Driven by curiosity. Driving changeThe undergraduate experience
Undergraduate study in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology combines rigorous scientific training with practical problem-solving. Students learn how chemical engineering and biotechnology are used together to address challenges in areas such as energy, sustainability, healthcare and manufacturing.
The course
BA and MEng in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
An integrated BA and MEng degree combining chemical engineering and biotechnology, with options to graduate after three years or continue to a fourth year for the MEng.
Where it can lead
An overview of future careers, including professional engineering routes, biotechnology roles, postgraduate study and research.
Department facilities and student life
Learning and facilities
The Department occupies a purpose-built building on the Cambridge West site, opened in 2018. Most of the teaching takes place within the Department – the exceptions being the topics ‘borrowed’ from Natural Sciences in year 1 and supervisions that may take place in Colleges.
The Department has all the facilities needed for teaching (lecture theatres, a teaching laboratory, a computer suite and project rooms) with library resources within a 5 minute walk. The Department has a Makerspace area that is used by its students – this is a workshop with 3D printers and other mechanical and electronic equipment. Depending on the topic of the fourth-year research project, students may have access to state-of-the-art research equipment in the Department laboratories.
The Department has a large social area, shared by all students and staff, with tea, coffee and refreshments available. This is particularly popular at 11 o’clock during a break between lectures.
Student experience
Undergraduate students are part of a wider University community, with opportunities to take part in academic, professional and social societies across engineering and the sciences.
Most student societies are organised through the Cambridge Students’ Union. This includes CUCES, the Cambridge University Chemical Engineering Society, the student-run society based in the Department that organises social and careers events.
Studying at Cambridge
Undergraduates are members of:
- a Cambridge College
- the Department
- and the wider University
Each College provides accommodation, meals, facilities (including libraries), pastoral support and a social base that is multidisciplinary in nature. Colleges organise the small-group teaching that is known in Cambridge as supervisions. Each College has a range of student societies and activities within it.
The Department does the bulk of the teaching – lectures, practical classes, projects, and all the formal assessment and examining. The Department prides itself on being friendly and welcoming to all students.
The University as a whole is the grouping of Colleges, Departments, and support services. The central University provides libraries, a careers service, and disability, mental health and wellbeing support. There is an enormous range of student societies at University level, with activities in sports, music, drama, politics, religion and culture, community and charity, and games and hobbies.
How to apply
For undergraduate study, you will apply directly to the University of Cambridge, via UCAS, rather than the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology itself.
Many of our staff will be involved in the admissions process via their colleges.
