On this MSc in Acoustical Engineering you'll learn how to apply acoustics to technology. Our master's in acoustics will give you expert knowledge of the latest modern developments in sound, vibration and signal processing. You’ll graduate with the skills you need for a career in acoustical engineering or for continued study at PhD level.
This acoustic engineering course combines an understanding of engineering fundamentals with specialist knowledge of sound and vibration. We’ll develop your practical and problem-solving skills to apply them in fields including:
You can choose to study acoustic engineering as a general topic, but may also decide to specialise in signal processing or structural vibration:
Signal processing provides in-depth training on modern signal processing techniques for biomedical applications and audio signal processing.
Structural vibration emphasises the advanced techniques to model, measure and control vibration in mechanical systems such as railways and automotive applications.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course lead has research interests in various aspects of railway noise and vibration, particularly rolling noise and curve squeal, and vibroacoustics.
This master's in acoustics is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
The programme is split into 2 components: a taught component (October to June) and a research component (February to September).
The taught component will consist of a range of modules based on lectures, hands-on demonstrations, laboratory teaching and exercises in small groups.
Semester 1 consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Christmas, followed by exams at the end of January.
Semester 2 consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Easter, followed by exams in early June. You normally take 3 modules.
The research project offers an opportunity to perform advanced research supervised by a member of academic staff. Our teaching staff will post a list of projects offered during the first semester. You may also propose your own project.
You’ll submit a planning and literature review report at an early stage in the project, and later, there’ll be an interview with the internal examiner. After this you’ll write your dissertation before the start of the new academic year.
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. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)
Throughout to contribute you’ll need to contribute your own experiences and thoughts as part of a free exchange of ideas.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
coursework, laboratory reports and essays
a dissertation
essays
group essays
individual and group projects
written exams
Academic Support
A member of the academic staff will supervise you when you write your research project.
Careers
Acoustical Engineering students at the University of Southampton benefit from an employability programme of careers support and employer talks to facilitate work experience, as well as the ISVR Careers Fair.
Use the FEE Student Employability Blackboard to access careers presentations, jobs alerts from employers targeting the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, information on competitions and further study.
You should consider joining the professional accreditation bodies of your degree programme to take full advantage of the benefits:
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
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.
International applicants: Monday 29 July 2024, midday UK time
UK applicants: Friday 30 August 2024, midday UK time
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
