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.