MSc/PgDip Acoustics

Program Overview

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MSc/PgDip Acoustics

Overview

The MSc/PgDip Acoustics postgraduate degree is designed to nurture your specialist knowledge, preparing you for a career as a future leader in audio product development, noise consultancy, sound innovation, or sound management.

Introduction

Help to build a better sounding world with a postgraduate MSc Acoustics degree. Delivered in full and part-time study pathways, either on campus or online, this course is recommended for numerate science graduates looking to join the acoustics and audio profession.

Course Details

Course Delivery

Our MSc Acoustics postgraduate degree is available in flexible study formats, including full and part-time pathways, delivered on campus or via distance learning.

• The MSc award course comprises eight 15-credit taught modules, followed by a 60-credit dissertation project.
• As a full-time student, you will study modules during trimesters one and two, and complete your project module in trimester three.
• As a part-time student, you will spread learning over trimesters one and two of the first two years, and complete your project module in year three.

Core Modules

• Principles of Acoustics and Vibration (Year one part-time)
• Room Acoustics (Year one part-time)
• Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning (Year one part-time)
• Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics (Year one part-time)
• Noise and Vibration Control (Year one part-time)
• Loudspeakers and Microphones (Year two part-time)
• Measurement, Analysis and Assessment (Year two part-time)
• Computer Simulation for Acoustics (Year two part-time)
• Immersive Sound Reproduction (Year two part-time)
• Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling (Year two part-time)

Optional Modules

• Choose three options from the following:
  • Room Acoustics
  • Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning
  • Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics
  • Noise and Vibration Control
  • Loudspeakers and Microphones
  • Measurement, Analysis and Assessment
  • Computer Simulation for Acoustics
  • Immersive Sound Reproduction
  • Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling

Course Team

Drawing on over 60 years of acoustics expertise at Salford, the Acoustics postgraduate course is delivered by an academic team with exceptional research experience and extensive professional connections throughout the world.

• Course leader: Dr. Jonathan Hargreaves

What Will I Be Doing?

Teaching

Learning for our MSc/PgDip in acoustics 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.
• Face-to-face and distance learning cohorts are co-taught.
• All classes are timetabled Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm (UK time).

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.

• The ‘Measurement, Analysis and Assessment’ module includes practical group work.
• The final project is assessed using a dissertation (weighting 80%) and a presentation (weighting 20%).

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 and Research

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.

• 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.

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 once you graduate.

• Our MSc/PgDip Acoustics postgraduate degree can up careers where you can lead and influence acoustics and audio engineering research, broadcast engineering, loudspeaker and audio system design, sound innovation, and consumer audio product development.

Further Study

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.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

Our Acoustics postgraduate degree is recommended for numerate science graduates and professionals looking to move into the exciting field of acoustics.

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.

Distance Learning Pathway - Mandatory Attendance

The ‘Measurement, Analysis and Assessment’ module includes a lab week, which requires mandatory attendance for distance learning students. Depending on your nationality, you may require an ATAS certificate and Short Term Study Visa.

International Applications

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Standard Entry Requirements

• An undergraduate award at 2:2 or above (or equivalent) in computer science, 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 Student 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 Cost of Studying MSc/PGDIP Acoustics

Type of study	Year	Fees
Full-time home	2025/26	£10,350 per year
Full-time international	2025/26	£17,000 per year
Part-time	2025/26	Calculated on a pro rata basis
Distance learning	2025/26	£1,730 per 30 credits

Additional Costs

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

International Student Scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Introduction:

The MSc/PgDip Acoustics program at the University of Salford helps individuals develop their expertise in audio and acoustics for careers in audio product development, noise consultancy, and sound management. Designed for numerate science graduates, the program offers full-time, part-time, and distance learning options, delivered on campus or online.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the specialist knowledge needed to become leaders in the audio product development, noise consultancy, and sound management fields.
• Foster the development of practical skills in measurement and evaluation, enabling graduates to contribute to the advancement of acoustics through research and project work.
• Provide opportunities for students to shape their learning based on their interests and career aspirations through a variety of optional modules.
• Utilize world-class facilities and an academic team at the forefront of industry-focused research to provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.

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Program Description:

• The program comprises eight 15-credit taught modules followed by a 60-credit dissertation project.
• Full-time students complete modules in trimesters one and two, with the project module in trimester three.
• Part-time students spread their learning over trimesters one and two of the first two years, completing the project module in year three.
• The program features a variety of optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals.
• Graduates benefit from access to some of the UK's leading acoustics facilities, regularly used by major organizations for product testing and development.

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Outline:

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Course Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics in acoustics, including:

• Principles of Acoustics and Vibration
• Room Acoustics
• Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning
• Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics
• Noise and Vibration Control
• Loudspeakers and Microphones
• Measurement, Analysis and Assessment
• Immersive Sound Reproduction
• Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling

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Course Structure:

• The program is offered in full-time, part-time, and distance learning formats.
• Full-time students complete the program in one year, while part-time students take two and a half years.
• Both full-time and part-time students can choose to study on campus or online.
• Distance learning students can participate in live classes or watch recordings later.
• The program features a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical work.

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Course Schedule:

• Classes are typically held Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm (UK time).
• Full-time students attend classes on campus, while part-time students can attend in person or online.
• Distance learning students can access recordings of all classes.

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Individual Modules:

• Principles of Acoustics and Vibration: Introduces the physical and mathematical representations of vibrating systems and acoustic waves.
• Room Acoustics: Covers the principles of room acoustics and how to apply them to design new rooms or analyze existing ones.
• Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning: Explores the processing and manipulation of acoustical signals, using techniques like filtering and machine learning.
• Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics: Delves into the study of how humans perceive sound and how musical sounds are created, modeled, and synthesized.
• Noise and Vibration Control: Provides knowledge and understanding of noise and vibration control engineering processes and methodologies.
• Loudspeakers and Microphones: Investigates the principles underlying electroacoustic transduction and the interaction between sound sources, environments, and listeners.
• Measurement, Analysis and Assessment: Equips students with the knowledge and skills to specify, undertake, and analyze acoustic measurements.
• Immersive Sound Reproduction: Explores the technology and principles of 3D sound capture and reproduction for creating realistic and immersive spatial audio experiences.
• Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling: Covers the measurement and modelling of environmental noise, enabling students to interpret and apply noise legislation and best practices.
• MSc Acoustics Project: An extended individual study project focused on a chosen topic in audio acoustics, potentially industry-based and assessed through a dissertation and presentation.

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Assessment:

• Each module is assessed through a substantial written assignment that tests learning outcomes and covers the syllabus.
• The assignments typically involve open-ended design exercises and case studies based on realistic problems.
• Some modules also include practical group work.
• The final project is assessed through a dissertation (80% weighting) and a presentation (20% weighting).

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Teaching:

• Learning is primarily delivered through tutorials and seminar groups.
• Interaction is predominantly face-to-face, with web-based learning support packages available for distance learners.
• The program utilizes a "flipped classroom" approach, where lecture content may be provided in advance for students to review independently.
• Distance learning students can participate in classes through the Collaborate Ultra platform, with real-time and on-demand materials.
• The program features a strong focus on guided self-learning, encouraging students to take ownership of their academic journey.
• The program's faculty consists of experienced academics and technicians with expertise in acoustics, research, and industry collaboration.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the program are highly sought after in the acoustics and audio engineering fields due to their specialized skills and knowledge.
• Potential career paths include:
• Acoustics and audio engineers
• Broadcast engineers
• Noise consultants
• Speaker system designers
• The program's strong industry connections and focus on practical skills prepare graduates for successful careers in a range of settings, including:
• Audio product development
• Noise consultancy
• Research and development
• Audio design
• Many graduates have progressed to senior roles in acoustics consultancy, research, development, and audio design, working for companies like Apple, Dolby, BBC, and various major acoustic consultancies worldwide.

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Other:

• The program welcomes applications from both recent graduates and professionals looking to transition into the acoustics field.
• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in science, engineering, or mathematics with a minimum 2:2 classification.
• International students may require an ATAS certificate and a Short Term Study Visa for the "Measurement, Analysis and Assessment" module's mandatory lab week.
• The program is delivered in a modern learning environment with accessible lecture theatres, AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites, multimedia libraries, and world-class acoustics facilities.
• The program team is committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning experience, fostering a community of aspiring professionals in the field of acoustics.
• The program is accredited to perform twelve types of tests via its world-class facilities, ensuring graduates receive industry-recognized training and qualifications.

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| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,990.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00 per year | | Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,665 per 30 credits | | Distance learning | 2024/25 | £1,575 per 30 credits | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £10,350.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00 per year | | Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,725 per 30 credits | | Distance learning | 2025/26 | £1,730 per 30 credits |