Program Overview

Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year, BEng (Hons)

Overview

Materials Science and Engineering explores how the properties of matter can be controlled. It includes elements of physics and chemistry, connecting closely with most other areas of engineering. The integrated Engineering Foundation Year programme can lead to any full engineering degree.

Key Course Details

• UK/EU: BEng (Hons) 4 Year Full Time With a Foundation Year
• International: BEng (Hons) 4 Year Full Time With a Foundation Year
• UCAS Code: J505
• Mode of Study: Campus Based
• Typical Offer (view equivalents): CCC-CDD
• Location: Bay Campus
• Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1:
  • Sep 2026 | Ł9,535 (UK)
  • Sep 2026 | Ł28,400 (International)

Course Overview

Successful innovation depends on the selection and performance of key materials. From cars, aeroplanes, and cruise ships, to sports equipment and musical instruments, the right materials can help to define technological progress.

Why Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

• 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
• 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
• 5th in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• Top 131 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• 96% of Materials Engineering graduates are in employment and/or study, or doing other activities such as travelling 15 months after leaving Swansea University (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)

Modules

Year 0 (Level 3)

Compulsory Modules

• Fundamentals of Engineering Design
• Foundation Mathematics for Engineers I
• Chemistry of Materials
• Fundamentals of Engineering Science
• Engineering Tutorials: Foundation Year
• Foundation Mathematics for Engineers II
• Applied Engineering

Year 1 (Level 4)

Compulsory Modules

• Engineering for People Hackathon
• Introduction to Materials Engineering
• Materials Resources
• Engineering Analysis for Materials 1
• Engineering Analysis for Materials 2
• Design and Laboratory Classes 1
• Engineering Tutorials: Year 1
• Manufacturing Technology I
• Mechanical Properties of Materials
• Materials Practicals 1: structure / property links in metals
• Instrumental and Analytical Chemistry
• Case Studies in Materials

Optional Modules

• Data analysis and simulation
• Foundation Chemistry
• Engineering Science

Year 2 (Level 5)

Compulsory Modules

• AI, Machine Learning and Data Analysis
• Software Engineering
• Research Project Preparation
• Functional and Smart Materials
• Microstructure Evolution and Control in Metallic Materials
• Materials Practicals 2a: Microstructure Development in Alloy Systems
• Order and Disorder in Materials
• Engineering Tutorials: Year 2
• Materials for Energy
• Polymers: Structure and Processing
• Computational Materials 1
• Mechanical Deformation in Structural Materials
• Materials Practicals 2b: Applied examples in advanced metallic materials

Year 3 (Level 6)

Compulsory Modules

• Advanced Optical Materials and Devices
• Individual Engineering Project
• Fracture and Fatigue
• Engineering Management
• Microstructure and Characterisation
• Physical Metallurgy of Steels
• Ceramics
• Materials Degradation and Protection
• Propulsion
• Composite Materials

Entry Requirements

• A level (or equivalent) typical offer: CCC-CDD
• BTEC: DDD in Engineering or a Science subject
• UK Access: In Engineering - Minimum of 27 Distinctions (Distinctions in all Maths modules), 15 Merits and 3 credits at Level 3
• T Levels: Merit
• Mixed Qualifications: 104 UCAS tariff points from 3 highest scoring qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points

How You're Taught

At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course.

Welsh Provision

No formal Welsh-medium provision is currently available on this course. However, the University can provide support for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.

Professional Body Accreditation

The courses are accredited by a range of professional institutions, including IET, IMechE, IOM3, IChemE, RAeS.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will be taught by world-class lecturers who are all active researchers. Their research areas of expertise include Metallurgy and Coatings, Fossil-Free Steel Making, Energy Store Materials, and much more.

Tuition Fees

• Start Date | UK | International
  • September 2025 | Ł9,535 | Ł27,050
  • September 2026 | Ł9,535 | Ł28,400

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Additional Costs

You may face additional costs while at university, including:

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery, and equipment costs (e.g., USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

The Careers and Employability Team will support you at each stage of your career journey, helping you build a bright future.

Academic Support

As well as subject-specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops, and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory, and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language)

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. International summer programmes are open to students from all schools.

How to Apply

Apply now UK, EU, and international students. For further guidance, please visit our how to apply pages.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled.