Molecular Bioengineering
  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Molecular Bioengineering

Explore engineering, biology and chemistry to understand how vital molecular level interactions can benefit human health

  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Molecular Bioengineering with a Year Abroad

Explore engineering, biology and chemistry to understand how vital molecular level interactions can benefit human health

  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Molecular Bioengineering with a Year in Industry

Explore engineering, biology and chemistry to understand how vital molecular level interactions can benefit human health

Understand how vital molecular level interactions can benefit human health

Develop the scientific expertise of a life scientist and the problem-solving skills of an engineer

Enrich your studies with the opportunity to take a year abroad or put your knowledge into practice through a year in industry

How would you like to study?

Study option:

Showing course information for 2024 View 2025 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    H160

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    4 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*AA (A-level)

  • 39 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to H160

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    4 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*AA (A-level)

  • 39 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    5 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to H160

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    4 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*AA (A-level)

  • 39 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Study option:

Course overview

As a molecular bioengineer, you'll learn how to engineer biological systems to solve challenges in health and wellbeing.

Through this course, you will develop the scientific understanding and laboratory expertise of a life scientist with the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills of an engineer.

With this unique combination of skills, you will be well placed to address the global challenges of today: health and well-being agenda, personalised medicine, new biomedical technology industries.

You will gain a theoretical understanding through lectures, study groups and taught classes. During practical wet and dry labs and activities, you will work on real-world projects in medicine and biology with life-changing potential.

You will learn professional standards and understand engineers’ obligations to society, the profession and the environment.

You will develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills, and graduate with the ability to become a leader in your chosen field.

As a molecular bioengineer, you'll learn how to engineer biological systems to solve challenges in health and wellbeing.

Through this course, you will develop the scientific understanding and laboratory expertise of a life scientist with the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills of an engineer.

With this unique combination of skills, you will be well placed to address the global challenges of today: health and well-being agenda, personalised medicine, new biomedical technology industries.

You will gain a theoretical understanding through lectures, study groups and taught classes. During practical wet and dry labs and activities, you will work on real-world projects in medicine and biology with life-changing potential.

You will learn professional standards and understand engineers’ obligations to society, the profession and the environment. 

In your final year, you'll complete an integrated year abroad at one of our partner universities, where you can challenge yourself in a different academic and cultural environment.

You will develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills, and graduate with the ability to become a leader in your chosen field.

As a molecular bioengineer, you'll learn how to engineer biological systems to solve challenges in health and wellbeing.

Through this course, you will develop the scientific understanding and laboratory expertise of a life scientist with the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills of an engineer.

With this unique combination of skills, you will be well placed to address the global challenges of today: health and well-being agenda, personalised medicine, new biomedical technology industries.

You will gain a theoretical understanding through lectures, study groups and taught classes. During practical wet and dry labs and activities, you will work on real-world projects in medicine and biology with life-changing potential.

You will learn professional standards and understand engineers’ obligations to society, the profession and the environment.

In your fourth year, you'll complete a 12-month industry placement, where you'll gain invaluable experience applying your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

An extended individual project forms the key component of your final year, enabling you to gain an understanding of the latest developments in the bioengineering field.

You will develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills, and graduate with the ability to become a leader in your chosen field.

Study option:

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll study all of the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study all of the following core modules.

Core modules

In your third year, you will study six core modules, including the i-Explore module.

You will also select three optional modules.

*Modules marked with an asterisk are level 7 modules. You will need to complete a minimum number of level 7 modules by the end of your degree.

Core modules

Optional modules

In your fourth year, you will spend six months exclusively working on a substantial individual project. 

You will also select four optional modules from Group A, and one optional module from Group B.

*Modules marked with an asterisk are level 7 modules. You will need to complete a minimum number of level 7 modules by the end of your degree.

Core modules

Optional modules - Group A

Optional modules - Group B

You’ll study all of the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study all of the following core modules.

Core modules

In your third year, you will study six core modules, including the i-Explore module.

You will also select three optional modules.

*Modules marked with an asterisk are level 7 modules. You will need to complete a minimum number of level 7 modules by the end of your degree.

Core modules

Optional modules

The final year consists of an agreed programme of study at an approved university in either Australia, France, Singapore, Switzerland or the USA

We currently have exchange agreements with:

  • University of Melbourne, Australia
  • University of Grenoble, France
  • National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • University of California, USA

This is an integrated year abroad so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.

You’ll study all of the following core modules.

Core modules

You’ll study all of the following core modules.

Core modules

In your third year, you will study six core modules, including the i-Explore module.

You will also select three optional modules.

*Modules marked with an asterisk are level 7 modules. You will need to complete a minimum number of level 7 modules by the end of your degree.

Core modules

Optional modules

Your placement year will normally take place in your fourth year. This placement makes the total length of your degree to five years.

You will have to demonstrate your employability skills by applying for and securing a placement. You will do this with support from the department’s Industrial Liaison Manager who will monitor and support you during your placement.

In your role, you can expect to work effectively, keeping a logbook of your activities. This can be used as evidence towards gaining chartership with some of the professional engineering bodies.

Towards the end of your placement, you prepare a presentation for your peers, giving an overview of your year. This year is assessed on a pass/fail basis and does not contribute towards your final degree mark.

Limited spaces mean competition for placements is strong and selection cannot be guaranteed. Normally only students achieving marks of 60% and above at the time of selection will be eligible.

In your final year, you will spend six months exclusively working on a substantial individual project. 

You will also select four optional modules from Group A, and one optional module from Group B.

*Modules marked with an asterisk are level 7 modules. You will need to complete a minimum number of level 7 modules by the end of your degree.

Core modules

Optional modules - Group A

Optional modules - Group B

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the following organisations on behalf of the Engineering Council:

With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.

With this integrated Master’s degree, you’ll fully meet the educational requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Becoming a Chartered Engineer can further enhance your career prospects and earning potential. It demonstrates your competencies and commitment to lifelong learning – providing you with recognition in your field and greater influence and opportunities.

Our current accreditation agreements are due to be renewed in 2024.

Associateship

In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.

Study option:

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and similar
  • Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 1

  • 27% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 73% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 2

  • 27% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 73% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 3

  • 17% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 83% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 4

  • 17% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 83% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures and guest lectures
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Make, build and test activities
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Study groups
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Examinations

Year 1

  • 34% Coursework
  • 66% Examinations

Year 2

  • 53% Coursework
  • 47% Examinations

Year 3

  • 47% Coursework
  • 53% Examinations

Year 4

  • 59% Coursework
  • 41% Examinations

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and similar
  • Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 1

  • 27% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 73% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 2

  • 27% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 73% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 3

  • 17% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 83% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures and guest lectures
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Make, build and test activities
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Study groups
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Examinations

Year 1

  • 34% Coursework
  • 66% Examinations

Year 2

  • 53% Coursework
  • 47% Examinations

Year 3

  • 47% Coursework
  • 53% Examinations

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and similar
  • Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 1

  • 27% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 73% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 2

  • 27% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 73% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 3

  • 17% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 83% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Year 5

  • 17% Lectures, seminars and similar
  • 83% Independent study, group projects and individual research project

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures and guest lectures
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Make, build and test activities
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Study groups
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Examinations

Year 1

  • 34% Coursework
  • 66% Examinations

Year 2

  • 53% Coursework
  • 47% Examinations

Year 3

  • 47% Coursework
  • 53% Examinations

Year 4

  • 100% Coursework
  • 0% Examinations

Year 5

  • 59% Coursework
  • 41% Examinations

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations

Study option:

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Study option:

How to apply

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£9,250 per year

Year abroad

£1,385 for that year

Year in industry

2024 entry

£925 for that year

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£40,940 per year

Year abroad

2024 entry

100% of the fee for that year

Year in industry

10% of the fee for that year

Your future career

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The career-oriented nature of this degree ensures you'll be well placed to pursue opportunities in the rapidly expanding field of biomedical engineering.

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Around 60% of postgraduates find employment upon graduation, while just over a third opt for continued study or training.

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Get essential skills to pursue opportunities across a variety of career paths.

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You can pursue a career in a range of sectors – with sought-after skills in medicine, healthcare and the medical devices industry.

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Other potential career paths could include research, teaching, start-ups, consultancy and finance.

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Course data

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Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications