Materials Science and Engineering MEng

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.

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)

Modules

Modules for this course are to be confirmed.

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.

Entry requirements

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.

Why choose Sheffield?

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

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

Giving me the tools to make a real difference in industry and research

Nabeeha Farooqui Metallurgy (MEng)

Nabeeha came to Sheffield to study for her MEng in Metallurgy. She enjoys the varied and stimulating experience of studying elements from a broad range of science disciplines.

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.

At Sheffield I made lifelong friends and received a great education that has prepared me well for the work I currently do.

James Bromley MEng Materials Science and Engineering

I left Uni without a job lined up having turned down a position at the company I did my industry placement with. It was at the start of August 2018 that I got a call for interview at UKAEA and I started there as a contractor two weeks later. In early 2020 my position was made permanent. Throughout this time, I have been managing projects with growing confidence and levels of responsibility as I gain experience within the role.

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 Currently a member of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Nuclear Energy Futures

Chris studied Materials Science with Nuclear Engineering and has gone on to join the Centre for Doctoral Training in Nuclear Energy Futures.

Industry contact

Fees and funding

Fees

Additional funding

Visit us

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.

Contact us

Telephone: +44 114 222 5467
Email: l.c.mason@sheffield.ac.uk