Program Overview

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About this course

Learn how to make the world sound better, with a specialist knowledge of acoustics, vibration and how they affect us. This acoustical engineering degree specialises in sound and our response to it. You'll study at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, a leading centre for Acoustical Engineering.

This acoustical engineering course looks at how acoustics - the science of sound and vibration - is applied in technology. It has many applications, including:

• design of cars
• 3D-audio systems
• designing concert halls
• reducing aircraft noise
• using ultrasound to fight antimicrobial resistance

This UK acoustic engineering degree includes practical work throughout, including lab work. Our projects will allow you to design, build and test components and systems with enhanced acoustic properties. You'll gain the confidence to creatively solve engineering problems.

You'll have access to our world-class acoustic and engineering facilities, which include:

• dedicated design studios and workshops
• anechoic and reverberation chambers
• an aeroacoustic wind tunnel
• a listening room
• a virtual acoustics laboratory
• a professional manufacturing centre

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.

Apply using:

• Course name: Acoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement Year
• UCAS code: H34P

You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics. We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics. We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

Course structure

The first 2 years will introduce subjects such as electronics, mechanics and management. You'll also develop your mathematical, computational and experimental skills.

If you choose to take an additional Industrial Placement Year, it will be between years 2 and 3.

Advanced modules in your final year will deepen your understanding of acoustics and human responses to sound and vibration. You'll choose from optional modules to follow topics that interest you and you'll do an individual research project.

Year 1 overview

You'll study core engineering and acoustics topics, emphasising the physics and mathematics of sound and vibration.

Modules also include topics such as:

• mechanics, structures and materials
• electrical and electronics systems
• mathematics for engineering and the environment
• design and computing

Year 2 overview

As well as acoustics, you'll also study modules on:

• mechanics and vibration
• mathematics
• fluid dynamics
• audio technology and control

The Systems Design and Computing module is an important part of the year. It currently involves the design, building and testing of an active 2-cone loudspeaker.

Year 3 overview

You'll complete an individual project. This will involve researching a subject and combining many of the concepts you've learnt over the first 2 years. Previous students have studied the effect of wing shielding on aircraft engine noise and marine mammal calls.

The compulsory modules are on:

• the human responses to sound and vibration
• acoustical engineering design
• noise control

You'll also choose from optional modules on topics like:

• vehicle powertrain, noise and vibration
• control and instrumentation
• electroacoustics
• human factors in engineering
• architectural and building acoustics
• musical instruments

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• An Introduction to Acoustical Engineering
• An Introduction to Engineering Design
• Electrical and Electronics Systems
• Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment
• Mechanics, Structures and Materials
• ThermoFluids

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Acoustics II
• Audio and Signal Processing
• Electronics and Control
• Engineering Management and Law
• Fluid Mechanics
• Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II
• Mechanics, Machines and Vibration
• Systems Design and Computing

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• Acoustical Engineering Design
• Human Responses to Sound and Vibration
• Individual Project
• Noise Control Engineering

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Active Control of Sound and Vibration
• Aeroacoustics
• Architectural and Building Acoustics
• Automotive Chassis and Powertrain
• Biomedical Application of Signal and Image Processing
• Control and Instrumentation
• Electroacoustics
• Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics
• Human Factors in Engineering
• Introduction to Machine Learning
• Ocean Acoustics & Biomedical Ultrasound
• Signal Processing
• Theoretical and Computational Acoustics
• Vibration Engineering Practice

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1

• Study time: 42% scheduled learning & teaching, 58% independent learning
• Assessment: 59% written exam, 41% coursework

Year 2

• Study time: 38% scheduled learning & teaching, 62% independent learning
• Assessment: 51% written exam, 29% coursework, 20% practical exam

Year 3

• Study time: 30% scheduled learning & teaching, 70% independent learning
• Assessment: 54% written exam, 22% coursework, 24% practical exam

Year 4

• Study time: 19% scheduled learning & teaching, 81% independent learning
• Assessment: 14% written exam, 75% coursework, 11% practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Ying Ye is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• EDI leadership
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Information and Communication
• Education
• Finance and Insurance
• Public Administration and Defence
• Scientific and Technical
• Arts and Entertainment
• Manufacturing
• Transport

Careers directly related to this course:

• Acoustic consultant
• Sound engineer
• Broadcast engineer
• Acoustic scientist
• Noise and vibration consultant
• Audio engineer
• Acoustician
• Acoustic engineer
• Speech technologist
• Audio technologist

Wider career opportunities:

• Data analyst
• University lecturer
• Software engineer
• Financial analyst
• Management consultant
• Secondary school teacher
• Arts administrator
• Environmental consultant

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £28,800.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.