The MSc Acoustics course offers two pathways specialising in either Audio Acoustics or Environmental Acoustics, both of which offer opportunities to develop specialist knowledge of NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness).
Key benefits:
• An in-depth analytical treatment of acoustic engineering as used in industry and research
• You are taught by World-class audio and acoustic engineering researchers - part of an RAE submission rated highest for research power
• Strong and long-standing connections with audio and acoustics industry across the World which inform course content.
Visit the website:
http://www.salford.ac.uk/pgt-courses/audio-acoustics Suitable for
This course is designed for technically skilled graduates whose first degree was not necessarily in reproduced sound or acoustics but another engineering or science discipline. This course is also designed for those currently working in the audio and acoustic industry who wish to expand their expertise, and those wishing to train to begin an acoustic and audio engineering career.
Programme details
The MSc Acoustics has two pathways: Audio Applications and Environmental Applications.
- Audio pathway -
The generation, manipulation and reproduction of high quality audio signals are core elements of the rapidly expanding communication, entertainment and sound engineering industry. The audio pathway aims to train graduates in the acoustic aspects of audio such as digital signal processing, microphone and loudspeaker design, architectural acoustics and sound reproduction.
- Environmental pathway -
The environmental pathway is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to work in environmental acoustics, including environmental noise consultancy, noise control in industry and acoustic engineering research.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics which provides external validation of the course quality.
Format
The majority of teaching and learning takes place through tutorial and seminar groups. 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 Acoustics MSc course offers a variety of flexible formats, including full- and part-time attending modes, and by distance learning over two years. Those considering part-time study should bear in mind that the courses are intensive, and that generally, we advise that part-time means half time, i.e. you would need to allocate half the week to the MSc, 19 working hours.
Distance learning and attending 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 whole cohort.
Semester 1
Common to both pathways:
• Mathematics and acoustics
• Loudspeakers and perception
Semester 2
• Room Acoustics and modelling
Audio Acoustics Pathway:
• Digital signal processing and electroacoustics
Environmental Acoustics Pathway:
• Environmental Noise
Semester 3
• Project
Assessment
• Taught modules are assessed through assignments
• The project is assessed through a dissertation
Career potential
The Audio Pathway on this 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 (surround sound cinema), at work (Internet conferencing facilities, virtual environments) and in transport (car audio). This masters course has been devised to meet this growing demand.
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: Nokia, Bentley (and Ford, Nissan etc) 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 this area) employ graduates from our courses. Students also go on to study for a higher degree by research, here at Salford or elsewhere.
The Environmental Pathway 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 significant demand from companies wanting to employ graduates understanding acoustics. Many employers such as noise and acoustic consultancies, and product manufacturers, come directly to Salford to recruit graduates from our courses. Our reputation in acoustics means that our graduates have an excellent chance of quickly finding a job. 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.
How to apply:
http://www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying
Read less
