Swansea University


Image of Wales
Semester or academic year program located near the coast in Swansea, Wales, with a variety of disciplines available, including engineering, political science, classics, English, history, and journalism.
Location: Swansea, Wales
Language of Instruction: English
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Swansea, known as "The City by the Sea" is the second largest city in Wales and the hometown of poet Dylan Thomas. The city is less than three hours away by train from London and less than an hour away from Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
  • Founded in 1920, the University is situated in the center of the south Wales coastline, in park land overlooking Swansea Bay. It lies between the lively modern city of Swansea and the unspoiled beaches of the Gower Peninsula. With around 10,000 students the University is substantial enough to have excellent facilities, but small enough to have a friendly feel.
  • Swansea was awarded the 2005 Times Higher Education Supplement Award for the UK's Best Student Experience.
  • Less-common offerings available at Swansea: Engineering (Chemical & Biological Process, Civil, Electrical & Electronic, Materials, Mechanical) Classics and Ancient History, Hispanic Studies and Sport Science

The KU Great Britain Direct Exchange Program (GBDX) is designed to stimulate and enrich the intellectual development of KU students through a direct experience in the British academic and cultural environment, promoting friendship with Great Britain and broadening international horizons. To realize this mission, KU has signed direct exchange agreements with ten universities in Great Britain, which allow KU students to study for a semester or year abroad at greatly reduced costs. In exchange, British students from these same universities will study for a semester or year at KU.

A student participating in the Great Britain Direct Exchange may be one of a small number of KU students, or the only KU student, at a particular site. An international office is available at each site to provide student support.

Dates

Classes begin in late September or early October and finish in very late May or June. All universities offer generous vacation and travel times. 

Swansea, known as "The City by the Sea" is the second largest city in Wales and the hometown of poet Dylan Thomas. The city is less than three hours away by train from London and less than an hour away from Cardiff, the capital of Wales. In the early 1960's the city began an aggressive urban redevelopment program that included fixing up the marina district. These efforts are ongoing, and include a planned redevelopment of the historic riverside quarter. The city center is mainly pedestrianised and has excellent shopping facilities.

Swansea today finds itself in the midst of countless opportunities to take advantage of nature's splendor, from the beaches that stretch from the nearby fishing village of Mumbles, to the Gower Peninsula (Britain's first designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty"), and the inland Brecon Beacons.

Founded in 1920, the University is situated in the center of the south Wales coastline, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay. It lies between the lively modern city of Swansea and the unspoiled beaches of the Gower Peninsula. With around 10,000 students the University is substantial enough to have excellent facilities, but small enough to have a friendly feel.

Students may earn up to 30 hours of KU credit for the year. Most disciplines are offered in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Business, Education and Health Fields. Students are encouraged to visit Swansea University's website to determine if Swansea offers the selection of courses to meet their graduation requirements.

Swansea courses and grades will be posted as KU equivalents on your KU transcript and grades will figure into your KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit and grades, and their application toward graduation.

Guide outlining steps to select courses at Swansea (.pdf)

Video overview of the Swansea course approval process

Swansea Course Catalog

Swansea Course Equivalencies

Students live in university residence halls or student apartments on or near campus. In most cases students will have a single room and will share a common kitchen and bath. Students will have meals provided, prepare their own meals, or purchase meals at reduced cost in the university cafeteria, depending on their choice of residence.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Open to KU students who have achieved junior status by the beginning of the program and who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Exceptions may be made for sophomores with high academic qualifications who meet the course prerequisites. Some of the British sites may have additional requirements, including pre-requisites and number of credit hours completed.

Additional Websites

Swansea University Website

Swansea University Online course catalog

Wales Websites:

Wales in the 2001 British Census

BBC News-Wales

Push Guide

Higher Education Funding Council for Wales Assessment of Learning and Teaching: Rated excellent in: Classics and Ancient History, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Geography, History, Materials Engineering, Psychology, Physics