Is Biomedical Engineering for you?
Want to know if you are suited to the master in Biomedical Engineering programme? See the information and activities below to find out.
What does this programme involve?
Are you an engineering student interested in medical technology and life sciences? Are you intrigued by the boundaries of what's possible when different areas of science intersect? Do you want to use your engineering knowledge to improve healthcare?
As a biomedical engineer, you are trained to understand body functions and find solutions between technology and medical issues. Prostheses from biologically inert materials that can replace knees, hips or shoulders. Imaging techniques that can track tumour growth and be used for radiation therapy. Electrocardiography systems that can track heart function and defibrillators that can intervene when the heart fails. All biomedical engineered solutions to common health problems.
But it doesn't stop there! Medical knowledge changes and technologies need to adapt. With an ever growing amount of people, biomedical technologies need to become even more efficient and take into consideration ethical and economical aspects at the same time. What will the hospital of the future look like? How will technology contribute to the future of healthcare? How can biomedical engineering help in prevention of illnesses? As a biomedical engineer you step into a world that is rapidly evolving.
What is the difference with the master in Biomedical Sciences and the master in Bioengineering Sciences?
Biomedical sciences is a master's programme in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, focusing entirely on laboratory techniques in the medical domain. Bioengineering sciences is a programme in the Faculty of Sciences and focuses on the cellular, molecular level of living matter: humans, animals or plants.
Why study at the VUB?
Studying at VUB gives you more than a diploma. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking, and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity. Who you are today and want to be tomorrow.
Spread the study load
Create your own studypath
Within the VUB, we want to maximize our commitment to personal development and give as many students as possible the opportunity to continue their studies and develop themselves. Depending on your personal situation, it may be more difficult to devote full time to your studies. For example, you combine your studies with a job, you do top-level sports, ...   
Students enrolling for the first time in their bachelor are required to take their model track. An exception can be made. More information can be found on this page. For our other programs (preparation programs, switching master programs, etc ...), this requirement does not apply. 
After your first bachelor year, you can take fewer ECTS-credits. You can spread your study load over a longer period. If you have a student visa or VUB student room, you have to take at least 54 ECTS credits each academic year! You ALSO have to take into account your growth package, study grants and funds, study progress rules, etc. Do you want some advise? Contact your study path counselor. Need more info?   
Study and examination flexibility
Reflex status
Do you have a physical disability, learning disability or chronic illness, or are you starting a business or finding it harder to study because of your personal situation? If so, you qualify for Reflex Status.
With this you can ask for a flexible approach to your studies and exams, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Elite sports and studying
Elite sports and study
Keen to combine your elite sporting career with a programme at VUB? It makes sense, as it strengthens your position in the jobs market after your sporting career ends.
Our Elite Sports & Study department helps you work out a personal study pathway and guides you through to the end.
Studying with a disability
Studying with a functional impairment
Do you have a disability (for example, a learning disability, chronic medical condition, psychiatric or sensory disability)? If so, you qualify for a flexible approach to your studies and exams through Reflex Status, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Find out more about Reflex Status
For extra support there are other student services to draw on at VUB. For example, a wheelchair-adapted room, study guidance and a personal study-pathway, mental healthcare, medical care, etc.
Study Guidance
Study Guidance
An experienced team of student psychologists, student counsellors and study-pathway supervisors are there to give you personal study advice, guidance and training. At every phase in your study career.
- Individual - Advice on your choice of programme, stress and anxiety training, help with exam planning, help for students with dyslexia...
- Group (workshops, courses) - Choosing a subject for your bachelor's or master's thesis, learning to present, dealing with stress and anxiety...
- Tools - An example of good weekly planning, tips and tricks for a good study method, a step plan to help you choose the right programme...
Combining your studies with a job
The master in Biomedical Engineering is a daytime only programme. Therefore, there is no option to combine this study with a fulltime job.