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Materials Science and Engineering, BEng (Hons) / MEng (Hons)

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Course Overview

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.

Why Materials Science and Engineering at Swansea?

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

Your Materials Science and Engineering Experience

Through your studies you will develop advanced technical expertise across metals, polymers, composites, ceramics and functional materials, spanning fundamental science through applied design and production methods. You will gain specialist knowledge in key areas such as materials for power and aerospace applications, steel technology and recycling technologies, supported by hands-on experience with modern engineering tools and methodologies

Our state-of-the-art facilities include world-leading equipment for the characterisation of microstructure and mechanical properties, alongside an extensive range of laboratories housing scanning and transmission electron microscopes.

You will gain the confidence to solve complex engineering challenges and core principles to novel situations, with a strong emphasis on the relationship between material structure, processing and properties. As you progress, you will cultivate an understanding of industrial responsibilities and constraints, including ethical and financial considerations, and environmental sustainability.

Industry visits to leading companies including Tata Steel, Timet, Ensinger and Airbus, will further your experience and give you real-world industrial insights.

The programme can be studied as a 3-year Bachelors of Engineering (BEng), or as a 4-year Master’s of Engineering (MEng). The MEng is a four-year integrated degree that goes beyond the BEng, offering advanced technical and leadership skills, deeper specialisation, and a direct pathway to professional accreditation.

This course includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

 This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you will need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BEng.

Modules

We've enhanced our modules to deliver an engaging learning experience, designed to help you develop the skills employers are looking for. Discover what's on offer and feel inspired by the modules you can study.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Careers and Employability

On completion of the course, your engineering expertise, knowledge and experience will give you the confidence to enter the workforce. Graduate roles including:

  • Metallurgist
  • Product Development Scientist
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Manufacturing Systems Engineer 
  • Patent Examiner
  • Quality Manager
  • Process Development Scientist

You may also wish to progress on to advanced study at Master’s or Doctoral level.

Many of our graduates have built successful careers in companies such as:

  • Tata Steel
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Atkins
  • GE Aviation
  • Mott MacDonald

Babcock International Group

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Materials Science and Engineering, BEng (Hons)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Materials Science and Engineering, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry, MEng (Hons)

Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry, MEng (Hons)