Undergraduate degrees in Materials Science and Engineering
Materials science helps shape the world around us. It's vital to aerospace, energy, construction, healthcare – even information technology. It has the power to improve lives and protect the environment.
So as a materials science engineer you'll have the chance to make a real difference to our world. Developing lightweight alloys for aircraft. Reducing the environmental impact of materials and waste. Generating more powerful processors for PCs. Engineering bandages to heal skin or implants for human body repairs. The possibilities are endless.
Our courses – do it your own way
Our courses help you develop as a scientist and engineer. You'll learn about the science of materials, and how to develop new materials and technologies for industry and manufacturing.
You can keep your study broad for the whole course or focus on a particular material after the second year. Or you might decide to follow a specialism right from the beginning – for example metals, aerospace materials and mechanical design, or materials engineering.
Your career starts here
Most of our MEng degrees include a paid, five-month industrial placement in the third year. Your placement could take you anywhere in the world – we have links with an impressive range of companies, including major employers like Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Sheffield Forgemasters. We'll help you find work in a field that you're passionate about and get the kind of experience that will give your CV the edge.
Many of our students also go on summer placements – another chance to broaden your experiences and work on the latest challenges in industry.
Expect the best
As a student with us you'll be stretched and challenged. In return, we put our all into making this the best learning experience for you.
You'll be taught by inspirational tutors and lecturers who are working at the very forefront of their field, with specialisms ranging from materials and chemistry to biochemistry and physics.
And you'll benefit from world-class facilities. We've recently refurbished a large section of our laboratory space, and invested over £300,000 in equipment for our teaching labs. Our state-of-the-art facilities include labs for cell and tissue culture and equipment for measuring electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties. The final-year project is your chance to carry out research in some of our internationally renowned research centres.
Our standing as one of the top materials departments in the country is recognised by every major league table. The Times, Guardian and Complete 2012 university guides place us among the UK top five.
Be the best
Getting to know our students and nurturing their talents is what we do best. Our staff are approachable and supportive – you can ask for help whenever you need it. Throughout, your personal tutor will be your first port of call for any queries at all. Your tutor will help you capitalise on your strengths and make the best choices for your future.
And as a student here you'll be part of a lively and creative community. Our Turner Museum of Glass – with collections from major European and American glassmakers – doubles up as a social space and café with computers and wi-fi. You'll find staff and students mingling here over coffee and teacakes. The student-run Materials Society is another opportunity to meet people and take time out.
So study with us and you'll be challenged. But even more, you'll be inspired. You'll join a welcoming community where you'll have all the support you need to reach the top of your game.
Perfectly preparedOur courses are about preparing you for the professional world. They're based on the very latest developments in industry. Throughout, we use real situations to give you a good understanding of practical applications. As well as lectures and tutorials, you'll learn through case studies, design projects, group industrial projects, lab work and manufacturing and plant visits. It's varied and hands-on. Alongside your technical expertise, you'll develop invaluable skills in teamwork, logical reasoning, project management and problem solving. We'll also challenge you to think about engineering issues from a global perspective. So wherever your future lies, you'll be in demand. Not sure how you'll find that first job? From day one until three years after you graduate, you'll have support from experts in our University Careers Service. |
A valued graduateOur graduates work for international companies in a variety of sectors – from aerospace, construction and the automotive industry to health care, sports and energy. They're in high demand – one year after graduating, 96 per cent are in employment or further study. |
What next?
Discover what student life in Sheffield is all about and why we're the 2011 University of the Year.