UK Universities record chemical engineering intake

Universities in the UK are celebrating a record intake of chemical engineering students, following the publication of the UCAS provisional 2007 admission figures

It is reported that 1465 new students have chosen to study chemical engineering at UK universities, and that figure could rise further ahead of the final intake figures, to be announced in January.

Dr David Brown, Chief Executive at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) welcomed the news, describing it as a big boost for industry: "This rise proves that more young people are recognizing what a worthwhile and rewarding career a chemical engineering degree can support".

Applications to study chemical engineering have risen by 70% since 2001, with admissions increasing by almost 40% in the last 6 years.

Senior figures within UK Chemical Engineering education have offered several explanations for the growth: Professor Jonathan Seville, Head of Chemical Engineering at Birmingham University said: "In the last few years we have seen a concerted effort by departments, IChemE and committed individuals to project the image of the subject as widely and as excitingly as possible.

This has made the difference between simply recovering a bit and the really strong recovery we are now seeing".

Head of Chemical Engineering at Strathclyde University, Dr Carl Schaschke said: "The upturn in interest in chemical engineering nationally is a reflection of the changing role and unique skills of the chemical engineer.

Now, more than at any time in the past, chemical engineers can be found central to meeting the societal needs of energy provision, health care and tackling head-on crucial environmental issues that affect everyone".

Last week, Lord David Sainsbury, former Government Science and Innovation Minister praised the IChemE whynotchemeng careers initiative, designed to show youngsters the benefits of a career in chemical engineering: "The campaign shows exactly what can be achieved when energetic young engineers and scientists fly the flag for their profession.

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," he added.

The biggest chemical engineering intake prior to this year was in 1994, when 1437 students chose to study the subject at UK universities.

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