Everything you need to know...
Course summary
- Understand the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials.
- Learn how to develop new or improved materials using advanced processing methods.
- Study the critical links between designing and creating new products, processes and structures.
There is always demand for new and improved engineering materials and this course gives you the skills to develop these materials using advanced processing methods.
How you learn
This course allows you to study part-time at the University and do one work-based learning module in your workplace each year. Your employer must agree to give you the time and technical support you need to do this work during the working week.
The course provides you with a sound knowledge of a wide range of metallic, ceramic, polymeric and composite materials.
After successfully completing this foundation degree, you can apply for two more years of part-time study to gain a BEng (Honours) Materials Engineering.
Course leaders and tutors

Professor Paul Bingham
Professor of Glasses and CeramicsProf. Paul Bingham is a Professor of Glasses and Ceramics. He is part of a strong research group working primarily in the field of glasses and ceramics at the Materi … Read more
Applied learning
Applied learning is the ethos at the heart of all Sheffield Hallam courses, meaning that you are given the opportunity to put your study into practice.
You'll be taught by professionals who are active in their field - so you'll get cutting edge, industry focused knowledge of your subject. You'll gain real-world skills through placements, workshops and live projects, often getting the opportunity to work with big global brands.
Work experience is also embedded into every year of the course, so you polish your workplace skills alongside building a solid knowledge of your subject. Applied learning means that when you do start work, you can dive in and make things happen.

Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- materials engineering
- process management and control
- quality assurance
- research and development
- design
- technical liaison
- sales
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for industries such as
- energy
- aerospace
- electronics
- defence
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of online lessons and face-to-face teaching with access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
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Entry requirements
All students
Normally five GCSE passes at grade C or Grade 4 or above including mathematics, science and English language plus,
• BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in a science or technology-based subject, including passes in mathematics and two other science or technology-based modules
Or
• At least two A levels, to include mathematics or other acceptable mathematics-based subject, plus at least one other from physics, physical science, engineering science, computer science, technology, chemistry or other science or technology subject. We accept AS levels. We accept General Studies.
The course leader and admissions tutor consider mature candidates, with other non-standard qualifications, individually on merit. The main requirement is that you have the ability and commitment to progress satisfactorily on 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.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, contact our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Year 1
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Applied Engineering Mathematics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Materials Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Personal And Professional Development (P.P.D.) - Investigative Project | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Principles Of Solid Mechanics And Dynamics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 2
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Materials And Manufacturing Engineering | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Maths For Materials And Design | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Mechanical Engineering Design And C.A.D. | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Professional Practice (W.B.L.) Mmd | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Chemical And Thermodynamic Properties Of Materials | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Engineering Ceramics And Polymers | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Engineering Metallurgy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Personal And Professional Development (P.P.D.) - Investigative Project 2 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2021/22 is £6,170 per year (based on studying 80 credits per year).
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Engineering courses (PDF)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
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