Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering

Take the first step towards a postgraduate science or engineering degree at the University of Sheffield where you’ll be part of a cutting-edge environment from day one. 

Student working in lab

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Prepare for a masters in the Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Science

The Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering will introduce you to carrying out lab experiments and analysing statistics for research projects. This programme leads to a number of postgraduate engineering and science degrees in the engineering and science faculties at the University.

Who is the programme for?

  • Ambitious students aiming to learn more about the subject they love
  • Students looking for a a head-start in the competitive graduate employment market
  • Students with an undergraduate degree from their home country

What will you study?

This Pre-Masters is a 1.5 or 2-semester programme developed in collaboration with the University. During the course you will develop your academic and English language skills needed for a masters degree in engineering or science.   

You will study a number of core modules, along with a module relevant to your chosen subject area. This pathway includes 20 teaching hours per week.

Modules

  • Academic English Skills (AES)
  • Research Project for STEM
  • Statistics
  • Academic Success

Pathway modules (related to your degree choice)

  • Bioscience
  • Programming
  • Mathematics

Why study science or engineering at Sheffield?

  • The Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield is one of the biggest and best providers of engineering research and education in the UK.
  • State-of-the-art facilities give you much needed experience for your career.
  • 98% of research and impact from the School of Biosciences is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
  • Access the latest technology at the University of Sheffield’s innovative Diamond building. The new building has state-of-the-art laboratories, wind tunnels and jet engines. It also has study spaces for engineering students, a library and café.

Key facts

Course length: 1.5 or 2 semesters

Entry points: 
2 semesters – September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January
1.5 semesters – March*

Age on entry:
Students will normally be 19 years of age or older

Entry requirements: Check academic and English language entry requirements

Fees: Check fees for your programme

*Please note that the Biological, Medical and Life Sciences subject route is not available for the March intake.

Engineering and Science world rankings

World top 50
- Architecture & Built Environment (38th)
- Archaeology (29th)

World top 100
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Dentistry
- Materials Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Top 10 in the UK

for:

- Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (4th)
- Materials Technology (4th)
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering (4th)
- Mechanical Engineering (4th)
- General Engineering (5th)
- Civil Engineering (6th)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (7th)

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Progress to your degree

You will receive regular feedback on your progress throughout your course so you know you’re in the right track. We have a dedicated team that offers progression support throughout your studies.

Once you complete your Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield.

Notes:

  • Places are limited on some degree courses, so you are advised to apply and confirm your place as soon as possible.
  • In addition to the overall academic and English grades as displayed in the table below, students are also required to meet the minimum module grades for their chosen progression degree. All information will be provided to students when they begin their studies on campus.
Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
No Results

Degree in psychology or a related discipline and will also need to provide evidence of undergraduate training in statistics:

  • MSc Psychological Research Methods with Data Science

Mechanical engineering or a related subject is required. Qualifications in other science/engineering subjects such as maths or physics and/or relevant professional experience, will be considered. Applicants with a relevant engineering degree should also have covered modules from at least two of the following subjects in order to be considered:

  • Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc
  • Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management MSc

The following degrees are accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.

  • Civil Engineering MSc
  • Sustainable Water Resources Engineering MSc

Not available for March starters.

  • MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
  • MSc Biodiversity and Conservation
  • MSc Biomedical Science
  • MSc Human and Molecular Genetics

Explore The Diamond building, the University’s state-of-the-art engineering facility

Chukwuemeka from Nigeria

How to apply

Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, semester dates and entry requirements.

Students outside campus

University of Sheffield International College

The University of Sheffield International College helps you improve your English, develop your academic skills, and grow the confidence needed to succeed in a degree at the University.

Students studying in class

English Language courses

Our English Language preparation courses will help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin your chosen pathway programme.

Ready to join us?

Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer any questions you have about studying with us.