Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
- UCAS Code: H810 MEng
- Campus Code: 4
- Duration: 4 years
- Places per year: 1-4
The Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course at Cambridge looks at the challenge of how processes can make products in a sustainable way.
Chemical Engineers make chemical products from raw materials. Biotechnologists use living systems and organisms to make products. On the course, you’ll learn the scientific principles used by both.
Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology
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Course Overview
The Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology BA/MEng will give you the skills that meet the needs of today’s process and biotechnology industries. The course teaches chemical engineering and biotechnology together, in an integrated fashion.
The course begins by building a broad base of scientific knowledge, moves on to the core principles behind chemical engineering and biotechnology, and then looks at modern applications in these areas. You’ll also complete a major design project in the second half of your third year.
How You Learn
You are taught primarily through lectures, which are supported by projects, laboratory classes, supervisions and coursework.
In a typical week, students attend ten lectures and have two supervisions. In the first two years there is significant laboratory work, while the amount of project work increases each year. Assessment is by a combination of written examinations and coursework.
It is possible to graduate with a BA degree after three years. However, virtually all students stay for the fourth year leading to the BA and MEng degrees (progression to the fourth year is dependent on satisfactory performance). The four-year course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, meaning that after graduation you can apply for Chartered Engineer status once you have four years of relevant experience, without taking further exams.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Offer Level
A-Level: A*A*A
IB Diploma: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Other: See the University’s Entry Requirements page
Subject Requirements
For 2026 entry, you will need A levels/IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- A third subject from Biology, Physics or Further Mathematics
For 2025 entry only, we are happy to consider applications from those taking Mathematics and Chemistry, plus a third subject not on the list above.
We will usually require an A*/7 in Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and Chemistry.
If you’re studying IB Higher Level Mathematics, we ask for Analysis and Approaches for this course. If this isn’t an option at your school, please contact us for advice.
Admissions Process
Written Work
None required.
Admissions Assessment
All applicants for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology for 2025 entry are required to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) at an authorised assessment centre. You must register in advance for this test. Please see the University’s admissions test page for more information.
Interviews
Two interviews of around 25 minutes each.
