Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

Course description

Discover the principles of materials science and engineering, and how these are applied across the whole field of engineering.

For the first two years of your Materials Science and Engineering BEng at Sheffield, you'll focus on developing your fundamental understanding of the field, in both theory and in the hands-on practical way expected of materials engineers.

Group projects will see you take on complex real-world problems – applying your engineering knowledge while developing the transferable skills like communication, team working and project management sought after by employers.

From courses on materials properties to materials sustainability, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to meet the challenges of the 21st century – and to provide real and lasting solutions.

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. Other core modules will also give you detailed industrial knowledge like computational modelling techniques, quality management and understanding financial and legal risks.

As part of the course, you’ll also complete an independent research project. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your technical lab skills and consolidate your learning by driving the field in new directions.

Modules

Title: Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng or BEng course structure
UCAS code: J501
Years: 2022, 2023, 2024

Foundation year Year 1 onwards

Foundation year

Semester 1 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

Full Academic 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

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

Optional 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

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

You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work. The proportions for each will vary depending on the modules you choose.

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

Routes for mature students

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; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing

Graduate careers

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological 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 (including basic programming and modelling skills)
• time management, planning and organisation
• research and scientific communication (speaking and report writing)
• team and group working

Our courses are designed to include a significant portion of practical work, allowing you 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.

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

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, and 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.

Teaching in the Department of Materials Science and 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

Fees and funding

Fees

Additional funding

Visit

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

Telephone

+44 114 222 7870

Email

sefy@sheffield.ac.uk

Science and Engineering Foundation Year