Course summary

In our core undergraduate degree, you'll discover the underlying principles of materials science, and how these are applied across materials engineering situations. You can keep your course general or tailor your degree in later years with optional materials modules. Discover the principles of materials science and engineering, and how these are applied across the whole field of engineering. Put your learning into practice with the opportunity to work in industry for a year. 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. Between your penultimate and final year you'll undertake an industrial placement year - applying your knowledge to the workplace. Gaining valuable work experience will give you an advantage when looking for graduate jobs. 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?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.