Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng

Course description

Shape the future of engineering by mastering the science of materials, solving real-world challenges, and driving innovation in industries that matter.

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 automatically progress onto year 1 the BEng Materials Science and Engineering degree.

The foundation year is designed to prepare you for your degree. You’ll study core topics such as mathematics and an introduction to engineering, gaining hands-on experience through laboratory work and lab reports. You’ll also complete a project relevant to your chosen degree programme, ensuring you are fully prepared to succeed in your first year and build confidence in both learning and practical application.

On this course, you’ll explore how materials science underpins the innovations driving modern engineering. Designed with your future in mind, the course links theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to equip you for success in dynamic industries like aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

From day one, you’ll focus on real-world applications. In the first two years, you’ll build a strong foundation in materials properties, sustainability, and engineering processes. Group projects will challenge you to solve practical engineering problems while developing essential skills like project management, communication, and technical problem-solving, qualities highly valued by employers.

Sustainability is a core theme, integrated into every module. You’ll explore how materials science contributes to a greener world by reducing resource dependency, advancing energy efficient processes, and supporting renewable technologies. Topics 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 have the opportunity to choose the specialist modules that interest you, from metallurgy to functional materials, composites, biomaterials, nuclear materials and everything in between. Your independent research project will be a chance to showcase your technical skills and push the boundaries of engineering innovation.

You’ll learn from world-leading researchers and have access to cutting-edge facilities, preparing you to meet the engineering challenges of the 21st century. This course equips you with practical skills and knowledge valued by employers, preparing you for diverse roles across a wide range of sectors.

Modules

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

Title: Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng course structure
UCAS code: J509
Years: 2026

Foundation year Year 1 onwards

Foundation year

Core Modules:

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

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

Optional Modules. You must choose one of the following:

Elements of Physics with Computing

Students will study forces, motion and energy in 1 and 2 dimensions. This will be applied in a programming context to develop logic and arithmetic operations, understanding of the stages of software development, memory allocation, data structures and testing. Students will then study electricity and magnetism, voltage, current and simple devices applied to the programming of a microcontroller, developing understanding of power supplies, digital and analogue I/O, and simple devices such as switches and LEDs.

20 credits

Elements of Physics

This module 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 Foundations of Physics, 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 this module teaches no practical Physics, it is complemented by laboratory components of the 40 credit foundation year module Introduction to Engineering.

20 credits

Optional Modules. You must choose one of the following:

Core Foundation Mathematics

The syllabus for MPS002 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

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

Learning and assessment

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

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; 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 (including Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science and Physical Science streams) + 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 the relevant 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 the 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 at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at A Level (or equivalent), there are no additional GCSE requirements. If studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE Science grade 6/B (or 65 in GCSE Double Award Science) and Maths grade 7/A

• Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing

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.

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

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 groundbreaking 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.

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.

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.

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

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

University rankings

Student profiles

I really enjoyed the artifacts project as it gave us the opportunity to conduct our own research and present the findings at the end.

Christine Thorogood

Undergraduate student,
BEng Materials Science and Engineering

Fees and funding

Fees

Optional industry placement and study abroad

Placement 

You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three-year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year. 

A placement year will help you to

• gain an insight into possible careers
• develop a range of transferable skills
• build a professional network
• get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
• add valuable work experience to your CV
• gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
• apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

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 'BEng Materials Science and Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year' at graduation.

Study abroad

Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget. 

You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

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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.

Apply

Contact us

Science and Engineering Foundation Year