UCL Biochemical Engineering receives share of £6.1 million to develop courses to teach the skills of the future

Over 30 universities and colleges in England have been awarded a share of £6.1 million by HEFCE to develop new and enhanced higher education courses. Working with employers, the projects will help provide the skills needed in the future economy and support the aims of the Industrial Strategy. UCL Biochemical Engineering has received £191,474 for a project titled “Enhancing productivity and supporting growth of the UK Advanced Therapies sector.”

Each successful bidder has been awarded project funding from HEFCE’s Catalyst Fund programme, with additional investment provided by the universities and colleges involved, employers and other partners. Universities and colleges will co-develop and co-design courses in conjunction with employers, both national and local.

Across the country, this funding is supporting a range of projects in many different sectors which align with the Industrial Strategy’s ‘Grand Challenges’ – from advanced engineering to data analytics, and from artificial intelligence to bioscience.

HEFCE’s investment will help to enhance graduate outcomes and employability, and upskill the workforce - providing the key skills that industry and employers will need and contributing to UK productivity in the longer term.

HEFCE Chief Executive, Professor Madeleine Atkins, said:

‘We were delighted with the quality of proposals received for this funding call and particularly the impressive levels of engagement between higher education and industry.

‘This investment represents important support for the government’s Industrial Strategy. The funding will provide new courses and vital skill developments in key industrial sectors across the country, from which students, the workforce and employers all stand to benefit.’

The full list of projects funded under this programme is available here: www.hefce.ac.uk/funding/catalyst/futureskills/