Image of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology image
Jesus College microbrewery

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

  • Number of students per year: two to four
  • Typical offer: A*A*A or equivalent. Applicants offering four relevant A-Levels may be asked for A*A*AA or A*A*AB.
  • Essential subjects: Chemistry and Maths
  • Useful subjects: Physics, Further Maths, Biology

In Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology you will learn how to apply the principles of molecular sciences to design and manufacture a wide range of products in sustainable processes.

Jesus College has had a Fellow in Chemical Engineering since the 1980s and now has two. There are typically two to four students each year.

The Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course is new for entry in October 2023 and no longer requires students to study Engineering or Natural Sciences in their first year of University. The Department is on the West Cambridge site next to the Sports Hall in a state of the art building opened in 2016.

Our subject is well catered for in the Quincentenary Library. Cambridge University Chemical Engineering Society (CUCES) brings students from the different Colleges together and regularly puts on talks and other events.

Find out more on the University webpage.
What we look for

Requirements

Our offers are typically for two A* grades and one A grade at A-Level or equivalent. If you have four relevant A-Levels you may be asked for A*A*AA or A*A*AB. 

Maths and Chemistry at A -level or equivalent are essential for studying Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. Physics, Further Maths or Biology are also useful preparation for the course. 

You don't need to take a Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) or Advanced Extension Award (AEA).

Written assessment

All applicants for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology must sit the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) in mid-October as part of the application to the University. This takes place at an authorised centre near where you live, most likely your school or college and you must be registered in advance.

Find out more on the University website.

Interviews

In 2023-24, we’ll be interviewing shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.

The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.

Find out more about the interview process on the University website.

Written work

You don't need to submit any written work with your application.

Deferred and post A-Level entry

Deferred entry is perfectly acceptable, and your intention to take a year out should be clearly stated in your application.