Single Module Immersive Sound Reproduction, Level 7 (15 Credits)

Program Overview

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Single Module Immersive Sound Reproduction, Level 7 (15 Credits)

Overview

This single module is drawn from our MSc/PgDip Acoustics programme. It is offered standalone to cater for the needs of those who only require training in one specialist area, e.g., for CPD purposes in relevant industries.

Introduction

In the Immersive Sound Reproduction module, you will develop an understanding of transducer systems for the capture and reproduction of 3D sound. You will then go on to develop understanding of how the human auditory system works and how this can be exploited to deliver realistic and immersive spatial audio experiences.

Course Details

• Gain experience and systematic understanding of design and implementation of 3D immersive audio in the context of loudspeaker and headphone reproduction
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the perception of sound in three dimensions is achieved by the human auditory system.
• Gain knowledge about the principles and design methods of common loudspeaker systems, including enclosure design, horn design, and array design

Teaching

Learning is mainly delivered using tutorial and seminar groups. Interaction is face-to-face wherever practical, but we also use web-based learning support packages (databases of materials, discussion boards etc.). There is a strong focus on guided self-learning.

Distance learning students can stream classes via our Virtual Learning Environment, either to participate live or watch later.

All modules are centred on a weekly programme of directed reading, supported by a detailed study guide and sets of tutorial questions. On occasion, lecture content may be screencast for watching in advance, following the ‘flipped classroom’ approach.

Face-to-face and distance learning cohorts are co-taught. This means that in-person sessions are streamed live for online learners, with tutors answering questions from both online and in-person cohorts at the same time. All classes are timetabled Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm (UK time). However, where necessary, it’s also possible for learners to participate beyond the co-taught format, for example through session recordings and discussion forums.

Assessment

Each module features one substantial written assignment to test the learning outcomes and cover the syllabus. The assignments are based around ‘open-ended’ design exercises and case studies based on realistic problems.

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.

Driven by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to take your career potential further.

Facilities

Campus-based students will experience a modern learning environment, featuring accessible lecture theatres, AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries. Distance learners will experience our Collaborate Ultra platform, with real-time and on-demand materials.

As an acoustics student, you will interact with world-class facilities, including full and semi-anechoic chambers, a transmission suite, large and small reverberation chambers, an ITU standard listening room, audiometric test facilities and a range of advanced instrumentation and equipment.

Industry Collaboration & Research

When you study acoustics at Salford, you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.

Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also deliver collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of local and global issues and challenges with noise, sound and vibration.

Employment and Stats

Employment

Acousticians with engineering, science and mathematical skills are in short supply, which puts you in a strong position to build a career. Our Acoustics postgraduate single modules can help you specialise your knowledge in the areas of acoustics that you're most interested in to help your career development, e.g. for CPD in a specific area that you are currently employed in or are seeking a job in.

In our increasingly busy world, managing unwanted noise is a growing and significant problem. Depending on the module, you might choose to use the knowledge and skills developed in a consultancy context – working with organisations to solve environmental noise challenges – or in audio engineering research – undertaking loudspeaker and audio system design, and/or consumer audio product development.

Many of the graduates of the acoustics programmes these modules are drawn from have progressed into senior roles in acoustics consultancy, research, development, and audio design. Today, you will find our alumni working at Apple, Dolby, BBC, plus every major acoustic consultancy in the world.

Further Study

This module can be taken as a stand-alone for the purposes of continuing professional development or as part of our MSc Acoustics programme.

You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Our Acoustics Research Centre is home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities exploring a range of topics, including noise and soundscapes, sound modelling, psychoacoustics, vibro-acoustics, building acoustics, acoustic materials and audio engineering.

Career Links

• Salford is accredited to perform twelve types of test via our world-class facilities that are maintained by commercially-funded technicians. We also have a UKAS-accredited Calibration Laboratory which provides a full-scale commercial service to industry.
• Our acoustics team holds strong industry links nurtured through collaborative research and projects based at our commercial test laboratories. These connections ensure that the programme is aligned with the latest research findings and developments.
• Recent projects include creating integrated virtual models for acoustic design with Dyson, wind turbine noise auralisation and subjective testing with DELTA and DEFRA, acoustics for auralisation with Arup, the S3A Future Spatial Audio project with the BBC and SALSA (Spatial Automated Live Sports Audio) system with DTS and Fairlight.
• We regularly share research outputs with industry partners and acoustics network. Recent masterclasses include acoustic consultancy with RBA Acoustics, noise mapping software with Cambell Associates, environmental noise with WSP/Parcel, railway noise and vibration with AECOM, NVH infotainment with JaguarLandRover, and measurement microphone technology with GRAS.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

Our Acoustics postgraduate modules are recommended for numerate science graduates and professionals who require education in specific areas of Acoustics. These might include:

• Graduates from our own courses wanting to take specific optional modules they didn’t select during their degree;
• Graduates from related degrees at other institutions wanting to take one of our modules;
• Employees in industry wanting to undertake modules as CPD;
• PhD students wanting Training in specific areas of Acoustics.

Applicants needing a general grounding covering all of Acoustics should consider applying to the full MSc/PgDip Acoustics programme from which these modules are drawn.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

International Students - Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

International students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin their studies. You need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK to comply with Home Office regulations.

Entry Requirements

• An undergraduate award at 2:2 or above (or equivalent) in science, engineering or mathematics.
• An undergraduate award at 2:2 or above (or equivalent) in another discipline, together with an appropriate engineering mathematics foundation qualification.

Applicants must also have the equivalent of grade C or higher, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English.

International Entry Requirements

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

Fees

Type of study | Year | Fees
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Distance learning UK | 2025/26 | £1,730 per 30 credits
Part-time UK | 2025/26 | £885 per 15 credits
Distance learning International | 2025/26 | £2,840 per 30 credits
Part-time International | 2025/26 | £1,420 per 15 credits

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Program Outline

• Objectives:
• Equip you with the knowledge and skills to design and implement 3D immersive audio in loudspeaker and headphone reproduction settings.
• Develop a thorough understanding of human auditory perception in the context of 3D sound.
• Gain expertise in the principles and design methodologies of various loudspeaker systems, including enclosure design, horn design, and array design.

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Outline:

• Module Content:
• Human Auditory Perception: Explore the mechanisms of human hearing and how it perceives sound in three dimensions.
• Applications of Immersive Audio: Investigate the practical applications of immersive audio in various industries, such as entertainment, gaming, and virtual reality.
• Structure:
• The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and individual study.
• You will be expected to participate actively in class discussions and complete a range of assignments to demonstrate your understanding.
• You will also have access to online learning materials and resources to support your studies.
• Course Schedule:
• The module is offered part-time over one semester.
• Classes are typically held on weekdays between 9am and 6pm (UK time).
• Distance learners can participate in live classes or access recordings and materials later.
• Individual Modules:
• The exact modules offered may vary depending on student demand and faculty availability.
• Some examples of modules that may be offered include:
• Immersive Audio Production
• Spatial Audio for Virtual Reality
• Advanced Loudspeaker Design
• Psychoacoustics of 3D Sound

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Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• The module is assessed through a single substantial written assignment, focusing on open-ended design exercises and case studies based on real-world scenarios.
• Assessment Criteria:

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Learning is delivered through a blend of interactive tutorials, seminars, and independent study.
• Classes are designed to be engaging and interactive, promoting active participation from both on-campus and distance learning students.
• Distance learners can participate in live classes via the Virtual Learning Environment or access recordings and materials later.
• Faculty:
• The module is taught by experienced academics and industry professionals who are experts in the field of immersive audio.
• You will have access to dedicated support from your tutors throughout the course.
• Unique Approaches:
• The module leverages a "flipped classroom" approach, where lectures are often pre-recorded and available for students to watch beforehand.
• This allows for more interactive, discussion-based sessions during class time.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Acoustics Consultant
• Audio Engineer
• Immersive Audio Specialist
• Researcher in the field of 3D audio

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Other:

• Industry Collaboration: The University of Salford collaborates with industry leaders in the field of immersive audio, ensuring the program is aligned with current trends and developments.
• Research Opportunities: You have the option to pursue further study in the field of acoustics through the university's Acoustics Research Centre, exploring a range of topics in sound and audio.
• International Students: The module is open to international students, providing an opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and skills in immersive audio.

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| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Distance learning UK | 2024/25 | £1665 per 30 credits | | Part-time UK | 2024/25 | £850 per 15 credits | | Distance Learning International | 2024/25 | £2730 per 30 credits | | Part-time International | 2024/25 | £1,365 per 15 credits |