Extended Degree Programme Engineering and Mathematics

(preparatory year)

UCAS code

HG11

Attendance

Full-time

First year of a full-time four year degree (or five years with one year work placement)

At a glance

This course is for people that want to study engineering or mathematics but do not have the usual A-level or equivalent mathematics qualification.

Key points
• Gain an understanding of mathematics and engineering principles.
• If you complete this course successfully, you can progress onto a degree course.
• As well as maths and engineering you may also apply for maths teacher training courses.
• You can claim normal student support from your local education authority.

About this course

If you do not have the usual A level or equivalent qualifications, successfully completing this one year course allows you to continue on to an engineering or mathematics degree.

It is ideal for mature students who have been out of education for some time, or do not have relevant qualifications, and school leavers with A levels or equivalent qualifications that do not include mathematics.

You study mathematics, basic engineering principles and associated subjects including
• engineering science – mechanical, electrical and electronic
• materials
• professional skills
• practical applications of engineering or mathematics

You are taught and assessed using techniques that are used on the degree courses, such as assignments, lab exercises, individual and group presentations and formal examinations. This helps you to prepare for the transition to a degree course.

Teaching methods include classes in small tutor groups, large lectures with all students together and practical investigations. 

If you successfully complete this year, you can move on to a place on one of our specialised engineering degrees or on the BSc (Honours) Mathematics degree.

Engineering degrees include • aerospace • mechanical engineering • electrical and electronic engineering • materials engineering • automotive studies • energy engineering • computer and network engineering • product design • sport technology.

This course can also lead to acceptance on to our BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Mathematics with Qualified Teacher Status, subject to relevant work experience and successful interview.

You follow the preparatory year with three or four years of academic study on your chosen degree, plus an optional one year industrial training placement. Details of the placement are in the course entry for individual degree courses.

As the preparatory year is part of an engineering or mathematics degree, you can claim the normal student support from your local education authority.

We teach this course in partnership with Sheffield College. The majority of teaching takes place at our City Campus, with some teaching at Sheffield College.

Key areas of study
Includes • mathematics • mechanical engineering principles • materials science • electrical and electronic principles • professional skills.

Associated careers

This year prepares you for a range of engineering degree courses that develop your personal and specialist skills, which you can apply to engineering and technology associated industries.

Our mathematics graduates have gone on to various careers including working as researchers here at Sheffield Hallam, as well as at Loughborough and Sheffield Universities, researching areas such as • wound healing • black holes • fluid flow.

You can also go into more general employment using your analytical and numerical skills.

Course content

Core modules

• foundation mathematics 1 • fundamental engineering principles • materials science • electrical and electronic principles • professional skills

Options

One from • mathematics workshop 3 • engineering investigations.

One from • foundation mathematics 2 (for progression onto any engineering or mathematics degree, subject to achievement)
• engineering design technology (for progression onto the engineering BSc degrees only)

Assessment

• coursework • mathematical investigations • short tests • project • group work • examinations

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Normally five GCSE passes at grade C or above including mathematics, science and English language, plus 160 points from GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications.

We may also accept you, if you have no formal qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying mathematics.

We treat the foundation year as part of the mathematical sciences degree programme. Offers made to students will be for four years of study (or five years of study including a placement). This is made up of the foundation year plus one of our mathematical science degrees.

UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

2013 entry requirements

Normally five GCSE passes at grade C or above including mathematics, science and English language, plus 100 points from GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications.

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk