Biochemical Engineering MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Have you ever wondered how the latest life science discoveries, such as a novel stem cell therapy, can move from the lab into commercial scale production? Would you like to know whether it is possible to produce bio-polymers (plastics) and biofuels from municipal or agricultural waste? If you are thinking of a career in the pharma or biotech industries, the Biochemical Engineering MSc could be the right programme for you.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

Normal entry requirements are at least a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or the equivalent from an approved overseas institution. Candidates offering recent industrial experience are also encouraged to apply. As with any engineering discipline numeracy skills are important for the quantitative description of biological and physical phenomena. Evidence of numerical ability is requested as either an A level in Mathematics (or in exceptional cases, in Physics) or some mathematics studied at university. The department provides mathematics tutoring for Master's students throughout the year adjusted to a candidate's ability.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance. This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Our MSc programme focuses on the core biochemical engineering principles that enable the translation of advances in the life sciences into real processes or products. Students will develop advanced engineering skills (such as bioprocess design, bioreactor engineering, and downstream processing), state-of-the-art life science techniques (such as molecular biology, vaccine development, and microfluidics) and essential business and regulatory knowledge (such as management, quality control, commercialisation).

The MSc offers distinct routes tailored both for graduate scientists and engineers depending on the first degree of the applicants. The student’s route will be assigned to students by the admissions tutor depending on their previous education.

Who this course is for

This programme is suitable for graduate scientists holding qualifications in applied biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacy or other related subjects. Graduate engineers who apply normally hold qualifications in chemical and/or biochemical engineering, process engineering or other related engineering disciplines.

What this course will give you

This programme is suitable for graduate scientists holding qualifications in applied biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacy or other related subjects and graduate engineers who hold qualifications in chemical and/or biochemical engineering, process engineering or other related engineering disciplines.

UCL was a founding laboratory of the discipline of biochemical engineering, established the first UK department and is the largest international centre for bioprocess teaching and research. Our internationally recognised MSc programme maintains close links with the research activities of the Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering which ensures that lecture and case study examples are built around the latest biological discoveries and bioprocessing technologies.

UCL Biochemical Engineering co-ordinates bioprocess research and training collaborations with more than a dozen UCL departments, a similar number of national and international university partners and over 40 international companies. MSc students directly benefit from our close ties with industry through their participation in the department's MBI Training Programme.

The MBI Training Programme is the largest leading international provider of innovative UCL-accredited short courses in bioprocessing designed primarily for industrialists. Courses are designed and delivered in collaboration with 70 industrial experts to support continued professional and technical development within the industry. Our MSc students have the unique opportunity to sit alongside industrial delegates, to gain deeper insights into the industrial application of taught material and to build a network of contacts to support their future careers. 

The foundation of your career

The department places great emphasis on its ability to assist its graduates in taking up exciting careers in the sector. UCL alumni, together with the department's links with industrial groups, provide an excellent source of leads for graduates. Over 1,000 students have graduated from UCL with qualifications in biochemical engineering at Master's or doctoral levels. Many have gone on to distinguished and senior positions in the international bioindustry. Others have followed independent academic careers in universities around the world.

Employability

The rapid advancements in biology and the life sciences create a need for highly trained, multidisciplinary graduates possessing technical skills and a fundamental understanding of both the biological and engineering aspects relevant to modern industrial bioprocesses. Consequently, UCL biochemical engineers are in high demand due to their breadth of expertise, numerical ability and problem-solving skills. The first destinations of those who graduate from the Master's programme in biochemical engineering reflect the highly relevant nature of the training delivered.

Approximately three-quarters of our graduates elect either to take up employment in the relevant biotechnology industries or study for a PhD or an EngD, while the remainder follow careers in the management, financial or engineering design sectors.

Networking

Through the MSc in Biochemical Engineering programme, there are multiple opportunities for students to connect, collaborate and create a network that will aid in their professional development. Some of the main opportunities are listed below:

  1. The Modular Training for the Bioprocessing Industries (MBI) programme has been pioneered by the UCL Biochemical Engineering Department. These are short intensive courses designed to equip professionals in the bioprocessing industry with up-to-date skills and knowledge. These have been designed in collaboration with industry. Through the MSc in Biochemical Engineering, students will have the opportunity to join some of the MBI courses and learn alongside industry professionals, with opportunities of connecting with future employers.
  2. UCL Alumni Network access: With access to a vibrant and supportive alumni network, students can connect with accomplished professionals who were once in their shoes. These connections often lead to mentorship, collaboration, and even job opportunities.
  3. The Beakers Society is the UCL Biochemical Engineering postgraduate society that organises a series of social events throughout the year that allow postgraduate students to interact with their peers as well as with the staff. 
  4. Innovation Hubs and Start-up Incubators: For those interested in entrepreneurship, UCL provides access to innovation hubs, incubators, and even seed funding. Connecting with like-minded innovators and successful entrepreneurs adds an entrepreneurial edge to the academic experience.
  5. Themed Networking Events: Themed networking events offered by UCL Careers Service may include anything from hackathons to research "speed dating," where students and professionals engage in rapid-fire discussions and collaborations around research topics.

Accreditation

Our MSc is accredited by the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

The routes "for Engineers" and Advanced Biochemical Engineering are accredited by the IChemE as meeting the further learning requirements, in full, for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng, MIChemE).

The route for Scientists is accredited by the IChemE as meeting the learning requirements, in full, for registration as an Incorporated Chemical Engineer (AMIChemE).

Teaching and learning

The MSc in Biochemical Engineering programme has implemented a range of teaching practice innovations to meet the knowledge and skills needs of the sector. Key practices include problem-based learning, peer assessment, group work, enterprise projects etc. The students will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials/case studies, group projects and practicals. Engineering practice is taught by intense laboratory activities throughout the programme covering bioprocess-specific activities, as well as a range of analytical devices and unit operations. The whole bioprocess Pilot Plant Week exercises are also included to develop a hands-on understanding of the challenges of integrating a series of bioprocess operations. A series of teamwork activities are also embedded in the programme (e.g. design projects) to introduce our students to the design cycle and test a range of communication skills. Our students also work closely with staff to shape the curriculum through the student-staff committee.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and individual and group activities. Guest lectures delivered by industrialists provide a professional and social context. Assessment is through unseen written examinations, coursework, individual and group project reports, individual and group oral presentations, and the research or design project.

The MSc in Biochemical Engineering programme is full-time and as such, it is expected that the student would engage with their studies typically for ~40 hours per week during term time. Students will have contact with academic staff for the purposes of learning, teaching, and assessment; mainly in person, but also occasionally online. On average, it is expected that lectures, tutorials, workshops, practicals will be covered in around 15 hours per week. The exact number of contact hours and composition varies throughout the term. The breakdown in relation to optional modules will depend on the choices of the student. Students are expected to attend all teaching events which are organised and timetabled within each module in their programme. Generally, attendance is recorded. Each module broadly corresponds to 10 hours per credit, for example, a 15-credits module has been designed to require 150 hours of study time. This time is made up of formal in-person learning and teaching events such as lectures, seminars, and tutorials, as well as independent study, assessment, revision, and laboratory work (module dependent).

Modules

MSc Biochemical Engineering for Scientists (accredited by the IChemE at B-Standard)

The MSc Biochemical Engineering (for Scientists) route is designed to equip science graduates with the essential process of engineering knowledge and biochemical engineering insight in terms one and two that builds upon their relevant earlier learning. These new skills are further developed and applied in practical and group work sessions including major design and enterprise projects in the summer term.

Core Modules (Term 1)

Core Modules (Term 2)

Optional Modules (Term 2 - choose one)

Dissertation Element

MSc Biochemical Engineering for Engineers (accredited by the IChemE at F-Standard)

This route is designed to take first-degree chemical and process engineering graduates and equip them with underpinning bioscience knowledge and advanced biochemical engineering insight in terms one and two. These skills are further developed and applied in practical and group work sessions including major research and enterprise projects in the summer term.

Core Modules (Term 1)

Optional Modules (Term 1 - choose one)

Core Modules (Term 2)

Optional Modules (Term 2 - choose one)

Dissertation Element

MSc Biochemical Engineering, Advanced Biochemical Engineering (accredited by the IChemE at F-Standard)

Within this route, the Advanced Biochemical Engineering Pathway is designed to take first-degree biochemical engineering graduates and provide Master's level modules encompassing the latest advances in the sector. In terms one and two, your skills are further developed and applied in practical and group work sessions including a major research project in the summer term.

Core Modules (Term 1)

Optional Modules (Term 1 - choose one)

Core Modules (Term 2)

Optional Modules (Term 2 - choose one)

Dissertation Element

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Biochemical Engineering.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Biochemical Engineering at graduate level
  • why you want to study Biochemical Engineering at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic, professional and personal background meets the demands of a challenging programme. We are particularly interested in any individual or group research project that you have undertaken.
  • how will the MSc help you in your future career aspirations

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions? Get in touch

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