MSc Engineering Acoustics (1 year)
There is increasing pressure to make life quieter and to gain a better understanding of how noise and vibration affect people. This MSc programme is a full-time master’s degree, aimed at engineering, science or mathematics graduates. No prior knowledge of acoustics is required.
The MSc in Engineering Acoustics is available to students wishing to specialise in acoustics within the modules available in the Sound and Vibration Studies Programme.
This programme aims to provide science or engineering graduates from a diversity of backgrounds with an academically challenging exposure to modern developments in sound, vibration and signal processing. The range of subjects offered is linked to the internationally recognised research activities of staff. You will cover aspects of engineering acoustics, structural dynamics, noise and vibration control, human effects of sound and vibration and applied digital signal processing such as biomedical.
Specific aims of this MSc programme are:
- To enable you to acquire some of the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed for a professional career in sound, vibration and signal processing.
- To develop your ability to apply the academic knowledge gained to practical situations in your chosen discipline.
- Through a substantial open-ended research project, to develop your critical and analytical abilities as well as project management skills.
Subsidiary aims are:
- To provide a supply of well-trained and motivated graduates for research positions both in the ISVR and elsewhere.
- To provide career development opportunities in the broad field of sound and vibration with specialisation in engineering acoustics accompanied by a project in this area.
To Apply
You can do it through the University of Southampton's online postgraduate application system. For more background and detailed information, see How to Apply.
Students will normally register initially for the more general Sound and Vibration Studies degree and then transfer their registration on completion of the taught part of the course when it is clear that they wish to specialise in acoustics.
Part-time study may be available, subject to approval.
The deadline for new applications to this course is the 31st July 2012.
Accreditation
This MSc programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineering as Further Learning contribution for CEng registration for intakes 2010-2014. PG Diploma accredited as Further Learning for IEng registration.
Programme Structure
Full-time study
Full time, the MSc is a full 12-month full-time course, commencing in October. The programme is split into two components: a 'taught' component (October to June) and a research component (June to September).
Part-time study
It is possible to study part-time over a period of 2-5 years, for example by attending one day a week. However, if possible, it is better to study the whole first semester at once and then to take semester 2 options over a longer period.
Exit points
The taught component of the MSc programme is assessed independently of the research project component. Progression to the research project depends on successful completion of the taught component. The MSc award depends on passing the examinations and on successful completion of a dissertation on the project. The possible exit points are:
- PG Certificate (60 Credit Points)
- PG Diploma (120 Credit Points)
- MSc (180 Credit Points)
Career opportunities
Academia; automotive industry; biomedical industry; commercial industry; audio engineering design; acoustic consultancy; engineering and design; environment agencies; telecommunications industry; research and development
Key facts
The ISVR was founded in 1963 and is world renowned for its contributions to acoustics, audiology and biomedical engineering, among other areas.
We were awarded a 2006 Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education based on ISVR's ustained excellence and outstanding achievements in research in the field of sound and vibration.
The Institute is unusual as an Academic Unit in that historically external research contracts and grants have provided over two-thirds of its financial support. This has come from industry, research councils, Government departments, health authorities and from overseas.
Typical entry requirements
Honours Degree
First or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in engineering, science or mathematics.
Applicants with a lower-second class Bachelor’s honours degree are considered only if evidence can be provided for the development of skills and capabilities beyond the degree, such as 2-years of relevant and appropriate work experience and training.
Equivalent Qualifications
Alternative qualifications are considered on individual merit. For example, a portfolio of appropriate work experience underpinned by an academic achievements equivalent to the basic requirements and recent serious and appropriate study, with clear evidence of scientific aptitude. Applicants in this category are interviewed and might be required to sit the admissions assessment. We are always happy to receive applications from candidates with equivalent qualifications. If you are unsure about our entry criteria, please contact our admissions staff who would be happy to provide advice in advance of your application.
English Language requirements
If your first language is not English, we need to ensure that your listening, written and spoken English skills would enable you to enjoy the full benefit of your studies. For entry onto our programmes, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification (i.e. TOEFL 580-Paper/237-Computer/92-Internet based).
Selection process:
Intake: 25 students per year
All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (e.g. hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Typical course content
The programme consists of taught modules, a project preparation module and a research project.
Year 1
The MSc course in Engineering acoustics forms a 12 month full-time programme. This is based on two semesters of lectures and practical instruction, followed by 4 months of full-time work on a research project in a suitable area leading to a dissertation. At least 100 credits must be taken from the modules below.
Semester One
This consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Christmas, followed by exams at the end of January.
You normally take 6 modules (60 credit points) from the recommended list below. Other options including the following will be available:
- ISVR6037 Underwater acoustics 1
Optional:
- ISVR6030
- Fundamentals of Acoustics
- ISVR6031
- Fundamentals of Vibration
- ISVR6032
- Signal Processing
- ISVR6033
- Noise Control
- ISVR6035
- MATLAB Computation
- ISVR6036
- Human Response to Sound and Vibration
Semester Two
This consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Easter, followed by exams in early June. You normally take 5 modules plus ISVR6071 Project Development (giving 60 credit points altogether). The 5 modules normally chosen from the list below.
Note that some semester 2 options are available as one-week intensive short courses. and not all of them are available each year, e.g. ISVR6046. Other options including the following will be available: ISVR6103 Audio recording.
Compulsory:
- ISVR6071
- Project Development
Optional:
- ISVR6038
- Analytical and Numerical Acoustics
- ISVR6042
- Environmental and Transportation Noise
- ISVR6048
- Electroacoustics
- ISVR6050
- Underwater Acoustics 2
- ISVR6094
- Advanced Measurement Techniques (single module)
- ISVR6102
- Fundamentals of Aeroacoustics
- ISVR6117
- Architectural and Building Acoustics
- ISVR6046
- Active Control of Sound and Vibration
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).
The MSc programme provides opportunities for you to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes described below.
Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the MSc programme, you are expected to have gained:
- A thorough understanding of the fundamental scientific aspects of your chosen field, and the interrelationships between them;
- Critical ability, as demonstrated by a dissertation which advances a specific area of research;
- Sufficient breadth of technical background to permit study of the current literature, identification of gaps in information, and engagement in discussion with peers.
For a PG Diploma you are expected to reach equivalent levels under items (a) and (c). For a PG Certificate you are expected to acquire knowledge in the field of sound, vibration and signal processing, sufficient to work under supervision.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The programme is split into two components: a 'taught' component (October to June) and a research component (June to September).
Taught Modules
The 'taught' component will consist of a range of modules based on lectures, hands-on demonstrations, laboratory teaching and exercises in small groups.
You are encouraged throughout to contribute your own professional experiences and thoughts to the learning of the whole class through a free exchange of ideas.
One-week modules
A programme of one-week modules is available in specialist subjects, particularly in the Applied Digital Signal Processing specialisation. This especially suits part-time students who are in full-time employment. Each module (worth 10 CP, 5 ECTS) comprises a one-week (normally 3½ days) residential taught component followed by an assignment and/or examination. In advance of each module you will be referred to recommended texts. If in doubt you can contact the module coordinator for further information. Each module is followed by an in-depth assignment to consolidate and assess your learning. You may take any combination of one-week modules and conventional 12-week modules. Not all modules will run in any particular year.
Research Project
The research project is the climax of the MSc programme. The project offers an opportunity to perform advanced research supervised by a member of academic staff. A list of projects offered by members of teaching staff is posted during Semester 1. You may also propose your own project.
Work begins on the project in February with the Project Development module. The research itself is mostly carried out during the summer period. An interview with the External Examiner is held at an early stage in the project, and a formal progress review takes place at around the mid point. On completion a dissertation is produced. This has to be completed in draft by the end of September. The final version has to be submitted by the end of December.
Assessment Methods
Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework in the form of problem solving exercises, laboratory reports, design exercises, essays, and individual and group projects.
Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through unseen written examinations and problem based exercises. Experimental, research and design skills are assessed through laboratory reports, coursework exercises, project reports and oral presentations.
The tutorial system
Every student is assigned a personal tutor for Semester 1 when they start their university degree. Your personal tutor will meet you when you enrol, and you will see him/her several times during your studies for academic as well as pastoral support. S/He is accessible throughout your time in Southampton. In Semester 2 your project supervisor will also become your personal tutor for the remaining period of study.
Administration
The Faculty of Engineering and the Environment has a team of administrators who act as a point of contact for day-to-day advice and information for taught postgraduate students. They are also responsible for collecting assignments and issuing the documents and forms which are required during your period of study.
Programme leader
| Programme | UCAS/JACS Code | Programme length |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Sound and Vibration Studies (1 year) | ||
| MSc Structural Dynamics (1 year) | ||
| MSc Applied Digital Signal Processing (1 year) |
