
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (BA/MEng) at Cambridge
From sustainable water, food and energy, to healthcare solutions, chemical engineers and biotechnologists help solve the challenges facing the world today and tomorrow.
You'll study the scientific principles that are used to develop processes and products and be able to apply them to real world systems, with environmentally and economically sustainable methods.
Applications are now open for 2023 entry. The course integrates chemical engineering and biotechnology, and has a particular focus on the scientific principles that underpin the disciplines.
You'll learn how to take an idea from concept to a practical process that can manufacture products sustainably and on an industrial scale.
You’ll cover:
- Introduction to pure and applied sciences
- Fundamentals in chemical engineering and biotechnology
- Industrial process design and applications
- Energy technology, sustainability and advanced design
Our course is supported by a Teaching Consortium of industrial companies.
The Consortium supports the design project and professional practice course elements. Many of the companies offer vacation internships to our students.
Download the undergraduate course brochure here.
Find some useful resources below:
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course presentation
Energy Technology sample lecture
Your qualification
You can study for three years to graduate with a BA(Hons) degree. However, most students complete the course in four years and graduate with an MEng qualification.
Both current BA (Hons) and MEng courses are accredited at the appropriate level by the Institution of Chemical Engineers. This means that after graduation and 4 years of relevant experience, students can apply for Chartered Engineer status without taking more exams.
Teaching and facilities
We are housed in a purpose-built bespoke building with state-of-the-art facilities to support our world-leading research and teaching activities. We have excellent lecture facilities, a recording studio, brand-new teaching and biotechnological laboratories, break-out spaces for small-group teaching and a MakerSpace. Find out more about the academic staff in our department.
We are ranked number one in The Complete University Guide and The Guardian’s league table for chemical engineering and we are consistently ranked in the top five departments in the world in any metric related to teaching and research. Find out how we compare to other universities from Discover Uni.
Support during the course
We have a strong community of scientists across all levels in the department that encourages informal learning.
There is also support from your College. Your College Director of Studies will oversee your academic progress and will arrange small group supervisions from subject specialists and qualified academics to reinforce your learning. Colleges also provide pastoral support via a tutorial and welfare system, as well as providing access to accommodation, food, clubs and societies.
Next steps
Attend an open day or event
Contact us
Email: admissions@ceb.cam.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1223 748 999
Address: Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, West Cambridge Site, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS