Materials Science and Engineering MEng
Discover the underlying principles of materials science and how these are applied. Keep your course general or tailor your degree with optional materials modules. You'll interact directly with industry, and undertake a final-year project with one of our leading research groups.
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A Levels
AAA -
UCAS code
J500 -
Duration
4 years -
Start date
September
- Accredited
- Course fee
- Funding available
- Optional placement year
- Study abroad option
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
1st in the UK for teaching on my course, learning opportunities, and academic support and student voice
National Student Survey 2025
Artefacts and individual final-year projects
Bridging theory and practice, your artefacts project empowers you to explore the use of different materials in commercial products. All students will carry out an open-ended individual final year project where you can explore research level material.
Links with industry and practical training
Working in teams, you'll explore the problems faced by different industrial sectors. You'll work directly with industry in two group projects and help solve real industry challenges. Our Industrial Advisory Board provides a link between your studies and the professional world, ensuring we teach you the skills in demand from industry.
Professional engineering and network development
Prepare for your career by working in partnership with professional bodies such as the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) to develop a portfolio for chartered engineer status. You will combine this with professional skills development and career guidance, to kickstart your professional network and maximise your employability in an engineering discipline.
Materials engineers for a sustainable future
Sustainability is a core theme within materials science and engineering, as we look to develop materials and manufacturing methods which ensure the long-term viability of the planet and its resources (UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 12).
Discover the principles and application of materials science and engineering, research and industrial practice.
The Materials Science and Engineering MEng at Sheffield offers a unique balance of research and practical industrial experience, preparing you for diverse careers in both research and industry.
From day one, you’ll focus on real-world applications. In your first two years, you’ll build a strong theoretical foundation while gaining hands-on practical skills essential for materials engineers.
Project work will challenge you to solve real engineering problems, while developing key skills such as project management, communication, and technical problem-solving - qualities highly valued by employers.
Sustainability is a core theme integrated throughout the course. You’ll learn how materials science supports a greener future by reducing resource dependency, advancing energy efficient processes, and enabling renewable technologies. Modules 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 further prepare for your career by working in partnership with professional bodies such as the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), to develop a portfolio for chartered engineer status. You'll combine this with professional skills development and career guidance to kick-start your professional network and maximise your employability in an engineering discipline.
You’ll also undertake an independent research project of your choice, embedded in one of our leading research groups. This is your opportunity to showcase technical lab skills, deepen your knowledge and contribute innovative ideas to the field of materials science.
Taught by world-leading researchers and supported by cutting-edge facilities, this course equips you with practical skills and knowledge highly sought after across a wide range of industries, preparing you to tackle the engineering challenges of the 21st century.
Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by the IOM3, meaning it counts towards later professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Optional industry placement and study abroad
Industry contact
Over many years, we have developed close relationships with businesses across a broad range of industry sectors. Therefore you'll have the opportunity to explore opportunities in pretty much any sector that interests you, through visits, placements and project work.
If you choose our MEng course, in your third year you will participate in our industrial training programme - two real-life projects defined by industry partners, giving you an insight into how businesses approach engineering problem solving.
You will also have the option of a year in industry between your third and fourth year, which provides practical experience of working in industry and puts your learning into context, to give you a head start in the careers market. If you opt for this, and successfully secure and complete a placement year, it will extend your course by a year and will be reflected as 'MEng Materials Science and Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year' at graduation.
Placement
This placement year, typically taken between your second and third academic years, provides invaluable practical experience of working in industry, putting your learning into context and giving you a significant head start in the job market.
If you choose this option and successfully secure and complete a placement, your course will extend by a year and your qualification will be reflected as 'MEng Materials Science and Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year' at graduation.
Study abroad
Modules
UCAS code: J500
Years: 2026, 2027
Core modules:
- Performance and Sustainability of Materials
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This module will introduce all the key material classes (ceramics, metals, polymers and composites), their mechanical and key properties, along with how they are processed and where they are used. This will then lead to materials selection, covering the use of Ashby diagrams, min-max methods etc to determine which materials to choose for certain applications based on key criteria. Alongside this, the module will add consideration of their full lifecycle into selection considerations. The production of all manufactured goods involves the use of materials and will have some environmental impact. Through specific materials-based examples this course will introduce students to the energy requirements of different processing routes and products along with some of the complex issues involved in the recycling and re-processing of materials and life-cycle analysis to understand environmental impact.
20 credits - Functional Materials and Applications
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This unit considers materials properties as the link between what is done to a material and how the material responds and hence discusses linking properties to devices and structures. Students will consider the challenges and issues with their application. Particular properties that will be the focus are:
20 credits
Magnetic Materials: Basics of magnetism; effect of magnetic fields on materials. Classification of magnetic materials (dia-, para-, ferro-, antiferro- and ferri-magnetic).Electrical Materials: Conductors, insulators, field gradient, resistivity. Insulators, semi-conductors, metals, mixed conductors and solid electrolytes.Optical Materials: Optical absorption and emission. Bulbs, fluorescent lamps and phosphors. Optical fibres for light, UV, IR. Transparent and translucent materials. - Thermodynamics and Mechanics of Materials
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The course will introduce students to the basic concepts of mechanical properties and how they arise and be controlled from the atomic and micro scales. The course will cover how atomic bonding dictates the elastic moduli of a material, along with how microstructure leads to other properties such as strength, toughness and ductility. Alongside this, the module will introduce the concepts of thermodynamics, such as work, heat, internal energy, specific heat, enthalpy, entropy and free energy. Students will extend this to cover phase diagrams and how materials mix, highlighting how different processing can lead to different phases of materials. Finally, all these concepts will be brought together to show how thermodynamics, processing and mechanical properties can be used to design the required properties of materials around us.
20 credits - Biology and Chemistry of Materials
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This module introduces the key concepts of chemistry and biology for materials scientists and engineers. This covers aspects of bonding, chemical and biological interactions. It will introduce how this leads to certain molecular shapes and crystal structures observed in materials.
20 credits - Mathematics for Materials Engineers
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This module will introduce core mathematical skills essential for materials engineers. Students will learn to use mathematics to solve particular problems appropriate for engineers and scientists and explore how the mathematics can be used to aid their understanding of the subject.
20 credits - Skills for Materials Engineers
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This module will introduce a core skill set for materials engineers. This will cover the concepts of data analysis, presentation and error. Students will learn basic programming skills. Students will also learn to use a key set of experimental methods and the health and safety around those processes. They will explore how to design and test materials.
20 credits
In your second year, you’ll strengthen your core knowledge of materials science while advancing your practical and professional skills. You’ll explore crystallography, characterisation techniques and the links between structure and properties, alongside the mechanisms that govern deformation and failure.
You’ll also study thermodynamics, kinetics and industrial processing to understand how materials are manufactured and how microstructure influences performance. Through functional and energy materials, you’ll examine electrical, magnetic and optical behaviour in modern technologies, while further developing your laboratory, computational and analytical skills as a materials engineer.
In your third year, you'll further develop your knowledge and specialist skills in cutting-edge materials science through core modules and undertake a research project.
- Industrial Finance and Management: You'll learn about quality management, financial decisions, and legal considerations crucial for engineering and operating in a professional engineering organisation.
- Advanced Materials and Degradation: You'll study the physical metallurgy of engineering metallic alloys, including how alloying affects their processing and performance, and explore their chemical and mechanical degradation, with a focus on understanding and predicting corrosion.
- You'll work directly on industrial problems in our introductory and advanced industrial training projects. This will provide experience of how industry approaches materials challenges and give you the opportunity to gain industrial experience and network within the materials sector.
You'll also have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your specific interests by choosing optional modules. These allow you to develop specialised expertise with current options including computational, metallurgy, composites, functional materials, biomaterials, manufacturing, nuclear engineering, materials modelling, and advanced characterisation methods.
In your fourth year you'll undertake a research project where you can apply all the skills and knowledge you've learnt through the degree. You’ll develop advanced research and analytical skills within a specialised area of your interest. As your own project you will develop a range of professional skills around project management and presentational skills
You'll also focus on your professional engineering development, building a portfolio for chartered status with the IOM3 (or equivalent body) and exploring employability and career progression in engineering.
You'll also have the opportunity to choose optional modules, allowing you to specialise further in areas such as nuclear reactor engineering, design and manufacture of composites, atomistic and mesoscale modelling, polymer processing, metallurgical processing, composite materials and micromechanics, energy systems and management, and nanomaterials process design.
ATAS applicants: copy module titles to clipboardThe 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 will inform students 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.
Our industrial training projects enable you to work in groups directly with leading materials companies. You will explore their challenges and develop solutions, giving you direct industry experience.
You'll gain further experience through the artefacts project, which allows you to examine how real materials are used in real products, allowing you to explore design and materials selection to appreciate commercial and industrial decision making.
In the individual final year research project, you will organise and conduct your own research, exploring the cutting edge of materials science with the latest equipment.
Throughout your course our world-class staff will help you to develop as a scientist and engineer.
Our academics are leading experts in their fields with international reputations, and their research shapes and inspires what you are taught. Combining this knowledge with industrial understanding means that what we teach you is relevant today and into the future.
Assessment
Assessment on this course is designed to evaluate both your theoretical understanding and practical skills. You will be assessed through a combination of exams, tests, coursework, and practical work. The balance of these assessment types will vary depending on the specific modules you choose, giving you opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience throughout your degree.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB, including two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry + A in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 36, with 6 in two of Higher Level Maths, Physics or Chemistry; 34, with 6,5 in two of Higher Level Maths, Physics or Chemistry and A in a science-based extended essay
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Engineering, Applied Science (including Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science and Physical Science streams) or Blacksmithing and Metalworking + A in A Level Maths
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
- T Level
- Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
- Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s
- AAABB + AA in two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- A + AA in two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (to include units in two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry), with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit
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GCSE Maths grade 6/B and 4/C in Physics and Chemistry (if not studied at A Level)
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB, including two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry + A in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 34, with 6,5 in two of Higher Level Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Engineering, Applied Science (including Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science and Physical Science streams) or Blacksmithing and Metalworking + B in A Level Maths
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
- T Level
- Distinction in either the Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing T Level, including grade A in the core component + A in A Level Maths
- Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s
- AABBB + AB in two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA in two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (to include units in two of Maths, Physics or Chemistry), with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
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GCSE Maths grade 6/B and 4/C in Physics and Chemistry (if not studied at A Level)
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
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
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.
At Sheffield I made lifelong friends and received a great education that has prepared me well for the work I currently do.
James Bromley
Materials Analyst within the Waste Innovation Unit at UKAEA,
MEng Materials Science and Engineering
Proper science means you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen. At first that can be a bit scary, but your experience will guide you through.
Chris Morris
MEng Materials Science with Nuclear Engineering Graduate,
Currently a member of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Nuclear Energy Futures
How my materials science and engineering degree led me to work with aerospace and biomedical superalloys
Annabel
Graduate,
Material Science and Engineering MEng
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Department statistics
1st in the UK for teaching, learning opportunities, and academic support in materials science
National Student Survey 2025
1st in the UK for student voice in Materials Technology
National Student Survey 2025
4th in the UK for materials technology
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
5th in the UK for material science and engineering (general engineering category)
The Guardian University Guide 2025
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 ground-breaking 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.
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 School of Chemical, Materials and Biological 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
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.
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.
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.
There are also social spaces, quiet study areas, and a cafe where you can take a well earned break from studying.
University rankings
A world top-100 university
QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)
Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)
National Student Survey 2025
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year for Student Experience
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2025 University Awards
20th in the UK targeted by the largest number of Top 100 Employers in 2025-26
High Fliers 2026
Student profiles
I am looking forward to diving deeper into the world of nuclear science, engineering and technology and am excited to see what the future holds
Kieran Ralston
Undergraduate student,
Materials Science with Nuclear Engineering
Opportunity for collaboration with other engineers teaches you about the way the industry operates.
Chloe Skidmore
Undergraduate student,
MEng Materials Science and Engineering
Giving me the tools to make a real difference in industry and research
Nabeeha Farooqui
Undergraduate student,
Metallurgy (MEng)
I loved every minute of my studies. I felt supported and was given the opportunity to really enjoy my degree and perform the best I could.
Latham Haigh
Postgraduate researcher ,
MEng Materials Science and Engineering (Research)
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
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.
Online events
Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.
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.
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.
Apply
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.