
Civil and Structural Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels BBB; BBC
Other entry requirements - UCAS code H201
- 5 years /
- Find out the course fee
- FY Foundation year
Course description

If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree, a foundation year is for you.
After successfully completing the foundation year, which has modules in mathematics, physics and chemistry, you'll progress onto the first year of your chosen degree in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering.
Our multidisciplinary and innovative courses span the disciplines of engineering and architecture.
The Integrated Design Project is a feature of all our undergraduate courses. The project encourages you to unleash your creativity on a grand scale by devising plans for an entire urban regeneration project based on a real site in Sheffield.
You'll investigate new design methods and construction materials while developing detailed designs such as elegant bridges, sustainable and environmentally sensitive multi-storey buildings, or state-of-the-art sports venues. It'll give you invaluable project experience and a feel for the kind of issues you may encounter in your career.
Modules
UCAS code: H201
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Core Foundation Mathematics
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The syllabus for MAS003 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 - Introduction to Engineering
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This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students adn 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 - Foundations of Physics
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PHY009 provides students with the foundations of Physics required to enter the first year of a regular Physics or other scientific degree course, or an engineering course where detailed knowledge of Physics is needed.Understanding will be developed in 3 lectures per week over a full academic year. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures. The following topics will be covered: Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism; Thermal Physics; Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter; Atomic and Nuclear Physics.As PHY009 teaches no practical Physics, this module is complemented by the 10 credit laboratory module FCE002 for most science foundation year students (except for foundation year students leading to a Mathematics undergraduate programme) or FCE001 for engineering foundation year students.The greatest advances in technology have taken place in the last hundred years. In 1897 few would have imagined that the probing of materials at the atomic level would reveal so much. These early discoveries of atomic constituents and their structure would pave the way for semi-conductor electronics, develop key concepts in physical laws, and offer a replacement energy source for fossil fuels in the form of nuclear power. This course summarises key discoveries in early particle physics and combines historical background with the detailed physics understanding needed to fully appreciate the subject.These full modules aim to provide a sound foundation in Physics in preparation for Level 1 Physics modules. It introduces (i) Properties of Matter, (ii) Oscillations, waves & optics and (iii) Atomic and Nuclear Physics. (i) Properties of Matter discusses structural, mechanical and electrical properties in terms of simple models. (ii) treats vibration and waves introducing the concepts of wavelength, frequency and wave speed. (iii) discusses the physics of the atom, including historical aspects, the electron, the photo-electric effect, Bohr¿s atomic model, nuclear structure and radioactivity.
30 credits - Further Foundation Mathematics
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The syllabus for MAS004 covers important material which appears on the A level maths and further mathematics A Level curriculum. The module is for students who are taking MAS003 and need a deeper background in mathematics for their degree course. The module covers advanced principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the problem classes with tutors and in their own time.
10 credits
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. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
We've academic staff who are world-leaders in their respective fields and some have over 20 years' experience in industry. Our staff experience demonstrates how engineering fundamentals are applied in practice through project work that mimics real-life situations. We also bring in leading industry experts to enhance and support our teaching and advise on our curriculum.
Entry requirements
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB; BBC
BBB any subjects (No STEM at A Level); BBB, including Maths or a science/Electronics; BBC, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Electronics
International Baccalaureate | 32 with (no STEM at HL); 32 with HL5/SL7 in Maths or Science; 31 with HL5/SL7 in Maths and a science
BTEC | DDD in Engineering, Construction and The Built Environment or Civil Engineering + GCSE 6/5 in Science and 7/A in Maths or AS/A Level Maths Grade C/D + successful completion of a Maths test
Scottish Highers | AABBB any subjects (no STEM at Higher Level) + Grade 6/B GCSE Science + Grade 7/A GCSE Maths + successful completion of a Maths test; AABBB, including Maths + 6/B GCSE Science; AABBB in a science + 6/B in GCSE Maths; ABBBB, including Maths and a science
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + BB any subjects (no STEM at A Level) + 6/B in GCSE Science and 7/A in GCSE Maths + successful completion of a Maths test; B + BB, including Maths + 6/B in GCSE Science; B + BB, including a science + 6/B in GCSE Maths; B + BC, including Maths and a science
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
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An additional Maths test is required for BTEC, Access to HE Diploma applicants and students with no Maths or Science at A Level or equivalent. Please contact the Department for more information
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General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted
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If you have A Level BBB with no STEM or equivalent, you will need Grade 6/B in GCSE Science and 7/A in GCSE Maths + the successful completion of a Maths test; if you have A Level BBB with Maths at A Level or equivalent, you will need Grade 6/B in GCSE Science; if you have A Level BBB with a science or equivalent, you will need grade 6/B in GCSE Maths
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
What is civil engineering?
Civil engineering is at the forefront of improving the way we live. Whether it's providing the facilities that keep our day-to-day lives running smoothly - from roads and railways to clean water supplies - or working to meet the ever-changing needs of our society in the areas of sustainability, renewable energy and climate change, you'll be helping to create and protect the world we live in.
Civil engineering at Sheffield
Our courses will make you the kind of engineer the world needs right now; forward-thinking, interdisciplinary, environmentally conscious, and capable of the kind of complex thinking our rapidly changing society needs. Wherever you choose to start your career, you'll be in demand.
We're eighth in the UK for civil engineering, according to the Times Good University Guide 2020, and seventh according to the Complete University Guide 2020. Our research is internationally recognised. Industry and government value our expertise.
Our industry partners contribute to teaching through lectures, design classes, projects and site visits. We work with leading consultants, contractors and specialist civil engineering companies to provide industrial opportunities for a number of students each year. We also have industrial tutors and professionals who mentor our first-year students.
You'll be taught in The Diamond, one of the best teaching spaces in the UK.
Facilities
The Diamond building contains state-of-the-art teaching and lab facilities, and uses cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment.
Science and Engineering Foundation YearWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
The Complete University Guide 2020
Graduate careers
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
Our graduates work all over the world, from the UK to Australia and the USA. Recent graduates have gone on to work for AECOM, Arup, Atkins, Buro Happold, Eastwood & Partners, and Kier.
You'll be able to apply your knowledge and skills to fields as diverse as the built environment, sustainability and improving the environment.
In addition, architectural engineering graduates might go into a broad range of engineering areas ranging from building services to mechanical, electrical or acoustic engineering.
Or as a structural engineer, you'll be helping to shape the world around us. Structural engineers design and construct multi-storey buildings, bridges, sports stadiums, tunnels, airports and schools.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 7870
Email: sefy@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.