Master’s in Prosthetics, Orthotics and Clinical Biomechanics Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in prosthetics, orthotics and clinical biomechanics engineering. 12 modules covering clinical biomechanics, lower-limb, spinal and upper-limb orthoses, lower- and upper-limb prostheses, digital design and manufacturing, the residual limb–socket interface, functional assessment, rehabilitation and MDR regulation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Prosthetics, Orthotics and Clinical Biomechanics Engineering — studying from Australia
Health technology and biomechanics are growing areas in Australia, supported by a strong medical research sector and an established medical device industry. Wearable devices and occupational safety systems are increasingly used in mining, construction and healthcare. Medical devices are regulated nationally, requiring engineers to understand conformity, risk management and clinical evaluation. Employers include medical device manufacturers, hospitals, research institutes such as those affiliated with universities, and workplace safety consultancies.
Fees for Australia: A$11,000 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by Engineers Australia or other professional bodies for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private qualifications and are not accredited by Engineers Australia or any other national body. Recognition is decided by individual employers and, where relevant, by the professional body assessing your application. Engineers Australia assesses skills and experience independently, so check directly with the body you hope to join before enrolling.
Which Australian employers might value this training in health, biomechanics or wearable safety work?
Employers in Australian medical device firms, rehabilitation services, workplace health and safety teams and wearable technology companies may consider advanced engineering training when hiring. Whether they value a private qualification depends on each employer's own policy and on your existing experience. Speaking with prospective employers about how they view private qualifications is a sensible step.
Can I study this alongside full-time work in Australia, and is employer funding possible?
The programmes are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from any time zone, including Australian time zones, around your work hours. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible; ask your employer whether they fund training. Plan for the workload of 300 to 1,900 hours depending on the programme, and confirm the schedule with SEIUM.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Carry out biomechanical assessments of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Design lower-limb, upper-limb and spinal orthoses.
Prescribe and align lower-limb prostheses.
Apply myoelectric control to upper-limb prostheses.
Design and manufacture devices with digital technologies.
Assess function in users of orthoses and prostheses.
Meet MDR requirements for custom-made devices.
Who it's for
- Orthotists and prosthetists looking to add engineering depth to their clinical practice.
- Prosthetics engineers working on sockets, feet, knees or myoelectric systems.
- Orthopaedic CAD designers moving into scanning, digital design and additive manufacturing.
- Clinical biomechanists who assess gait and prescribe devices.
- Amputee rehabilitation specialists who want to understand the devices their patients use.
- R&D engineers in orthopaedic device companies.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter technical orthopaedics.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (EU Medical Device Regulation, MDR)
- ISO 10328 (structural testing of lower-limb prostheses)
- ISO 22675 (testing of ankle-foot devices)
- ISO 13485 (quality management systems)
- ISO 8549 (prosthetics and orthotics vocabulary)
- ISO 14971 (risk management)
- Order SND/44/2019 (Spanish regulation on orthoprosthetic provision)
- Rodin4D
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- OpenSim
- Abaqus
- Meshmixer
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Functional anatomy applied to orthopaedics1.2Biomechanics of the foot-ankle complex1.3Joint loads in the knee and hip1.4Biomechanics of the spine1.5Functional biomechanics of the upper limb1.6Pathological gait deviations1.7Clinical examination of the orthopaedic patient1.8Functional scales in prosthetics and orthotics1.9Baropodometry and instrumented analysis1.10Case study: biomechanical assessment of a flat foot
2.1Custom insoles and foot orthoses2.2Rigid and articulated ankle-foot orthoses (AFO)2.3Knee orthoses for ligamentous instability2.4KAFO orthoses with knee lock2.5Hip and abduction orthoses2.6Polypropylene and copolymer thermoplastics2.7Three-point force systems2.8Orthotic prescription and quality control2.9Clinical review and device readjustments2.10Practical: design of a polypropylene AFO
3.1Boston and Chêneau braces for scoliosis3.2Collars and cervicothoracic orthoses3.3Rigid and semi-rigid lumbosacral orthoses3.4Wrist, hand and finger orthoses3.5Dynamic orthoses with elastic tensioners3.6Low-temperature thermoplastic splints3.7Biomechanical correction through directed pressures3.8Adherence to orthotic treatment3.9Evidence on brace effectiveness3.10Laboratory: pressure analysis in a brace
4.1Amputation levels and their biomechanics4.2Design of PTB and TSB transtibial sockets4.3Ischial-containment transfemoral sockets4.4Dynamic-response prosthetic feet4.5Polycentric and single-axis prosthetic knees4.6Microprocessor-controlled knees4.7Static and dynamic alignment of the assembly4.8Osseointegration and bone-anchored prostheses4.9Medicare K functional levels4.10Practical: alignment of a transtibial prosthesis
5.1Upper-limb amputation levels5.2Body-powered harness prostheses5.3Single- and dual-channel myoelectric prostheses5.4Commercial multi-articulating prosthetic hands5.5EMG pattern-recognition control5.6Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR)5.7Haptic and vibrotactile sensory feedback5.8Prostheses for children5.9Causes of prosthesis abandonment5.10Laboratory: dual-channel myoelectric control
6.13D scanning of the residual limb and body segment6.2CAD of sockets and orthoses with Rodin4D6.3Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing6.4Carbon fibre laminates and resins6.5CNC milling of positive moulds6.6Mass customisation in technical orthopaedics6.7Dimensional and quality control6.8Traceability of custom-made products6.9Cost comparison between traditional and digital manufacturing6.10Practical: CAD design of a transtibial socket
7.1Mechanics of residual-limb soft tissues7.2Pressure distribution in the socket7.3Silicone liners and suspension systems7.4Residual-limb volume fluctuations7.5Heat and sweating inside the socket7.6Skin lesions and pressure ulcers7.7Interface pressure sensors7.8Finite element simulation of the socket7.9Fine fitting and user comfort7.10Case study: pressure measurement in a socket
8.1Gait analysis with prostheses8.2Energy cost of prosthetic gait8.3Balance and fall risk8.4Mobility scales such as AMP and PLUS-M8.5Quality of life in prosthetic and orthotic users8.6Satisfaction questionnaires such as OPUS8.7Six-minute walk and TUG functional tests8.8Objective comparison of prosthetic components8.9Longitudinal follow-up of the user8.10Practical: functional assessment of a transfemoral user
9.1Pre-prosthetic phase and residual-limb care9.2Progressive gait training9.3Training with upper-limb prostheses9.4Management of phantom limb pain9.5Psychological aspects of amputation9.6Adaptive sport and sport-specific prostheses9.7Return to work after amputation9.8Coordination of the rehabilitation team9.9Remote follow-up of prosthetic and orthotic users9.10Case study: transfemoral rehabilitation plan
10.1Custom-made devices under the MDR10.2Statement concerning custom-made devices under Annex XIII10.3ISO 10328 structural testing of prostheses10.4ISO 22675 testing of prosthetic feet10.5ISO 13485 in prosthetic and orthotic workshops10.6Risk management for custom-made devices10.7Common catalogue of orthoprosthetic provision of the Spanish National Health System (SNS)10.8Professional liability of the orthotist-prosthetist10.9Competencies and qualifications of the technician10.10Workshop: documentation of a custom-made device
11.1Robotic ankle and knee prostheses11.2Peripheral neural interfaces11.3Shape-memory materials11.4Artificial intelligence in prosthetic fitting11.5Active orthoses with actuators11.6Sensors embedded in sockets11.7Ecodesign of prosthetic and orthotic components11.8Prostheses in low-income countries11.9Transfer of research to clinical practice11.10Case study: low-cost 3D-printed prosthesis
12.1Selection and description of the clinical case12.2Biomechanical assessment of the patient12.3Reasoned prosthetic or orthotic prescription12.4Digital design of the device12.5Manufacture of the functional prototype12.6Functional assessment with the user12.7Documentation of the custom-made device12.8Clinical follow-up plan for the user12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme is compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Rodin4D, Autodesk Fusion 360, OpenSim, Abaqus and Meshmixer, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: design of custom orthoses and sockets, gait assessment with prostheses and structural testing of components. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices, ISO 10328, ISO 22675, ISO 13485, ISO 8549, ISO 14971, Order SND/44/2019.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Rodin4D, Autodesk Fusion 360, OpenSim, Abaqus and Meshmixer, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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