Materials science technologist

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Important notice

The structure for this course is currently being reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment are all likely to change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Once the changes have been confirmed, updated module information will be published on this page.

Materials science technologist

Level 6 degree apprenticeship
Studying BEng (Honours) Materials Technology

Gain an understanding of materials engineering across numerous sectors and progress as a materials science technologist

About the apprenticeship

Course length: typically 4 years, part-time

Start date: September

Course level: Level 6

University award: BEng (Honours) Materials Technology

How much it costs: funded through the employer

Course summary

  • Learn the underlying principles of materials engineering and gain the skills to develop new materials such as body armour for defence, materials for engine parts, battery design, dental work, bone replacement and prosthetics.
  • Supported by highly qualified staff, including many who have gone through the same journey as you and/or have in-depth industrial experience.
  • Study in an environment with state-of-the-art labs and teaching facilities with leading edge technology.

Materials science technologists are at the forefront of materials innovation across sectors including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, defence, and energy. They support activities ranging from novel product development, performance testing and quality control, failure diagnosis, and production process design.

This course meets the materials science technologist apprenticeship standard.

How you learn

The apprenticeship is suitable for both existing staff looking to advance their current qualifications to degree level, and people new to the sector looking to start their engineering career.

The programme is delivered part-time and combines work-based learning with academic study, meaning apprentices can apply their knowledge directly to the workplace, with their impact growing in value as they progress.

You learn through:

  • part-time study at Sheffield Hallam
  • workplace learning
  • coursework
  • portfolio work
  • end point assessment

You will progress through the course following successful achievement of assessments, which address the learning outcomes for each module and allow you to complete the course.

Campus facilities

You'll study at our City Campus, based in our state-of-the-art lab and teaching facilities and you’ll use cutting edge technology.

Entry requirements

Throughout the course, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours at university. They can be existing employees looking to develop their careers, or new applicants to the business.

Applicants must:

  • be over 18
  • not be in full time education
  • have the right to abode in the UK
  • meet the course entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent)

GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English language at grade C or grade 4, or above.

If you don't have this yet, you'll need to achieve this level before you take your end-point assessment.

UCAS points and college grades

112 UCAS points including at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC. National qualifications to include mathematics or a mathematics-based subject to at least AS level. For example:

  • BBC at A Level including mathematics or a mathematics-based subject plus at least one other from physics, physical science, engineering science, computer science, technology, chemistry or other science or technology subject. 
  • DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma in a science or technology-based subject (including passes in mathematics and two other science or technology-based modules).

Or:

  • A combination of qualifications which must include mathematics or a mathematics-based subject and may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.

Additional qualifications

We may also consider applicants with relevant work experience. 

Modules

Year one

  • Materials science for apprentices
  • Materials and manufacturing engineering for apprentices
  • Engineering mathematics and statistics for apprentices

Year two

  • Engineering metallurgy for apprentices
  • Engineering ceramics and polymers for apprentices
  • Chemical and thermodynamic properties of materials for apprentices

Year three

  • Composite materials for apprentices
  • Fracture, degradation, and evaluation for apprentices
  • Advanced manufacturing and microstructural engineering

Year four 

  • End-point assessment

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change.

Next steps

If you are an applicant

To apply for this apprenticeship, you must first have a suitable employer who can support your application. We can support you to encourage your employer to offer an apprenticeship. You will then apply for the course through them.

If you don’t currently have a job, we can help you find an apprenticeship.

If you are an employer

If you want to offer an apprenticeship for an existing employee or a new recruit, get in touch.

If you have 15 or more potential apprentices, we can tailor the programme to your business.

This course is delivered by Sheffield Hallam as part of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology

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