It’s a fast moving, interdisciplinary course with the constant buzz of new and exciting innovations

A portrait shot of BEng Bioengineering student Tilly Wilks
Tilly Wilks
Undergraduate student
BEng Bioengineering
Tilly is studying a BEng Bioengineering as it offered her the perfect balance of maths, biology and physics.

Having enjoyed all of the sciences and maths at AS level, for A2 I refined my choices to maths, biology and physics. When it came to choosing which course to study at university, I wanted to pick one with the perfect balance of all three of those subjects. After some research, I began looking more and more into medical physics and medical engineering, before ultimately falling for bioengineering.

As bioengineers, we study all aspects of engineering – from electrical and mechanical to chemical and materials – and direct that knowledge to solve problems in the healthcare industry and better the quality of peoples’ lives. This can include synthetic skin, joint implants, prosthetic limbs, drug storage and delivery options, and the area I’m most interested in, x-rays, CT scanners and medical devices. It’s a fast-moving, interdisciplinary course with the constant buzz of new and exciting innovations.


As bioengineers, we study all aspects of engineering and direct that knowledge to solve problems in the healthcare industry. It’s a fast moving, interdisciplinary course with the constant buzz of new and exciting innovations.

Tilly Wilks

BEng Bioengineering


Having only briefly studied programming before, one of my favourite modules so far has been ‘Matlab’, which teaches us how to use an introductory coding programme. Although it seemed incredibly foreign at first, I am looking forward to studying this further throughout my degree.

Sheffield is certainly my happy place. The city itself is built for students; whether you fancy going shopping, exploring the Peak District or spending time with friends, there is always something to do. The University and Students’ Union are so friendly and really make you feel part of something special. From the very first day, there have been support systems advertised to ensure that everyone here is having the best time that they can. My favourite thing about studying in Sheffield is the laid back atmosphere; it’s really hard to find something to dislike about this place!

The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) is one of the organisations that accredit the Bioengineering degree. I was so honoured to receive one of their Diamond Jubilee Scholarships and I look forward to attending their various events throughout the year, networking with the other scholars and learning from the mentors. In return and as a female in engineering, I hope to be an advocate to young girls thinking of this area of study. I was also fortunate enough to receive the Bioengineering Academic Achievement Scholarship which is a financial bursary based on my grades and the Sheffield Global Scholarship, allowing me to partake in a summer school abroad during my studies. These are all great opportunities that I’m very grateful to receive.

I hope to undertake a year in industry placement, then progress onto the MEng course which will enable me to work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer. I am very much looking forward to entering the workplace and using the skills I’ve gained at university in real-life situations.

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.