Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
- Number of students per year: two to four
- Typical offer: A*A*A or equivalent; we accept a wide range of . Applicants offering four relevant A-Levels may be asked for A*A*AA or A*A*AB.
- Essential subjects: Chemistry, Maths, a third science/mathematics subject
- Useful subjects: Physics, Further Maths, Biology
In Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology you will learn how to apply the principles of molecular sciences to design and manufacture a wide range of products in sustainable processes.
°µÍø½ûÇø has had a Fellow in Chemical Engineering since the 1980s and now has two. There are typically two to four students each year.
The Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course is new for entry in October 2023 and no longer requires students to study Engineering or Natural Sciences in their first year of University. The Department is on the West Cambridge site next to the Sports Hall in a state of the art building opened in 2016.
Our subject is well catered for in the Quincentenary Library. Cambridge University Chemical Engineering Society (CUCES) brings students from the different Colleges together and regularly puts on talks and other events.
Requirements
Our offers are typically for two A* grades and one A grade at A-Level or equivalent. If you have four relevant A-Levels you may be asked for A*A*AA or A*A*AB.
Maths and Chemistry at A -level or equivalent are essential for studying Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. You will also require a third science/mathematics subject from Physics, Further Maths or Biology.
You don't need to take a Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) or Advanced Extension Award (AEA).
Written assessment
All applicants for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology must sit the at an authorised assessment centre. You must register in advance to sit the ESAT, and the deadline for registration is 16 September 2024.
Please note that the registration process, including deadlines and test locations, is different from previous years.
Interviews
In 2024-25, we’ll be interviewing all shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.
The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.
For your interview, your interviewers will expect you to have access to a device that will enable you to annotate shared documents online. This is because the interview involves real-time problem solving, where you will need to show your working as you tackle problems. In our experience, something simple like a works well. We strongly recommend that you practise using your device in advance, to ensure you can write clearly, legibly and quickly using it.
If you do not own a tablet and stylus, we encourage you to speak to your school/college to see if a suitable device is available to borrow. If you are having difficulty sourcing a suitable device, please contact the Admissions Office.
Written work
You don't need to submit any written work with your application.
International applicants
We mostly refer to A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate for our entry requirements, but we accept a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world. The University website lists the . We expect students to be on track to achieve the highest grades in whichever qualification system they are studying. See our dedicated page for international students for more information.
Deferred and post A-Level entry
Deferred entry is perfectly acceptable, and your intention to take a year out should be clearly stated in your application.
