Materials Science and Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year BEng

Course description

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.

With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

• Standard offer
• Access Sheffield offer

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.

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

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.