BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering

Program Overview

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Acoustical and Audio Engineering

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 degree.

Attendance

• Full-time
• With placement

Course

• Three year
• Four year

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

Acoustical and Audio Engineering is the branch of engineering that explores the physics of sound and the psychology of how people react to noise and vibration. Acoustical and audio engineers focus on the design, analysis and control of sound.

Course Details

All About the Course

Our course curriculum will embed theoretical knowledge and provide outlets for creative application. During your studies, you will develop technical skills using industry-standard software and equipment in our world-class laboratories and studios to measure and analyse noise and vibration.

Learning Experience

Located just over a mile away from Manchester, we are one of the few universities to offer an Acoustics and Audio degree course in the UK. With strong industry connections surrounding our Peel Park campus, you can gain practical experience and network with industry experts.

Industry Placement

On this course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your placement, our tutors will support you in finding a role, and monitor your progress throughout. By successfully completing a placement year, you can also add 'with professional experience' to your final degree award.

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
• Choose two modules from the following group:
  • Room Acoustics (BEng/MEng)
  • Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning (BEng/MEng)
  • Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics (BEng/MEng)
  • Noise and Vibration Control (BEng/MEng)
• Plus two further modules from the following group:
  • Computer Simulation for Acoustics (BEng/MEng)
  • Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling (BEng/MEng)
  • Measurement Analysis and Assessment (BEng/MEng)
  • Immersive Sound Reproduction (BEng/MEng)

What Will I Be Doing?

Teaching

You will develop your knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods. These include:

• Laboratory exercises
• Case studies
• Group work
• Project work

Assessment

You will be assessed using a combination of formats. These include:

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

Employment and Stats

What About After Uni?

Successfully completing an acoustical and audio engineering degree course can put you in a great position to take a leading role in the diverse world of sound, music production, acoustics and audio. With a growing number of opportunities in areas such as environmental noise measurement, loudspeaker system design for music venues and noise control, there are exciting and emerging career fields to consider.

Further Study

You might find that you want to learn more about acoustics and audio. Building on our expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further. Salford graduates and alumni who apply for our postgraduate courses also qualify to receive a generous fees discount.

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. Along with academic strengths in these areas, we want applicants with a passion for audio, acoustics and sound, and a desire to build a future career working or researching in this field.

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, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

Standard Entry Requirements

• GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent)
• UCAS tariff points: 112-120 UCAS points where qualifications include mathematics, physics, engineering or a numerate science
• A-Level: 112-120 UCAS points, including grade C in mathematics, physics or a numerate science
• BTEC National Diploma: DDM for Engineering or Science subjects, including Distinctions in mathematics modules
• Access to HE: Pass with 112-120 UCAS points from a QAA-approved Science or Engineering course; including 60 credits overall with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 and Distinctions in numerate modules
• Scottish Highers: 112-120 UCAS points to include mathematics, physics or chemistry at grade C for Advanced Higher level, or grade A at Higher level
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 UCAS points, including Higher Level mathematics and physics
• European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 60%, to include a numerate science or Engineering
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points, including Higher Level Physics, Mathematics or Chemistry at grade 5

How Much?

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year (2025/26)

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.

Program Outline

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BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering

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Degree Overview:

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In a nutshell:

This program explores the science of sound and its impact on people, preparing graduates to create a better sounding world. For over 60 years, Salford has pioneered acoustics teaching and research, offering a recognized route to Chartered Engineer status with the UK Institute of Acoustics. Through small-group teaching, students will gain hands-on experience in world-class facilities, fostering their problem-solving and creative thinking skills to become world-class acoustic and audio professionals.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with a strong understanding of acoustics and audio engineering principles.
• Develop practical and technical skills through industry-standard software and equipment.
• Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in acoustic and audio applications.
• Prepare students for rewarding careers in diverse areas of acoustics and audio engineering.

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Other:

• Students can participate in an optional placement year to gain valuable industry experience and build professional networks.
• Salford boasts a strong alumni network and industry connections, providing career opportunities upon graduation.

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Outline:

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Course delivery:

This three-year (or four-year with placement year) program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students will work on projects and experiments using world-class acoustics facilities and laboratories, exploring topics like audio technology design, studio engineering, and noise control.

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Learning experience:

Located near Manchester, the program utilizes Peel Park campus facilities, offering access to anechoic chambers, reverberation rooms, and audio production studios. Students engage in small-group design projects and practical tutorials to develop technical skills and gain hands-on learning.

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Course structure:

• Year 1 focuses on fundamental concepts, introducing acoustics, analogue electronics, mathematics, acoustic devices, and audio measurements.
• Year 2 delves into digital signal processing, microphone and loudspeaker design, principles of acoustics, and career management.
Group design projects allow for practical application of learned skills.
• Year 3 offers advanced topics like room acoustics, noise and vibration control, and psychoacoustics.
Students choose two modules from a variety of options to tailor their learning to specific interests.
• A final year project allows students to demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of acoustics and audio engineering through independent research or a group project.

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Individual modules:

• Year 1: Introduction to Acoustics, Analogue Electronics, Mathematics (Acoustics), Acoustics Laboratory
• Year 2: Digital Signal Processing, Microphone and Loudspeaker Design, Principles of Acoustics, Group Design Project, Industrial Studies and Career Management
• Exact module availability may vary to reflect current industry trends and research developments.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods:

• Examinations: Assess immediate responses to unseen problems.
• Assignments: Evaluate in-depth responses to complex problems and research tasks.
• Practical tests: Measure students' ability to apply skills and knowledge in acoustic laboratory settings.
• Projects: Assess students' planning, research, decision-making, execution, and reflection skills in completing independent or group projects.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a blend of teaching methods:

• Laboratory exercises: Hands-on experimentation and data analysis in acoustic laboratories.
• Case studies: Examining real-world scenarios and applications of acoustic and audio engineering principles.
• Group work: Fostering collaborative problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Project work: Encouraging independent research, project planning, and execution.

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Teaching faculty:

• Students develop valuable personal and professional skills, including report writing, data interpretation, teamwork, and project management.

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Careers:

• Acoustical and audio engineering graduates pursue diverse career paths in various sectors.
• Potential job titles include Broadcast Engineer, Noise Consultant, Acoustics Specialist, and Audio Technology Designer.
• Graduates may work in environmental noise measurement, loudspeaker design, noise control, audio production, research and development, and other fields.
• Examples of previous employers include Arup, Apple, Dolby, Jaguar Land Rover, Thales, NHS, Sandy Brown Associates.
• Graduates can pursue further study through postgraduate programs, including MSc in Acoustics or MSc in Audio
• Production, or doctoral research opportunities in the Acoustics Research Centre.

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Other:

• Students gain access to world-class acoustic laboratories, anechoic chambers, reverberation chambers, and audio production studios.
• The program emphasizes industry relevance and prepares students for current and emerging career fields in acoustics and audio.

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| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £17,040.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00 per year |