Human and Biological Robotics
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Human and Biological Robotics

Advance your knowledge on how bioengineers are leading the way in tackling modern healthcare challenges.

Advance your knowledge on how bioengineers are leading the way in tackling modern healthcare challenges

Get industry recognition by achieving an accredited degree from four leading engineering institutions

Build your teamwork, negotiation, leadership and advocacy skills on an independent research project

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2024

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £17,600 Home

    • £40,900 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

    • White City

Minimum entry standard

  • First class Honours in an engineering, physical sciences or mathematical subject.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Develop your understanding of human and biological robots on this wide-ranging course, which explores how bioengineers are leading the way in tackling modern healthcare challenges.

From the development of rapid testing technologies to designing new life-saving devices, bioengineering helps improve lives through cross-disciplinary activities in engineering, biology and medicine.

This one-year full-time course covers robotics for humans and society, service and social robotics, rehabilitation technology, as well as machine vision, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

You'll deepen your knowledge of neuromechanics, biomimetics design, signal and image processing and the application of robotics in health and everyday life.

Teaching will be primarily based on our South Kensington Campus. Some additional seminars and projects may also take place at the Sir Michael Uren Biomedical Engineering Hub, a new centre for MedTech innovation on our White City Campus.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all of these core modules.

Core modules

You choose four optional modules in total. You can choose up to one module from Group A and three or four modules from Group B.

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

You'll also carry out an individual research project that will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge to current research problems. 

The project also helps you to develop important project management, team working and communication skills that are highly valued by employers and international research groups. The project is conducted throughout the year but the majority of work is normally undertaken in the summer term, when you will be expected to work on this full time. 

Your work will be based in Bioengineering, but may involve collaboration with groups in other Imperial departments, or with industry.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Our accreditation agreements are renewed every five years and the current agreement runs until 2023.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Independent study

  • 15% Lectures and seminars
  • 85% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Study groups
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Computing labs
  • Presentations
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Person giving seminar
    Guest lectures
  • A person studying independently
    Independent study
  • Flipped teaching

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Practical

  • 30% Coursework
  • 35% Exams
  • 35% Practical

Assessment methods

  • Problem sheets
  • Lab reports
  • Practical demonstrations
  • Papers from a written report
    Project reports
  • Oral presentations
  • Person making a presentation
    Poster presentations
  • Person completing coursework
    In-class progress tests
  • A person completing a written exam
    Exams

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply now

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 3 closes on Friday 28 June 2024

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£17,600

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£40,900

Your future career

Test tube and chemistry symbol

Gain a deeper understanding of how bioengineers are solving modern healthcare problems

Lightbulb with graduate cap inside

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Medicine logo in circle

Medicine, healthcare and the medical device industry are just some of your options.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths could include research, teaching, start-ups, consultancy and finance.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications