Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year (Hons) Swansea University

Overview

The BEng Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year (Hons) degree at Swansea University is a four-year undergraduate programme that starts with a foundation year to build essential skills in maths, physics and chemistry before moving into the core materials engineering curriculum. After the foundation year, you’ll study how different materials — metals, polymers, ceramics and composites — behave and how they’re used in real engineering applications.

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

Swansea University is renowned for its strong reputation in engineering, consistently attracting students from around the globe. The programme ranks 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026) and 9th for Graduate Prospects. Additionally, it holds the 5th position in the UK for Career Prospects according to the Guardian University Guide 2026. The university is also placed within the top 131 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). An impressive 96% of Materials Engineering graduates find themselves in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, as reported by the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025. The flexible structure of the degree allows students to study abroad or undertake work placements, enhancing their educational experience. Optional modules in later years enable students to tailor their studies to their interests, fostering a personalised educational journey.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year (Hons) programme are as follows:

• National Fee: £9,535 per year
• International Fee: £27,050 per year (increasing to £28,400 in September 2026)

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering. Key modules include:

• FMathematics for Engineers I & II
• Chemistry of Materials
• Engineering Analysis for Materials
• Mechanical Properties of Materials
• AI, Machine Learning and Data Analysis
• Individual Engineering Project
• Advanced Optical Materials and Devices
• Fracture and Fatigue
• Materials Degradation and Protection

This structure ensures that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for their future careers.

Careers with Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year

Graduates from the Materials Science and Engineering programme at Swansea University are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. Alumni have successfully secured positions as:

• Metallurgists
• Product Development Scientists
• Biomedical Engineers
• Manufacturing Systems Engineers
• Patent Examiners
• Quality Managers
• Process Development Scientists

The diverse skill set developed during the programme opens doors to numerous sectors, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and energy generation, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet industry demands.