Study Abroad Website 
University and Location
Founded in 1920, Swansea University is known for its excellence in research-led instruction and overall student satisfaction. Swansea’s world-class facilities are housed in eight distinct colleges across two campuses on the stunning coast of southwest Wales. With a student body of over 20,000 hailing from more than 130 countries, Swansea offers a vibrant student experience and over 170 clubs and athletic teams. Located along the Gower Peninsula, Swansea is the 2
nd largest city in Wales and enjoys miles of coastline and the moniker of
City by the Sea. The area is home to more than 50 beaches and coves and includes the bustling seaside village of Mumbles with the 12
th century Oystermouth Castle overlooking the main shopping district. Swansea offers easy access to other regions of England, with London accessible by train in just 3 hours.
Available Fields of Study
Swansea offers an expansive selection of courses in the humanities, arts and social sciences, business and management, science, computer science and engineering (aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, material, mechanical, and medical).
Program Dates
Fall Semester: September - January *
Spring Semester: January – June
*Although fall semester classes end in December, most final exams take place in January. Students who do not plan to be in Swansea for the January assessment period must select modules assessed by coursework and in-class tests. Students are not allowed to take Swansea exams at Rensselaer in January or to request early exams in order to facilitate departure from the program.
Course Selection and Registration
Students will select modules (classes) from the
Swansea Module Catalogue. Course registration will not be finalized until arrival in Swansea, and a two week add/drop period will take place at the beginning of the semester. Guidance on course selection can be found
here. Once you have selected courses that interest you and have confirmed that they are offered during the correct semester, check the Rensselaer online
Transfer Course Guide to determine if any of them have already been evaluated and approved. Remember that course approval does not guarantee that the course will be offered during your semester abroad - you must select your courses based on their availability as indicated by the Swansea site, not by their appearance in the Transfer Course Guide.
Courseload
Credits at Swansea may be indicated as Swansea credits or ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. The credit conversion at Swansea is as follows:
- 1 Swansea credit = .5 ECTS credit = .25 U.S. credit
- A typical semester courseload is 60 Swansea/30 ECTS/15-16 U.S. credits
A minimum of the equivalent of 12 Rensselaer credits is required in order to maintain your enrollment status. International students must maintain full-time student status (12 Rensselaer credits or more) in order to maintain their immigration status at Rensselaer.
Grading and Academic Evaluation
Students must receive a minimum Swansea grade of 40 in order to receive Rensselaer credit and will not receive credit for any class taken on a pass/fail basis.
Accommodation and Meals
Exchange students may apply to live in one of the many Swansea University residences and may prepare their own meals or eat in campus dining facilities. Students will apply for housing once their Swansea acceptance has been issued. Detailed housing information can be found
here.
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay regular Rensselaer tuition while on exchange at Swansea and will receive all regular financial aid for which they are eligible. Students are also responsible for airfare, accommodation, and other living expenses. Individual student expenses will vary according to lifestyle and travel. Students should expect to spend at least US$1500 per month to cover housing, location transportation, meals and miscellaneous living expenses. Additional cost information can be found
here.
Questions? Please contact Karen Dvorak, Program Manager