Science and Engineering for Social Change
University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
Bachelor of Science in Science and Engineering for Social Change
UCL (University College London)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy
Program Overview: Science and Engineering for Social Change BSc
The Science and Engineering for Social Change BSc at UCL is a three-year interdisciplinary degree that combines scientific, engineering, social, and political perspectives to address society's most pressing challenges. Jointly delivered by UCL Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) and UCL Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE) within the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, this program prepares you to become a next-generation leader in social change.
You will study subjects ranging from policy design and project management to innovation, engineering design, and infrastructure development. The program is based at UCL East in Stratford, giving you access to state-of-the-art facilities including the Innovation Lab, Culture Lab, and the Institute of Making.
This practice-based degree puts theory into action from day one, with strong industry and community links that allow you to work on real-world problems. A third-year placement or research project module enables you to apply your knowledge and prepare for your future career in policy, business, charity, or government sectors.
Key Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary curriculum integrating engineering, physical sciences, and public policy, bridging technical knowledge with real-world decision-making
- Practice-based learning with strong industry and community links, including real-world project work such as addressing food sustainability in East London
- Third-year practical placement or research project with 140 hours of work experience in policy, charity, or industry sectors
- Based at the UCL East campus in Stratford with access to cutting-edge shared labs, workshop spaces, and interdisciplinary facilities
Curriculum and Modules
The program is structured across three years, with each year comprising 120 credits of compulsory and optional modules. You will progress from foundational interdisciplinary concepts to specialised topics and applied project work, culminating in a total of 360 UK credits for the BSc (Hons) award.
Introduction to Science, Engineering and Public Policy
30 creditsA foundational module exploring the intersection of science, engineering, and policy-making. You will examine how technical knowledge informs public decisions and learn frameworks for understanding complex socio-technical systems.
Engineering Design and Infrastructure Development
30 creditsThis module introduces core engineering design principles and their application to infrastructure challenges. You will learn to develop practical solutions that consider both technical feasibility and societal impact.
Policy Design and Co-Design Methods
15 creditsFocuses on specific routes to social change including the role of innovation, urban design, and policy co-design. You will integrate and apply knowledge in policy and engineering sciences to transdisciplinary problems.
Collective Intelligence and Social Innovation
15 creditsExplores how collective intelligence can be harnessed to understand complex global challenges such as climate change and pandemics. You will learn how to connect diverse systems and develop strategies for changing the systems on which society depends.
Engineering Sciences in Government, Business and Civil Society
30 creditsA Year 3 module exploring the role and engagement of engineering sciences across organisational settings. You will examine philosophical and cultural dimensions of addressing pressing social and technical challenges facing the world.
Placement or Research Project
30 creditsA capstone module involving 140 hours of work experience across Terms 1 and 2 in policy, charity, or industry sectors. You will use a skills assessment tool to track your development against key criteria relevant to careers in policy.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The Science and Engineering for Social Change BSc welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. No specific A-level subjects are required, though at least two A-level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred subjects. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- A-LevelsAAB with at least two subjects from UCL's preferred A-level list
- International Baccalaureate36 points overall with 17 points in three higher level subjects, no HL score below 5
- BTECLevel 3 National Extended Diploma with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction
- Access to HE DiplomaPass with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit from Level 3 units
- GCSEsEnglish Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component (UCL Level 3)
- TOEFL iBTOverall score of 100 with 25/30 in reading and writing, 23/30 in speaking and listening
- Other TestsContact Uni4Edu for information on other accepted English language qualifications
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
UCL offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for undergraduate students, including need-based awards specifically designed for international students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding options available for this program.
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
Full tuition fees (some awards include maintenance allowance)Designed for international students from low-income backgrounds, this scholarship offers up to 33 awards annually. Ten awards cover full tuition fees plus a maintenance allowance, while 23 awards cover full tuition fees for the duration of the program.
UCL Undergraduate Funding and Access Awards (UGFA)
Varies by awardA collection of bursaries and scholarships available to both UK and international undergraduate students at UCL. Awards are based on a combination of financial need, academic merit, and personal circumstances.
UCL Access Opportunity Scholarship
Full tuition fees plus living allowanceA fully funded scholarship covering tuition fees and a living allowance for eligible students. This award is aimed at supporting students who face barriers to accessing higher education due to their immigration or financial circumstances.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Science and Engineering for Social Change BSc are equipped with interdisciplinary skills highly sought after across multiple sectors. All students receive support to become job-ready through practical workshops and a final employability assessment, with core skills shaped by feedback from employers in policy and engineering, including UK Government and national academies.
Potential Career Roles
Example Employers and Organisations
Rankings and Recognition
UCL is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, with a strong reputation for interdisciplinary research and teaching excellence. The Faculty of Engineering Sciences, which delivers this program, benefits from UCL's position as a leading research-intensive institution.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 40 |
| Social Sciences and Management | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 20 |
| Research Power | Research Excellence Framework (REF) | #2 in the UK |
| QS European University Rankings | QS | #3 in Europe |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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