Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

Course description

Discover the principles of materials science and engineering, and how these are applied across the whole field of engineering.

For the first two years of your Materials Science and Engineering BEng/MEng at Sheffield, you'll focus on developing your fundamental understanding of the field, in both theory and in the hands-on practical way expected of materials engineers.

Group projects will see you take on complex real-world problems - applying your engineering knowledge while developing the transferable skills like communication, team working and project management sought after by employers.

From courses on materials properties to materials sustainability, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to meet the challenges of the 21st century - and to provide real and lasting solutions.

Sustainability is a core theme, integrated into every module. You’ll explore how materials science contributes to a greener world by reducing resource dependency, advancing energy efficient processes, and supporting renewable technologies. Topics like the materials lifecycle, energy materials, and nuclear technologies will allow you to explore cutting-edge solutions aligned with global sustainability goals.

In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to choose the specialist modules that interest you, from metallurgy to functional materials, composites, biomaterials, nuclear materials and everything in between. Other core modules will also give you detailed industrial knowledge like computational modelling techniques, quality management and understanding financial and legal risks.

As part of the course, you’ll also complete an independent research project. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your technical lab skills and consolidate your learning by driving the field in new directions.

If you choose the MEng course, your industrial placement will provide you with an opportunity to connect with external industrial partners, offering invaluable experience in applying professional practices and research principles to solve industry challenges. You’ll collaborate in teams to deliver effective solutions, demonstrating your expertise in real-world settings.

Modules

Title: Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng or BEng course structure
UCAS code: J501
Years: 2022, 2023, 2024

Foundation year Year 1 onwards

Foundation year

Semester 1 Core Modules:

Advanced Level Chemistry

The unit covers a selection of the major concepts from areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in order to develop a sound basic knowledge of chemistry corresponding to the common core A level curriculum as preparation for successful studies in the Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering.

20 credits

Full Academic Year Core Modules:

Introduction to Engineering

This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of engineering activities across the faculty and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to their development and be successful. It will also help create links with departments and draw on the other modules that students will take in the foundation year especially maths and physics.

40 credits

Elements of Physics

PHY010 provides students with the elements of Physics required to enter the first year of an engineering course where some knowledge of Physics is needed.

Understanding will be developed by taking a sub- set of the lectures of the more comprehensive module PHY009, namely those covering Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism (autumn semester); and Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter (spring semester). These will be delivered in the first 2/3rds of either semester. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures.

As PHY008 teachings no practical Physics, this module is complemented by laboratory components of the 40 credit foundation year module (FCE001).

20 credits

Optional Modules

Core Foundation Mathematics

The syllabus for MPS002 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.

40 credits

Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics

This module builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths (which is a prerequisite). This unit covers enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. These topics are chosen to further prepare students for their undergraduate studies in the science and engineering faculties.

40 credits

Learning and assessment

Assessment

You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work. The proportions for each will vary depending on the modules you choose.

Entry requirements

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB; BBC
BBB (any A Level); BBC including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

International Baccalaureate

32 (any subjects); 31 with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A

BTEC Diploma

DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B

T Level

Distinction in the relevant T Level, including grade B in the core component + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A

Scottish Highers

AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

B + BB (any A Level subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Access to HE Diploma

Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units), and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A

Other requirements

• If you are studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE Science grade 6/B (or 65 in GCSE Double Award Science) and Maths grade 7/A

• Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing

Graduate careers

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Our graduates are in demand and go on to achieve success in leading industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, construction, and renewable energy. They develop advanced materials, improve manufacturing processes, and drive innovation.

The course equips you with essential skills valued by employers, including analytical problem-solving, computational modelling, research, communication, and  application of sustainable design.

With a strong emphasis on practical learning, you'll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and have opportunities to work on industry focused projects, preparing you for the challenges and demands of a dynamic industry.

Graduates work for organisations like Jaguar Land Rover, Jacobs Engineering, and Mondelēz International. Many pursue advanced study or research, driving progress in areas such as nanotechnology, biomaterials, and sustainability.

Our graduates have the skills, experience and contacts they need to tackle society's most pressing materials challenges. No matter where your future lies, as a Sheffield materials graduate, you'll be in demand.

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Materials are everywhere, shaping the world around us in countless ways. Without materials scientists and engineers, everyday innovations like aeroplanes, mobile phones, and medical breakthroughs wouldn’t exist.

Materials science and engineering is a discipline that is essential to all branches of engineering, combining elements of physics, chemistry, engineering, maths, and, in some cases, biology, to tackle real-world challenges.

At Sheffield, the materials science and engineering discipline is at the heart of groundbreaking innovation and research. With over 135 years of history, the University has long been a hub for materials science excellence. Our academics are internationally renowned experts, whose cutting-edge research directly influences the courses you’ll study and the challenges you’ll tackle.

You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including The Diamond, where you’ll work in advanced laboratories equipped with industry-standard equipment. Here, you’ll have access to modern lecture theatres, open-plan learning spaces, and specialist engineering labs. You’ll also have the opportunity to use the Sir Robert Hadfield Building, home to further advanced laboratories where you’ll conduct practical, hands-on learning.

Our materials science and engineering students benefit from integrated access to multidisciplinary labs, including electronics and clean rooms, providing a unique and comprehensive learning experience.

You’ll gain real-world experience using industry standard equipment in settings that simulate real engineering challenges, preparing you for a career at the cutting edge of the field. This integrated learning environment offers you the chance to gain practical experience using the same technologies employed by professionals in the field.

With strong links to industry, you’ll have opportunities to work directly with industrial partners on projects that reflect the latest advancements in materials science. This exposure to practical, real-world applications ensures you’re well-prepared for the diverse challenges of the engineering sector.

Teaching in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is mainly based in The Diamond, the University's dedicated engineering teaching facility. Here, you'll find lecture theatres, seminar rooms, open plan learning spaces, library services and a number of specialist engineering laboratories. You'll also have lectures and use laboratories in the Sir Robert Hadfield Building.

Facilities

Not only do you get to use the materials lab, packed full of industry standard equipment, but because materials science and engineering is integrated into all other types of engineering, our students get to experience working in multiple laboratories in The Diamond, such as the electronics lab and the clean room.

There are also social spaces, quiet study areas, and a cafe where you can take a well earned break from studying.

Science and Engineering Foundation Year

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Offer holder days

If you've If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

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Contact us

Telephone

+44 114 222 7870

Email

sefy@sheffield.ac.uk

Science and Engineering Foundation Year