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Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology

Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology gives you the skills you need to tackle the biggest problems on the planet in efficient and sustainable ways
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Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) is a multidisciplinary course with an emphasis on applying science to solve real-world problems in the process and biotechnology industries. As well as learning the core science, you will work on projects that teach you the practical side of process and product design. The 4-year course qualifies you for both the BA and MEng degrees and is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers. It is also possible to graduate after three years with only the BA degree. More details about the course can be found on the .

CEB at 51¸£ÀûÉç

We typically admit 1–2 CEB undergraduates per year. First-year students join the Natural Sciences cohort for Chemistry and Mathematics modules, with the rest of the teaching coordinated by the on the nearby West Cambridge site. The Department builds connections between students at different Colleges, so you will join 51¸£ÀûÉç and also be part of the broader Cambridge CEB community.

Typical offer

A Level: A*A*A

IB: 42 (776)

Required subjects

A Level: A Level Chemistry, A Level Mathematics, and one of A Level Biology / A Level Physics / A Level Further Mathematics

IB: HL Chemistry, HL Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), and one of HL Biology / HL Physics

Admissions assessment

Applicants are required to take the (ESAT). You must register in advance for this test. 

Written work

Applicants are not required to submit written work.

Meet an alumna

Amy McCormick

Amy McCormick

I loved studying at 51¸£ÀûÉç! It had beautiful gardens and a cosy atmosphere. It's very close to the department of Chemical Engineering in West Cambridge, so an easy cycle in the mornings.

Chemical engineering is a wonderful subject: a mixture of applied mathematics, chemistry and physics. I got to study everything I loved whilst knowing that the degree had strong links to industry and would make it easy to get a good career. The degree itself is challenging but the skills you build are worth it. The course has a broad range of applications, including green energy and carbon capture, which is so relevant right now.

I'm working as a process engineer for Technip Energies, a design company for the petrochemicals and energy sector. I lived in Milton Keynes for 5 years, then I did 8 months on a chemical site in Qatar and I'm just about to move to Paris. In my time, I've designed ethylene plants, carbon capture units, sustainable jet fuel plants and LNG plants (Liquified Natural Gas). The chemical site in Qatar was the largest construction project in the world, so that was amazing to be part of! As my career progresses, I see myself travelling around the world, working on different chemical sites and seeing the things I design come to life.

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