Acoustical and Vibration Engineering (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:

• an engineering subject, such as mechanical engineering
• a science subject, such as physics
• mathematics

You'll also need to have studied at least 3 maths or physics modules, such as:

• calculus
• mechanics
• dynamics
• linear algebra
• matrices
• complex numbers

We may consider music technology graduates, dependent on the maths content of the degree, but we do not consider pure music graduates.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme accepts applicants who have studied at a Tier A, B or C institution.

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

The programme is split into 2 components: a taught component (October to June) and a research component (February to September).

The taught component will consist of a range of modules based on lectures, hands-on demonstrations, laboratory teaching and exercises in small groups.
 
Semester 1 consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Christmas, followed by exams at the end of January.

Semester 2 consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Easter, followed by exams in early June. You normally take 3 modules.

The research project offers an opportunity to perform advanced research supervised by a member of academic staff.  Our teaching staff will post a list of projects offered during the first semester. You may also propose your own project.
 
You’ll submit a planning and literature review report at an early stage in the project, and later, there’ll be an interview with the internal examiner. After this you’ll write your dissertation before the start of the new academic year.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Throughout to contribute you’ll need to contribute your own experiences and thoughts as part of a free exchange of ideas.

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• a dissertation
• essays
• group essays
• individual and group projects
• written exams

Academic Support

A member of the academic staff will supervise you when you write your research project.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £11,500.
• EU and international students pay £32,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £5,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Engineering.

Find out more about the Southampton Engineering Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 2 September 2026, midday UK time.

International students

The deadline for Nationals requiring Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) to apply for this course is Tuesday 21 July 2026, midday UK time.

Other nationalities need to apply by Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
 

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000