Program Overview

Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

The University of Sheffield offers a Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng program designed for students who do not have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree. The foundation year provides a concentrated course of maths, chemistry or physics, and engineering, allowing students to progress directly into the first year of either the BEng or MEng degree course upon successful completion.

Course Description

The program is tailored to prepare students for degree-level study, offering support for students to progress directly into their chosen course. The foundation year is designed to develop a sound basic knowledge of chemistry, maths, and engineering, corresponding to the common core A-level curriculum. The course emphasizes learning through practical experience, including lab work, projects, and open-ended problem-solving, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Diamond Pilot Plant.

Modules

The foundation year modules include:

• Advanced Level Chemistry
• Introduction to Engineering
• Elements of Physics with Computing or Elements of Physics
• Core Foundation Mathematics or Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics

After completing the foundation year, students can start their BEng or MEng degree, which includes a range of modules, such as:

• Chemical engineering principles
• Process design and operation
• Energy systems and sustainability
• Advanced materials and nanotechnology

Learning and Assessment

The program's teaching puts engineering practice at its core, with integrated laboratory activities, computer modeling, and simulations, and hands-on activities in the state-of-the-art pilot plant. The university invests in creating the right environment for students, with outstanding facilities, study spaces, and support, including 24/7 access to the online library service.

Entry Requirements

The standard offer for this course is:

• A Levels: BBB; BBC
• International Baccalaureate: 32; 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in Engineering or Applied Science
• BTEC Diploma: DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
• T Level: Distinction in the relevant T Level, including grade B in the core component + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
• Scottish Highers: AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
• Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + BB (any A Level subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
• Access to HE Diploma: Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units) and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A

Graduate Careers

Graduates from the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering work in various sectors, including chemicals, consumer goods, oil and gas, consultancy, pharmaceuticals, energy, water, food and drink, materials, process plant and equipment, biotechnology, and the nuclear industry. Recent graduates are working for global companies such as BASF, Cargill, Johnson Matthey, GlaxoSmithKline, BOC, Shell, EDF, Total Lindsey, and Sellafield.

Department

The School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering is a top 10 department in the Russell Group, with 92% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The department has a strong international reputation, with 45% of its academic teaching staff coming from overseas, providing students with a truly international learning experience.

University Rankings

The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university, ranked 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is also the number one university in the Russell Group for student experience, according to the National Student Survey 2025.

Student Profiles

Students on the Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng program have the opportunity to study abroad or take part in a year-long industry placement, gaining real-world experience and building valuable international and industry connections.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the program are:

• Home students: £9,535 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Overseas students: £30,570 (2025 annual tuition fee)

The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help fund students' studies, including automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 for overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026.

Placements and Study Abroad

Students on the program have the opportunity to study abroad or take part in a year-long industry placement, gaining real-world experience and building valuable international and industry connections. The university has partnerships with a range of global companies, providing students with access to a wide range of placement opportunities.