Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

2024-25 entry
Department of Materials Science and Engineering

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, you can start the BEng or MEng degree.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    A student is working with a technical member of staff on a project - image

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

    After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start the BEng or MEng degree.

    For the first two years of your Materials Science and Engineering BEng 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.

    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.

    Why study this course?

    • Artefacts project - bridging theory and practice, this project empowers you to explore the use of different materials in commercial products in an open-ended group project.
    • Links with industry - our Industrial Advisory Board provides a link between your studies and the professional world, ensuring we teach you the skills in demand from industry.
    • Practical training - you’ll be using industry standard equipment – making, testing and characterising different materials in our bespoke labs. 
    • Research led - embedded in one of the research teams, you'll take part in academic research or an industry-led collaboration – working at the cutting edge of materials science and engineering.
    • Specialist teaching facilities - 'Learning by doing' is the reason The Diamond was built. Dedicated to engineering, you’ll apply the theory you learn in lectures and during lab classes – consolidating your understanding alongside students from other disciplines, and beyond the bounds of the curriculum.

    This course is fully accredited by the IOM3, meaning it counts towards later professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

    Students working on a team building task

    Modules

    After successfully completing the foundation year modules, you can start your main degree.

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

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

    Core modules:

    Core Foundation Mathematics

    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

    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
    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
    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
    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

    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

    Learning

    You'll learn through lectures, labs, tutorials and problem classes. We take a 'learn by doing' approach to our courses, so that you develop transferable, industry-relevant skills and use equipment found in the workplace.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    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.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    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 Stanrdard 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 either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing 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 both Maths and a science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology) at A Level or equivalent, there are no additional GCSE requirements. If you are studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A

    English language requirements

    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

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Department of Materials Science and Engineering

    Employers are increasingly looking for evidence of practical work experience, as it demonstrates a genuine interest and means you will have the practical skills to work in a real industrial environment.

    Studying for a degree in materials science gives you a strong set of transferable skills valued by employers across a wide range of industries, including:

    • analytical and problem-solving skills (including basic programming and modelling skills)
    • time management, planning and organisation
    • research and scientific communication (speaking and report writing)
    • team and group working

    Our courses are designed to include a significant portion of practical work, allowing you to get hands-on experience of important processes and the latest investigative equipment. There are frequent occasions when we will ask you to work in the same way as professional engineers, with opportunities to work in industry or on projects of direct industrial interest.

    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.

    Department of Materials Science and Engineering

    Take a look around you. Materials are everywhere. Used for different applications, for different reasons. Without materials scientists and engineers, aeroplanes wouldn't fly, buildings wouldn't stand up, mobile phones wouldn't work, and healthcare wouldn't be the same.

    Materials science and engineering is a subject that is integral to all other engineering disciplines. It brings together physics, chemistry, engineering, maths, and in some cases, biology, and puts these subjects into real-life situations.

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

    Our academics are leading experts in their fields with international reputations, and their research shapes and inspires what you are taught.

    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.

    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

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    Department of Materials Science and Engineering

    1st in the Russell Group for student voice

    National Student Survey 2023

    4th in the UK for materials technology

    The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

    5th in the UK for materials technology

    Complete University Guide 2024

    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.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    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.

    Additional funding

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    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.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    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

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    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

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    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, you can start the BEng or MEng degree.