CBE students in Pilot Plant

Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

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    You are viewing this course for 2023-24 entry. 2024-25 entry is also available.

    Key details

    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 can start the MEng degree.

    Our graduates work across all fields of chemical engineering, including biological and pharmaceutical engineering and are and are well-equipped for a future in digital manufacturing.

    You'll learn about the design of processes and products that produce, transform or transport materials and energy. We'll develop your technical, research and problem-solving skills to give you the best start for a career in the sector of your choice.

    We give significant emphasis to learning through practical experience. You'll develop practical skills and build up experience through lab work, projects and open-ended problem solving.

    Our pilot plant gives you the chance to apply what you learn in lectures and labs on larger scale process equipment through hands-on experimentation. This unique facility is designed to prepare you for the challenges of industry.

    In your third year you'll take part in a process design project, which will give you the design skills you need to succeed as a chemical engineer.

    In your fourth year you'll carry out an independent research project under the supervision of one of our academic staff, and specialise in an area that interests you.

    The BEng and MEng are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

    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: Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng or BEng course structure
    UCAS code: H801
    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. 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

    Learning

    Our teaching puts engineering practice at its core with integrated laboratory activities, computer modelling and simulations, and hands-on activities in our state-of-the art pilot plant all supporting your lectures and tutorials.

    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

    We're an international department with 45% of our academic teaching staff coming from overseas, giving our course content truly international relevance. Many of our staff have key links with major industry including AstraZenca, Shell, BOC, Process Systems Enterprise and MedImmune.

    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 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) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in either Physics, Chemistry or Biology at A Level + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B

    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 Levels); 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

    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 department.

    Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Chemical engineers conceive and design processes to produce, transform and transport materials - beginning with experimentation in the laboratory followed by implementation of the technology in full-scale production.

    We combine intensive teaching with practical experience to produce the kind of graduates employers want.

    All our non-foundation year courses are accredited by the IChemE, putting you on the path to chartership.

    You'll be taught in the Diamond, one of the very best teaching spaces in the UK. This unique facility will provide you with a safe environment in which you'll apply your learning from lectures, tutorials and labs on larger scale process equipment through hands-on experimentation.

    Facilities

    The Diamond Pilot Plant (DiPP) is the cornerstone for educating the Sheffield chemical engineer. The plant has three cutting edge integrated manufacturing processes at a pilot scale. Its software and products are sponsored by major industrial companies including, GEA, Solaris Biotech and NiTech and is also used to up-skill employees of UK companies.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      A top 100 university
    QS World University Rankings 2023

      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 2022

      No 1 Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      A top 10 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2022, High Fliers report


    Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Top five in the UK for student satisfaction

    National Student Survey 2022

    Second in the Russell Group for student satisfaction

    National Student Survey 2022

    Graduate careers

    Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

    Our graduates work in sectors including chemicals, consumer goods, oil and gas, consultancy, pharmaceuticals, energy, water, food and drink, materials, process plant and equipment, biotechnology and the nuclear industry.

    We produce chemical engineers equipped to work in industrial teams designing and operating new processes. Our recent graduates are working for global companies including BASF, Cargill, Johnson Matthey, GlaxoSmithKline, BOC, Shell, EDF, Total Lindsey and Sellafield.

    Lucy Sherbrun

    Take advantage of everything the University and department have to offer

    Lucy Sherburn MEng Chemical Engineering

    Lucy received a global scholarship and attended a semester in South Korea and she spent her third year in the University of Pittsburgh. She is now a graduate engineer at the UK's leading heat network consultancy.

    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

    Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering scholarships

    Visit us

    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 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 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

    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