MSc/PgDip

Audio Acoustics

3 good reasons to study Audio Acoustics at Salford:

An in-depth analytical treatment of acoustic engineering as used in audio industry and research
You are taught by world-class audio engineering researchers and acoustic practitioners with international links and impact
Strong and long-standing connections with industrial partners across Europe which inform course content, create collaborative MSc summer project opportunities, and drive graduate recruitment.

The generation, manipulation and reproduction of high quality audio signals are core elements of the rapidly expanding communication, entertainment and sound engineering industry. This course aims to train graduates in the acoustic aspects of audio such as digital signal processing, microphone and loudspeaker design, architectural acoustics and sound reproduction.

Why study Audio Acoustics at the University of Salford?

The MSc teaching team has strength and breadth and extensive research and consultancy experience
The Acoustics Research Centre is the lead partner in the BBC Audio Research Partnership working closely with BBC R&D at MediaCityUK
We work closely with industry keeping our teaching up to date, addressing the current needs of industry and improving your employability.

The course is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics which provides external validation of the course quality.

Course details

Course Structure

Salford's two MSc acoustics courses are offered in a variety of flexible formats, including full- and part-time attending modes, and by distance learning over two or four years. Those considering part-time study should bear in mind that the courses are intensive, and that a minimum of one day per week, per module studied, would need to be put aside for study. In practice this means that those studying alongside a full-time job might expect to complete the course over four years (plus project), whereas those whose employer allows weekly study leave may be able to complete their course in two years (plus project).

Semester 1 (for the full-time option)

Mathematics and Vibrations

In this module you will learn about the physical and mathematical representations of lumped element vibrating systems and the mathematical techniques for determining solutions to the equation of motion.

Acoustics and Signal Services

On completion of this module you should have an understanding of 1D and 3D acoustic waves and units of measurement, time and frequency domain statistics for acoustic signals and the foundations of waves and signals using a mathematical approach.

Transducers and Sound Reinforcement

You will learn about the fundamental principles underlying electro-acoustic transduction and investigate the interaction between a source and its acoustic environment. You will also examine the practical application of loudspeaker and microphone systems.

Psychoacoustics

You will gain an understanding of how the auditory system allows humans to perceive different attributes of the surrounding acoustic environment. You will learn how to apply the common terminology and metrics appropriate to the study of psychoacoustics. You will investigate some typical applications of psychoacoustic principles in the design of sound reproduction and communication systems

Semester 2

Room Acoustics

This module aims to give you a thorough grasp of room acoustics, including standard theoretical models, important application areas, current measurement techniques and subjective perception. You will study wave theory and statistical theory for acoustic enclosures, theory in application, particularly in performance spaces and objective descriptions of room acoustics and listeners' perceptions.

Digital Signal Processing

You will learn about the digital representation of signals, the decomposition of signals in frequency analysis, the manipulation of signals using digital filters and the measurement of systems using digital systems.

Numerical Techniques

You will be introduced to the basic principles of numerical techniques commonly used to solve complex physical problems in audio acoustics and to enable learning of these techniques through practical computer modelling applications.

Transducer Design

This module will cover the design of electro-dynamic and distributed mode loudspeaker systems, the interaction of the electrical, mechanical and acoustical characteristics of transduction systems in determining sensitivity, frequency response and directional properties and the analysis of acoustic systems using two-port networks methods and the method of analogues. Analysis will be extended to vented, transmission line and bandpass systems.

Semester 3

Project

The aim of the project is for you to carry out, under supervision, an extended individual study into a topic in acoustics, audio or video. The topic will be agreed with your supervisor and can be work based if appropriate.You will be marked on your initiative and project management, and your ability to bring together the skills, knowledge and understanding you have acquired from the course.

Course Enquiries

For course enquiries please call us on:

T: +44 (0) 161 295 4545

Or Email us at:

Home/EU students
E: enquiries@salford.ac.uk

International students
E: international@salford.ac.uk