
Materials Science and Engineering MEng
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Explore this course:
You are viewing this course for 2023-24 entry. 2022-23 entry is also available.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code J500
- 4 years
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
Course description

In our core undergraduate degree, you'll discover the underlying principles of materials science, and how these are applied across materials engineering situations. You can keep your course general or tailor your degree in later years with optional materials modules.
As well as lectures and tutorials, you'll learn through experiencing real-world engineering situations with extensive practical work in important manufacturing processes and using the latest investigative equipment. You will also have the opportunity to interact with industry and gain valuable experience of the workplace.
It is possible to switch between the BEng and MEng (based on performance on the exams in the course) at the end of the second year.
On the MEng degree you can choose to interact directly with industry via an industrial placement and industrial focussed projects or undertake an extended research project embedded in one of our leading research groups.
This course is fully accredited by the IOM3, meaning it counts towards later professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Modules
Modules for this course are to be confirmed.
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 Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn.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
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.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work throughout your degree. 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.
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, Phyics or Chemistry
A Levels + additional qualifications 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
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
BTEC Diploma DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AAAAB + 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 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
Other requirements-
Native Language A Levels are not accepted
-
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, Phyics or Chemistry
A Levels + additional qualifications 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 or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
BTEC Diploma DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AAABB + 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 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
Other requirements-
Native Language A Levels are not accepted
-
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 department.
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, 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.
Department of Materials Science and Engineering are 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 research grade 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 and a cafe where you can take a well earned break from studying.
Department of Materials Science and EngineeringWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A top 100 university 2022
QS World University Rankings
92 per cent of our research is rated in the highest two categories
Research Excellence Framework 2021
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Complete University Guide 2022
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
- time management, planning and organisation
- research and report writing
- team working
- numerical skills
Our courses are designed to include a significant portion of practical work, allowing students 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.
Over the past five years, more than 90% of Sheffield materials graduates had secured employment or were in further study, six months after graduation.
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 Sheffied materials graduate you'll be in demand.
Industry contact
Over many years, we have developed close relationships with businesses across a broad range of industry sectors. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to explore opportunities in pretty much any sector that interests you through visits, placements and project work.
If you choose one of our MEng courses, in your third and fourth years you participate in our Industrial Training Programmes - three real-life projects defined by industry partners giving you an insight into how businesses approach engineering problem solving. Students selecting the research route undertake research projects instead of the Industrial Training programme.
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.
Additional funding
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 made an application 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
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 5467
Email: l.c.mason@sheffield.ac.uk
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.