Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Chemical engineers design and operate industrial processes that convert raw materials into valuable products. The need for more sophisticated products and sustainable processes means chemical engineers are in great demand.
Course overview
The BA/MEng in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology will teach you the scientific principles that underpin chemical engineering and biotechnology, and their application to real-world systems. The course deliberately aims to integrate chemical engineering and biotechnology together, rather than these being viewed as separate topics.
For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.
What is it like to study Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at King’s?
Students will receive a mix of lectures and practicals in the department, with supervisions provided by College. Lectures happen every weekday in term time with practicals and supervisions several times a week.
There are around 60 students per year across the university, and around three students per year at King’s.
In a typical supervision students can expect focused discussion centred on specific exercises, as well as further exploration of lecture contents. Supervisions last one hour, and students typically have several of these per week. Students will be expected to prepare for supervisions by completing problems of relevance to the lecture course.
What do we look for in an applicant to Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology?
We look for a very good grasp of A Level materials, the ability to think independently, the ability to tackle quantitative and analytical problems, and enthusiasm for the subject.
Requirements
A Level: A*A*A
IB: 41-42 points overall with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: Maths, Chemistry, and a third maths/science subject from Biology, Physics, or Further Maths
Admissions assessment: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
Written work: none
Admissions assessment
Candidates for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology must take the ESAT, which is a pre-registration required test. They will take Mathematics 1 and can then choose two additional multiple choice modules from Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics 2. For more information about the test, please see the University website.
Careers and graduate opportunities
There are many opportunities for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology graduates. As products become more sophisticated and the demand for sustainable process becomes greater, the demand has increased for chemical engineers. Some graduates proceed to further postgraduate study, while others enter employment as engineers in the process industries, research scientists, and technical managers. Outside of engineering, the course will prepare you with transferable skills that some graduates have applied to areas like finance and management consultancy.
What is the best thing about studying Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at King’s?
King’s is a diverse and vibrant community with students from many different backgrounds and nationalities. We have a total of around 12 students in College across the four years of the course, but students will also be part of their annual cohort of around 120 students studying every subject at Cambridge.
A top tip for applicants to Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at King’s
You will be expected to manipulate equations and make estimates during the interview. Make sure you are prepared to discuss and perform calculations on any topics you express an interest in on your application form.
