Medical technology

Single Honours 

• Biomedical Engineering 

• Clinical Laboratory Science 

• Biomedical Imaging 

• Health Informatics 

• Radiography 

Joint Honours 

• Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering 

• Medical Technology and Healthcare Administration 

• Medical Technology and Bioengineering 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options 

• Foundation years Completing an extra year of study before beginning your degree is beneficial if you don’t have the required entry qualifications or need to enhance your English language proficiency. 

• Sandwich degrees This format includes an additional year following Year 2 or Year 3, where you can gain practical experience through work or studying abroad. 

• Integrated Master’s An integrated Master’s degree extends your studies by a year, and allows for deeper, specialised learning while working towards a postgraduate qualification at undergraduate cost. 

• Degree apprenticeships Typically lasting three to six years, these programs combine study and paid employment, providing valuable work experience while the employer covers tuition fees. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

While medical technology courses do not usually ask for specific subjects, most courses require three strong A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) including at least one science subject. Many universities prefer this to be in biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics. 

Joint honours degrees are more likely to ask for specific subjects, or evidence of prior study in a certain area. 

Medical technology is a broad field which features many aspects of the healthcare industry, from research and development of new technologies to new diagnostic techniques, information systems and optimisation strategies. This means that specialisations within the field can overlap with other disciplines such as engineering, computer science and biochemistry.  

• Biomedical engineering Combines aspects of engineering with medical and biological sciences to design and develop innovative medical devices, prosthetics and diagnostic equipment, to improve patient treatments.  

• Clinical laboratory science Involves the analysis of bodily fluids, tissues and cells to diagnose and monitor diseases. Laboratory professionals perform and develop a range of tests using sophisticated instruments and techniques.  

• Health informatics Information technicians learn to manage and optimise the integrated digital world which underpins health services. It includes the collection, storage and analysis of healthcare data, enabling informed decision-making and enhancing overall efficiency.  

• Medical imaging technology Builds on various techniques such as x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans to visualise internal body structures for diagnostics.  

• Pharmaceutical technology Focuses on the design and production of pharmaceutical products such as drugs and vaccines, as well as clinical trials, quality control and efficiency checks to ensure safety. 

• Bioinformatics 

• Clinical trials 

• Diagnostic imaging 

• Healthcare information systems 

• Medical device regulation 

• Molecular diagnostics 

• Patient monitoring systems 

• Pharmacology 

• Telemedicine 

Studying medical technology provides students with specialised skills enabling them to work in a number of roles within the healthcare industries. You may learn to use advanced equipment, medical devices, analyse diagnostic information or interpret vast quantities of medical data.  

You may also develop specialisms in areas of research, equipment design, diagnostics, medicine delivery, systems engineering or even medical policymaking. This can provide superb preparation for developing expertise in specialised career roles. 

You’ll also build essential skills for future careers or further study, including:  

• Critical thinking 

• Problem-solving 

• Interdisciplinary collaboration 

• Teamwork 

• Research 

There is a huge variety of pathways to choose within the field of medical technology, and due to the significance of its relationship with public health and well-being, many of these roles carry strict professional accreditation to ensure the highest standards of practice. 

Some accreditations cover a range of healthcare professions, such as The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which currently protects 15 health and care professions, including many in the area of medical technologies. 

Some are specific, and look at professionals in a particular role, such as The College of Radiographers (CoR). 

Medical technology covers a broad aspect of public health, but if you're considering a career in healthcare and would prefer to try something with a more care-oriented approach, then you may find the following subjects attractive: 

• Nutrition and dietetics  

• Occupational therapy 

• Physiotherapy 

• Nursing 

• Speech therapy 

• Public health policy 

A degree in medical technology opens doors to diverse career paths within healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, research institutions and regulatory agencies.  

The transferable skills you’ll learn in completing a medical technology degree will also serve as excellent preparation for careers in data and analysis driven workplaces, as well as those which require advanced teamwork and communications skills.  

Potential roles include: 

• Health informatics specialist 

• Medical imaging technologist 

• Pharmaceutical technician 

• Biomedical engineer 

• Management consultant 

• Clinical engineer 

• Lab technician 

• Software engineer 

• Medical regulatory affairs specialist 

• Project manager 

• Senior rehabilitation engineer 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in medical technology or a related subject.