News
Dundee partnership produces world-first accredited biomedical engineering programme
A University of Dundee programme has become the first of its kind to receive prestigious recognition from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Published on 12 December 2025
Dundee’s Joint Education Programme (JEP) BEng in Biomedical Engineering has been awarded full accreditation for the maximum period of five years.
Delivered in partnership with Northeastern University (NEU), China, the programme is the world’s first undergraduate programme in biomedical engineering to receive IET accreditation, highlighting its exceptional academic standards, collaborative strength, and global vision.
The accreditation applies to both Dundee and NEU degrees, demonstrating the coherence and integrity of the joint academic delivery across borders.
The IET commended the programme for its academic rigour, strong emphasis on practical training, and the significant investment by both universities in state-of-the-art physical and digital learning environments.
Professor Amin Abdolvand, Head of Biomedical & Mechanical Engineering Division and Academic Director of the Joint Education Programme (JEP) at Dundee, said, "The IET accreditation provides a strong foundation for academic excellence and reinforces the quality of our joint programme.”
Professor Kim Dale, Vice-Principal (Global Engagement and Future Students) at Dundee, said, “We are delighted and very proud of this significant achievement that is testimony to the quality and depth of excellence and expertise across the two teams that form this partnership.”
"This prestigious recognition marks the quality and impact of our joint programme,” added Professor Fordyce Davidson, Dean of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering.
“It is a result of many years of close collaborative work to ensure Biomedical Engineering remains at the forefront of our shared ambition."
Professor Yue Zhao, Executive Dean of the College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering at Northeastern University, said, “This international recognition affirms the strength of our collaboration with the University of Dundee and represents a significant milestone for engineering education in China.
“Most importantly, it brings direct benefits to our students. They will graduate with internationally recognised qualifications, enhanced professional mobility, and the competencies required to thrive in the global biomedical engineering industry. This accreditation marks a new chapter in our efforts to deliver world-class education to future innovators.”
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is one of the world’s leading professional engineering institutions. Based in the UK with over 150,000 members globally, the IET sets internationally recognised standards for engineering education and professional development. IET accreditation is a mark of quality that ensures degree programmes meet the academic requirements for professional registration, including Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
The Joint Education Programme was launched in 2018 and approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education. It enables students to pursue a BEng (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering through a transnational learning experience. Students complete their first three years at NEU in Shenyang, one of Northeast China’s key academic hubs, and then undertake their final year at the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering. The programme integrates theoretical learning with hands-on engineering practice and innovation, providing a robust and future-focused biomedical education.
Accreditation by the IET confirms the international standard of the programme and strengthens the career prospects of its graduates, who are now eligible to progress toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through a recognised pathway.
The University of Dundee and Northeastern University are proud to set a benchmark for global engineering education and look forward to welcoming the next generation of biomedical engineers into this internationally accredited programme.