Undergraduate prospectus 2019

Entry requirements

Qualification	Grades
A Levels	AAA including two of Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
A Levels + Extended Project Qualification	AAB including AA in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology + B. The Extended Project should be in a relevant subject
International Baccalaureate	36, 6 in two of Higher Level Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
BTEC	DDD in Engineering+grade A in A Level Maths, Physics or Chemistry Distinction in Further Maths also required where A level is in another subject
Cambridge Pre-U	D3 D3 D3 including two of Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers	AAAAB + AA in two of Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels	A + AA from two of Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Access to HE	Entry requirements for mature students
Other qualifications	Other UK qualifications Other EU/international qualifications
Other requirements GCSE grade 4 or C or equivalent in the two other listed subjects, GCSE grade 6 or grade B or equivalent in Maths International students need overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent English language qualification Equivalent English language qualifications
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department

Modules - what you study and when

The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department direct.

Course information on Department of Materials Science and Engineering website

First year

Core modules:

Introduction to Materials Chemistry

Introduction to Mechanical Properties and Structural Materials

Mathematics (Materials)

Biology and Chemistry of Living Systems

Biomaterials I

Digital Skills for Materials

Introduction to Materials Properties

Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Phase Diagrams

Tissue Structure and Function

Global Engineering Challenge Week

Second year

Core modules:

Industrial Materials Processing

Biology and Chemistry of Living Systems II

Biomaterials II

Cell and Molecular Biology

Deformation and Failure of Materials

Heat Transfer and Diffusion

Materials Selection and Fracture Mechanics

Mathematics II (Materials)

Physics of Living Systems 2

Structure of Solid Materials

The Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System

Engineering - You're Hired

Third year

Core modules:

Group Projects in Bioengineering

Tissue Engineering Approaches to Failure in Living Systems

Composite Materials and Micromechanics

Design of Medical Devices and Implants

Finance and Law for Engineers

Introduction to Finite Element Modelling

Materials for Biological Applications

Metals

Research Seminars in Bioengineering

Surface Degradation and Protection

Fourth year

Core modules:

Bioengineering Research Project

Atomistic and Mesoscale Modelling of Materials

Bioimaging

Scientific Writing

Optional modules:

Design and Manufacture of Composites

Functional and Structural Ceramics

Glasses and Cements

Metallurgical Processing

Nanostructures and Nano-structuring

Polymer Processing

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers.

In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

Learning and assessment

These figures give an indication of how you'll learn and be assessed. They're a combined average of all the years of the course. The learning and assessment percentages could vary depending on the modules you choose.

Learning
Scheduled teaching	29%
Independent study	71%
Placement	0%
Assessment
Exams/tests	56%
Coursework	38%
Practical	6%

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Materials is an extremely important area of technology as any physical thing that is made has to be created from materials. Frequently the properties those materials can achieve are what controls the performance. Materials Scientists understand why materials have certain properties and research new materials with better performance to help produce and use these materials in real products, large and small.

Sheffield has long been a centre of materials innovation, and with a history of research excellence that can be traced back 135 years, this department was one of the foundation stones of the University.

Ranked 2nd in the UK for materials technology courses in the Times Good University Guide 2018, we strive to give you a valuable and unforgettable university experience. By accessing state-of-the-art multidisciplinary engineering laboratories, direct contact with industrial partners, and excellent learning resources, you will be given the opportunity and support to develop the skills you need to succeed at university and flourish in your career once you graduate.

Taught in our brand new engineering building, The Diamond (pictured), you'll have access to our dedicated state-of-the-art materials laboratories, as well other cutting-edge multidisciplinary engineering laboratories including a clean room and biomaterials and light structure laboratories.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering website

What our graduates do

Prospective employers recognise the value of our courses, and that students are fully equipped to apply their knowledge to industry and further research. Above all else they value graduates with specialist skills and personal experience.

Our graduates work for organisations including Atkins, McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Airbus as materials ‭engineers, metallurgists, manufacturing engineers, and research scientists among many others.

Many of our Biomaterials Science and Engineering graduates work for medical, healthcare and bioengineering organisations, including Philips Healthcare, JRI, Jenx, Ceramisys, Kirkstall, and Smith and Nephew.

Student profile

"I'm really hoping materials science will give me the knowledge to take my career in many different directions, and hopefully travel a lot as I'd really like to see a lot of different countries."

Adam Urwick
MEng Materials Science and Engineering (Biomaterials)

Accreditation
All our courses are fully accredited by the IOM3, meaning they count towards later professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

BEng or MEng
It is possible to switch between many of our courses and between the BEng and MEng (based on performance on the exams in the course) up to the end of the second year.