Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year, BEng (Hons)

7th in the UK

Guardian University Guide 2025

Foundation Engineering

Course 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.

*Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 -26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year Experience

As all Engineering Foundation Year students study all the same modules, there is a good rapport amongst students which creates a friendly and supportive study atmosphere.

Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

Mechanical Engineering graduates are set on course for a range of exciting career opportunities. Your future could lie in any of the following roles:

  • Automotive Engineer
  • Mining Engineer
  • Workshop Technician
  • Reliability Engineer
  • Stress Engineer
  • Mechatronics Engineer

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

CCC-CDD

Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year, BEng (Hons)