There is a large and growing industrial need for engineers to control and mitigate noise and its effects, providing a healthy job market for appropriately trained graduates. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to work in environmental acoustics, whether in consultancy, local / central government or in research.
This MSc is aimed at graduates of numerate science and technology disciplines, either fresh from undergraduate study or as Continual Professional Development for persons already in service.The University of Salford has a long history of research and teaching in environmental acoustics - by taking this course you will be joining a community of alumni who can be found at the heart of many leading organisations both in the UK and internationally.
You will study core topics including architectural acoustics, psychoacoustics, dynamics and vibration, computer modelling and measurement. Beyond this, the course provides specialist modules in environmental noise monitoring and noise control. Further specialisation is then developed in the Project module.
You will be based in the university’s internationally-renowned Acoustics Research Group. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework panel praised our outputs, saying that the Salford submission showed “particular strengths in acoustics”, and our industrial links led our REF impact case study to be singled out by the EPSRC and Royal Academy of Engineering for highlight the economic benefits of engineering and training.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics for the purposes of meeting the educational requirements for Corporate Membership of the Institute. Graduates may attain Engineering Council registration via the Institute of Acoustics.
This course offers a variety of flexible study formats, including full and part-time modes, either on campus or via distance learning. Those considering part-time study should bear in mind that the programme is intensive, and that generally, we advise that part-time means half time, i.e. you would need to allocate half the week to you studies ≈ 19 working hours.
This course comprises eight 15 credit taught modules, followed by a 60 credit project module leading to the dissertation. For full-time students, the taught modules all take place in trimesters one and two, followed by the project module in trimester three. For part-time students, the taught modules are spread over trimesters one and two of two years, followed by the project module in year three.
The majority of teaching and learning takes place through tutorial and seminar groups. There is a strong focus on guided self-learning. Assessment is generally in the form of assignments, which improve problem solving and other skills as well as providing a strong background in the subject area. The ‘Measurement, Analysis and Assessment’ and ‘Environmental Noise Measurement’ modules also include practical group work.
All students benefit from the supply of a range of high-quality teaching materials, text books and software. Interaction with students is face-to-face wherever practical, but we also use web-based learning support packages (databases of materials, discussion boards etc.) to support the cohorts. Distance learning students are able to stream classes via our Virtual Learning Environment, either to participate live or watch back later.
Our MSc Environmental Acoustics meets the needs of people wanting a career dealing with building design, noise and its control. With noise being a significant problem worldwide, there is increasing demand from companies wanting to employ graduates understanding acoustics. Building design and architectural acoustics needs specialist engineering consultants looking at room configurations and surface treatments, noise ingress and egress, sound reinforcement system design and so on. Many other businesses employ specialists in acoustics from Salford: Apple, Bentley and JLR to name a few. Our reputation in acoustics means that our graduates have an excellent chance of quickly finding a job, and many employers come directly to Salford to recruit graduates from our courses.
Acoustic consultancy offers the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of projects and clients, and consultancy practices who recruit our graduates are spread widely throughout the UK, the EU, Canada, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Students also go on to study for a higher degree by research, here at Salford or elsewhere.
Acousticians with engineering, science and mathematical skills are currently in short supply, and Salford MSc Acoustics graduates are in a very strong position in the jobs market. Salford University has over 25 years’ experience of placing graduates in key audio and acoustic industries carrying out consultancy, research, development and design. These include well-known companies such as Apple, Dolby and the BBC, and with almost every major acoustic consultancy in the world.
Typically our graduates go into:
Staff have strong links with industry either through collaborative R&D projects with industry through the Acoustics Research Centre and our commercial test laboratories. These all help to keep the MSc Acoustics up to date with the current needs of industry, including the latest research findings. This course is an exemplar of the University’s Industry Collaboration Zones (ICZs) strategy- our single strategic priority.
The generation, manipulation and reproduction of high quality audio are core elements of the rapidly expanding communication, entertainment, music and sound engineering industries. This course is aimed at graduates of numerate science disciplines, who wish to make the transfer into this exciting and growing sector. Building on the engineering fundamentals you already know, it will provide you with the specialist expert knowledge required to become a future leader in audio technology. The University of Salford has a long history of research and teaching in audio and acoustics - by taking this course you will be joining a community of alumni who can be found at the heart of many leading organisations both in the UK and abroad.
You will study core topics including architectural acoustics, psychoacoustics, dynamics and vibration, computer modelling and measurement. Beyond this, the course provides specialist modules in digital signal processing and advanced loudspeaker and microphone design. Further specialisation is then developed in the Project module.
You will be based in the university’s internationally-renowned Acoustics Research Group. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework panel praised our outputs, saying that the Salford submission showed “particular strengths in acoustics”, and our industrial links led our REF impact case study to be singled out by the EPSRC and Royal Academy of Engineering for highlight the economic benefits of engineering and training.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics for the purposes of meeting the educational requirements for Corporate Membership of the Institute. Graduates may attain Engineering Council registration via the Institute of Acoustics.
This course offers a variety of flexible study formats, including full and part-time modes, either on campus or via distance learning. Those considering part-time study should bear in mind that the programme is intensive, and that generally, we advise that part-time means half time, i.e. you would need to allocate half the week to you studies ≈ 19 working hours.
This course comprises eight 15 credit taught modules, followed by a 60 credit project module leading to the dissertation. For full-time students, the taught modules all take place in trimesters one and two, followed by the project module in trimester three. For part-time students, the taught modules are spread over trimesters one and two of two years, followed by the project module in year three.
The majority of teaching and learning takes place through tutorial and seminar groups. There is a strong focus on guided self-learning. Assessment is generally in the form of assignments, which improve problem solving and other skills as well as providing a strong background in the subject area. The ‘Measurement, Analysis and Assessment’ module also includes practical group work.
All students benefit from the supply of a range of high-quality teaching materials, text books and software. Interaction with students is face-to-face wherever practical, but we also use web-based learning support packages (databases of materials, discussion boards etc.) to support the cohorts. Distance learning students are able to stream classes via our Virtual Learning Environment, either to participate live or watch back later.
Our MSc Audio Acoustics course is designed to train graduates to meet a growing demand for audio skills in industry, and also to enable employees to reach their full potential. This postgraduate course has been used as in-service training by a number of UK and global companies (e.g. mobile telecoms). While one naturally thinks of mobile phone design as belonging to 'telecommunications', there are considerable audio engineering challenges in designing good quality sound from the small transducers used in confined spaces, often in the presence of considerable background noise. Also, increasing markets exist for sophisticated audio systems in the home (smart speakers), at work (virtual and augmented environments) and in transport (car audio or ‘infotainment’).
The audio acoustics industry is diverse. It includes major firms with 'core' audio-related market share such as Philips, Sony, Dolby, B&O and KEF. Many other businesses employ specialists in acoustics from Salford: Apple, Bentley, JLR to name a few. Building design and architectural acoustics needs specialist engineering consultants looking at room configurations and surface treatments, noise ingress and egress, sound reinforcement system design and so on, and a very wide variety of companies (Arup Acoustics are one large example in our area) employ graduates from our courses. Students also go on to study for a higher degree by research, here at Salford or elsewhere.
Acousticians with engineering, science and mathematical skills are currently in short supply, and Salford MSc Audio Acoustics graduates are in a very strong position in the jobs market. The University of Salford has over 25 years’ experience of placing graduates in key audio and acoustic industries carrying out consultancy, research, development and design. These include well-known companies such as Apple, Dolby and the BBC, and with almost every major acoustic consultancy in the world.
Typically our graduates go into:
In 2013, A survey of 500 of our acoustic and audio alumni found 1 in 5 of our graduates live outside the UK and 45% are in Senior jobs or are Directors. The 6 most popular industries were: research (15%), environmental (11%), university (10%), construction (9%), architecture (9%) and consumer electronics (6%).
Fascinated by the science of sound? Southampton Solent University’s applied acoustics masters programme can provide you with the skills and knowledge required to work in a range of acoustics fields. Suitable graduate destinations include consultancy, engineering, environmental health, built environment work or further study at PhD level.
Taught by experts with strong research and industry backgrounds, MSc Applied Acoustics offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience with the latest measurement, simulation and modelling technology. Students also study relevant scientific principles such as how humans respond to sound, acoustic physics, and how sound interacts with our environment.
We have excellent links with the Institute of Acoustics (IoA) and the Association of Noise Consultants, as well as a number of commercial companies across the sector. These include KP Acoustics, with whom we have a formal partnership for work placement and mentoring. The course has also been designed to meet the requirements for professional IoA registration.
The University also offers access to specialist facilities for the testing and demonstration of acoustic and electro-acoustic principles, including a hemi-anechoic chamber, audio isolation booths for sound recording and audiometric testing, and the University’s own digital 3D cinema.
Acoustics offers an intellectual and practical challenge across a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing or construction to architecture, telecommunications or various engineering industries.
Acousticians could be involved in designing and planning exciting new infrastructure projects such as airports, motorways and sports arenas, or could be responsible for making airplanes and cars quieter, or improving the sound quality of a television or computer. Acousticians are also involved in the design of new buildings – from flats and houses, to skyscrapers and concert halls.
This course is ideal for students with an engineering or technology-related undergraduate degree, or who have chartered environmental health practitioner status or equivalent.
Students who are looking to gain hands-on practical experience using the latest acoustics technology will be well-suited to the course.
Year one
Core taught units:
Core project units:
Three options from:
Please note: Not all optional units are guaranteed to run each year.
To aid study and help perfect techniques, students have full access to the University’s laboratory and studio facilities. Students will be able to undertake acoustic measurement and laboratory projects using a wide range of test equipment such as sound level meters, a 16-channel data acquisition system, head and torso simulators, a laser vibrometer and ambisonic microphones. Students will also have access to cutting-edge simulation and modelling software, including MATLAB, NI Labview, CadnaA, CATT Acoustic, and EASE.
Solent has a 10-year history of successful graduate employment in the acoustic industries. Solent graduates have gone on to work in acoustics roles for Apple (acoustic engineer), Accon UK, Samsung (audio engineer), Cole Jarman Associates, Hilson Moran, Mott Macdonald, KP Acoustics, Hann Tucker Associates, Hoare Lea, Vangardia Consulting and Clarke Saunders Associates, among others.
We have excellent links with the Institute of Acoustics (IoA) and the Association of Noise Consultants, as well as a number of commercial companies across the sector. As a result of the course team’s strong industry connections, students have access to guest speakers from a range of relevant organisations. Previous speakers have included Mark Murphy and Jim Griffiths (Vanguardia Consulting), Nicholas Jones (Hilson Moran) and Phil McIlwain (Westminster City Council).
The Professional Skills and Practice unit involves organising your own work placement with an external company, supported by staff and making use of the course team’s industry contacts.
There are a number of opportunities for work experience with professional partners and contacts, as well as through the University’s own Solent Acoustics consultancy.
Past students have worked on a range of projects, including for TruckFest, Isle of Wight Festival, Westminster City Council and KP Acoustics.
Awarded by the Institute of Acoustics, our course aims to equip you with a thorough understanding of the nature of noise and the ways in which it can be controlled in the environment, the workplace and in buildings. Extending over 12 months, our course is taught through lectures, laboratory classes and via our web-based Virtual Learning Environment. There is an emphasis on relating the theory of acoustics to the solution of practical noise problems.
Enhance your understanding of acoustics and the way noise can be controlled in the workplace, in buildings and in the wider environment.
We offer the highly-regarded Institute of Acoustics (IoA) Diploma and the opportunity on successful completion to progress to a masters award by studying two research modules. Taught through lectures, laboratory classes and via our Virtual Learning Environment, emphasis will be given to studying the theory of acoustics and how this knowledge can be applied to develop practical solutions to noise problems.
Both courses are part-time with attendance on campus limited to half a day per week. The IoA Diploma will enable you to work as an acoustics specialist and it can enhance existing careers in construction, architecture or music technology. Undertaking the MSc will ensure your professional practice is informed by the very latest research, and your qualification will be well regarded both here and abroad.
This qualifications is well respected in the environmental protection field. The IoA Diploma is a required qualification for many senior posts in local authorities and private sector organisations, and you will be able to apply for professional membership of the IoA after graduating from this course. We have excellent links with employers, and many of our students have secured jobs in the consultancy and manufacturing sectors during or immediately after completing their course.
Enhance your understanding of acoustics and the way noise can be controlled in the workplace, in buildings and in the wider environment. We offer the highly-regarded Institute of Acoustics (IoA) Diploma and the opportunity on successful completion to progress to a masters award by studying two research modules. Taught through lectures, laboratory classes and via our Virtual Learning Environment, emphasis will be given to studying the theory of acoustics and how this knowledge can be applied to develop practical solutions to noise problems.
Both courses are part-time with attendance on campus limited to half a day per week. The IoA Diploma will enable you to work as an acoustics specialist and it can enhance existing careers in construction, architecture or music technology. Undertaking the MSc will ensure your professional practice is informed by the very latest research, and your qualification will be well regarded both here and abroad.
For information on the IoA Diploma, visit Acoustics & Noise Control Diloma
You will have access to our fully equipped state-of-the-art laboratory, with its anechoic and reverberation chambers and modern noise analysis equipment. Our course is taught by experience acoustic consultants, and we have very close links with local authority employers due to our established courses in environmental health, allowing you to develop your professional network.
Our MSc is highly regarded in the environmental protection field and is a required qualification for many senior posts in local authorities and private sector organisations. We have excellent links with local employers, and many of our students have secured jobs in the consultancy and manufacturing sectors during or immediately after completing our course.
Taking the science of musical sound as your focus, you’ll work in a cross-disciplinary environment, using theoretical and experimental work to explore the musical, technical and multimedia applications of acoustics and audio technology.
The programme aims to:
The emphasis of this programme is on science and technology in the context of musical and multimedia applications.
The MSc is taught by a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work. Courses are assessed through a combination of report submissions and written examinations. In the final three months, you will carry out an individual project, which is assessed by submission of a dissertation.
Students who successfully complete this cross-disciplinary programme will develop skills in the area of music, acoustics and audio technology.
Graduates will have a thorough understanding of the appropriate technologies and the science underlying them, as well as an understanding of their role in a wider creative arts environment.
A knowledge of the science behind music and music production can prove a great asset in your career. Qualified technicians and producers are in demand in all areas of music, as are acoustic scientists. The programme will provide you with the perfect foundation for further study if you’d prefer to continue on an academic path. The highly transferable skills you’ll gain in communication and project management will also take you further up whichever career ladder you choose to climb.
On this course, you’ll gain practical, theoretical and creative experience of sound engineering, music production and audio technology.
You’ll explore the design, manipulation and production of audio across many platforms, using our state-of-the-art audio-post recording, radio and TV studios to study a mix of sound engineering and theory modules.
The aim of the course is to develop the skills that you’ll need to create and deliver professional audio, whilst under pinning these skills with a sound theoretical background.
94% of our postgraduates go on to employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.DLHE 2009 and 2010
This course entails both practical based and theory modules. The modules are delivered in the recording studios, the audio technology suite, audio post production suite and lecture theatres.
DURATION
September start
MSc (one year full-time or up to three years part-time)
PgDip (nine months full-time or 18 months part-time)
January start
MSc (16 months full-time)
PgDip (one year full-time or up to two years part-time)
Teaching and learning involves a mix of lectures and practical sound engineering work, involving individual and group learning, There is an emphasis on motivated students' self-study.
Assessment involves a mixture of practical work, report writing and project work. By the end of the course students will have built up a substantial portfolio of audio, video and new media work.
Assessment is approximately divided across the course as follows:
This degree is based in MediaCityUK,the new home for the BBC, ITV, Coronation Street and parts of the University of Salford. MediaCityUK is located at Salford Quays on the banks of Manchester's historic ship canal. The University has the first four floors of a new, purpose built facility that looks over the water to The Lowry theatre, Imperial War Museum North and the new Coronation Street set. ITV occupy the floors above us, with the three BBC buildings on one side of us and Peel Media Studios on the other.
A number of BBC departments are based at MediaCityUK, having moved from London, including BBC Breakfast, BBC Children's, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Future Media and Technology, BBC Learning, BBC Sport and BBC Academy. All of the BBC Manchester operations have also moved to MediaCityUK, including BBC Religion and Ethics, Current Affairs and the BBC Philharmonic.
For more information, check out the Salford MediaCityUK site and the main MediaCityUK site.
Here is a summary of our relevant facilities at MediaCityUK:
On the main campus, we also have a Pro Tools equipped studio recording complex consisting of four control rooms and recording areas. Please see this brochure for more detailed information brochure.
The wide range of skills provided on this course will enhance your employability. Possible career paths include: audio manufacturer research and design, broadcast engineer in audio for radio or TV, audio and visual design and installation, education, interactive media and sonic arts.
Possible career paths include:
Staff have strong links with industry either through collaborative R&D projects with industry through the Acoustics Research Centre and our commercial test laboratories. Our research department is a Centre of Excellence for BBC Research.
Some students could go on to study a PhD at our world-class Acoustics Research Centre. We have been carrying out acoustics and audio research for over 30 years. Our research is funded by research councils, government bodies, and industry. It has fed into audio products that companies make and sell worldwide, as well as regulations and standards used in the UK, Europe and beyond. We are also involved in public engagement - getting more people aware of and interested in acoustic science and engineering.
The International Master's Degree in Electro acoustics (IMDEA) offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals in electro acoustics and in relating fields. The program offers a specialized education in:
• Electro acoustics
• Mechanics and materials
• Transducers (loudspeakers, microphones)
• Acoustic loads and acoustic radiation
• Real time signal processing
The program covers the entire range of the whole electro acoustic chain. All courses are given in English on an advanced scientific and technical level. The teaching is based on cutting-edge research in electro acoustics.
The master’s program prepares students for careers dealing with different aspects of electroacoustics which require strong analytical and research skills, whether in the public or private sectors and for PhD studies or research activities.
-Refresher courses - 7 ECTS: mathematics, digital electronics, signal analysis, measurement, acoustics and vibrations, Matlab, electronics
-Electroacoustics - 32 ECTS
-Acoustics & mechanics - 25.5 ECTS
-Mathematics - 3 ECTS
-Communication - 8 ECTS
-Electronics, signal processing - 18.5 ECTS
-Master’s Thesis– 26 ECTS: Thesis on an electro acoustics engineering-related theme
