Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad | Swansea University

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Course summary

Successful innovation is dependent on the selection and performance of key materials. From cars, aeroplanes and cruise ships, to sports and musical instruments, prosthetics, mobile phones and flexible solar cells, the right materials can help to define technological progress. Materials Science and Engineering explores how the properties of matter can be controlled, enhanced and manipulated to not only improve performance in existing applications but also to establish new technological applications.

Our Materials Science and Engineering degrees will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering, developing your analytical abilities alongside hands-on experience of advanced equipment, to meet the evolving demands of the UK materials industry and global research sectors, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, sports and energy generation.

You will be prepared to respond to pressing global challenges, including climate change, energy transition, resource scarcity and social equity, and will work to consider the broader social and environmental implications of engineering design.

The programme is studied as a 3-year Bachelors of Engineering (BEng), or a 4-year Integrated Master of Engineering (MEng) which meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Both our BEng and MEng courses include options to study with a Year Abroad, a Year in Industry and a Foundation Year.

Engineering at Swansea University has a global reputation and attracts students from across the world. Based at our beachfront Bay Campus, overlooking Swansea Bay, Materials Science and Engineering at Swansea University is ranked:

• A UK Top 10 course (Complete University Guide 2026)*
• 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)*
• 5th in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)*
• 7th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
• 9th in the UK for Research (Times Good University Guide 2026)*

Assessed under Materials Technology
*Assessed under General Engineering

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:: J506
Institution code:: S93

Open days

Undergraduate On-Campus Open Day at Swansea University - Singleton Park Campus and Bay Campus - 28 February 2026
28 Feb 2026, 08:30
Swansea
Undergraduate On-Campus Open Day at Swansea University - Singleton Park Campus and Bay Campus - 28 March 2026
28 Mar 2026, 08:30
Swansea

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad at Swansea University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

Josh
Swansea University
Medical Engineering with a Year in Industry, BEng (Hons)
Hi! I’m Josh a Biomedical Engineering undergraduate studying at Swansea University. I am very interested in biomechanics and the applications of engineering in prosthesis. At the University, in my free time, I play volleyball and like to go on drives to explore Swansea.
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Niamh
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hi! My name is Niamh and I am a former Applied Medical Science student currently studying medicine at Swansea University. Making the move from secondary to university can be a daunting experience and so I am happy to be a part of the Unibuddy scheme to alleviate any worries and answer any questions that prospective students may have about life here in Swansea University.
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Tomi
Swansea University
Medical Biochemistry, MSci (Hons)
Hi, I'm Tomi :) I would describe myself as scientifically minded, with a systematic approach to working, and enthusiasm to learn and develop personal skills in a practical setting. A possible career goal may be to become a healthcare scientist, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into medical research/industry with a budding interest in consultancy work.
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Wendy
Swansea University
Psychology, BSc (Hons)
I aspire to be a clinical psychologist and I have a strong interest in child psychology and a passion for helping others. I am dedicated to developing my skills and knowledge to support the well-being and mental health of young people, and I look forward to making a positive impact in the field!
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Pash
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hi, I'm Pash! I previously studied Applied Medical Sciences for my undergrad at Swansea, and now I'm a 4th-year medical student. Having lived in Swansea for the last six years now, this is my second home. So ask me anything you'd like about life as a Swansea student! 😊
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Chris Jo
Swansea University
Adult Nursing (Swansea), BSc (Hons)
Hi! I'm Chris👦🏻, an Adult Nursing student at Swansea University's Singleton Park campus. I work as a Senior Ambassador for the university assisting in admission, compliance, marketing, recruitment, and international and future student experience. I also practice at Swansea Bay University Health Board, covering all 3 acute hospitals within Swansea & Neath Port Talbot jurisdiction. Previously, I was part of the School of Health and Social Care (SHSC), which includes a combined 68 UG & PGT/PGR Programme's, I liaised with teaching and non-teaching faculty as School Rep; leading student engagement, student experience, student voice & inclusivity partnership from 2023 to 2024. I had previously worked for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar™ as a Health & Safety Executive, HSV/HSE - HC. My current project with Swansea University as a SPIN Intern in the Dept of Nursing is to assist in learning and teaching materials and strategies for the nursing programmes of Swansea University. My interest and where I see myself doing something after graduation would be in acute care mainly in Ophthalmology 👁 - with Eyes👓, Intensive care in Cardiothoracic ❤️‍🩹- the heart 🫀and the lungs🫁, or Emergency Medicine🚑.
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Jessica
Swansea University
Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
Hi! My name is Jessica but you can call me Jess. I was born and raised in Australia but then moved to Montreal, Canada and did my secondary schooling there. I also have New Zealand and British Citizenship. I’m currently in my third year of my degree and I plan on doing a Masters once I’m finished. I’m so excited to answer any questions so please feel free to connect with me!
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Rose
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
I am a 4th year Graduate Entry Medicine Student and I also did my Bsc in Medical Pharmacology at Swansea. I love dance, aerial sports and cheerleading, it has been a great experience so far. There are a lot of different areas of Swansea that can be explored. I was born in America but have done GCSE and A-levels in the United Kingdom. I have various jobs connected to the university such as Student Ambassador. The Medical Pharmacology course was a great and engaging experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Eleri
Swansea University
English Language and TESOL, BA (Hons)
I love the idea of teaching English in South Korea. I have spent much time in Seoul and Busan over the past 2 years and would love the opportunity to move more permanently. As an avid history lover, Korea's expansive history fascinates me! I am a massive fan of BTS, and my bias is Jimin! I am learning to speak Korean and will participate in a summer school in Seoul this summer to expand my language knowledge further. In my spare time I enjoy creating content for my Instagram which consists of BTS, lifestyle and travel!
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Favour
Swansea University
Business Management (Modern Languages), BSc (Hons)
Good Afternoon , My name is Favour . I am a student ambassador studying Business Management ( Modern Manguages ) and I enjoy learning about different cultures and languages. I also like business because it's quite interesting especially the marketing side , it prepares you for how to work in a corporation and equips you with many skills that will be useful in the working life , including managing people :) .
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Jess
Swansea University
Medical Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)
Hiya, I’m Jess and I’m a fourth year biomedical engineering student currently on my year abroad. I’m really interested in robotics within medicine and biomechanics and hope to pursue these in the future. Other things I really enjoy are dance, hiking and music.
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Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

55 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.