Biochemical Engineering MEng
London, Bloomsbury
This is the programme information for 2026 entry
Get hands-on experience in engineering and biotechnology on the four-year Biochemical Engineering MEng at UCL. This degree is ideal for those who would like to explore careers in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or bioenergy sectors.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
Programme starts
September 2026Application deadline
14 Jan 2026UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- 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 Mathematics at grade 6, 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. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.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
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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 MEng 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.
The additional year over the BEng enables you to gain research independence, and to build specialisation and breadth to your core interdisciplinary knowledge from the BEng programme. The Year in Industry and Study Abroad options also offer exciting possibilities for 4-year MEng students.
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 480 credits, you will be awarded a MEng (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.
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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 lab project. Your chosen IEP minors in Year 3 are defined by your Year 2 choices.
In Year 4, you'll enjoy a final integrated Master's year with a choice of MSc in Biochemical Engineering, Year Abroad, Year in Industry or Business and Management. Your module options will depend on your final year chosen pathway.
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Pathways options
The above is a list of all the compulsory final year modules for year 4. The exact programme will depend on which route the student chooses in the previous year.
Biochemical Engineering:
- Bioprocess Systems Engineering
- Sustainable Industrial Bioprocesses and Biorefineries
- Bioprocess Research Project
- Project Management
- Business in a Competitive Environment
Biochemical with Bioprocess Management:
- Commercialisation of Research Ideas
- Advanced Enterprise Implementation
- Bioprocess Systems Engineering
- Bioprocess Validation and Quality Control
- Bioprocess Research Project
- Project Management
- Business in a Competitive Environment
Year in Industry:
Students undertaking the 4th year of their MEng degree in biochemical engineering may be eligible for an industrial placement with a partner company in the sector. This allows students to apply their theoretical learning through hands-on engagement with industry. Successful candidates will remain full-time students but will spend the majority of their time at the company site and will receive employee benefits.
The selection procedure is highly competitive and includes both academic minimum requirements as well as succeeding at an interview with the company.
- Year in Industry - Engineering and Professional Skills Development
- Bio-microfluidics and Microsystems Engineering
Year Abroad Programme
Allocation of study abroad places is a competitive process. Successful students will transfer to the Year Abroad degree programme and go on a year overseas at a partner university for the final year of their MEng.
Year 4 modules will be selected from those available at the partner university. Students will be required to take a credit load equivalent to a full-time student in the selected institution. Selection will be made in consultation with and will be approved by the UCL Study Abroad Tutor based on specific requirements.
Assessment will be taken at the partner university. All marks will be translated into one mark, which will count towards the final UCL degree classification.
There are minimum grade requirements for applicants, please contact us at biochemeng@ucl.ac.uk for further details.
Optional modules
Students on the Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocess Management and Chemical Engineering routes will select credits from a range of optional modules. Students on the Year in Industry route will select four modules from the Modular Training for the Bioprocess Industries programme (MBI) to study at UCL.
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
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Visit us
Online - Open day
What can I do with a degree from UCL Biochemical Engineering?
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Our alumni work in a wide range of roles, from process engineers and other positions in the pharmaceutical sector to research, teaching, public policy and their own start-ups. Please join us online to find out about the amazing opportunities open to people who graduate with a degree from UCL Biochemical Engineering.
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.
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 core science, engineering, business and leadership skills that you acquire will provide you with excellent and diverse career prospects. In addition to your core subject knowledge, the programme will provide you with skills such as innovative thinking, team-working and computing.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the IChemE as satisfying the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Chemical Engineer.
In order to meet the Engineering Council requirements for an accredited degree (which apply 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
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | Fees to be confirmed |
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 entry are to be confirmed 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.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Foundation Year fees for UK students are £6,000.
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.
In addition, please note that if you wish to study abroad during your programme at UCL, this is likely to incur additional costs. Studying abroad may cost between £200–£1,000 per month depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website.
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.
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 distance is 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.
Got questions? Get in touch
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