The University of Valencia is preparing to introduce a double degree program for chemistry and chemical engineering, designed to align with the needs of a future Volkswagen battery factory in Sagunto. This new program aims to equip students with a dual foundation in chemistry and engineering, with the first cohort of twenty graduates anticipated to complete the degree and enter the workforce by 2027, shortly after the plant becomes fully operational. Adela Mauri, dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, notes that the initiative began in response to requests from Valencian companies. The university began planning well in advance of the presence of the German automotive giant in the region, tailoring the curriculum to the requirements of the Gigafactory and viewing the project as an opportunity to address local industry needs while expanding academic offerings.
The Chemistry–Chemical Engineering double degree has long been a hallmark of the university, traditionally offered as two four-year programs. According to Paula Marzal, coordinator of new studies and a professor of Chemical Engineering, students can earn dual qualifications after completing just one year of study. The University prides itself on a long-standing commitment to the chemical sector, having trained professionals for more than a century who helped shape the regional business landscape. Historically, the curriculum in chemical sciences included an Industrial Chemistry specialization, which later disappeared, according to sources cited in the discussion.
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Currently, the Chemical Engineering degree is affiliated with the Higher Technical Engineering School and the Chemistry degree is conferred by the Faculty of Chemistry. Leaders from the ETSE and the Chemistry department maintain a collaborative relationship with Valencian industry. There has long been a call for engineers with a stronger chemistry foundation to complement technical skills, and the university saw an enduring chance to introduce a dual degree well before the pandemic era. The new program is designed to deliver both solid theory and hands-on experience in two disciplines that reflect the needs of Valencian manufacturing. Graduates will emerge with chemists who understand engineering principles and engineers who possess a deep grasp of chemistry, enabling them to bridge research and production on a single, integrated pathway.
Industry representatives emphasize that the Gigafactory demands engineers who specialize in chemical processes. The program seeks to prepare students for both laboratory development and scalable production. Dulce Adriá, director of the Valencian Community College of Chemists, supports this profile, noting that it aligns with the specific needs of Sagunt’s factory project. Paula Marzal explains that the Chemistry degree emphasizes material and product research capabilities, while the Chemical Engineering degree centers on optimizing manufacturing processes. The combined program positions graduates to contribute to product development in the lab and to drive efficient, reliable manufacturing on the production floor.