the highest professional qualification in engineering. They are trusted to take full responsibility for the development and application of engineering across areas like research, design, construction, manufacturing, management, and education. Their work is intellectually challenging and varied, requiring original thinking, sound judgment, and leadership of both technical and administrative teams. 

Further information on Engineering Accreditation 

• Dr Jamie Concannon
• Prof Patrick McGarry
• Prof Mark Bruzzi
• Prof Manus Biggs 
• Prof Sean Leen 
• Dr Noel Harrison 
• Dr Xuliang Qian 
• Dr Eoin McEvoy
• Dr Martina Kelly 
• Prof Kathryn Cormican 
• Prof Mary Murphy 
• Prof Thomas Ritter 
• Dr Soumyajyoti Maji 
• Dr Frank Glavin 
• Mr Liam Kilmartin 

How will I learn?

Through a mixture of interactive lectures, assignments, computational / laboratory work, and written exams. 

Course queries:

biomedeng@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Administrator:  

Aisling Rooney 
Programme and Operations Officer 
Biomedical Engineering 
School of Engineering 
College of Science and Engineering 

E: biomedeng@universityofgalway.ie 
T: 091 492723 

• Computational Modelling
• Coding
• Experimental Design / Data Analysis
• Critical Thinking
• Clinical Needs Finding / Problem Solving
• Scientific Communication
• Project Management
• Public Speaking 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Entry to the ME programme is open to individuals who have Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (H2.2), in an accredited Level 8 engineering degree in a related discipline, or equivalent, from a recognised university or third-level college. 

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

• Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 
• Entry to the programme is open to individuals who have a Second Class Honours Grade 2, Level 8 degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering or in a related discipline.
• Applicants should ensure that their undergraduate degrees satisfy the requirements for chartership under the Washington Accord.  
• Internal applicants from Engineering in University of Galway do not need to include supporting documents.
• External applicants should include copies of their transcripts, English language competency, personal statement, passport, and two written references as described on the College website. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/engineering/