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.