MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The program covers topics such as the physics of sound, acoustics, audio engineering, psychoacoustics, and noise control. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the acoustics and audio industries, including roles as acoustical consultants, audio engineers, noise control engineers, and product development engineers.
Program Outline
The program focuses on the science of sound, the psychology of how people react to it, and the design and control of sound environments.
Program Description
This program offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in acoustical and audio engineering, covering topics such as:
- Acoustics: Analyzing and designing sound environments in buildings, concert halls, studios, and other spaces.
- Audio engineering: Designing and building audio systems for recording, mixing, and playback of music and other audio content.
- Digital signal processing: Applying advanced mathematical techniques to analyze and manipulate sound signals.
- Noise control: Mitigating the impact of unwanted noise in various environments. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and individual and group projects. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theoretical principles of acoustics and audio engineering, as well as the practical skills needed to apply these principles in real-world situations.
Outline
Program Content
The MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering program is structured over four years, with each year consisting of two semesters. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
Year 1:
- Introduction to Acoustics
- Analogue Electronics
- Mathematics (Acoustics)
- Acoustics Laboratory
- New: Studio Production
- Signal Chain Theory
Year 2:
- Digital Signal Processing
- Microphone and Loudspeaker Design
- Principles of Acoustics
- Industrial Studies and Career Management
- Group Design Project
- New: Electromagnetism
Year 3:
- Final Year Project
- Two modules chosen from the following group:
- Room Acoustics
- Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning
- Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics
- Noise and Vibration Control
- Two further modules chosen from the following group:
- Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling
- Measurement Analysis and Assessment
- Immersive Sound Reproduction
Year 4 (Integrated Masters):
- Group Design Project
- Two modules chosen from the following group:
- Digital Signal Processing and Machine Learning
- Noise and Vibration Control
- Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics
- Room Acoustics
- Two further modules chosen from the following group:
- Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling
- Measurement Analysis and Assessment
- Immersive Sound Reproduction
Course Schedule
The exact course schedule may vary from year to year, but it typically follows a semester system with two semesters per academic year. Each semester is typically 15 weeks long, with lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions held throughout the week.
Individual Modules
Each module in the program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of a specific topic in acoustical and audio engineering. The modules are typically taught by experienced faculty members who are active researchers in their field. Some of the key modules in the program include:
- Digital Signal Processing: This module introduces students to the mathematical techniques used to analyze and manipulate audio signals. Topics covered include digital filters, Fourier transforms, and digital audio effects.
- Microphone and Loudspeaker Design: This module explores the design and principles of microphones and loudspeakers, including the different types of microphones and loudspeakers, their operating principles, and their applications. The module also explores the acoustics of musical instruments and the principles of music production.
- Noise and Vibration Control: This module provides students with an understanding of the principles and techniques used to control noise and vibration in various environments. Topics covered include noise measurement, noise prediction, and the design of noise control systems.
- Final Year Project: This project allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout the program to a real-world problem in acoustical and audio engineering. Students work independently or in small groups to design, build, and test a solution to the problem they have chosen.
Assessment
Assessment Methods
The MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Examinations: These are typically written exams that assess students' understanding of the theoretical concepts covered in the modules.
- Assignments: These are typically written or practical assignments that require students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems or complete tasks.
- Practical tests: These are hands-on assessments that require students to demonstrate their ability to use laboratory equipment and techniques. These criteria are typically made available to students at the beginning of the semester. The criteria may include factors such as:
- Accuracy: The extent to which students' answers are correct and consistent with the expected knowledge and skills.
- Completeness: The extent to which students have addressed all aspects of the assessment task.
- Clarity: The extent to which students' answers are clear, concise, and well-organized.
- Originality: The extent to which students' work is their own and reflects their independent thinking.
Teaching
Teaching Methods
The MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering program uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning. These methods include:
- Lectures: These are typically delivered by experienced faculty members and provide students with an overview of the key concepts and principles covered in the modules.
- Tutorials: These are smaller group sessions led by a teaching assistant or lecturer and provide students with an opportunity to ask questions, discuss problems, and receive feedback on their work.
- Laboratory sessions: These provide students with hands-on experience using laboratory equipment and techniques relevant to acoustical and audio engineering.
- Group projects: These allow students to work collaboratively on real-world problems and develop their teamwork and communication skills.
- Individual projects: These allow students to explore their own interests and develop their independent research skills.
Faculty
The faculty members teaching on the MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering program are all highly qualified and experienced in their field. They are active researchers and have a strong commitment to teaching and student learning. The faculty includes:
- Dr. David Lubman, Professor of Acoustics
- Dr. Chris Dodd, Senior Lecturer in Audio Engineering
- Dr. Andy Behler, Lecturer in Psychoacoustics
- Dr. Emma Stevens, Lecturer in Environmental Noise
- Dr. Martin Smith, Lecturer in Building Acoustics
Careers
Career Paths
Graduates of the MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the acoustics and audio industries. Some of the typical career paths for graduates include:
- Acoustical consultant: Advising clients on the design and construction of buildings and other structures to ensure that they meet acoustical standards.
- Audio engineer: Designing and building audio systems for recording, mixing, and playback of music and other audio content.
- Noise control engineer: Developing and implementing strategies to reduce noise levels in various environments.
- Product development engineer: Designing and developing new音频和声学产品，例如扬声器、麦克风和耳机。
- Research scientist: Conducting research on new technologies and applications in the field of acoustics and audio engineering.
Career Opportunities
There is a growing demand for acoustical and audio engineers in various industries, including:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Entertainment
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Environmental consulting
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the MEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering program are highly employable and have a strong track record of securing employment in relevant industries. Many graduates go on to successful careers in leading companies and organizations around the world.
Other
Student Support
The University of Salford provides a range of support services to students, including:
- Academic skills support: Help with writing essays, preparing for exams, and managing your time.
- Counseling and mental health support: Help with personal or emotional issues. Students have the opportunity to undertake placements with industry partners, attend guest lectures from industry professionals, and participate in industry-sponsored projects.
Facilities
The University of Salford has a range of excellent facilities for teaching and research in acoustical and audio engineering. These facilities include:
- Anechoic chamber: A room designed to absorb all sound reflections, creating a silent environment for testing and measuring sound.
- Reverberation chamber: A room designed to reflect sound waves, creating a long reverberation time for studying the effects of sound on enclosed spaces.
- Audio production studios: Professional-grade studios equipped with the latest audio recording and mixing equipment.
- Acoustics laboratories: Laboratories equipped with a range of equipment for measuring sound, analyzing its properties, and designing sound systems.
| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £17,040.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00 per year |
