Biochemical Engineering MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College London

Program Overview

The MSc in Biochemical Engineering at UCL is perfect for students who want to combine biology and engineering to create real-world solutions. Over one year, you’ll learn how to design and optimise bioreactors, scale up processes, and turn biological research into industrial applications — gaining both practical lab experience and insights into commercialisation and regulation.

Curriculum Structure

Core Modules (for Scientists):
If your background is in science, you’ll start with modules like Fluid Flow and Mixing in Bioprocesses, Integrated Downstream Processing, and Advanced Bioreactor Engineering. In the second term, you’ll cover Heat & Mass Transfer, Bioprocess Validation & Quality Control, and get hands-on lab experience in the Biochemical Engineering Laboratory.
Core Modules (for Engineers):
For engineering graduates, the first term includes Fundamental Biosciences, Integrated Downstream Processing, and Advanced Bioreactor Engineering. In the second term, you’ll take Sustainable Industrial Bioprocesses & Biorefineries, Bioprocess Systems Engineering, and again gain hands-on experience in the Biochemical Engineering Laboratory.
Optional Modules:
You can choose electives based on your interests, including Vaccine Bioprocess Development, Industrial Synthetic Biology, Bio-microfluidics, Commercialisation of Research Ideas, or Energy Systems & Sustainability. This lets you tailor your MSc to your career goals.
Dissertation / Project:
The year concludes with a major project, where you apply what you’ve learned to a real biochemical challenge — either a research-focused Bioprocess Project (engineers) or a Bioprocess Design Dissertation (scientists).

Focus Areas

Bioreactor design, downstream processing, molecular biology, industrial bioprocessing, quality control, regulatory compliance, and sustainable biomanufacturing.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

Design and optimise biochemical processes for real-world applications.
Operate bioreactors and perform validation and quality control.
Navigate regulatory and commercial aspects of biomanufacturing.
Apply hands-on lab skills using modern bioprocess equipment.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and its curriculum aligns with professional engineering standards, preparing graduates for CEng-level registration.

Reputation (Employability)

UCL’s Biochemical Engineering department is a global leader and the UK’s first dedicated department of its kind. Graduates are highly sought after by major biotech and pharmaceutical companies, consultancy firms, and research institutions, making them versatile and ready for leadership roles in industry or research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The UCL MSc in Biochemical Engineering is designed so you learn by doing. You won’t just be sitting in lectures — you’ll be running real bioprocess experiments, designing systems, and working in teams to solve problems just like professionals in the biotech industry. UCL’s world-class labs and pilot plant give you the chance to see how theory comes to life in practice.

Here’s how your hands-on learning looks:

Pilot Plant Experience: Work with real bioreactors, from small-scale lab setups to a 100 L pilot plant, testing and scaling up processes just like in industry.
Lab-Based Modules: Conduct experiments in the Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, designing and testing bioprocesses while collaborating in teams.
Pilot Plant Week: Take part in an intensive, week-long practical exercise where you integrate various bioprocess operations — perfect for understanding how all the pieces fit together.
Industry Training: Through UCL’s Modular Training for the Bioprocess Industries (MBI), you’ll learn directly from biotech professionals and gain insight into industrial practices.
Research Project / Dissertation: Complete a summer project or dissertation, working on real-world bioprocess design or cutting-edge research topics.
Industry & Regulatory Insight: Gain practical knowledge of commercialisation, quality control, and regulatory issues — essential for bringing bioprocesses to market.
Personal Support: Benefit from personal tutors and academic supervisors who guide your practical and research projects throughout the year.
Exposure to Cutting-Edge Research: Learn from UCL’s Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, engaging with areas like viral vector production, cell therapy, and process automation

Progression & Future Opportunities

This MSc is ideal if you want to combine biology and engineering to make a real impact — from designing vaccines to creating sustainable bioprocesses. Graduates often go into roles like:

Process Development / Bioprocess Engineer – scaling up bioreactors and optimizing production
R&D Scientist – working in molecular biology, synthetic biology, or vaccine development
Quality / Regulatory Engineer – ensuring processes meet compliance and quality standards
Consultant or Analyst – advising biotech or pharma companies on strategy or process improvements

UCL helps you get there in practical ways:

Support & Networking: The Careers and Departmental teams offer CV guidance, interview prep, and networking opportunities. You’ll also benefit from seminars, workshops, and a strong alumni network.
Hands-On Experience: You’ll use cutting-edge facilities like pilot-scale bioreactors and complete a research dissertation that gives you real-world bioprocessing experience.
Industry Links: UCL has strong connections with companies like Pfizer, Lonza, AstraZeneca, and Amgen, giving you access to internships, projects, and industry insight.
Accreditation & Professional Growth: The MSc is IChemE-accredited, which puts you on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Chemical Engineer (AMIChemE).
Graduation Outcomes: You’ll leave with a combination of engineering, life-science, and business skills, plus a professional network and hands-on project experience — making you highly employable in biotech, pharma, or consultancy.

Further Academic Progression:

You could continue with a PhD in Biochemical Engineering or related fields, focusing on cutting-edge research.
Alternatively, you can step straight into industry R&D roles, taking your research experience into practical applications.
You could also move into regulatory, consultancy, or leadership roles in biotech or pharma, where your combination of technical and commercial skills is highly valued.