Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

This information is for applications with entry in 2024. Please check from end of May 2024 for updates to applications for entry in 2025.

A student in a Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology practical session

Entry Details

  • Typical intake per year:  2-3

  • Typical offer:  A*A*A for A Level or 40-43 points with 776 in Higher Level subjects for IB

  • Required subjects:  Mathematics for A Level or Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches for IB, and A Level/IB Higher Level Chemistry

  • Useful preparation:  A Level Further Mathematics is encouraged. If unavailable or if you have recognised its desirability too late, we would advise you to do as much additional pure maths and mechanics as possible, e.g. by studying advanced material. Biology and Physics also provide useful preparation.

  • Admissions assessment:  Yes, required at Queens' - a Pre-Registration Assessment 

  • Submitted work:  No, not required at Queens'   

Course Details

Chemical engineers and biotechnologists use fundamental science to solve real-world problems, developing environmentally and economically sustainable methods to make chemical and biological products, and tackling global challenges in sustainability, energy and healthcare.  The Cambridge course is designed to integrate the teaching of the scientific principles that underpin chemical engineering and biotechnology, and their application to real-world systems.

The course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, meaning that after graduation you can apply for Chartered Engineer status once you have the appropriate period of relevant experience, without taking further exams.

Information about the course structure, departmental teaching arrangements, offered topics and options can be found on the University of Cambridge website: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Course Outline

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Queens’

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology students at Queens' are normally able to enjoy an annual dinner as well as several other social events throughout the academic year, including a termly tea and cake afternoon where students can catch up with others and with their Director of Studies.

Gap years

Queens' has an open attitude to applications from final-year school candidates intending to take a gap year to gain industrial experience, and from post-qualification applicants embarking on a gap year.  Potential Chemical and Biochemical Engineers are encouraged to obtain industrial sponsorship to gain relevant experience before starting at Cambridge. 

I chose Queens' for Chemical Engineering because I knew that in a smaller course, I would get to meet people from all sorts of courses, and feel like part of separate subject and College communities! Additionally, Queens' shares a Director of Studies with Magdalene so I got the opportunity to explore other Colleges, and my Director of Studies is incredibly supportive. Chemical Engineering allows you to explore many different science disciplines, so being where Queens' is you aren't too far from any of the faculties. There are also incredible spaces to study, both inside, outside, quiet and collaborative!

Anna (Chemical Engineering via Natural Sciences, course replaced with Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology from 2023) 

Academic and Teaching Staff 

false Dr Zachariah Bond, see also Dr Zachariah Bond | Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology


Dr Mark Williamson

Find out more

Open Days at Queens'

Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology