Foundation Year in STEM

Foundation Year

STEM Science | Technology | Engineering | Maths

Swansea

www.uwtsd.ac.uk/face

Welcome to UWTSD Swansea UWTSD was ranked 1st out of 45 institutions for ‘Host Friends’.

Source: (making local friends when arriving on campus). Global International Student Barometer and Student Barometer, Autumn Wave 2016

Swansea’s a vibrant city offering the opportunities and excitement of urban living with the laidback vibe of seaside life.

You are never far from a beach or the river at our campuses, while there’s shopping, sport, culture and nightlife on your doorstep too.

Wind Street, with its trendy bars and clubs, is known for its nightlife. There are historic pubs and plenty of restaurants too.

The Liberty Stadium, a few miles outside the city centre, is home to top-flight football and rugby, with Swansea City AFC and the Ospreys.

The Uplands, a short stroll from the city centre, has been named one of the hippest places in the UK. It has a popular monthly outdoor market and a variety of trendy, upmarket bars and restaurants.

Follow Swansea promenade toward the lighthouse and you will find yourself in Mumbles. It’s a picturesque seaside village which has developed a reputation for fine food. Opened in 1898 its pier has long been a traditional seaside destination.

Mumbles is the gateway to the spectacular Gower peninsula, the first designated area of outstanding natural beauty in the UK, home to around 50 unspoiled beaches, coves and bays.

Studying in Swansea The Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering is based in Mount Pleasant Campus at the heart of Swansea and offers you both the vibrancy, opportunities and excitement of city living and the delights of beach life.

University is an exciting time. Choosing where you go and what sort of education you’ll get while your there is one of the most important choices you will make.

UWTSD ranked highly in national survey for students’ ‘academic experience’

Top 20

4th in the UK

13th in the UK

9th in the UK

Best UK Universities for academic experience

for helpful/interested staff

20th in the UK for

tuition in small groups

for good personal relationships with teaching staff

for high-quality staff/lectures

Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2017

Our Values

Cutting-Edge Research

Collaboration ∙ Inclusivity ∙ Employability ∙ Sustainable Development ∙ Wales and its distinctiveness ∙ The concept of Global Citizenship ∙ Research and its impact on policy.

Much of our research is industrially focused and often ‘near-to-market’. This provides a real-world environment that often requires tight timescales.

Knowledge and Know-how Mount Pleasant campus is home to technical subjects and applied sciences with strong emphasis on links with industry partners and practice-based learning.

Professional Development Important life-skills are developed through our programmes, strengthening confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Excellent Student Support We have a first-class Student Services department providing high-quality information, advice, guidance, practical and emotional support to enable all students to reach their full potential.

Dedicated Academic Staff We are a teaching-led Faculty and our academic staff have many years of industry experience.

We participate in national research collaborations, including the Low Carbon Research Institute(LCRI), High Performance Computing (HPC) and the ASTUTE project in Manufacturing Engineering.

Personal Tutors Our lecturers are visible and contactable and all of our students have personal tutors.

An Entrepreneurial University UWTSD topped the UK Partner’s Leaderboard for the number of entrepreneurship activities during both the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Small Class Sizes At UWTSD you are able to interact in small class sizes enriching learning and problem solving through relevant debate and discussion.

Foundation Year STEM The Foundation Year, which is also offered as a stand-alone CertHE, is designed to allow students to gain the skills required for entry onto our BSc/BEng Programmes in the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering.

12 BEng courses and 28 BSc courses to choose from across seven subject areas:

90% of UWTSD’s Engineering and Technology students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching – NSS 2016.

Architecture Automotive and Motorsport Automotive Engineering Built Environments Computer Science Electronics Environmental Sciences Mechanical and Manufacturing

90%

The foundation year really helped me to catch up with the maths and science aspect of the degree and because of the head start that the foundation year gave me, I found time to get involved with extracurricular projects in my first year.

Craig Shreeves

former foundation student.

BEng Motorcycle Engineering graduate 2015

Modules All streams have common core modules offering instruction in skills such as maths, science and academic writing. Each stream also has specialised modules relating to the area of study (see modules below for details).

Common to all streams: Academic Writing (20 credits) Integrating Project (20 credits) Mathematics (10 credits) Science (10 credits)

Foundation in Automotive Engineering:

Foundation in Electronics:

Further Science for Engineering (20 credits) Introduction to Automotive Engineering (20 credits) Further Mathematics (20 credits)

Computer Systems (20 credits) Introduction to Electronics (20 credits) Further Mathematics (20 credits)

Foundation in Built Environment: Further Science for Construction (20 credits) Introduction to Construction Technology (20 credits) Further Mathematics (20 credits)

Foundation in Computing: Computer Systems (20 credits) Introduction to Computer Programming, Analysing and Solving Problems or Further Mathematics (20 credits)

Foundation in Environment: Environmental Science (20 credits) Fieldwork Studies (20 credits) Further Mathematics (20 credits)

Foundation in Mechanical & Manufacturing: Further Science for Engineering (20 credits) Manufacturing and Materials (20 credits) Further Mathematics (20 credits)

UCAS CODE: HR3U Certificate of Higher Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Change

32 UCAS POINTS

Upskill to meet requirements

your study route

Change

Finance

ÂŁ4,500

Student Finance

first year

your career

BEng/BSc

available with

Our Student Services department came second out of 45 according to the International Student Barometer and Student Barometer.

ISBSB Autumn Wave, 2016

fees for the

91%

of UWTSD’s Engineering and Technology students agreed that they have been able to contact staff when they needed to - NSS 2016.

Four-Year Programmes with Foundation Entry The first year of these programmes, an inclusive foundation year, is designed to develop your mathematical, analytical and study skills, to equip you with the necessary academic skills required to successfully study at a degree level.

These programmes aim to develop your ability to work with others to apply this work to real world problems, a skill vital for your future employability.

Engineering

Computing & Electronics

Automotive Engineering HH33 Energy & Environmental Engineering 48C3 Extreme Sports Engineering CH61 Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering HH3R Mechanical Engineering H300 Motorcycle Engineering H390 Motorsport Engineering H341

Applied Computing 3ALF Business Information Technology G51F Computer Games Development H67F Computer Networks H61F Computer Systems & Electronics H608 Computing & Information Systems I20F Electrical & Electronic Engineering 53R2 Software Engineering G60F Web Development G42F

Contact Us School of Applied Computing: Email: computing@uwtsd.ac.uk

School of Architecture, Built and Natural Environment: Email: built@uwtsd.ac.uk Email: environment@uwtsd.ac.uk

School of Engineering: Email: automotive@uwtsd.ac.uk Email: motorcycle@uwtsd.ac.uk Email: motorsport@uwtsd.ac.uk Email: engineering@uwtsd.ac.uk Email: logistics@uwtsd.ac.uk

Student Services Department: Email: student.services@uwtsd.ac.uk Tel: 01792 481206

92% of UWTSD’s Engineering and Technology students agreed that staff are good at explaining things – NSS 2016.

Move with FACE to SA1 Swansea Waterfront SA1 Swansea Waterfront is the University’s £300m development in the heart of the city.

Our Faculty is moving in 2018 to a new location in the heart of Swansea’s vibrant SA1 waterfront, developed in partnership with Welsh Government, City & County of Swansea, business and industry, to boost graduate employment and transform the learning environment for our students.

This exciting new space will provide purpose-built facilities for learning, teaching and applied research as well as social, leisure and recreation spaces in a prime waterfront location.

The new development is geared to giving you a superb location in which to study, excellent equipment and facilities and outstanding opportunities for networking, so you will be ready for success when you graduate.

Melin Consultancy are carrying out the BREEAM assessment on the New SA1 Campus for the Faculty from now until completion.

Students studying construction will get the opportunity to see each stage of the assessment process so that students can ask real questions and deal with real issues.

Jamie Best

Melin Consulants BREEAM Module Assessment

Student Services The University of Wales Trinity Saint David welcomes applications from students with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties. We can make arrangements for: • Providing information for potential and present students • Initial screening • Assessment • Access to the DSA • Early and appropriate tutorial support • Advocacy with University staff • Concessions where necessary • Greater accessibility to University facilities eg extended library loans Learning support is done on a oneto-one basis outside of lecture and seminar times, unless it is note-taking support. Specialist learning support may be available to students through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

The DSA Administrator can help you access this.

Each faculty has its own Specialist Academic Coordinator within Student Services. The Faculty Specialist Academic Coordinator, Sheila Rawlings looks after all the students within FACE with any additional needs. Support is very different at UWTSD, it is very discrete, completely confidential and we organise things to suit your timetable.

Check out Sheila’s video here: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/face/about-the-faculty/ student-support

For more information: Faculty of Architecture, Computing & Engineering (FACE) Specialist Academic Coordinator, (SAC) Sheila Rawlings Tel: 01792 481110 Email: sheila.rawlings@uwtsd.ac.uk or student.services@uwtsd.ac.uk

I love this University because it is very easy going, staff at UWTSD are the best thing since sliced bread. In particular the staff employed in Student Services need a special mention, as they have supported me since I started with UWTSD. They arranged for my note-taking, mentoring and specialist subject support.

Mark Stanley

MComp (Mature) student studying Computing and Information Systems at UWTSD.

The 2016 National Student Survey results saw UWTSD perform above, or equivalent to, the sector average in many key areas:

Student satisfaction with assessment and feedback is 4% higher than the sector average.

Student satisfaction with academic support is above

the sector average.

Student satisfaction with personal development (confidence, communication skills and tackling unfamiliar problems) is

above the sector average.

95%

of UWTSD students were satisfied with

‘Student Services’.

UWTSD was ranked 1st out of 45 Institutions for ‘Counselling Service’.

UWTSD was ranked 1st out of 45 institutions for ‘Personal Tutors’.

Source: Global International Student Barometer and Student Barometer, Autumn Wave 2016.

I would dedicate my degree to Student Services because without their support I wouldn’t have achieved the grades that I have, and that has come because they have taught me a better way. I am now trying to pass that knowledge on, as a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) leader, running private study skills sessions for first and second year students within the School of Applied Computing.

Simon Downes

BSc Computer Networks

Study Skills Faculty Study Skills sessions are open to all students. If you are just a bit stuck, or perhaps not sure about referencing, bibliographies or academic writing, for example, then go and speak to one of the study skills supervisors, and he or she will be able to help you. It’s a drop-in service so you don’t need to make an appointment.

Refine your study skills and achieve your best from foundation through to postgraduate level. Study skills supervisors offer support with:

FACE study skills sessions Room MT102 (1st Floor, Cadogan Building) Mount Pleasant Wednesday, 12 noon to 3pm

For more information: Tel: 01792 481206 Email: study.skills.swansea@uwtsd.ac.uk www.uwtsd.ac.uk/study-skills

• Researching • Referencing • Avoiding plagiarism • Academic writing • Critical thinking • Presentation skills • Planning and organisation • Exam revision

Study skills are considered an important component within university and are offered to all students. They are set up to help you develop your own approach to your chosen course.

Beach Guide From classic leisure beaches to secluded coves full of rock pools, Swansea and Gower have you covered for just about every type of beach imaginable.

best beach 9th in the world!

Rhossili

Sandcastles, surfing, watersports.

There are facilities there too.

TripAdvisor 2014

Swansea Bay

Port Eynon has a

It’s also literally next to town.

year-old petrified forest, which is pretty cool.

Sand castles, sunbathing, paddling.

Oxwich has dunes.

Also good for watersports, and surfing.

10,000 Pobbles Bay Adventuring along the cliffs is fun.

Pwll Du Stone skipping. It’s secluded and only accessible via three long footpaths into the valley.

Thanks to Elanor Alun, BSc Environmental Conservation Graduate

Gavin Griffiths Foundation to First Class MEng Gavin Griffiths started on our Foundation Entry Motorsport programme with no A-level maths or physics in 2011 and graduated in 2016 with a First Class MEng in Motorsport Engineering.

What areas of engineering are important today?

Research and Development are very important to ensure Great Britain stays at the forefront of Engineering for the future.

Why did you choose engineering?

Because I am mechanically minded and motorsport has always been a passion of mine so this course was a perfect fit for me.

What will you miss most about UWTSD? And why?

I will miss the friendly and relaxed environment and the opportunities to use a wide range of facilities including the simulator. I will also miss the relationships built with students and lecturers alike.

This helped us in the understanding of academic principles as they could relate them to the real world.

How did it feel being told you had a first class honours? (Very big congratulations, by the way) Incredible, I haven’t stopped smiling since!

Would you recommend Foundation entry? If so, why?

I would recommend Foundation entry as it reduces the step between A-levels and university. It also allowed me to learn how university works before the actual degree started and gave me a solid grounding in the required subjects eg maths/physics.

What is Swansea like?

What was the best thing about your course?

Friendly, relaxed city with great facilities for everyone.

Everyone on the courses had the same passion. We could bring our hobby and studies together. Also having actual race cars that can be worked on is a big bonus, instead of just there for display purposes. Projects are related to an actual vehicle, for example, being a part of the MEng group project we were provided with our own vehicle to develop.

Where next? What are your plans?

What were your lecturers like?

All the lecturers were approachable, and they know all the students individually.

They also have a wide industry-relevant knowledge, with actual industry experience which helped with the way the subjects were taught as they could provide life experiences on real projects.

My ideal ambition is to secure a position in the motorsport industry, hopefully F1 or WEC. Any other comments?

Big thank-you to everyone at UWTSD for all the help and support I have received on my journey from Foundation entry to a First Class MEng (Hons) Degree.

Open Days and Taster Days Studying in Swansea is not just about academic excellence although this is extremely important. It’s about the whole experience of living as a student in the area — the excellent nightlife, great shopping, friendly locals, low crime levels, stunning scenery, amazing beaches and excellent road and rail links. Come to an open day or book yourself onto one of our Taster Days and see for yourself.

Open Day Booking Form: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/swansea-open-daybooking-form

Taster Day Booking Form: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/face-visit-days

How to Apply All applications to study a full-time undergraduate degree at UWTSD are made through UCAS using Apply – an online application system available at: www.ucas.com/apply

For more information please refer to our website: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/how-to-applyundergraduate

Further Information stem@uwtsd.ac.uk

UWTSD FACE

The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change as part of the University’s policy of continuous improvement and development.