What can I do with a degree in Biomedical Engineering?

What can I do with a degree in Biomedical Engineering?

At the University of Kent, a degree in Biomedical Engineering combines engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to develop an understanding of innovative healthcare technologies. This interdisciplinary skillset prepares you for diverse roles in healthcare, research, and medical technology sectors. Get ideas and inspiration here before booking a one-to-one appointment with a Careers Adviser.

Careers in Engineering

The following roles are an example of the types of job opportunities available to Biomedical Engineering graduates, applying skills in engineering design, medical science, problem-solving, and data analysis.

Biomedical Engineer - Design, develop, and maintain medical devices and healthcare equipment such as prosthetics, surgical instruments, and rehabilitation aids. 

Clinical Technologist - Manage and support medical technologies in hospitals and clinical settings to ensure safe and effective use. 

NHS Clinical Scientist - Develop and apply scientific techniques to help diagnose, monitor, and treat patients in specialist healthcare areas.

Clinical Scientist - Use specialist scientific knowledge to research, develop, and apply techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Biomaterials Engineer - Develop materials that interact safely with the human body for implants and prostheses.

Alternative career paths

Project Management - Many roles in construction and engineering involve planning, coordinating, and overseeing projects from start to finish, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality and safety standards.

Allied Health Professions (AHPs) - These NHS roles are diverse and include physiotherapists, radiographers, and dietitians, who provide essential diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to support patient recovery and wellbeing across health and social care settings.

Mechanical Engineer - Design, develop, and maintain mechanical systems and devices, using principles of physics and materials science to solve problems and improve efficiency across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transport.

Data Scientist - Analyse and interpret complex data using statistical, programming, and machine learning techniques to help organisations make informed decisions and uncover insights.

Where do University of Kent graduates work?

Organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past include: 

  • Medical technology companies: GE Healthcare, Siemens, Philips, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson
  • Healthcare and public sector: NHS Trusts, hospitals, clinical research centres
  • Research & development: Universities, medical research labs, biotech startups
  • Technology and computing: Amazon (health tech divisions), software companies focusing on medical data
  • Other employers: Abbott, Bayer, Becton Dickinson, GAMA Healthcare

Graduates can pursue careers unrelated to their degree by combining transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, with their interests and experiences. There are many more possible employers in these and other industries.  

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes Uni Kent Careers Hub, advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.

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Engineering recruitment platforms

IPEM Jobs (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine)

NHS Scientist Training Programme

Remap Volunteering - Custom medical equipment design for disabled people

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General graduate job search platforms

Gradcracker

Prospects

TargetJobs

LinkedIn Jobs

Tips to stand out

Gain hands-on experience: Undertake placements or internships to build practical skills.

Develop technical skills:  Upskill in modelling, programming and data analysis using online platforms such as Mathworks and Coursera. Develop familiarity with medical equipment design software and biomedical data analysis tools.

Take part in extra-curricular activities: Volunteer or participate in projects that involve assistive technologies or healthcare innovation. Join societies such as Kent Engineering Society or UKC Computer Society.

Network: Connect with professionals via Kent alumni and LinkedIn groups and attend external networking opportunities.

Get ahead: Prepare for technical interviews and assessment tests using University resources like Graduates First.

Year in industry

A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.     

Further study 

Some Biomedical Engineering graduates can pursue postgraduate study to specialise or enter research roles.

Possible postgraduate pathways:

  • MSc Biomedical Engineering (University of Kent)
  • MSc Medical Physics or related engineering fields
  • PhD in biomedical engineering or related subjects

Professional bodies and qualifications:

  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) status via the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or IPEM
  • Membership of IPEM (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine)

Postgraduate Courses at Kent

Prospects – Postgraduate Study 

Find a Masters