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Biochemical Engineering BEng

London, Bloomsbury

Get hands-on experience in engineering and biotechnology on the three-year Biochemical Engineering BEng at UCL. This degree is ideal for those who would like to explore careers in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or bioenergy sectors. 

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
H811
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAA
Subjects
Mathematics required, plus one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
ABB more about contextual offers
Subjects
A in Mathematics, B in one of Biology, Physics, or Chemistry
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including grade 6 in Mathematics, plus one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

Contextual offer

Points
34 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects including grade 6 in Mathematics, plus one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics, with no score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Mathematics required, plus one from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

AAA at Advanced Highers (AA at Advanced Higher and AAA at Higher). Mathematics required plus one from Physics, Chemistry and Biology at Advanced Higher.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

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

If you do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this undergraduate programme, you may be eligible to apply for the Engineering Foundation Year at UCL. Designed for individuals from non-traditional educational backgrounds who do not meet standard entry requirements for UCL's undergraduate engineering degrees, this pre-degree programme helps you develop confidence, academic and study skills, and subject specific knowledge. On successful completion of the Engineering Foundation Year, you can gain access to a selection of the engineering undergraduate degree programmes at UCL. Find out more about the Engineering Foundation Year.

 

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview


The Biochemical Engineering BEng is an interdisciplinary programme that blends applied biology, mathematics and engineering thinking. It is ideal for those who enjoy using science to solve real-world issues. 

Throughout the programme, core modules will introduce you to the foundations of biochemical engineering. You'll attend lectures, use our state-of-the-art practical training facilities, and engage in scenario-based learning activities to get hands-on experience in a diverse range of fields, from tackling biopharmaceutical process development to evaluating the sustainability of biofuels.

The programme builds up to the Design Project in Year 3. This is your opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge to a case study, where you are tasked with creating a process for the manufacture of a biopharmaceutical product – from facility design to techno-economic evaluation.

While you register for Biochemical Engineering as your core discipline, you'll also engage in activities spanning departments via the UCL Integrated Engineering Programme. Our degrees encourage professional development by emphasising design and collaboration. We challenge our students to apply their knowledge to complex problems. 

Biochemical Engineering is offered as both a three-year BEng course or a four-year MEng course. You may reassess your choice of BEng/MEng route towards the end of the second year when you have gained a deeper understanding of what the subject involves.

What this course will give you

Based at our Bloomsbury campus in the heart of London, UCL Biochemical Engineering is part of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, which brings together 10 cutting-edge departments.

UCL Biochemical Engineering is the only biochemical engineering department in a UK university, incorporating the Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering (ACBE). Our world-class facilities include a fully functional pilot plant – an industrial manufacturing facility that is used to bring products to commercialisation – and a mechanical workshop to provide engineering support to research staff and students. Our facilities attract leading industrial collaborators, such as the Cytiva Centre of Excellence. 

Through innovative teaching methods – including problem-based learning and peer assessment – we aim to make our graduates confident and adaptable so they can confidently apply their knowledge to real-life challenges.

Our staff are at the forefront of research in biochemical engineering areas such as regenerative medicine, biopharmaceuticals and biofuels. We are committed to research-based teaching through UCL's Connected Curriculum. This means that our students gain first-hand exposure to the newest developments in these fields.

You also have the opportunity to join the Crook Society, the official UCL undergraduate society for biochemical engineering, which organises careers and social events for students. 

As a student in London, the world's best city for university students (QS Best Student Cities, 2025), you'll have access to world-class venues and nightlife, as well as exceptional career opportunities.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BEng (Hons) in Biochemical Engineering.

Modules

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 is 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.

In Year 1, you'll enjoy eight compulsory modules, which cover introductory material on biochemistry, biochemical engineering, fluid flow, and thermodynamics, among other topics. Students will also participate in the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), a project-based module shared by students from across the UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences. 

In Year 2, you'll take 6 compulsory modules and 2 optional modules covering more advanced material that builds on the previous year’s courses. You will also start your Engineering IEP minor courses which continue into Year 3. 

In Year 3, you'll take 6 compulsory final year modules and 2 optional modules. These include a group design project and a final-year lab project. Your chosen IEP minors in Year 3 are defined by your Year 2 choices. 

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules


Design and Professional Skills 1








Compulsory modules








Compulsory modules







Your learning

All degree programmes at UCL Biochemical Engineering use innovative teaching and assessment methods (e.g., blended learning, problem-based learning, e-learning, peer assessment). You will be taught through a combination of lectures, case studies, team-based projects and laboratory and pilot-plant-based practicals.

Engineering practice is taught by short laboratory activities on a range of analytical devices and unit operations and by external visits to industrial sites. A series of teamwork activities embedded in the taught programmes from Year 1 (e.g. scenarios, challenges, design projects) introduce our students to the design cycle and test a range of communication skills. 

Leading industrialists and researchers regularly visit the department to provide guest lectures. Our programmes offer regular opportunities for students to put their learning into practice through the use of scenarios. Case studies and the Design Project are conducted in small teams, with your tutors offering individual support.

You can expect to have contact with academic staff for the purposes of learning, teaching, and assessment, either online or in person, for approximately 12-18 hours a week. This will be split between approximately 10-14 hours of lectures, tutorials and workshops, and 2-4 hours of term and year-dependent laboratory classes.

Please note that the exact number of contact hours and composition varies throughout the term and at different points throughout the degree programme.

Overall, full-time study is equivalent to a 35-hour working week, which means you are expected to engage in up to 15-17 hours of self-directed study in an average week. This may involve additional reading or preparing for assessments.

The degree comprises 360 credits in total; 315 credits gained from compulsory modules and 45 credits from elective modules. This means the overall ratio is 87.5% compulsory and 12.5% elective.

Assessment

Diverse forms of assessments linked to learning outcomes are designed to test a broad range of skills. Modules at the start of the degree are assessed via 2-3 pieces of coursework and an unseen examination at the end of the year. Problem-based activities may be assessed by individual or group reports, oral or poster presentations.

Accessibility

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

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Studying Biochemical Engineering at UCL (AM)

—

Join admissions tutor Dr Jack Jeffries to find out the exciting work our researchers are doing, what our students learn and how they’re going on to careers where they tackle some of the greatest environmental and health problems. Biochemical Engineers translate exciting discoveries into global solutions, such as finding ways to make new and innovative vaccines, stem cell therapies, biofuels and growing food ethically and sustainably in the lab.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Studying Biochemical Engineering at UCL (PM)

—

Join admissions tutor Dr Jack Jeffries to find out the exciting work our researchers are doing, what our students learn and how they’re going on to careers where they tackle some of the greatest environmental and health problems. Biochemical Engineers translate exciting discoveries into global solutions, such as finding ways to make new and innovative vaccines, stem cell therapies, biofuels and growing food ethically and sustainably in the lab.

Online - Open day

Biochemical Engineering information video

Watch this video to find out more about Biochemical Engineering at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

The pace of development of new medicines and greener sustainable processes is creating an ever-growing need for biochemical engineering graduates in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biofuels, chemical, environment and food industries. 

According to the most recent UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey data (2017-2021), our students have graduated into roles that include biochemists, biomedical scientists, management consultants, programmers, software developers, engineers, and financial analysts and advisers at companies including Eli Lily & Co, Sartorius Stedim Biotech Group, Barclays Bank, and McKinsey and Company. Others have gone on to further study and research roles at universities.

Employability

The science, engineering, business and leadership skills that you acquire on the programme will provide you with excellent and diverse career prospects. In addition to your core subject knowledge in biochemical engineering, the programme will provide you with the analytical, problem-solving and numeracy skills desired by a wide range of sectors.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the IChemE.

To meet the Engineering Council requirements for an accredited degree (which applies to all programmes professionally accredited by the Engineering Council across all universities), students on this programme must pass all modules, with some possible specific exceptions for a limited number of optional modules. If a student fails a module (two attempts are permitted), they may be eligible to transfer to a related non-accredited degree.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

The programme has no additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying. Indicative prices for printing can be found here and UCL poster printing prices can be found here.

This degree is based at UCL's Bloomsbury campus, but some sessions may take place at UCL East in Stratford. The cost of a single TfL journey between campuses is £3.40, as of January 2025. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

The department has established a trust fund that supports five bursaries per year. Each is worth at least £1500. These are open to all applicants accepted into undergraduate programmes. 

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We are looking for students motivated to apply biochemical engineering solutions to the world's greatest problems. You should demonstrate a keen and critical interest in how engineering skills and knowledge can meet global challenges via, for example, the development of novel medicines, pioneering stem cell therapies and sustainable technologies. 

You may be able to provide evidence of your interest in this subject via paid or voluntary work experience, or giving examples of relevant project work you have carried out during your academic studies.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

If you live outside the UK or travel presents a problem, we will arrange for a telephone or online (VoIP) chat to assist with any questions you may have.

We are happy to consider your application if you wish to defer entry and take a gap year before taking up your place on the programme, especially if you have constructive plans for your time. Please note that our Year in Industry scheme also provides suitably qualified students with work placements, allowing them to gain relevant work experience whilst earning money.

If we have made you an offer, you will be invited to an offer-holder open day. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to visit the departmental facilities and meet current students and staff before making a final decision.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Biochemical Engineering
Biochemical Engineering

biochemeng@ucl.ac.uk

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