IChemE applauds rise in biochemical and chemical engineering
12 Apr 2026
Recent UCAS data has revealed a growing interest in biochemical and chemical engineering, says the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
The number of university applicants with offers for studying the two subjects, as well as process engineering courses, rose 16% last year compared to 2024, it said.
Additionally, the total number of applications for these degree courses has increased by 47.8 % since 2022.
Both biochemical and chemical engineering play a key link between laboratory research and its implementation in the industrial production process.
However, their lack of visibility among school students at the start of the qualifications and careers process has been a source of concern to IChemE and other STEM-related associations.
“Chemical and biochemical engineering have traditionally been misunderstood by young people, despite their central role in all the key sectors that underpin economic growth, from clean energy and sustainability to advanced manufacturing and defence,” said IChemE head of young people’s and student engagement Jo Badge.
The institution has sought to offset this with initiatives such as its DiscoverChemEng campaign, which highlights the role played in industry by those with backgrounds in the STEM specialisms.
Badge added that IChemE was working to change those perceptions by showing how chemical and process engineering fits into areas such as AI and digitalisation, green technology and sustainability – “all of which resonate with student audiences and appeal as attractive career prospects.”
One factor that may have contributed to the rise in student interest is the growth in the number and percentage of women studying in the previously male dominated engineering sphere.
While females comprise more than half of the overall UK labour force, they account for less than 17% of engineers.
However, among applicants to chemical engineering courses, women’s representation is more than twice as high at almost 37%.
Also contributing to the influx of study applications is the rising number of foreign applicants, specifically those from non–EU countries. Their numbers rose 28% year on year in 2025.
“Growth in applications, particularly among women and international students, is encouraging because it points to a broader and more diverse pipeline of future engineers,” explained Badge.
