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Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year

Course details
  • MEng (Hon)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-time
  • 29/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

If you don't have appropriate qualifications in maths or science, this course is for you: the foundation year provides you with a concentrated course of maths, chemistry or physics, and engineering. On successful completion, you move straight into the first year of either our BEng or MEng degree course.

Sustainable manufacturing, clean energy, and innovative healthcare are just a few of the pressing challenges that need the creativity and expertise of chemical engineers..

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.

At Sheffield, we’ll equip you with the skills to tackle global challenges and make a real impact in industries shaping the future.

A chemical engineering degree from Sheffield opens the door to a diverse and rewarding career in industries that shape our world.

We emphasise learning through practical experience. That means lab work, projects and open-ended problem-solving. And our state-of-the-art pilot plant gives you the chance to apply what you learn by experimenting with large-scale process equipment. In fact, hands-on experience of using industry standard equipment is integrated throughout the course.

Chemical engineering is rapidly evolving, and we’ll make sure you’re ahead of the curve. You’ll gain essential skills for an increasingly digital manufacturing world, including advanced computer modelling techniques. These skills are critical for future-proofing your career in a tech-driven, sustainable economy.

You’ll have the opportunity to study abroad or take part in a year-long industry placement. Both options offer a chance to gain real-world experience and build valuable international and industry connections that will help you stand out when you graduate.

In your third year, you’ll take on a design project, where you’ll create a real-world process from start to finish, replicating the work of chemical engineers in the industry. This comprehensive, hands-on project will integrate everything you’ve learned preparing you for your first step into the industry.

The Chemical Engineering BEng is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. The Chemical Engineering MEng fully meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Why study this course?

  • Support throughout your degree: Your wellbeing is a high priority to us and we offer a range of support services, including dedicated student welfare advisors, academic assistance, career guidance, and mental health support, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed and thrive.

  • World-class facilities, practical training: Gain invaluable experience using industrial-scale equipment in energy, pharmaceutical, and biological engineering. The Diamond Pilot Plant, featuring the UK's first university powder processing line, mirrors the systems and processes used in industry, ensuring you graduate with real-world skills that employers value.

  • Prepare for a sustainable future: Sustainability is at the core of our course, equipping you to address global challenges like climate change and resource management. Learn how chemical engineers lead the transition to green energy, reduce emissions, and create sustainable processes.

  • Learn from experts in the field: You’ll be taught by academics who are at the forefront of their fields, contributing to cutting-edge research that shapes the future of chemical engineering. From energy systems to advanced materials, you’ll benefit from their expertise and industry connections.

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
H801
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

BBB - BBC
BBB (any A Level); BBC including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDD
in Engineering or Applied Science + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A

Access to HE Diploma

D: 24 credits M: 21 credits P: 0 credits
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

Scottish Higher

AABBB - ABBBB
AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

31 - 32 points
32 (any subjects); 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at either Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

B
+ BB at A Level (any subjects): B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology at A Level

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3
H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 (any subjects); H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

GCSE/National 4/National 5

If you are studying both Maths and a science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology) at A Level or equivalent, we have no additional GCSE requirements. If you are studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A.

To find out if you're eligible for additional consideration or an alternative offer, visit: ww.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/access-sheffield

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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

English language requirements for undergraduates https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/english-language

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The entry grades data only represents a proportion of our cohort. We accept a broad range of qualifications on our degrees and we're committed to ensuring all students with the potential to succeed at Sheffield are informed and feel encouraged to apply. If you meet one or more of our Access Sheffield criteria, we may be able to give your application additional consideration when we receive it and when exam results are released.

Learn more on the University of Sheffield website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
International£30570Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

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. Further guidance can be found here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-costs

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