MSc in Biomedical Innovation

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The modules listed below are those currently intended for students starting in 2023. Please ensure you review these modules for updates before applying for this programme when applications open.

Compulsory modules

• BioInnovation I: Research Methodologies and Practices of Needs-led BioInnovation (20 credits)

This module provides an introduction to needs-led innovation in healthcare settings and methodologies used to capture stakeholder input in the development of health technology. Inspired by the Biodesign programme at Stanford University, it implements the first-stage identification of clinical problems and opportunities, of a three-stage process, followed by ideation and implementation. It is composed of lectures, practical training and guided learning to understand and carry out clinical need identification, prioritisation and assessment, supported by clinical and industry partners. You will gain the necessary skills of time management, commercial and entrepreneurial awareness, interpersonal, communication and team skills, via a series of workshops and simulation exercises. In multidisciplinary teams, you will create a list of clinical needs where a new solution can create value, and critically evaluate these needs against set criteria mainly driven by business viability and technical feasibility to identify high-priority problems that you wish to solve in the following stages of the process. You will record your interactions with healthcare staff, prepare reports, and present to an audience comprising of peers, the programme team, academic and clinical mentors and external evaluators.

• Novel Medical Technology Assessment and Identifying the Need for Improved Medical Devices (20 credits)

This module covers the application of systems and processes used to assess novel medical technologies and identify the need for improved medical devices, such as the Medical Technology Evaluation Programme (MTEP) within the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and NHS.

The fundamentals of technology assessment and design are introduced and their relevance to the Western healthcare system is considered. Through the use of examples from recent publications from the MTEP programme and research literature, the development of technologies that are capable of producing significantly improved health and health-system outcomes is explored.

You will work individually to review multiple individual technologies that have been assessed and identify the relevant factors that influenced the assessment outcomes. You will present short comparative studies of similar technologies or health targets exploring where improvements could be made in technologies that failed to receive positive guidance. The findings are presented in oral presentations and written reports, and feedback is given so that you can refine your approaches and develop your written reports.

• BioInnovation II: Ideation and Design Methodologies for Translation from Idea to Impact (20 credits)

This module introduces various design approaches and their merits and demerits in bio-innovation settings. It aims to provide an introduction to health technology design, translational and clinical research methods for health technology development and assessment, and technology commercialisation. It implements the second stage of the BioDesign process, ideation and concept development. It is composed of lectures, practical training and guided learning to understand and carry out technology concept generation and validation. You will gain the necessary skills via a series of workshops and simulation exercises to conceptualise, communicate and materialise new ideas and solutions to healthcare needs. In multidisciplinary teams, you will create new concepts to solve clinical needs identified in the first semester of the Biomedical Innovation programme. You will create a business case and present it to an audience comprising peers, the programme team, academic and clinical mentors and external evaluators.

• Improving Quality and Patient Safety in Novel Medical Technology Use (20 credits)

This module covers the application of quality control systems, processes and regulations used when assessing and using novel medical technologies, whether in early practice or during research and identifies possible areas for improvement. Medical technology safety is a fundamental requirement of healthcare regulation, and practices during development evaluation are particularly stringent. Through the use of examples from recent publications from the MTEP programme and wider regulatory research literature, the safety issues and requirements of Western medical regulation are explored.

You will work individually to review multiple individual technologies that have been assessed and identify the relevant factors that influenced the safety protocols and quality by design outcomes. You will present specific areas of interest within quality and/or safety requirements and engagement practices required. You will also present a walk-through of the regulatory process for two devices that are already on the market, showing a deep understanding of the regulatory pathway for medical devices. The findings are presented in oral presentations and written reports, and feedback is given so that you can refine your approaches and develop your written reports.

• BioInnovation III: Project [Project and Dissertation/Report] (60 credits)

This module provides you with an opportunity to work across disciplines at the university and carry out a major research project under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. It aims to provide the opportunity to further develop a (prototype) solution for the identified clinical needs, as well as prepare a business case that would enable the solution’s successful launch. The project involves full-time research for one-third of the academic year starting from May until the end of August. You will perform research including literature, IP searches and market research to develop a complete business case for the project. The project report (which should be a maximum of 16,000 words in length) will be internally assessed by two academic staff. You will be required to give a project presentation to internal (academic staff) and external evaluators (clinical and industry partners).

Optional modules

• Introduction to Healthcare Technologies (10 credits)
• Health Economics (10 credits)
• Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare Technologies (10 credits)
• Additive manufacturing and 3D printing for healthcare applications (10 credits)
• Business and Strategy Development (10 credits)
• Principles of Health Technology Assessment (10 credits)
• Medical Devices (10 credits)
• Sensor systems in medicine (10 credits)

We are creating a new generation of innovative professionals ready to be part of advancing modern cutting-edge healthcare.

This programme is ideally suited for prospective health technology professionals with undergraduate experience in one or more engineering and physical sciences, biomedical and clinical sciences or business and management.

Career pathways

• Become an innovator or entrepreneur and establish your start-up
• Research and development opportunities in medical technology and biotechnology industries
• Undertake a higher degree or research projects

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team sources exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.

Our Biomedical Innovation programme develops critical thinking and entrepreneurship and enables you to lead innovation in medical and biotechnology through a combination of taught lectures, workshops and seminars, as well as group and individual projects. The course offers face-to-face classroom delivery of principles of innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship, and teaches key characteristics of successful ventures, good team dynamics and project management. The two core modules and team projects will develop transferable skills by enhancing your communication, teamwork, interpersonal, and time management abilities.

Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to perform online and field research within hospital and research environments, and present to peers and external advisors, which will provide a practical learning opportunity. Through the elective modules, you will gain specialised subject skills and understand the fundamentals of translational and clinical research, the impact assessment of new healthcare technologies and the regulatory requirements needed to get an innovation to market.

The core modules provide immersive learning experiences and hands-on training to understand the needs of modern healthcare systems and develop innovative solutions for unmet healthcare needs:

• Semester I (problem identification): You will take part in focused workshops and seminars featuring guest lectures from expert clinicians and industry professionals. This series of workshops and seminars will start with a half-day boot camp and include two half-day team pitches. There will also be opportunities to undertake field surveys for healthcare needs identification and validation
• Semester II (solution development): You will take part in two half-day seminars featuring guest lectures from industry and academia, field surveys for design concept validation, and two half-day team pitches. You will have opportunities to connect with academic researchers and industry professionals via networking events
• Semester III (solution validation and business case development): In the summer term you will carry out a research project to create a proof of concept for your solution and develop a viable business case. You will have the opportunity to work across disciplines at the University under the supervision of a member of academic staff and external advisors

You will have access to a comprehensive support system throughout that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.