Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Science and Engineering)

The MSc in Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Science and Engineering) at University College London is a cutting-edge postgraduate program designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving field of biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing. This specialized course combines core principles of biological sciences and engineering with advanced techniques in bioprocessing, enabling graduates to contribute to the innovative production of new medicines, including biologics, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies, and personalized treatments. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the entire bioprocess lifecycle, from upstream cell culture and fermentation to downstream purification, formulation, and quality control, emphasizing the integration of science, engineering, and regulatory considerations. Participants will explore topics such as bioreactor design, process optimization, bioprocess analytics, and scale-up strategies, equipping them with practical skills relevant to industry and research settings. Taught by leading experts in biomedical sciences and engineering, the program combines lectures, laboratory work, industry projects, and workshops to foster both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Students will also gain insights into current challenges in bioprocessing, including process validation, regulatory compliance, and innovation in biomanufacturing technologies. The course is ideal for graduates with backgrounds in biological sciences, chemical engineering, or related fields who aspire to work in biopharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or regulatory agencies. Completion of this program opens opportunities for careers in bioprocess development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, contributing to the global advancement of safe and effective medicines. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the MSc in Bioprocessing of New Medicines at UCL prepares students to become leaders in the biopharmaceutical industry and to impact healthcare through the development of next-generation therapies.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 20100 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual courses, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Courses are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional courses varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Year One

Compulsory courses

• New Medicines and Society
• Bioprocess Engineering
• Biochemistry for Engineers
• Principles and Practice of Experimental Biochemistry
• Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology

Optional courses

You will select 0.5 credits from a range of options.

Year Two

Compulsory courses

• Evaluation and Planning of Business Opportunities in Bioprocessing and Life Sciences
• Cell Production and Growth
• Bioprocess Recovery and Purification
• New Medicines for the 21st Century
• Microbial Genetics and Mole Biology

Optional courses

You will select 0.5 credits from a range of options.

Final Year

Compulsory courses

• Business Planning
• Research Project
• Bioprocessing of New Medicines
• Molecular Biology for Biochemical Engineering

Optional courses

You will select 1.0 credits from a range of options.

Requirements

• A*AA-AAA

• Biology required.

• For UK-based students a pass in a further subject at AS level or equivalent is required.

• English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

• 38-39

• A total of 18-19 points in three higher level subjects including Biology, with no score below 5.

International qualifications

In addition to A level and International Baccalaureate, UCL considers a wide range of international qualifications for entry to its undergraduate degree programmes.

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

UCL offers intensive one-year foundation courses to prepare international students for a variety of degree programmes at UCL.

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are for international students of high academic potential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL and other top UK universities.

For more information see our website: www.ucl.ac.uk/upc

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you will also need to satisfy UCL's English Language Requirements. A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University College London (UCL).

Funding

Scholarships and funding

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies

Specific Funding Notes

Several major international companies have established a Trust Fund with the department. This fund provides five bursaries, each worth at least £1,500, which are open to all applicants of this programme.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships

The MSc in Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Science and Engineering) at University College London (UCL) offers students an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices involved in the development, production, and regulation of biopharmaceuticals and innovative medicines. This interdisciplinary programme combines fundamental concepts from biology, chemistry, and engineering to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Students will acquire knowledge in areas such as cell culture, bioreactor design, downstream processing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, enabling them to contribute effectively to the manufacturing of new therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, gene therapies, and personalized medicines. The programme emphasizes practical skills and research experience through laboratory work, industry projects, and collaborations with leading biotech firms, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address current challenges in bioprocessing. Coursework covers bioprocess systems, product development strategies, scalability, process economics, and safety considerations, providing a comprehensive overview of the entire biopharmaceutical production pipeline. The extensive range of modules is complemented by opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering innovation and problem-solving abilities essential for advancing medical science. Graduates of this programme are positioned for employment in biopharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturing organizations, regulatory agencies, and research institutions. They are prepared to undertake roles in process development, manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and research, contributing to the development of safe, effective, and affordable medicines. UCL’s strong links with industry and research centers provide students with valuable networking opportunities, internships, and exposure to the latest technological advancements in the field. Overall, the MSc in Bioprocessing of New Medicines combines academic rigor with practical relevance, aiming to train the next generation of scientists and engineers dedicated to improving healthcare through innovative bioprocessing solutions.