Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

College

College of Engineering

Campus

Dammam

Level

Postgraduate

Degree

MSc

Years of study

2 (Courses and thesis)

Credit hours

30

Mission

To develop globally competitive biomedical engineering professionals through high-quality graduate education and advanced research, producing impactful innovations and strengthening strategic partnerships that contribute to society, enhance quality of life, and support sustainable national development.

Vision

A research-oriented graduate program that advances knowledge and innovation in biomedical engineering, contributing to the development of future technologies in healthcare and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through high-impact scientific research and interdisciplinary excellence.

Objectives

The objectives of the Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering are designed to prepare graduates for advanced research, innovation, and professional contribution in biomedical engineering and related fields. Accordingly, the program aims to:

1. Provide advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in biomedical engineering to prepare graduates for research-driven and professional roles in healthcare, biomedical industries, and related sectors.
2. Develop strong research capabilities through rigorous training in research methodologies, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration within biomedical engineering.
3. Foster innovation in biomedical technologies and digital health solutions through the application of engineering principles to address contemporary and emerging healthcare challenges.
4. Ensure that graduates operate in accordance with international standards, regulatory frameworks, and ethical principles governing biomedical engineering research and healthcare technologies.
5. Prepare graduates for professional advancement and leadership pathways by strengthening analytical reasoning, problem-solving, communication, and technical decision-making skills in biomedical and healthcare environments.

Value

The Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering provides significant academic and research value by offering advanced, research-focused education at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and life sciences. The program equips students with strong theoretical foundations and rigorous research skills, enabling them to contribute to the advancement of biomedical knowledge, innovative healthcare technologies, and evidence-based engineering solutions.

Through an integrated curriculum combining advanced coursework, seminars, and a thesis-based research project, the program prepares graduates to engage in high-quality scientific research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology development aligned with international standards. The program also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by strengthening national research capacity, fostering innovation in healthcare technologies, and preparing graduates for doctoral studies, research leadership roles, and knowledge-based industries.

General Graduation Requirements

To be awarded the Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering, a student must fulfill all graduation requirements in accordance with the approved academic regulations of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. In particular, the student is required to:

1. Successfully complete all courses included in the approved study plan for the program, totaling 30 credit hours, within the maximum duration permitted by university regulations.
2. Attain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of no less than Very Good at the time of graduation.
3. Successfully complete and defend the master’s thesis before an approved examination committee, in accordance with the University’s regulations and procedures for postgraduate thesis examination.
4. Have at least one scientific paper derived from the thesis that is published, accepted for publication, or under peer review in a recognized scientific journal, in accordance with the University’s scientific publishing guidelines.
5. Comply with all academic, administrative, and ethical regulations governing postgraduate studies at the University.
6. Fulfill all financial and administrative obligations and meet any additional graduation requirements specified by the Deanship of Graduate Studies.

The degree is awarded after verification that all program and university requirements have been satisfactorily completed and upon approval by the relevant academic authorities.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering are well prepared for advanced professional and research-oriented careers across a wide range of sectors. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and research competencies required to pursue roles such as Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Research Scientist, Clinical Research Engineer, Medical Technology Development Engineer, and Healthcare Systems Engineer.

Graduates may find employment in healthcare institutions, medical device and biotechnology industries, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, research and development (R&D) centers, and digital health and health informatics sectors. In addition, the program provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies (PhD) and academic careers in biomedical engineering and related disciplines. These career pathways align with national priorities for advancing healthcare innovation, research excellence, and knowledge-based economic development in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Contact us

Dr. Saleh Ibrahim Alzahrani
Email: CE.BED@iau.edu.sa

Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering is governed by the regulations of the Deanship of Graduate Studies at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University and is subject to the following program-specific requirements:

1. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education. A solid academic background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and foundational biological sciences (such as anatomy, physiology, cell biology, or molecular biology) is required, with a minimum cumulative grade of Good or its equivalent.
2. Applicants must have completed at least one academic year of study in mathematics and basic sciences, in addition to a minimum of one and a half years of engineering coursework, demonstrating adequate preparation for graduate-level biomedical engineering studies.
3. Based on the evaluation of the applicant’s academic record, the program may require completion of additional prerequisite or bridging undergraduate courses to address identified gaps in foundational knowledge.
4. Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 5.0 in the IELTS examination, or an equivalent score in an approved English language test.
5. Successful completion of any pre-master’s or preparatory courses, if required by the College of Engineering, is mandatory.
6. Applicants must satisfy the university’s requirements related to good conduct and medical fitness.
7. Applicants must comply with all administrative requirements of the Deanship of Graduate Studies, including payment of the applicable non-refundable application fee. 

Funding

The Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering is offered in accordance with the funding regulations of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Scholarships may be available for qualifying students, subject to university policies, eligibility criteria, and funding availability.

For detailed information regarding scholarships, tuition fees, and funding regulations, applicants are advised to consult the Deanship of Graduate Studies at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University through its official website and published announcements.

The Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours over four academic semesters. The program consists of 18 credit hours of core courses, 6 credit hours of elective courses, and a 6-credit-hour research thesis, which constitutes the culminating research component of the program.

Study Plan