The course recaps all necessary material to bring your maths back up to speed

What drew you to apply and accept a place on the Foundation Year (FY)?

Having enjoyed studying chemistry and physics at A-level I was certain that I wanted to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering.

When it came to applying to universities, I quickly realised that A-level maths was a requirement for Chemical Engineering, which I didn’t have.

The Foundation Year provided by the University of Sheffield provides a concentrated course in maths, chemistry and engineering. On successful completion, you move straight into the first year of your chosen degree. I was quickly drawn to this opportunity as it meant I could still pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering without having A-level maths.

What was your educational background before and what were the main concerns you had before embarking on the course?

I studied chemistry, physics and electronics at A-level, therefore I had a strong scientific background entering the foundation year. However, due to lacking mathematics, I was somewhat concerned if I would be able to cope due to not studying it since GCSE level. Rest assured, the course re-caps all necessary material to bring your maths back up to speed before diving into the content.

How did FY help to prepare you for Year 1 study and beyond?

After finishing the foundation year, I felt completely ready to go into the first year of my degree. Through having weekly lab sessions and having been taught how to write a lab report in the correct fashion, I felt this helped me massively as most of the writing you do will be of a report style.

Throughout the year, you are mixed in with students from all science and engineering disciplines and through this, I have gained valuable experience working in and building relationships in an interdisciplinary environment.

All of these skills and experiences are attractive to employers and are always a good talking point in interviews.

What were the big learning points for you during your FY?

Through the foundation year, I have learned how to manage my study time around my social time effectively. It's important to know when to have your head down and study but equally, it's important to have a breather and experience other things that the city or university can offer.

---

As mathematics was a weak subject for me initially during the foundation year, I found the Maths and Statistics Help very helpful

Sion Griffiths

MEng Chemical Engineering

---

What do you enjoy most about your current degree programme?

Currently, I am in my final year of study, which is heavily oriented around a research project. The research project allows you the freedom to choose a field which most interests you within the department.

I personally am interested in the nuclear sector therefore I had the opportunity to choose a project which was nuclear oriented and thus has been the most enjoyable part of the programme for me.

What are your favourite things about studying in Sheffield?

With the peak district so close to the university it was perfect for me as I enjoy a spin on the bike from time to time. The peaks are also only a short car/bus journey away which is perfect for a Sunday stroll to help with the hangover.

The nightlife at Sheffield is also brilliant, especially SU nights but if you fancy a night in town then you can feel perfectly safe as the locals are all friendly.

What has the wider University offered you in terms of support and student community?

As mathematics was a weak subject for me initially during the foundation year, I found the Maths and Statistics Help (MASH) service at 301 Glossop very helpful.

If ever I was struggling with a particular question or just needed some support, I could just pop in and there would always be tutors on hand to help. You could also book appointments with a tutor at MASH if you felt like you needed some extra sessions which were all free provided by the university.

How have you overcome challenges so far and what would be your advice to a prospective Foundation Year student?

Some major challenges I have faced so far have been applying for engineering graduate schemes.

During applications, you are required to sit numerous aptitude tests. The university careers service offer plenty of support for these sort of tests and has definitely helped me through them.

The department also has its own careers officer in which you can arrange to meet to brush up your CV or cover letter.

I would definitely encourage prospective foundation year students to utilise these services as they will come in handy when applying for summer placements and graduate schemes in the future.

I would also encourage students to join a sports team of some sort. It is everyone’s best interest to perform well in examinations and course work but employers look for more than just academics.

They want rounded individuals and you can achieve this by joining a sports team. You will gain invaluable team and leadership skills while building your integrity which are key skills employers often look for.

What are your career aspirations after your degree?

I am delighted to have recently secured an offer from Rolls Royce to join their engineering graduate scheme and will be working within their civil aerospace department. All the skills and experiences I gained through University in aiding me to secure an offer, ultimately stemmed from the foundation year.