UCL DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Three distinct MSc degree programmes are offered:

• MSc in Biochemical Engineering – for graduate scientists
• MSc in Biochemical Engineering – for graduate engineers
• MSc in Biochemical Engineering - for graduate biochemical engineers 

All programmes provide students with the opportunity to understand how advances in the life sciences can most effectively be translated into real outcomes of benefit to all. Close linkage of the Master’s programmes with the research activities of the Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering (ACBE) ensures that lecture and case study examples are built around the very latest biological discoveries and bioprocessing technologies. Examples include the production, processing and formulation of plasmid DNA for applications in gene therapy and the rational engineering of bacterial metabolic pathways for the production of novel antibiotics to overcome the growing problem of microbial resistance.

Taught MSc Programmes

Normal entry requirements are at least a second-class Honours degree from a UK university or the equivalent from an approved overseas institution. Candidates offering recent industrial experience in place of academic qualifications are 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.

Applications from graduate scientists are normally from candidates holding qualifications in applied biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacy or other related subjects. Applications from graduate engineers are normally from candidates holding qualifications in chemical engineering, process engineering or other related subjects. For the graduate biochemical engineer’s pathway applicants will have a degree in the field or closely related subject.

There are typically up to 30 full-time places available each year. Both degree programmes are 12 months in length and begin in late September. 

How to Apply

To make an application please visit the UCL application website, and select How to Apply, where you can choose between the options of applying online, downloading the application materials, or requesting an application pack to be sent by post. 

Alternatively you may telephone the UCL Study Information Centre to request an application pack (contact details are given on the inside front cover). Your completed application should be submitted to UCL Admissions. 

Some advisory notes on the completion of the application form are listed below. You may have already submitted a detailed CV and this form will request duplicate information. If preferred, you are welcome to cross-refer to your CV. 

Research subject area/name of taught programme

For research subject areas ‘Biochemical Engineering/Bioprocessing’ will suffice as an entry but applicants who do have specific research areas of interest should note these in the personal statement. 

The department welcomes applications from overseas students for both its taught Master’s degree programmes and research degrees. Over recent years students have come from Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and the United States.

All applicants for graduate programmes are required to hold, or to expect to hold prior to entry, a first-class or second-class Honours degree from a UK university, or its equivalent from a recognised overseas institution. Before beginning a programme of study all students whose first language is not English are required to provide recent evidence of their ability to understand and use English to a standard that will ensure that language problems do not substantially impede their academic progress. UCL accepts a number of English Language qualifications including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a minimum overall grade of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. A full list of acceptable English Language qualifications is included in UCL’s Graduate Applications Pack.

UCL’s Language Centre offers both a one-year full-time Certificate in English for Special Purposes and a range of pre-sessional English Language Courses for those who do not meet UCL’s minimum standard.

The International Office is a centre of expertise and advice for overseas students, who are welcome to seek help or guidance in many areas such as immigration, housing, finance, English Language tuition and fees. Research in Biochemical Engineering can be expensive especially when using recombinant materials or operating at pilot-plant scale. For overseas students we must request a contribution towards the cost of the research in the form of additional research expenses. Typically these will range from £2,000 to £10,000 per year and will be agreed before the research programme begins.

Advice on a variety of matters, including the level of additional research expenses required, can also be obtained within the department from the Admissions Tutor or the Departmental Administrator (non-academic matters only).

More information can be found on UCL's international student pages.

Download a PDF of our postgraduate prospectus