Science at Swansea

Study your Postgraduate Science Degree at Swansea and be surrounded by leading research of the highest calibre that’s making global breakthroughs. Our aim is to help students become inspiring individuals and to be equipped to pursue fulfilling careers in a wide range of industries or innovative research opportunities that address real-world challenges.

Worldwide reputation

All of our Science Departments at Swansea University are World-Ranked:

• Biosciences – Top 301-350 in the World for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• Chemistry – 97.9% world leading and internationally excellent research publication ratings - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• Computer Science – Top 200 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• Geography – Top 201-250 in the World for Environmental Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• Mathematics – Top 201-250 in the World for Mathematics (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• Physics – Top 201-250 in the World for Physics and Astronomy (QS World University Rankings 2024

Outstanding location and facilities

With world-class research centres, purpose-built suites of laboratories, and a city surrounded by parkland and coastline, such as the Gower Peninsula where diverse habitats are located, Swansea really is an outstanding place to study, conduct research and make the most of student living.

Science at Swansea boasts of some of the most advanced facilities and equipment that students can use. From our fully equipped £1.3M custom-designed catamaran-class survey vessel which can carry 26 passengers for inshore or offshore research, to a £4.2M suite of laboratories and specialised culture facilities such as temperature rooms and greenhouses, and our £32.5M Computational Foundry which is not only for high quality teaching and research but also a space for networking and inspiration for students, staff and industrial partners too.

Learn more about our Science Facilities or take a Virtual Tour of our two campuses.

Even more guided tours of our departments:

• Biosciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Geography
• Mathematics
• Physics

Research with a real impact

Our research contributes to the success of specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including: Good Health and Well-being; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Climate Action.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2021, over 91% of Faculty of Science & Engineering submission to the assessment, over 8 units, was classed as either ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world-leading’.

Find out more about our Interdisciplinary Research Institutes and areas where we are making an impact with Science Research at Swansea University.

Find your perfect course

All of the content in our programmes are informed by the latest developments in research and innovation, and the skills we teach are a direct result of industry needs. We offer high quality and many world-ranked, accredited courses in the following areas:

We offer a wide range of degrees, including MSc, PhD, MPhil, MSc by Research, and MRes.

Biosciences

Whether you’re interested in Environmental Biology, Conservation and Resource Management, Environmental Dynamics or Climate Change, you will be taught by a range of Biosciences experts. One of our academics has been an advisor on the BBC’s globally renowned series ‘Blue Planet II’, whilst another is an expert in salmonid behaviour, conservation and ecology and leads the multi-partner European AMBER project.

Chemistry

High-impact research is already taking place in world-class centres at Swansea and you will be exposed to cutting edge technologies and interact with experts from industry, developing a broad skillset and a network of contacts which will enhance your opportunities for employment, such as in the semiconductor industry which is rapidly expanding.

Computer Science

Our courses range from Advanced Computer Science, Software Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science and more. Our academics are experts, including Professor Matt Jones, widely recognised as a leader in the empowerment of rural digital communities in the UK and across the developing world. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to have successful careers as Software Engineers, Workflow Developers, Programmers, Web Developers, and Business Application Analysts.

Geography

Geography at Swansea covers all aspects of human and physical geography. We offer interesting MSc courses in Environmental Drone Remote Sensing; Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change; Geographic Information and Climate Change; and Society, Environmental and Global Change. Two of our courses are accredited by The Royal Geographical Society.

Mathematics

Our MSc courses include Mathematics and Computing for Finance, Actuarial Science, and Applied Data Science. We place a strong emphasis on increasing employability with many of our graduates going on to being employed by a wide range of organisations including: AXA, BA, Deutsche Bank, Shell Research, Zurich Financial Services, health authorities and local government.

Physics (Applied, Theoretical, and Experimental)

Professor Lyn Evans, leader of the Large Hadron Collider project at CERN, is a significant Swansea Physics alumnus, and Professor Higgs Boson, the Physics Nobel Prize winner who proposed the Boson particle is a Swansea University Honorary Fellow with close links to our department. We have examples of students studying in CERN or gaining research internships within the department and our specialist courses stretch students into understanding the demands of research – whether that be in physics or closely aligned disciplines.

Future career prospects

We have a dedicated Science & Engineering Employability Team to support and prepare you for your future career. From mock interviews/interview advice to CV and cover letter reviews, advice for assessment centres, and suggestions for where to source relevant placements and graduate jobs, we are your first port of call for all things regarding your employability in the Science & Engineering industry.

Follow our Instagram to get a preview of the things that we do and the events that we host throughout the year to help boost your future prospects.