BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering with Foundation Year

Program Overview

Acoustical and Audio Engineering with Foundation Year

Overview

Acoustics explores the physics of sound and the psychology of how people react to noise and vibration. Prepare for a rewarding future career where you can create a better sounding world with our BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering with Foundation Year degree.

The foundation year pathway is an excellent study route if you don't meet the direct entry requirements for the honours degree or you are returning to academic studies. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress on to our BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering degree course.

Course Details

Foundation Year

• Foundation Mathematics 1 and 2: Develop mathematical and modelling skills, including algebra, transposition of formulae, coordinate systems, logarithms, introduction to calculus, problem solving in velocity and acceleration, differentiation, integration, and matrices.
• Foundation Physics A: Gain a grounding in basic physics and numerical problem-solving, covering mechanics, properties of matter, and wave propagation.
• Foundation Physics B: Introduce electronics and electricity, along with fields (magnetic, electric, gravitation, etc.) and atomic and nuclear physics.
• Foundation Physics Laboratory: Develop laboratory skills, critical analysis of data, and scientific reporting through experiments covering mechanics, thermal physics, electricity, and waves.
• Foundation IT and Study Skills: Develop IT, research, team working, presentation, and scientific reporting skills, including the use of spreadsheets, graphical representation of data, report writing, scientific presentations, and group-based research.

Year One

• Introduction to Acoustics: Explore concepts in acoustics and gain skills in practical measurement and analysis of acoustic devices and audio technologies.
• Analogue Electronics: Study the basic building blocks in audio electronic circuits and develop an understanding of impedance, current, and voltage in circuits, use of complex numbers, and circuit analysis.
• Mathematics (Acoustics): Gain the basic mathematical skills and concepts required to appreciate and succeed in understanding acoustics and audio engineering.
• Acoustics Laboratory: Develop familiarity with specialist acoustic and audio measurements, equipment, data interpretation, and reporting.
• Studio Production: Understand the underlying concepts and principles of multi-track production, develop production skills to translate multi-source live music and sound into a recorded stereo image, and develop organisational skills needed to successfully record an artist/group.
• Signal Chain Theory: Introduce the basic fundamentals of sound, signals, and systems, and explore the signal flow of a complete generic audio system, from capture (microphones) to playback (loudspeakers) and transmission.

Year Two

• Digital Signal Processing: Gain a thorough grounding in the techniques and applications of digital technology in the acquisition, processing, storage, and transmission of acoustic signals.
• Microphone and Loudspeaker Design: Understand electroacoustic transduction mechanisms and the modelling techniques used in the design of microphones and loudspeakers.
• Principles of Acoustics: Build on knowledge and skills from the Introduction to Acoustics module, to gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of acoustics, including Fourier's theorem, solutions of 1-D wave equation, acoustic impedance, reflection factor, and absorption coefficient.
• Industrial Studies and Career Management: Understand the nature of entrepreneurs and the development of entrepreneurial organisations, covering popular business theories, the role of enterprise in the economy, leadership, and management of an enterprise, and developing and managing quality in the enterprise.
• Group Design Project: Work with course mates on a specific real-world acoustic/audio design task and come up with a real practical solution using the acoustics laboratory facilities and the Maker Space facilities and equipment.
• Electromagnetism: Learn about the fundamental laws of electromagnetism leading to the development of Maxwell’s equations and the electromagnetic wave equation, underlying mathematical techniques, including vector calculus.

Year Three

• Final Year Project: Demonstrate understanding and application of knowledge acquired on the course, choosing a project topic related to audio or acoustics and working within a group or as an individual with regular supervision.
• Optional Modules: Choose two modules from the following group:
  • Room Acoustics (BEng/MEng): Work with wave and statistical theories of room acoustics to analyse existing rooms or design new ones, critically evaluating key theories and experimental results in the literature.
  • Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning (BEng/MEng): Perform modelling and analysis in the z-transformed domain and understand modern DSP techniques, applying the process of digital filtering, fixed, adaptive, recursive, and non-recursive partly drawing on the latest research outcomes.
  • Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics (BEng/MEng): Learn how musical sounds are made, how they can be modelled and synthesised, and how listeners respond to them, covering the human auditory system, physiology, and physics of the ear.
  • Noise and Vibration Control (BEng/MEng): Gain knowledge and understanding of noise and vibration control engineering processes and methodologies, selecting appropriate noise and vibration control options for realistic scenarios, with a focus on the transport industry (road, rail, and air vehicles).
  • Computer Simulation for Acoustics (BEng/MEng): Learn the fundamental principles of computer simulation techniques, geometric room acoustics, finite element method, and boundary element method using COMSOL and related software packages.
  • Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling (BEng/MEng): Carry out measurement and modelling of environmental noise using appropriate sound measuring instrumentation and modelling capabilities, developing the ability to describe and explain the main provisions of current environmental noise legislation, guidance, and best practice.
  • Measurement Analysis and Assessment (BEng/MEng): Develop an understanding of the relevant scientific principles underlying acoustic measurement techniques, undertaking standardised acoustic measurements, taking full account of uncertainty introduced throughout the process.
  • Immersive Sound Reproduction (BEng/MEng): Develop understanding of transducer systems for the capture and reproduction of 3D sound, designing loudspeaker systems using typical enclosures or horns and developing the skills necessary to design PA systems using suitable loudspeaker systems and arrays.

Employment and Stats

• Employment: Acoustical and audio engineering graduates often develop careers as acoustic consultants, improving the sound of buildings or reducing noise, product developers carrying out research and development in an industry or university setting, and audio software engineers in broadcast and gaming.
• Further Study: Salford graduates and alumni who apply for our postgraduate courses also qualify to receive a generous fees discount.
  • Acoustics (MSc)
  • Audio Production (MSc)

Requirements

• Applicant Profile: We look for applicants who have studied mathematics or physics subjects at school/college, and want to gain a deeper knowledge in these and other related subjects, with particular bias towards sound.
• English Language Requirements: An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
• Standard Entry Requirements:
  • GCSE: English language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above.
  • UCAS Tariff Points: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include both mathematics and physics to A-Level or equivalent standard.
  • A-Level: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include both mathematics and physics at A-Level and a Pass in Science Practical.
  • BTEC National Diploma: MPP for Engineering or Science subjects that include mathematics and physics modules.
  • T Level: T level is accepted in any subject at 72 UCAS points.
  • Access to HE: 64 UCAS points from QAA-approved science or engineering Access courses.
  • Scottish Highers: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include both Advanced Higher level mathematics and physics.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include both Higher Level mathematics and physics.
  • European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 60%, to include science, engineering, or technology.
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points including at least grade 4 Higher Level mathematics and physics.

Tuition Fees

• Type of Study: Full-time home
• Year: 2025/26
• Fees: £8,505 per year

Additional Costs

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

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to become world-class acoustical and audio professionals.
• To prepare students for a rewarding future career creating a better sounding world.
• To develop students' competence in essential areas of physics and mathematics needed to study engineering successfully.
• To help students build the technical skills and gain confidence to progress to the acoustical and audio engineering undergraduate degree.
• To provide students with essential analytical and problem-solving skills to study acoustics.
• To help students explore the science of sound through experiments and projects in world-class facilities and laboratories.

Description:

This BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering with Foundation Year degree program offers a comprehensive education in the field of acoustics and audio engineering. Students will gain a deep understanding of the physics of sound, the psychology of how people react to noise and vibration, and the design, analysis, and control of sound. The program features a blend of theoretical and practical learning, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience in world-class acoustic laboratories. Students will develop their knowledge and skills through laboratory exercises, case studies, group work, project work, and examinations. The program is delivered by a team of experienced and passionate academics who are leaders in their field. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality education that will prepare them for successful careers in the acoustics and audio engineering industry.

Outline:

Content:

• Physics of sound
• Psychology of sound perception
• Design, analysis, and control of sound
• Acoustics of buildings and rooms
• Noise control
• Electroacoustics
• Signal processing
• Acoustics and the environment
• Musical acoustics

Structure:

• Four-year program, including a one-year foundation year for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for the honors degree.
• The foundation year provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of mathematics and physics needed to succeed in the honors degree program.

Modules:

• Foundation Year:
• Foundation Mathematics 1 and 2
• Foundation Physics A
• Foundation Physics B
• Foundation Physics Laboratory
• Foundation IT and Study Skills
• Year One:
• Introduction to Acoustics
• Analogue Electronics
• Mathematics (Acoustics)
• Acoustics Laboratory
• Studio Production
• Signal Chain Theory
• Year Two:
• Digital Signal Processing
• Microphone and Loudspeaker Design
• Principles of Acoustics
• Industrial Studies and Career Management
• Group Design Project
• Electromagnetism
• Year Three:
• Final Year Project
• Two modules chosen from:
• Room Acoustics
• Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning
• Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics
• Noise and Vibration Control
• Two further modules chosen from:
• Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling
• Measurement Analysis and Assessment
• Immersive Sound Reproduction

Assessment:

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Practical tests in acoustics laboratories
• Projects

Teaching:

• Blend of theoretical and practical teaching methods
• Experienced and passionate academics who are leaders in their field
• World-class acoustic laboratories
• Strong emphasis on hands-on experience and project work

Careers:

• Acoustic consultant
• Noise control engineer
• Product developer
• Audio software engineer
• Broadcast engineer
• Musician
• Music producer
• And more

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics.
• Graduates are eligible to become Chartered Engineers.
• The program is delivered in collaboration with industry leaders.
• Graduates have a high rate of employability.
• The program is located on the University's Peel Park campus, which is home to world-class facilities including anechoic chambers, transmission suites, reverberation chambers, listening rooms, and audiometric test facilities.
• The University of Salford has a strong track record in acoustics research, with over 60 years of experience in teaching and research.
• The University is home to the Acoustics Research Centre, which is internationally recognized for its work in acoustics and audio.