MSc Computational Mechanics

If you're passionate about solving complex engineering problems with the power of high-performance computing, our MSc Computational Mechanics programme is designed to give you that exact hands-on, practical experience. You'll be immersed in the world of simulation and modelling, using industry-standard software and working within our renowned Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering (ZCCE)—a world-leading institute that's literally at the forefront of the field it helped to create. This is where theory transforms into tangible skill, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

Your learning will be deeply experiential, centred around applying advanced computational methods:

• World-Leading Research Institute: You will be based in the Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering (ZCCE), an institute with a global reputation for pioneering the Finite Element Method. This isn't just a classroom; it's an active research hub where you'll learn from the experts who are writing the textbooks.

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Facilities: Gain direct, hands-on experience with our state-of-the-art HPC Wales cluster and other advanced computing resources, which are essential for running the large-scale, complex simulations that are central to the course.

• Industry-Standard Software: You will develop expert proficiency in crucial commercial software packages used by top engineering firms worldwide, including Abaqus for finite element analysis and ANSYS for engineering simulation.

• Practical, Project-Based Learning: The curriculum is built around practical application, culminating in a substantial individual research project. This project allows you to apply all your skills to a specific problem, often in collaboration with the ZCCE's industry partners or research initiatives.

• Specialised Laboratories & Resources: While focused on computation, you have access to the wider faculty's excellent engineering facilities, providing context for your simulations. Furthermore, you'll benefit from the specialised resources and vast collection of the University's Library and Information Centre.

This programme is your gateway to becoming a specialist in a field that is critical to modern engineering innovation. You'll graduate not just with a degree, but with the proven, practical ability to use computational tools to design, analyse, and optimise in ways that are shaping the future.

Graduates of MSc Computational Mechanics at Swansea often go into roles like Simulation / Modelling Engineer, Numerical Methods Analyst, Finite Element Specialist, or R&D Engineer in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, or civil engineering. Because the programme blends industrial placement, double-diploma across Wales & Spain, and strong theoretical + applied training, many students are well-prepared for highly skilled roles or further academic work.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Swansea equips you — and what you can expect after completing the degree:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • The course includes an industrial placement during the first year, letting you apply skills in a real industry context, build your professional network, and often making you more employable after graduation.

  • Swansea’s Employability Academy (SEA) provides workshops, employer talks, bespoke events, careers fairs, and individual career advice; plus, alumni support extends up to two years after you graduate. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • About 20% of students in this programme are employed after graduation by the company where they did the placement. That shows real traction of the work placements in securing roles. 

  • The expected salary for a computational engineering / mechanics job in the UK is typically around £44,000, compared to around £38,000 for many conventional engineering roles—reflecting the specialised nature of skills you’ll gain. 

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • The programme is co-delivered with Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, and in cooperation with the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE). This gives you exposure to different research environments and practices. 

  • The Industrial Steering Committee includes experts from companies like Rolls-Royce, Altair, Siemens, Hexagon, ITI Limited, Rockfield, Peritus, and Pebble Engineering. That means curriculum input from real-world industry, plus opportunities to engage with those firms.

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • This MSc Computational Mechanics is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM). This means it meets professional standards for Further Learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—important if you aim for chartered status down the line. 

  • The degree confers a double diploma (from Swansea and UPC) if you choose the international route, which enhances recognition of your qualification across borders.

• Graduation outcomes:

  • You’ll graduate with strong skills in numerical methods (finite elements, continuum mechanics, computational fluid and structural mechanics), high performance computing, software tools, and domain specialisation (fluids, structures, waves, etc.) depending on your elective modules. 

  • Because of the industrial placement + multiple institutions exposure, many graduates are able to step into challenging engineering roles, R&D departments, or continue to doctoral studies in computational mechanics / engineering simulation. 

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this MSc, you have solid options to further deepen or expand your expertise:

• You could pursue a PhD in Computational Mechanics, Numerical Methods, CFD, Structural Simulation, Multiphysics Modelling, or related topics, potentially at Swansea, UPC, CIMNE, or other research-intensive institutions.

• Alternatively, you might take up roles in R&D where you continue learning on the job, possibly publish, or move into technical leadership positions.

• There’s also scope for short specialist courses or certifications in areas such as finite element software packages, computational fluid dynamics, data-driven modelling / machine learning as applied to simulation, high-performance computing, etc., if you want to specialise further.