MSc Environmental Acoustics

Postgraduate course on noise

Sound level meter measuring environmental noise

3 reasons to study Masters in Environmental Acoustics at Salford

In-depth analytical treatment of engineering acoustics and its use in environmental measurement and noise control
You are 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 project opportunities, and drive graduate recruitment.

Need advice on this msc course?

Postgraduate admissions tutor Contact Dr Mark Avis (0161 295 4716)

Acoustic engineering and noise

The masters course is designed to provide graduates 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.

This postgraduate course is designed for graduates who already have an engineering or numerate science degree, and to give them specialist skills and knowledge in environmental acoustics and noise. Acousticians with engineering math skills are currently in very short supply, and Salford MSc noise and acoustics graduates are in a very strong position in the jobs market. Salford University has over twenty five years experience of placing graduates in key audio and acoustic industries carrying out consultancy, research, development and design.

One of the key strengths of Salford is the skill and experience of the teaching team. We have 19 full-time academic members of staff in the acoustics, audio and video group. From this, the MSc teaching team is made up of 9 acoustics specialists who have extensive research and consultancy experience.

MSc Course Scholarships

A £500 loyalty scholarship is available to all students of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Environment at Salford who go on to this MSc

Institute of Acoustics Accreditation for Courses

This masters is accredited by the Institute of Acoustics (why is this important?)

Why Come to Salford?

There are only major two academic centres of acoustics in the UK which undertake teaching, research and consultancy. In teaching, the masters teaching team has strength and breadth. In terms of research, Salford University undertakes internationally significant research for industry and government. The Acoustics Research Centre has a broad range of interests in the building and architectural acoustics, environmental noise, and electroacoustics. It has an internationally renowned reputation in several key areas of research: computer modelling in room and building acoustics, surface diffusion design and applications in architectural acoustics, long range sound propagation, active impedance control and digital signal processing. Because of this we have high quality laboratories: an anechoic chamber, transmission suite, two semi-anechoic chambers, a listening room and a recording studio complex consisting of four studios, each with its own live room. We also have a commercial operation that provides consultancy and testing. This means that our teaching is up to date, addressing the current needs of industry, and industry knows that we produce students with the skills required.

Careers in environmental acoustics and noise control

There is currently a severe shortage of acoustics graduates, with most acoustic and noise consultancies struggling to recruit and retain good people. Many employers come directly to Salford to recruit graduates from our programmes and we maintain a list of vacancies on this website. Our reputation in acoustics means that our graduates have an excellent chance of quickly finding a job. Indeed, some of our programmes (e.g. BSc (Hons) Acoustics) have a 100% employment record. Acoustic consultancy offers the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of projects and clients, and consultancy practices who recruit our graduates are spread widely throughout the UK, EU and Australia / NZ. We keep examples of graduate destinations, this list gives a really good overview of the kind of things our graduates do.

Learning and teaching including distance learning

The majority of teaching and learning takes place through tutorial and seminar groups. Assessment is generally in the form of assignments, which improve problem solving and other skills as well as providing a strong background in the subject area.

Salford's two acoustics MSc 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).

Distance learning and attending students benefit from the supply of a range of high-quality teaching materials, text books and software which are all packaged under one course fee. Interaction with students is face-to-face wherever practical, but we also use web-based learning support packages (databases of materials, discussion boards etc) to support the whole cohort.

There are several novel features of MSc Environmental Acoustics: the Environmental Noise Measurement module includes a 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.

Course Content

Full-time Programme of Study (1 taught year)

Study Year	1
Sem1	Mathematics & Vibrations (15)	Acoustics & Signal Statistics (15)	Transducers & Sound Reinforcement (15)	Psychoacoustics (15)
Sem2	Digital Signal Processing (15) or Room Acoustics (15)	Numerical Techniques (15)	Environmental Noise Measurement (15)	Noise Control (15)
Sem3	Project (60)

Part-time Programme of Study (2 taught years)

Study Year	1		2
Sem1	Mathematics & Vibrations (15)	Acoustics & Signal Statistics (15)	Transducers & Sound Reinforcement (15)	Psychoacoustics (15)
Sem2	Digital Signal Processing (15) or Room Acoustics (15)	Numerical Techniques (15)	Environmental Noise Measurement (15)	Noise Control (15)
Year 3	Project (60)

Part-time Programme of Study (4 taught years)

Study Year	1	2	3	4
Sem1	Mathematics & Vibrations (15)	Transducers & Sound Reinforcement (15)	Psychoacoustics (15)	Noise Control (15)
Sem2	Acoustics & Signal Statistics (15)	Environmental Noise Measurement (15)	Digital Signal Processing (15) or Room Acoustics (15)	Numerical Techniques (15)
Year 5	Project (60)

Please note that the exact course content is subject to change.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

A second class or better degree in a numerate engineering or science discipline is required. Alternative qualifications or experience may be considered. If you are unsure about your qualifications, contact the admissions tutor M.R.Avis@salford.ac.uk

How to Apply for this Postgraduate Course

Download postgrad application form

For an informal discussion please contact the admissions tutor for msc noise and acoustics courses: Dr Mark Avis.