Gain state-of-the-art scientific knowledge, work experience and professional skills in mechanical engineering, preparing you for diverse career roles that create future-facing solutions in the industry, with a foundation year to prepare you for the course.
Become a professional mechanical engineer from day one.
Apply your skills by completing industry-linked projects and placements.
Develop the techniques to design, analyse, simulate and test mechanical systems.
Create engineering solutions for the optimal performance of mechanical systems.
Enhance your versatility with multidisciplinary insights into mechanical engineering.
Prepare for the full degree with an extra foundation year at the start.

This course prepares you for diverse engineering roles – with a practice-based approach to mechanical science, design, systems, engineering practice, materials, and manufacture. You’ll emerge as a highly-skilled graduate – ready to provide optimal and sustainable solutions to future problems across the industry.

This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BEng Mechanical Engineering course or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.

Work placements

During your studies you’ll be encouraged to take advantage of our placement opportunities. We can help you arrange a year-long work placement between your second and third years of the main degree– giving you tangible on-site experience and preparing you for your future engineering career. Previous students have been placed at reputable companies, such as Convatec, Bosch Thermotechnology, Severn Trent Water and Nissan Manufacturing.

Live projects

As part of the course you’ll take part in the inspirational Engineering for People Design Challenge. Hosted by Engineers Without Borders, the project gives you a chance to work on real-world issues like water supply, energy and transport. By doing so you’ll embed global responsibility into your education and learn to place people at the heart of your designs. 

In the final year you’ll undertake a large individual project, giving you the chance to align your studies with your own aspirations. Students returning from placements often continue their working relationships with a work-based project, helping them take the next steps towards their chosen vocation. 

Networking opportunities

We have a number of student engineering societies you can get involved in. We also encourage you to become a member of a professional body, such as the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. They’ll help you with career planning, further your engineering know-how, provide resources and support you with scholarship and award applications.

Competitions

You’ll be encouraged to take part in international engineering competitions. These may include Europe's most established educational engineering competition – IMechE Formula Student – as well as the IMechE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Challenge. Both competitions are backed by industry and have previously seen students compete against teams from all over the world.

We also regularly compete in the Engineers Without Borders competition where in 2016 our students won the whole competition, claiming a two-week trip to Mexico City as their prize!

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other engineering, maths and physics foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

With online resources, high-quality laboratories and exceptional learning environments, you’ll be supported at every step. Our structured programme provides you with all the knowledge and skills you’ll need to carry out increasingly complex projects. As you progress, you’ll demonstrate your learning through regular assessment exercises. 

You’ll learn through

• group work
• an individual project
• activity-based learning
• presentations
• posters
• technical reports
• in-class assessments
• multiple choice questions
• exams

We deliver graduate and placement careers fairs with employers who provide opportunities for placements and final year students. Employers also deliver skills-based sessions to support you in improving your employability.

This course prepares you for a career in

• aerospace
• automotive
• transport
• building services
• medical engineering
• sports equipment design
• power generation
• alternative energy
• product testing
• project management

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for

• QinetiQ
• Ministry of Defence (MOD)
• European Space Agency
• Oil & Gas (Pipeline and Subsea Engineering)
• Offshore Renewable Energy (Offshore Wind Energy, Wave and Tidal Power)

 

UCAS points

• 80

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:

• CDD at A Level.
• MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include a maximum of one AS level, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade C or 4
• Science at grade C or 4

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

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

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

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

If English is not your first language, you will need 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.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Engineering And Mathematics In Practice	20	Coursework
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 1	40	Coursework
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 2	40	Coursework
Fundamentals Of Materials And Manufacturing	20	Coursework

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Mechanical Engineering Design And C.A.D.	40	Practical
Mechanical Engineering Practice	20	Coursework
Principles Of Dynamics And Thermodynamics, Manufacturing Processes And Mathematics	40	Coursework Exam
Principles Of Mechanics Of Solids And Fluids, Engineering Materials And Mathematics	20	Coursework Exam

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Application Of Engineering Analysis	40	Coursework Practical
Applied Dynamics And Thermodynamics	20	Exam
Applied Solid And Fluid Mechanics, And Control Systems	40	Coursework Exam
Machine Elements Design	20	Practical

 

Year 4 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Further Engineering Science And Numerical Analysis	40	Coursework Exam
Project: Implementation	20	Coursework
Project: Management And Scoping	20	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Artificial Intelligence And The Internet Of Things	40	Coursework
Computer Aided Design And Computer Aided Manufacture	40	Coursework
Engineering Management And Entrepreneurship	40	Coursework