Materials Science Engineering with a Foundation Year

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, which has modules in mathematics, physics and chemistry, you can start the BEng or MEng degree.

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

After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start the BEng or MEng degree.

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.

Why study this course?

• Artefacts project - bridging theory and practice, this project empowers you to explore the use of different materials in commercial products in an open-ended group project.

• Links with industry - our Industrial Advisory Board provides a link between your studies and the professional world, ensuring we teach you the skills in demand from industry.

• Practical training - you’ll be using industry standard equipment – making, testing and characterising different materials in our bespoke labs.

• Research led - embedded in one of the research teams, you'll take part in academic research or an industry-led collaboration – working at the cutting edge of materials science and engineering.

• Specialist teaching facilities - 'Learning by doing' is the reason The Diamond was built. Dedicated to engineering, you’ll apply the theory you learn in lectures and during lab classes – consolidating your understanding alongside students from other disciplines, and beyond the bounds of the curriculum.