Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a Foundation YearBEng
Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027/electrical-and-electronic-engineering-foundation-year-beng Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2027
2027-28 entry
Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Explore power systems, power electronics, digital electronics, circuits and devices, electrical machines and drives. Your study covers theoretical and practical aspects across the range of electronic and electrical engineering. Once you’ve successfully completed the foundation year, you can start your main degree.
- A Levels \ BBB; BBC
- UCAS code \ H609
- Duration \ 4 years
- Start date \ September
-
Attendance \ Full-time
- Course fee
- Funding available
- FY Foundation year
- Optional placement year
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Course description
Why study this course?
Shape the future
Electrical and electronic engineering lies at the heart of many of the technologies that will shape the future. This programme will enable you to make a positive contribution to many global challenges, including green energy, AI, healthcare, cybersecurity and electric transport.
Study with experts
You will learn from academic staff who are involved in world-class research with our industrial partners. Their research informs our teaching.
Do engineering via project work
As well as learning about engineering, you will also do engineering by completing various projects. For your final year project you may be embedded within a research group or use the facilities in our bespoke project labs or the iForge Makerspace.
Specialist teaching laboratories
The Diamond building is dedicated to teaching engineering students practical skills. It contains large, modern labs where you can apply the theoretical material delivered in lectures to real-world applications. It's staffed by a team of technical and academic staff who are dedicated to teaching practical skills. The building also contains over 1,000 individual study spaces.
Exciting careers
The specialist and generic skills that you acquire will enable exciting well-paid global career opportunities in industry, commerce, research and beyond.
Electronics and Control Lab in The Diamond
If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree, a foundation year is for you.
Discover the technology that powers modern life - from smartphones and electric vehicles to renewable energy systems and cutting-edge electronics.
This degree spans everything from designing semiconductor chips, circuits and motors to building complete communication and power systems. Informed by our world-leading research and shaped with input from industry, it will give you the skills and experience to launch a successful engineering career.
If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree, a foundation year is for you. After successfully completing the foundation year, you automatically progress onto year 1 of your chosen degree.
In your foundation year, you'll develop your skills in maths, physics and laboratory work, preparing you to excel in your degree studies. You'll learn with academics specialising in the subject areas, using the same delivery and assessment styles as our degree courses. Project work, both individual and in groups, will also be led by academics.
A foundation year is an excellent way to prepare for your chosen engineering course and gain access to a top university education.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Modules
After successfully completing the foundation year modules, you can start your main degree.
We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry and are in the process of confirming the modules. The information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover. There may be changes before you begin your studies. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details of the core and optional modules available to you.
Title: Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng 2027\ UCAS code: H609\ Years: 2027
Foundation year
Year 1 onwards
Foundation year
Core modules:
Introduction to Engineering : This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of engineering activities across the faculty and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to their development and be successful. It will also help create links with departments and draw on the other modules that students will take in the foundation year especially maths and physics.
**40 credits**
Further Foundation Mathematics : The syllabus for MPS001 covers important material which appears on the A level maths and further mathematics A Level curriculum. The module is for students who are taking MPS002 and need a deeper background in mathematics for their degree course. The module covers advanced principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the problem classes with tutors and in their own time.
**10 credits**
Optional modules (take one from this group):
Foundations of Physics with Computing : Students will study forces, motion and energy in 1 and 2 dimensions, in linear and circular motion. This will be applied in a programming context to develop logic and arithmetic operations, understanding of the stages of software development, memory allocation, data structures and testing. Students will then study electricity and magnetism, voltage, current and simple devices applied to the programming of a microcontroller, developing understanding of power supplies, digital and analogue I/O, and simple devices such as switches and LEDs. An understanding of physical limitations such as noise, processing speed and memory.
**30 credits**
Foundations of Physics : This module provides students with the foundations of Physics required to enter the first year of a regular Physics or other scientific degree course, or an engineering course where detailed knowledge of Physics is needed. Understanding will be developed in 3 lectures per week over a full academic year. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures. The following topics will be covered: Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism; Thermal Physics; Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter; Atomic and Nuclear Physics. The greatest advances in technology have taken place in the last hundred years. In 1897 few would have imagined that the probing of materials at the atomic level would reveal so much. These early discoveries of atomic constituents and their structure would pave the way for semi-conductor electronics, develop key concepts in physical laws, and offer a replacement energy source for fossil fuels in the form of nuclear power. This course summarises key discoveries in early particle physics and combines historical background with the detailed physics understanding needed to fully appreciate the subject. These full modules aim to provide a sound foundation in Physics in preparation for Level 1 Physics modules. It introduces (i) Properties of Matter, (ii) Oscillations, waves and optics and (iii) Atomic and Nuclear Physics. (i) Properties of Matter discusses structural, mechanical and electrical properties in terms of simple models. (ii) treats vibration and waves introducing the concepts of wavelength, frequency and wave speed. (iii) discusses the physics of the atom, including historical aspects, the electron, the photo-electric effect, Bohr's atomic model, nuclear structure and radioactivity.
**30 credits**
Optional modules (take one from this group):
Core Foundation Mathematics : The syllabus for MPS002 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.
**40 credits**
Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics : This module builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths (which is a prerequisite). This unit covers enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. These topics are chosen to further prepare students for their undergraduate studies in the science and engineering faculties.
**40 credits**
Year 1 onwards
After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start your BEng degree.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practical labs and tutorials as well as independent study that is supported by problem classes.
In your first and second year all your labs will be held in the Diamond where you will use industry grade equipment and have lab sessions in the dedicated teaching clean room.
In your third year you will carry out your own research project, supervised by an academic. In your final year, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team on a research project led by an academic with industry input.
We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.
Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over one million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.
Learning support facilities and library opening hours
Our teaching is informed by the research that our department is involved with. This results in learning by a combination of theory and hands on practical lab sessions in our state of the art facilities with courses that are accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Assessment
You will be assessed using a mixture of exams/tests, coursework and practical sessions.
Entry requirements
Standard offer
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ BBB; BBC \ BBB (any A Level); BBC including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
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 (including Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science and Physical Science streams) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A 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; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B 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
Other requirements
- If you are studying both Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at A Level (or equivalent), there are no additional GCSE requirements. If studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE Science grade 6/B (or 65 in GCSE Double Award Science) and Maths grade 7/A
- Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control; Building Services Engineering for Construction; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing
English language requirements |
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Graduate careers
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Our courses prepare you for a career where you'll apply your creative problem-solving skills and your understanding of engineering principles to the real world, while working in multidisciplinary teams. These transferable skills can be applied in many sectors across the breadth of engineering and beyond.
During your degree you'll have plenty of opportunities to enhance your employability. You can choose to go on a placement in industry, either during the summer or as a year in industry. Or you could consider studying abroad, either for a full year, or as part of a summer school.
We also have extracurricular projects where you can work with other engineering and science students to design and build rockets, submersible robots, autonomous payloads for satellites, rovers and more. You could also take part in a fully-funded scheme for undergraduates where you work on research projects with academics over the summer period.
Our graduates are highly sought-after across a diverse range of industries. Roles our alumni have gone on to include cybersecurity consultant, design engineer, energy engineering consultant, system engineer, electrical engineer, technology analyst, nuclear controls engineer, software engineer and electronics field engineer.
Employers of graduates include ARM, ARUP, BAE Systems, Barclays, Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, National Grid, National Instruments, Renault, Rolls Royce, Shell, Siemens, Unilever and Volvo.
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Top 10 in the UK for electronic and electrical engineering
The Guardian University Guide 2025
Top 3 in the Russell Group for organisation and management
National Student Survey 2024
In the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, students learn by applying theory to real engineering challenges. Our undergraduate BEng and MEng degrees are designed to develop strong analytical foundations alongside practical skills, ensuring you graduate with the knowledge, experience, and professional competencies sought by employers across a wide range of engineering sectors.
You will learn from academics who are internationally recognised experts in electrical and electronic engineering, mechatronic and robotic engineering, and computer systems engineering, with strong links to industry and active research portfolios. Our courses benefit from close engagement with industrial partners, ensuring that teaching remains relevant and informed by real-world practice. Throughout your degree, you will also be supported by an academic personal tutor who will guide your academic and professional development.
All our undergraduate degrees share a common first year, providing a broad grounding across electrical and electronic engineering, mechatronic and robotic engineering, and computer systems engineering. This offers you the flexibility to refine your degree choice at the end of Year 1. Alongside core technical modules, all students take part in faculty-wide initiatives such as the Global Engineering Challenge and Engineering – You’re Hired, working collaboratively with students from other engineering disciplines to address real-world problems.
Each of our BEng degree programmes integrates an individual research or design project – with an additional final-year group project for MEng programmes – all supervised by an academic, allowing you to explore an area of interest in depth and develop skills in independent problem-solving, project management, and technical communication.
Our school is a vibrant, diverse and supportive community of like-minded people. If you decide to join us at Sheffield, you’ll be welcomed as part of our community and presented with a multitude of opportunities for extracurricular activities. That is why studying in our school is an excellent investment in your future, whatever path you choose.
The School is based primarily in the Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the Amy Johnson Building, with additional teaching and laboratory facilities located in The Diamond. The majority of undergraduate lectures, tutorials, and laboratory classes take place in The Diamond, providing a modern, multidisciplinary and collaborative learning environment.
Facilities
Our students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with industry-standard hardware and software. These facilities support hands-on learning across areas such as electronics, communications, control, power and energy systems, and robotics. Laboratory sessions are closely integrated with taught modules, enabling you to directly apply theoretical concepts to practical experimentation. Alongside teaching spaces, students also have access to shared engineering facilities and makerspaces that support design, prototyping, and innovation throughout the degree.
Science and Engineering Foundation Year
University rankings
A world top-100 university\ QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)
Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)\ National Student Survey 2025
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent\ Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year for Student Experience\ The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Number one Students' Union in the UK\ Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union\ StudentCrowd 2025 University Awards
20th in the UK targeted by the largest number of Top 100 Employers in 2025-26\ High Fliers 2026
Student profiles
[Foundation year students have access to all university facilities
Arthur Loukes
Science and Engineering Foundation Year, \ MEng Electronic Engineering with a Year in Industry](https://sheffield.ac.uk/eee/undergraduate/profiles/arthur-loukes)
[Yichen's student experience - "Sheffield is a very diverse city, and I felt welcomed as an international student."
Yichen (Joanna) Zhu
BEng Student, \ Electrical and Electronic Engineering](https://sheffield.ac.uk/eee/undergraduate/profiles/yichen)
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Examples of what’s included and excluded
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
£2,500 per year scholarships for international students
We're offering automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 to overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026 - no additional application required.
Further information
Industrial experience
Second-year students have the chance to work on real industrial problems through the pioneering Sheffield Industrial Project Scheme. You can apply your knowledge to engineering problems at level three with a major project in direct collaboration with an academic supervisor from one of our research groups. An industrial placement, either during the vacation or as a year out, will complement your studies. The University's Careers Service can advise you how to find these, or you may have an arrangement with a sponsor.
Sponsorship
Many of our undergraduates are sponsored in some way, often by their employers. We can arrange either deferred entry or a year out during the course if required.
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Online events
Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
We can only accept one application to either this foundation year course or a (direct) BEng or MEng course.
Apply for the most appropriate route to you. You cannot hold an offer for both this foundation year entry course and a (direct) BEng or MEng course.
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
Contact us
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Contacts for prospective students
Science and Engineering Foundation Year
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer
2027-2028
We can only accept one application to either this foundation year course or a (direct) BEng or MEng course.
Apply for the most appropriate route to you. You cannot hold an offer for both this foundation year entry course and a (direct) BEng or MEng course.
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com
Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.
Science and Engineering Foundation Year
Explore power systems, power electronics, digital electronics, circuits and devices, electrical machines and drives. Your study covers theoretical and practical aspects across the range of electronic and electrical engineering. Once you’ve successfully completed the foundation year, you can start your main degree.
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