Record demand for chemical engineering degree courses
25 Jan 2010
London – A record number of students have opted to study chemical engineering at UK universities this academic year following an 11% rise in the 2009 intake compared to the previous year, the latest UCAS figures show. The confirm a robust upward trend in student intake for the subject which has now risen by 44% since 1999.
The UCAS figures represent the eight consecutive year of growth in demand for chemical engineering course, according to the IChemE. This year’s increase, it noted doubled the overall intake rise of 5.5%, with 1816 students enrolled on chemical engineering degree courses in the UK.
UCAS also reported higher demand for, mechanical engineering (+12%), maths (+8%), physics (+7%) and electrical/electronic engineering (+5.3%).
Students are clearly recognising the career value of a chemical engineering degree, said IChemE CEO, David Brown, who called for more Government funding and investment to support this trend, particularly as many courses are now reaching full capacity.
“If the UK is to remain competitive and meet future demand, it is essential that chemical engineering and related disciplines are protected from government cuts,” said Brown. The UK government has notified the funding council for England of extra cuts of £135m to universities in 2010-11, as well as the £600m announced in the pre-Budget report for 2011-13 and £263m of efficiency savings.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Seville, dean of Engineering at Warwick University linked the popularity of chemical engineering degrees to innovative efforts to promote the subject by university departments, IChemE – particularly through its whynotchemeng campaign – and various individuals. This, he said, had “made the difference between simply recovering a little and the really strong recovery we are now seeing.”
“The scientists and engineers of tomorrow will be responsible for finding solutions to many of the problems facing our planet. I passionately believe that the process industries have a key role to play in our transition to a more sustainable society,” concluded Brown.
