Engineering (Biochemical)

The Bachelor of Engineering in Biochemical Engineering at University College London offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary educational experience designed to prepare students for innovative roles within the rapidly evolving field of biochemical processes and biomanufacturing. This programme combines core engineering principles with advanced knowledge of biology and chemistry, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to develop sustainable solutions in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food production, and environmental management. Throughout the course, students engage in a rigorous curriculum covering subjects such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, process control, microbiology, biochemistry, and systems engineering. The programme emphasizes practical laboratory work, design projects, and industry-oriented internships, fostering hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving abilities. In addition, students have opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge research projects, often working alongside leading academics and industry partners to address pressing global challenges. The programme also focuses on the development of essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management, preparing graduates for leadership roles in multidisciplinary teams. UCL's state-of-the-art facilities, including specialised laboratories and innovation centres, support a learning environment that promotes innovation and excellence. Graduates of this programme are well-positioned to pursue careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental biotechnology, food industry innovation, or advanced research and development. Alternatively, students may choose to continue their education with postgraduate studies in biochemical engineering, biotechnology, or related fields. With a rigorous and industry-relevant curriculum, the Biochemical Engineering programme at UCL aims to produce skilled engineers capable of contributing to sustainable development and technological advancement in the biosciences sector.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

Flexible programmes

A key theme of our degree programmes in biochemical engineering is flexibility. You will choose biochemical engineering as your core discipline, but as you progress through your degree you will have the freedom to choose from a variety of options that you can select as you gain a better understanding of the engineering field and what interests you. This means you’ll have flexibility and don’t have to make far-reaching, firm decisions about your degree course choices at the outset.

All Engineering courses contain elements of professional practice, communications, teamwork and other transferrable skills relevant across engineering and beyond, recognised as increasingly important by both professional bodies and employers.

You can choose to study courses from outside your core discipline (selecting, for example, other engineering subjects, business-oriented programmes, or topics from another faculty altogether) or in interdisciplinary fields through collaboration with other subjects.

All our courses are fully accredited by the relevant professional body, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), so if you take the four year course you will fulfill all the educational requirements for chartered engineering (CEng) status

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 subjects

• Common Engineering Studies
• Fluids Flow
• General Biochemistry
• Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering
• Thermodynamics Cluster

Optional courses

All first-year courses are compulsory

Year Two

Compulsory subjects

• Analysis and Design
• Biochemistry for Biochemical Engineering
• Bioprocess Recovery and Purification
• Fermentation and Bioreactor Engineering
• Heat and Mass Transfer in Bioprocesses

Optional courses

One Minor course

Final Year

Compulsory courses

• Biochemical Reaction Engineering
• Computer Aided Bioprocess Engineering
• Design Project
• Industrial Biotechnology and Chemistry
• Molecular Biology for Biochemical Engineering

Optional courses

One Minor course

Please note: As part of the faculty-wide engineering programme the degree will be broken down into three main components:

A) Discipline-specific material to biochemical engineering;

B) Common engineering elements taught within the Faculty of Engineering;

C) Optional modules in the form of Minors.

Requirements

• A*AA-AAA

• Preferred subjects: any two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

• For UK-based students a pass in a further subject at AS level or equivalent is required. Mathematics must be offered at AS level if it is not offered at A level.

• 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

IB Diploma

• 38-39

• A total of 18-19 points in three higher level subjects preferably including any two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, with no score below 5. Mathematics must be offered at standard level if it is not offered at higher level.

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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.

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

The BSc Chemical Engineering programme at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of biochemical engineering. Designed to equip graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the programme covers a broad range of topics including process engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemical reaction engineering, and process design. The curriculum emphasizes the application of chemical engineering principles to biological systems, aligning with the growing importance of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable manufacturing industries. Students have the opportunity to engage in laboratory work, design projects, and industry placements, which reinforce their understanding of real-world applications. UCL’s strong links with industry partners enable students to participate in internships and collaborative research projects, enhancing their employability upon graduation. The programme encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from biology, chemistry, and engineering to develop innovative solutions to complex problems in health, environment, and industry. Graduates of the course are well-prepared for careers in bioprocess manufacturing, research and development, regulatory roles, and academic research. The programme’s research-led teaching benefits from UCL’s renowned departments and facilities, providing access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Students are supported by experienced faculty and can participate in extracurricular activities such as technical societies, competitions, and conferences. The duration of the programme is typically three years for a full-time student, with options for industrial placements or year abroad for additional experience. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Chemical Engineering, with a specialization in Biochemical Engineering, opening pathways to postgraduate study or immediate employment in relevant sectors. The programme is designed to foster innovation, sustainability, and ethical awareness, preparing students to contribute effectively to advances in biochemical technologies and to address current global challenges.