ChemEng intake rises for first time since 2015

THE NUMBER of students starting a UK undergraduate degree in chemical, process, and energy engineering has risen by 6.6%, the first increase since 2015.

Data published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) for September 2023 also shows that the proportion of female students entering undergraduate courses in chemical, process, and energy engineering has risen to 33%, up from 27% in 2015. The proportion of UK-domiciled chemical engineering students from an ethnic minority group has also steadily increased, from 34% of the 2007 intake to 49% in 2023.

The number of students applying to study chemical engineering saw a 9.3% rise, the highest annual increase of all the engineering disciplines. The figure is in stark contrast to the 2.3% decline in total applications to higher education courses.

IChemE CEO Yvonne Baker said: “This growth in subject popularity is very encouraging for our profession, indicating a strengthening and increasingly diverse pool of talented students who are feeling inspired to study chemical, process and energy engineering at UK universities.”

She added: “I am delighted to see more female students and students from other under-represented groups featuring in this year’s data. From personal experience, I know what a fantastic springboard a chemical engineering education is for young people of all backgrounds. I, the institution and all our members want more and more of our young people to have that chance, and we will continue to support them through our efforts and activities.”