Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year, BEng (Hons)

Overview

Mechanical engineers transform pioneering ideas into groundbreaking inventions. The discipline helps to invent, design and manufacture many of the machines we use on a daily basis.

Our degree prepares you for a rewarding career in a range of engineering sectors.

The integrated Engineering Foundation Year programme can lead to any full engineering degree. It is not a qualification in its own right, but the first year of a four-year BEng degree.

As you progress, your developing analytical abilities will combine with hands-on experience of advanced equipment, establishing skills which are vital to securing employment in the wider industry.

Why Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

• 14th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• 20th in the UK Mechanical Engineering (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
• 131st in the world (Engineering Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing) (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• 19th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)
• 96% of Mechanical 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)

A flexibly structured degree path means you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year or work in industry for a year.

A selection of optional modules are offered in the later years of study, helping to closely align the degree with your interests.

Key Course Details

• UK: BEng (Hons) 4 Year Full Time With a Foundation Year
• International: BEng (Hons) 4 Year Full Time With a Foundation Year
• UCAS Code: H307
• Mode of Study: Campus Based
• Typical Offer (view equivalents): CCC-CDD
• Location: Bay Campus
• Start Date: September 2026
• Tuition Fees - Year 1: £9,535 (UK), £24,500 (International)

Modules

The course is made up of several modules, including:

• Year 0 (Level 3): 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): Engineering for People Hackathon, Data analysis and simulation, Introduction to Materials Engineering, Engineering Mathematics (EEE, General and Mech), Applied Mechanics (Mechanical and General), Engineering Design 1, Engineering Tutorials: Year 1, Manufacturing Technology I, Thermofluids (Mechanical & General)
• Year 2 (Level 5): AI, Machine Learning and Data Analysis, Machines and Control, Thermofluids 2, Mechanical Engineering Design 2, Mechanical Engineering Practice 1, Research Project Preparation, Dynamics 1 (Mech & Aero), Stress Analysis 1
• Year 3 (Level 6): Engineering Management (Aero, EEE, Mech), Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Finite Element Method, Individual Engineering Project, Dynamics 2, Mechanical Engineering Practice, Mechanical Engineering Design 3, Fluid Mechanics 3

Entry Requirements

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

• A level (or equivalent) typical offer: CCC-CDD to include A Level Maths
• 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 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

Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this course.

Professional Body Accreditation

As a student studying on the foundation year, don't worry that you will miss out on an accredited engineering degree. You won't. The courses are accredited by a range of professional institutions.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will be taught by world-class lecturers who are all active researchers. Their research areas of expertise include Bionics, Green Energy, Cybernetics, Solar Cells and much more.

Tuition Fees

• Start Date: September 2025, UK: £9,535, International: £23,350
• Start Date: September 2026, UK: £9,535, International: £24,500

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

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University.

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.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

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.

Degree Overview:

Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year, BEng (Hons) at Swansea University is a four-year full-time program that prepares students for a rewarding career in various engineering sectors. The integrated Engineering Foundation Year program serves as a pathway to any full engineering degree and provides a solid foundation in engineering principles and practices.

---

Outline:

---

Year 0 (Level 3):

• Fundamentals of Engineering Design
• Foundation Mathematics for Engineers
• Chemistry of Materials
• Fundamentals of Engineering Science
• Foundation Mathematics for Engineers II
• Applied Engineering

---

Year 1 (Level 4):

• Engineering Skills & Applications
• Engineering Mathematics 1
• Engineering for People Hackathon
• Engineering Mechanics
• Data analysis and simulation
• Introduction to Materials Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics 2
• Strength of Materials
• Engineering Design Principles 1
• Fluid Mechanics 1
• Thermodynamics 1
• Manufacturing Technology I

---

Year 2 (Level 5):

• Thermodynamics 2
• Computer Aided Engineering
• Experimental Studies - Mechanical
• Design of Machine Elements
• Research Project Preparation
• Fluid Mechanics 2
• Control Systems
• Dynamics 1
• Stress Analysis 1
• Manufacturing Technology II
• Mechanical Engineering Design 2

---

Year 3 (Level 6):

• Engineering Management
• Research Project
• Manufacturing Optimisation
• Mechanical Engineering Practice
• Mechanical Engineering Design 3
• Industry 4.0
• Fluid Mechanics 3

---

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:

• Examinations
• Coursework assignments
• Presentations
• Practical work
• Research projects

---

Teaching:

The program employs a range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical sessions
• Group work
• Independent study

---

Careers:

Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year program are equipped for careers in various industries, including:

• Automotive engineering
• Mining engineering
• Workshop technician
• Reliability engineering
• Stress engineering
• Mechatronics engineering

---

Tuition Fees - Year 1 UK £ 9,000 International £ 22,250 Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

---

Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

---

Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

---

Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

---

Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

---

Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events