Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

2025-26 entry
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Explore power systems, power electronics, digital electronics, circuits and devices, electrical machines and drives. Your study covers theoretical and practical aspects across the range of electronic and electrical engineering. Once you’ve successfully completed the foundation year, you can start your main degree.

Key details

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    Course description

    Why study this course?

    UK top 5 for electrical and electronic engineering

    As rated by The Guardian University Guide, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

    Specialist teaching facilities

    'Learning by doing' is the reason The Diamond was built. Dedicated to engineering, this state-of-the-art electronics laboratory and semiconductor cleanroom is where you’ll apply the theory you learn in lectures – consolidating your understanding alongside students from other disciplines, and beyond the bounds of the curriculum.

    Total flexibility

    As an undergraduate, you can change from this course to electronics and computer engineering at the end of year one. You can also choose a stream within the EEE programme by the end of year two, change course between MEng and BEng by the end of year three – along with the option to complete an industrial placement year.

    World-leading researchers

    Our academics tackle major scientific and technological challenges that have a positive impact on the world, ranging from improving the flow of data via wireless communications, renewable energy production and storage, improved efficiency and accuracy of manufacturing and the electrification of transport. Their research, which has been rated as internationally excellent, is what informs the content of your course.

    Industrial placement year

    You have the option to either study abroad for a year or spend a year working in industry, gaining real-world experience and connections. Links with partners such as Siemens Gamesa and Rolls-Royce make Sheffield the right choice if you want to do a placement year – and mean we have world-famous companies joining us on campus for employability fairs and networking sessions.

    EEE Electronics and Control lab in The Diamond

    Learn about the design, fabrication and use of the devices and systems that make modern life possible, with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering.

    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 can start a BEng or MEng degree.

    Electrical machines like those in wind turbines powering systems such as the National Grid; devices from LEDs and lasers to microprocessors and computers; communication systems like 5G mobile networks, all make the world go round.

    In this three-year course, you’ll explore the theoretical and practical engineering of these devices and systems, across a wide range of core and optional modules.

    Practical experience is key to our teaching. As a first-year you’ll take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge to solve a real-world problem. In your second year, you’ll work on a week-long project, Engineering You’re Hired, devised by one of our industry partners – and get the chance to work with an engineering company through the semester-long Sheffield Industrial Project Scheme.

    At the end of your second year you can choose to specialise or continue with the more general electrical and electronic engineering, which is our most popular course.

    The degree streams that you can choose from are:

    • electrical engineering
    • electronic engineering
    • electronic and communications engineering
    • electrical and electronic engineering

    This wide ranging and exciting degree leads you to a final year individual design project, where you’re encouraged to investigate a subject that interests you, supervised by an academic. Because we focus on developing employability right from the start, 97.3% of our students go onto graduate-level work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).

    Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully 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: Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng or BEng
    UCAS code: H602
    Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
    Foundation year

    Core modules:

    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
    Further Foundation Mathematics

    The syllabus for MAS004 covers important material which appears on the A level maths and further mathematics A Level curriculum. The module is for students who are taking MAS003 and need a deeper background in mathematics for their degree course. The module covers advanced principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the problem classes with tutors and in their own time.

    10 credits

    Optional modules (take one from this group):

    Foundations of Physics with Computing

    Students will study forces, motion and energy in 1 and 2 dimensions, in linear and circular motion. 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. An understanding of physical limitations such as noise, processing speed and memory.

    30 credits
    Foundations of Physics

    PHY009 provides students with the foundations of Physics required to enter the first year of a regular Physics or other scientific degree course, or an engineering course where detailed knowledge of Physics is needed.

    Understanding will be developed in 3 lectures per week over a full academic year. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures. The following topics will be covered: Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism; Thermal Physics; Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter; Atomic and Nuclear Physics.

    As PHY009 teaches no practical Physics, this module is complemented by the 10 credit laboratory module FCE002 for most science foundation year students (except for foundation year students leading to a Mathematics undergraduate programme) or FCE001 for engineering foundation year students.

    The greatest advances in technology have taken place in the last hundred years. In 1897 few would have imagined that the probing of materials at the atomic level would reveal so much. These early discoveries of atomic constituents and their structure would pave the way for semi-conductor electronics, develop key concepts in physical laws, and offer a replacement energy source for fossil fuels in the form of nuclear power. This course summarises key discoveries in early particle physics and combines historical background with the detailed physics understanding needed to fully appreciate the subject.

    These full modules aim to provide a sound foundation in Physics in preparation for Level 1 Physics modules. It introduces (i) Properties of Matter, (ii) Oscillations, waves and optics and (iii) Atomic and Nuclear Physics. (i) Properties of Matter discusses structural, mechanical and electrical properties in terms of simple models. (ii) treats vibration and waves introducing the concepts of wavelength, frequency and wave speed. (iii) discusses the physics of the atom, including historical aspects, the electron, the photo-electric effect, Bohr's atomic model, nuclear structure and radioactivity.

    30 credits

    Optional modules (take one from this group):

    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
    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.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practical labs and tutorials as well as independent study that is supported by problem classes.

    In your first and second year all your labs will be held in the Diamond where you will use industry grade equipment and have lab sessions in the dedicated teaching clean room.

    In your third year you will carry out your own research project, supervised by an academic. In your final year, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team on a research project led by an academic with industry input.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 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

    Our teaching is informed by the research that our department is involved with. This results in learning by a combination of theory and hands on practical lab sessions in our state of the art facilities with courses that are accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

    Assessment

    You will be assessed using a mixture of exams/tests, coursework and practical sessions.

    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 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 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 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; Building Services Engineering for Construction; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing

    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

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Graduate careers

    School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

    Typical graduate job titles include cybersecurity consultant, design engineer, energy engineering consultant, system engineer, electrical engineer, technology analyst, nuclear controls engineer, software engineer and electronics field engineer.

    Employers of graduates include ARM, ARUP, BAE Systems, Barclays, Deloitte, Jaguar, Nissan, National Grid, National Instruments, Renault, Rolls Royce, Shell, Siemens, Unilever and Volvo.

    School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

    Top 10 in the UK for Electronic and Electrical Engineering

    QS World University Rankings 2021

    MBE cluster tool used for fabrication by the National Epitaxy Facility

    We have been at the forefront of research and teaching within the field of electronic and electrical engineering for over a century. In that time the use of electronics has become mainstream requiring challenges to be overcome to provide solutions for everyday needs.

    Our students learn from academic experts who have strong links with partners in industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratories allow you to get hands on with equipment used in industry as preparation for your career.

    Our wide range of MEng and BEng undergraduate degree programmes provide you with a robust understanding of the principles of electronic and electrical engineering. We offer a common start to all our degrees which offers you the flexibility to change courses at the end of your first year if you wish to focus on certain areas of interest.

    All of first year students take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge, working with students from other engineering disciplines to solve a real-world problem. In your third year, you will work on your own research project supervised by an academic.

    All our courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. A four-year MEng meets all the academic standards for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. If you take our three-year BEng, you'll need to complete some further learning to satisfy the requirements.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    University rankings

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      University of the Year and best for Student Life
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for Students' Union
    StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report

      A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

    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.

    Further information

    Industrial experience

    Second-year students have the chance to work on real industrial problems through the pioneering Sheffield Industrial Project Scheme. You can apply your knowledge to engineering problems at level three with a major project in direct collaboration with an academic supervisor from one of our research groups. An industrial placement, either during the vacation or as a year out, will complement your studies. The University's Careers Service can advise you how to find these, or you may have an arrangement with a sponsor.

    Sponsorship

    Many of our undergraduates are sponsored in some way, often by their employers. We can arrange either deferred entry or a year out during the course if required.

    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.

    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

    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

    2025-2026

    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.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    Explore power systems, power electronics, digital electronics, circuits and devices, electrical machines and drives. Your study covers theoretical and practical aspects across the range of electronic and electrical engineering. Once you’ve successfully completed the foundation year, you can start your main degree.

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