Program Overview
The University of Sheffield's Materials Science and Engineering MEng is a four-year program that emphasizes a balance between research and industry experience. It provides a comprehensive understanding of materials science and their application in engineering situations, with opportunities for industrial placements and research projects. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Materials Science and Engineering MEng is a four-year undergraduate degree program offered by the University of Sheffield. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of materials science and their application in engineering situations. The program emphasizes a balance between research and industrial experience, offering opportunities to explore both career paths.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Develop a fundamental understanding of materials science and engineering principles.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to address challenging problems in the 21st century.
- Foster communication and management skills, including presenting, writing, and project organization.
- Provide practical experience through individual and group project work.
- Engage students with external partners through industrial training programs.
- Encourage independent research through a self-chosen project.
Description:
The program focuses on developing a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, covering topics such as:
- Materials properties (magnetic, electrical, optical)
- Biomaterials
- Materials chemistry
- Thermodynamics and kinetics
- Mechanical properties and structural materials
- Nanoscience and nanomaterials
- Sustainability and the materials lifecycle Students can tailor their degree by choosing optional modules in areas of interest. The program also includes opportunities for industrial placements and research projects, allowing students to gain practical experience and build valuable connections.
Outline:
The program is structured over four years, with a focus on core modules in the first two years and optional modules in the later years. The program offers two streams: Industrial and Research.
Year 1:
- Core Modules:
- Global Engineering Challenge Week
- Mathematics (Materials)
- Introduction to Materials Properties
- Biomaterials I
- Introduction to Materials Chemistry
- Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Phase Diagrams
- Introduction to Mechanical Properties and Structural Materials
- Digital Skills for Materials
- Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanomaterials
- Sustainability and the Materials Lifecycle
Year 2:
- Core Modules:
- Engineering - You're Hired
- Mathematics II (Materials)
- Structure of Solid Materials
- Deformation and Failure of Materials
- Functional Materials
- Industrial Materials Processing
- Microstructure and Thermodynamics of Materials
- Materials Selection and Fracture Mechanics
- Heat Transfer and Diffusion
- Optional Modules:
- Biomaterials II
- Biology and Chemistry of Living Systems II
- Materials and Energy
- Perspectives in Materials Research
- Materials Development Group Project
Year 3 (Industrial Stream):
- Core Modules:
- Industrial Placement: Part 1
- Industrial Training Programme: Nuclear Materials
- Engineering Alloys
- Advanced Materials Manufacturing
- Industrial Training Programme: Inorganic Materials
- Surface Degradation and Protection
- Introduction to Finite Element Modelling
- Optional Modules (1 from 2):
- Advanced Ceramics
- Nuclear Science, Engineering and Technology
Year 3 (Research Stream):
- Core Modules:
- Scientific Writing
- Mini Guided Project
- Optional Modules Block 1 (4 from 5):
- Composite Materials and Micromechanics
- Metals
- Surface Degradation and Protection
- Nuclear Science, Engineering and Technology
- Optional Modules Block 2 (3 from 4):
- Advanced Functional Materials
- Advanced Ceramics
- Advanced Materials Manufacturing
- Introduction to Finite Element Modelling
Year 4 (Industrial Stream):
- Core Modules:
- Research Project & Literature Review
- Industrial Placement: Part 2
- Industrial Training Programme: Metals Processing
- Optional Modules (3 from 9):
- Nuclear Reactor Engineering
- Glasses and Cements
- Metallurgical Processing
- Atomistic and Mesoscale Modelling of Materials
- Design and Manufacture of Composites
- Polymer Processing
- Composite Materials and Micromechanics
- Nanostructures and Nano-structuring
- Advanced Nuclear Systems
Year 4 (Research Stream):
- Core Modules:
- Materials Outreach
- Extended Research Project
- Optional Modules (2 from 7):
- Glasses and Cements
- Metallurgical Processing
- Atomistic and Mesoscale Modelling of Materials
- Design and Manufacture of Composites
- Polymer Processing
- Nanostructures and Nano-structuring
- Advanced Nuclear Systems
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a combination of exams, coursework, and practical work. The specific assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the module.
Teaching:
Teaching methods include lectures, labs, tutorials, and problem classes. The program emphasizes a "learn by doing" approach, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment.
Careers:
Graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering MEng program are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Healthcare
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Research and development The program provides students with the skills and experience needed to tackle society's most pressing materials challenges.
Other:
- The program is fully accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).
- The program is taught in The Diamond, the University's dedicated engineering teaching facility, and the Sir Robert Hadfield Building.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art multidisciplinary engineering laboratories, including the materials lab, electronics lab, and clean room.
- The University of Sheffield is ranked highly in national and international rankings, including:
- 1st in the Russell Group for student voice (National Student Survey 2023)
- 5th in the UK for materials technology (Complete University Guide 2024)
- 92% of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- Top 50 in the most international universities rankings (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
- Number one Students' Union in the UK (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017)
- Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies (StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards)
- A top 20 university targeted by employers (The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report)
£9,250Home students 2024 annual tuition fee £29,110Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee
