Who is this course for?   

The MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health is designed primarily for graduates with primary degrees in Electronic/Electrical/Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, who want to apply advanced electronic and computer engineering skills to develop the future of healthcare (graduates with qualifications in related areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis). It’s ideal for those interested in developing intelligent medical devices - including wearable and implantable technologies - and who want to work with cutting-edge tools such as AI, machine learning, signal processing, and sensor design. The programme is designed to produce graduates for careers in the med-tech sector, particularly within Galway’s vibrant medical device ecosystem, as well as those considering research or broader high-tech roles. If you want to design, implement and manage next-generation medical technologies while gaining strong transferable skills, this course is an excellent choice.  

What will I study?  

The MSc in Medical Electronics & Digital Health is a 90 ECTS programme, combining 60 ECTS of taught modules with a 30 ECTS research thesis on a cutting-edge topic in medical electronics or digital health, completed over the full year-long duration of the programme.  

The taught modules include advanced discipline-specific topics covering signal and image processing, robotics technologies, embedded systems, IoT design, communications technologies, electronic circuit design, sensor systems, and artificial intelligence. Fundamental modules covering physiology or anatomy are also available. Students select 45–50 ECTS from these modules, and all modules are elective, allowing students to tailor the programme to their individual interests and career goals.   

In addition, students choose 10–15 ECTS of transferable skills modules covering business, innovation, research methods, and advanced IT or mathematical techniques, preparing them for lifelong learning and careers in industry or research.  

Your Programme Director will discuss your module choice with you so that you can select the best possible combination to match your current qualifications, and your career and technical interests. 

Sample modules include (the specific range of modules from which students may choose may vary from year to year, depending on module availability, and student demand): 

Discipline-specific: 

• Bioinstrumentation Design
• UX Design for Wearable Electronics
• Internet of Things Systems Design
• Digital Signal Processing 
• Embedded Image Processing 
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Applications
• Robotic Control, Navigation and Locomotion
• Digital Twins for Robotics
• Embedded Computer Vision 
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Signal Processing and Machine Learning for Digital Health
• Applied Circuit Design for Medical Electronics 
• Computer and Network Security 
• Mobile Networks: Architecture and Services
• Introduction to Physiology 

Transferable skills: 

• Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Research Methods for Engineers
• Project Management
• Lean Systems
• Financial Management
• Safety Engineering
• Introduction to Sustainability

Curriculum Information

• Industry-informed - Developed with input from some of Galway’s leading medical device companies, ensuring graduates gain skills directly relevant to the med-tech sector.
• Cutting-edge technology focus - Focos on solid technical skills, covering applied circuit design, AI and machine learning, digital signal processing, internet of things, and other advanced technologies.
• Research thesis in advanced topics - A full-year, 30 ECTS research project gives hands-on experience in state-of-the-art medical electronics or digital health technology.
• Transferable professional skills - Modules in innovation, entrepreneurship, project management, regulatory standards, and research methods prepare students for versatile careers in industry or research.
• Career-ready for the med-tech sector - Graduates emerge with engineering design skills, as well as application-oriented knowledge, to fast-track them into roles designing advanced medical devices.

With medical devices becoming increasingly “intelligent,” there is strong demand for professionals who can design, implement, and manage these systems. Developed with input from Galway’s thriving medical device industry, this programme equips graduates with advanced electronic and computer engineering skills, along with knowledge of their application in medical device development. The course opens doors to careers across high-tech industries- both multinational and SMEs- while providing a fast track into the medical device sector, preparing you to help design the next generation of life-changing technologies.

• Edward Jones
• Brian Deegan
• Soumyajyoti Maji
• Liam Kilmartin
• Adnan Elahi
• Peter Corcoran
• Maeve Duffy
• Martin Glavin
• Martina Kelly
• Kathryn Cormican

In the MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health, you will learn through a mix of lectures and practical laboratory sessions, supported by online material as appropriate. Real-world case studies, data-driven projects and coding and laboratory design exercises will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. The major 30 ECTS individual project will also help you develop independence and critical thinking, as well as refining your technical skills.   

How Will I Be Assessed?  

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including laboratory exercises, reports, presentations, and computer assignments.  

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, written assignments, laboratory exercises.
2. Examinations - Written examinations and oral examinations.  
3. Project Work - Students will engage in the research and development of solutions based on real-world use cases, providing opportunities to apply their skills in practical, real-world contexts.   

Course queries: 

Mary.costello@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director:  

Prof Edward Jones, 
Electrical & Electronic Engineering,  
School of Engineering 
University of Galway 
E: edward.jones@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

In addition to discipline-specific modules, students can choose 10–15 ECTS of engineering Transferable Skills modules, designed to develop essential professional abilities and further support career development. These modules equip students with key competencies in business, innovation, and research skills.  

Minimum Entry Requirement

Application to the programme is open to individuals who have Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (H2.1) or equivalent in an NFQ Level 8 BE, BSc or equivalent degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, from a recognised university or third-level college. Applications from those holding a primary degree in a related discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering with substantial electrical engineering content) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered in determining admission will include the specific content of the undergraduate degree, the applicant’s performance, post-graduate industrial experience, and the availability of places. 

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band), or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

There is no specific closing date for this programme. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.   

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the application website, and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQs section for further guidance.

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2026 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2026. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

The Maev Creaven Memorial Scholarship 

The Maev Creaven Memorial Scholarship of €1,500 will be awarded on an annual basis to support a female Engineering student registered on the MSc in Medical Electronics & Digital Health at University of Galway. 

Sponsored by the Creaven family, this scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Maev Creaven, a former graduate of the School of Engineering at University of Galway who devoted her life to improving people’s lives through functional medicine, innovative healthcare and emerging technology. 

Further information may be found here.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/engineering/