Medical & Healthcare Devices

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Start dates: September & January

Course overview

The MSc in Medical and Healthcare Devices is a unique and flexible course for graduates, scientists and technologists. Study on the course will build an excellent range of knowledge and expertise if you are looking to begin a career in the sector or it will enhance and support your personal development if you are already working in this field.

As a student on the course you will develop an understanding of the properties of advanced materials and how they affect the design of medical and healthcare devices. You will study intelligent bioengineering systems and consider how smart materials, micro-electronics and mechanical and information technology knowledge are used in the development of these devices.

These studies will be supported by considering the principles that underpin the development and application of advanced materials and also regulations, procedures and principles that are applied to this sector. In addition, you will study the use of healthcare and medical devices in the specific context of human anatomy, physiology, illness, disease and rehabilitation.

A key component of the course will be your personal research project in which you will use your knowledge and skills to carry out a relevant and original study in an area that will be agreed with your course tutor. This research will be carried out either in your workplace or at the University.

About the course

The MSc Medical and Healthcare Devices course is interdisciplinary and will be delivered at the University of Bolton’s Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI) in collaboration with the Schools of Business & Creative Technologies (BCT) and Health & Social Sciences (HSS).

IMRI is a multidisciplinary centre in which research and innovation is carried out in collaboration with industry and other academic institutions. It is the leader in the UK – and is known internationally – for its research and applications development in the field of applied materials science and engineering.

Developments carried out within IMRI include new, designer and novel smart and multifunctional materials in fibres, films, foams and particles, at nano and micro levels, as well as associated processing technologies that have the potential for development to compete in the global marketplace.

Throughout your studies you will have opportunities to interact and collaborate with medical and healthcare device companies, UK medical and dental schools and the NHS.

Teaching for each module is delivered as a short course lasting up to two weeks. Written work for each module is in the form of an integrated learning package (ILP) which consists of three parts, each with set times and deadlines for submission. The work may take the form of essays, projects, seminars and case study analyses. It is assessed in parts and feedback will be given during the allocated period of self-study.

Key skills will be developed and assessed at appropriate stages during each part of the assignment. Oral presentation of aspects of your ILP may be required in some modules.

You will be required to complete the ILP within 7-12 weeks of finishing the module to be awarded full credits.

Individual project work, primarily for your research project, will be undertaken within your workplace wherever possible. This will ensure relevance to the employer, access to appropriate facilities and allow sufficient time to be spent on practical work. Where this is not feasible, projects may be based and carried out at the University.

Each module, with its completed integrated learning package, is worth 15 or 30 credits and your project is worth 60 credits. Accumulation of 180 credits in total leads to the award of the MSc degree.

What you will learn

As a graduate of this course you will be part of a new generation of technologically-advanced scientists with the potential to lead future developments in the fields of medical and healthcare devices.

You will learn about advanced materials science technologies, the methodologies and applications used in state-of-the-art medical and healthcare device technologies and associated science-based industries.

You will develop the knowledge and skills that will enable you to relate the physical and chemical structures of advanced materials to their microscopic and macroscopic properties, create novel approaches to technological problems, design and perform experiments in the medical and healthcare devices area and apply appropriate statistical analysis methods throughout these studies.

These skills will be placed in context by learning about universal standards and ethical and regulatory issues relating to healthcare and medical devices and considering issues of technology, economy and physiology that may influence material choice, manufacturing design, processing conditions and modes of application.

What you will study

You will study 6 modules:

• Introduction to Medical Devices and Product Regulations;
• Human Physiology and Biotechnology;
• Biomedical Devices and Product Development;
• Intelligent Bioengineering Systems;
• Research Methods (including an introduction to innovation and intellectual property management);
• Research Project.

Special features

Teaching for each module is delivered as a short course that will last no more than two weeks. The rest of your study is very flexible and may be carried out away from the University.

Class sizes are small which means you will be able to work closely with your fellow students and your tutor.

Your subject of study and your personal project means you have the opportunity to work in an area that is of personal interest or that is closely related to your role in your place of work.

Careers and professional development

The MSc in Medical and Healthcare Devices will provide you with the skills and knowledge to start a career in this sector or it will support your career development if you are already working in the field.

Graduates of the course may also progress to study at doctorate-level.

On completion of your MSc you will also become a member of the University’s alumni association. You can be a lifelong member of the University's community, able to access careers information and guidance, as well as the University's library and other facilities.

Entry requirements

You should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2.2), or equivalent, in a science or technology related subject.

If you have not studied your previous qualifications in English a TOEFL score of at least 575 (written)/230 (computer-based) or an academic IELTS score of at least 6.5 will be required.

We are more than happy to have an informal chat with you about this course, either over the phone or in person. If you wish to meet in person please contact the programme leader to arrange a mutually convenient time. (While we reserve the right to interview it is not our usual practice for this course.)

How to apply

Please apply directly to the University of Bolton using the standard application form.

Please visit our 'how to apply for a taught postgraduate course' web page for details.

Further Information

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Prof. Martin Grootveld (Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903502
E-mail: M.Grootveld@bolton.ac.uk

Donna Zarei (Programme Administrator)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903101
Email:D.Zarei@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the university and how to apply please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk