MSc/PgDip

Environmental Acoustics

3 good reasons to study Environmental Acoustics at Salford:

Specialist programme covering in-depth analytical treatment of engineering acoustics and its use in environmental measurement and noise control
Taught by world-class engineering researchers and noise practitioners with international links and impact
Strong and long-standing connections with industrial partners across Europe which inform course content, create collaborative MSc acoustics summer projects, and drive graduate recruitment

This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to work in environmental acoustics, whether in consultancy, local/ central government or in research. We also aim to provide employers with a supply of suitably qualified graduates, and to offer opportunities for Continual Professional Development / in-service training for those already working in the noise and acoustic industry.

Why study Environmental Acoustics at the University of Salford?

The MSc teaching team has strength and breadth and extensive research and consultancy experience
The Acoustics Research centre – part of an RAE submission which rated highest for research power
We work closely with industry keeping our teaching up to date, addressing the current needs of industry and improving your employability.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics.

Course details

Course Structure

There are several novel features about this course: the Environmental Noise Measurement module includes practical hands-on training in the use of a sound level meter, which is assessed by an observed practical test. We also aim to offer an opportunity to take the Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement (additional exam fee charged by I.o.A.). The Environmental Noise Measurement module also includes 'crit' style assessments by experienced, practicing consultants; people who are using environmental acoustics in the real world every day.

Structure

Mathematics and Vibrations (15 credits)

This module covers 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 Statistics (15 credits)

This module covers 1D and 3D acoustic waves and units of measurement. You will be taught about time and frequency domain statistics for acoustic signals and the fundamentals of waves and signals using a mathematical approach.

Transducers and Sound Reinforcement (15 credits)

You will be introduced to the fundamental principles underlying electroacoustic 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 (15 credits)

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

Digital Signal Processing (15 credits)

To give students an understanding of 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.

Room Acoustics (15 credits)

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 also study wave theory and statistical theory for acoustic enclosures and use the theory in application, particularly in performance spaces. You will also explore connections between objective descriptions of room acoustics and listeners' perceptions.

Numerical Techniques (15 credits)

This module introduces the numerical techniques which are commonly used to solve complex physical problems in audio acoustics and to enable learning of these techniques through practical computer modelling applications.

Environmental Noise Management (15 credits)

This module will teach you how to make assessments of environmental noise, including: identifying and interpreting the requirements of appropriate local, national and international; legislation relevant to noise assessment; carrying out reliable measurements of environmental noise; critical evaluation of acoustical data (including partial data) needed for noise assessment.

Noise Control (15 credits)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to select appropriate noise control options for realistic environmental noise scenarios, and to justify their selections.

MSc Project (60 credits)

The MSc Project expects 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.

The MSc project encourages initiative and project management, and allows you to put together your skills, knowledge and understanding from different areas of 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