Program Overview

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Acoustical and Audio Engineering with Placement

Overview

The MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering with Placement is a five-year undergraduate degree that explores the physics of sound and the psychology of how people react to noise and vibration. The program is designed to prepare students for a rewarding future career in creating a better sounding world.

Attendance and Duration

• Full-time
• Five years

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

Acoustics explores the physics of sound and the psychology of how people react to noise and vibration. This program prepares students for a rewarding future career where they can create a better sounding world.

Take Your Studies Further

With a focus on solving real-world problems, students will explore the principles of acoustics, analogue electronics, speech, environmental noise measurement, digital signal processing, psychoacoustics, audio systems, and speaker design. The MEng pathway also includes a wider range of advanced modules, preparing students to explore opportunities with specialist acoustic knowledge when they graduate.

Industry-Focused Approach

For over 60 years, Salford has pioneered acoustics teaching and research. Led by research-active practitioners, the courses include practical experiments in world-class acoustic laboratories and facilities.

Supportive Learning Environment

The program uses small-group teaching to guide students through this creative area of science and engineering. Students follow carefully-designed modules that embed theoretical knowledge and creative application, nurturing transferable skills to become a world-class acoustic and audio professional.

You Will:

• Complete experiments and projects in world-class acoustics facilities and laboratories
• Discover the acoustic design principles behind smartphones, cars, and loudspeakers, as well as recording studios, public places, and live venues
• Gain professional-level knowledge and skills that could lead to future Chartered Engineer status
• Include a placement year to apply knowledge and develop additional transferable skills
• Stand out in the graduate jobs market as you take your acoustical engineering knowledge to master's level

Placement Options

• Options available
• International students accepted

Course Details

All About the Course

The MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering degree course is recognized by the UK Institute of Acoustics and will shape your future career credentials.

Course Delivery

• In year one, students study introductory acoustic modules that prepare them for their next study, covering topics such as analogue electronics, mathematics, and computing, and an introduction to audio systems
• In year two, students expand their subject knowledge by exploring subjects such as digital signal processing and microphone and speaker design, and complete a group design project
• In year three, students shape their degree around their interests and future career path, completing further experiments and project work, culminating in their individual project
• In year four, students advance to postgraduate level, exploring modules in environmental noise measurement and psychoacoustics

Industry Placement

Students have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although students are responsible for securing their placement, tutors will support them in finding a role and monitor their progress throughout.

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:
  • 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:
  • Computer Simulation for Acoustics (BEng/MEng)
  • Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling (BEng/MEng)
  • Measurement Analysis and Assessment (BEng/MEng)
  • Immersive Sound Reproduction (BEng/MEng)

Year Four (Integrated Masters)

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

What Will I Be Doing?

Teaching

Students develop their knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative, and practical methods, including:

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

Assessment

Students are assessed using a combination of formats, including:

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

What You Need to Know

Applicant Profile

The program looks 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 a particular bias towards sound.

English Language Requirements

All courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not the first language, students must meet the minimum English language entry requirements.

Standard Entry Requirements

• GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent)
• UCAS tariff points: 128 UCAS points, including grade C in mathematics, physics, or a numerate science
• A-Level: 128 UCAS points, including grade C in mathematics, physics, or a numerate science
• Access to HE: Pass with 128 UCAS points from a QAA-approved Science or Engineering course
• BTEC National Diploma: DDM for Engineering or Science subjects, including Distinctions in Mathematics modules
• Scottish Highers: 128 UCAS points to include Mathematics or Physics, at grade C for Advanced Higher level, or grade A at Higher level
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 128 UCAS points to Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
• European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 60%, to include a numerate science or Engineering
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points, including Higher Level physics, mathematics, or chemistry at Grade 5

How Much?

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year

Additional Costs

Students should consider further costs, including books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International Student Scholarships

High-achieving international students may be eligible for one of the university's scholarships, worth between £3,000-£5,000.

Career Links

The University of Salford began teaching undergraduate acoustics and audio courses in 1975, and many graduates can be found in major acoustic and audio companies around the world. The course is recognized by the UK Institute of Acoustics and offers a route to Chartered Engineer status.

Facilities

Students study at the green Peel Park campus, featuring accessible lecture theatres, AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites, and multimedia libraries. The university's world-class acoustic laboratories include anechoic chambers, transmission suites, reverberation chambers, listening rooms, and audiometric test facilities.

Employment and Stats

Successfully completing an acoustical and audio engineering degree course can put students 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.

A Taste of What You Could Become

• Broadcast Engineer
• Noise Consultant
• Acoustics Specialist
• Audio Technology Designer

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

The school offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including acoustics and audio engineering, sound engineering and production, and more. The school is driven by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, helping students develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in their careers.