About this course
Learn how to make the world sound better, with a specialist knowledge of acoustics, vibration and how they affect us. This acoustical engineering degree specialises in sound and our response to it. You'll study at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, a leading centre for Acoustical Engineering.
This acoustical engineering course looks at how acoustics - the science of sound and vibration - is applied in technology. It has many applications, including:
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design of cars
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3D-audio systems
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designing concert halls
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reducing aircraft noise
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using ultrasound to fight antimicrobial resistance
This UK acoustic engineering degree includes practical work throughout, including lab work. Our projects will allow you to design, build and test components and systems with enhanced acoustic properties. You'll gain the confidence to creatively solve engineering problems.
You'll have access to our world-class acoustic and engineering facilities, which include:
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dedicated design studios and workshops
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anechoic and reverberation chambers
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an aeroacoustic wind tunnel
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a listening room
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a virtual acoustics laboratory
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a professional manufacturing centre
You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H34P for the Industrial Placement Year option.
The industrial placement year will further develop your vital professional skills and knowledge, and help you become a professional acoustical engineer after you graduate.
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement, in part, for Chartered Engineer registration. This course is also accredited by the Institute of Acoustics.
Accreditations
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject, plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation, and 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level mathematics and A in an additional required A-level subject
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The first 2 years will introduce subjects such as electronics, mechanics and management. You'll also develop your mathematical, computational and experimental skills.
If you choose to take an additional Industrial Placement Year, it will be between years 2 and 3.
Advanced modules in your final year will deepen your understanding of acoustics and human responses to sound and vibration. You'll choose from optional modules to follow topics that interest you and you'll do an individual research project.
Year 1 overview
You'll study core engineering and acoustics topics, emphasising the physics and mathematics of sound and vibration.
Modules also include topics such as:
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mechanics, structures and materials
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electrical and electronics systems
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mathematics for engineering and the environment
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design and computing
Year 2 overview
As well as acoustics, you'll also study modules on:
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mechanics and vibration
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mathematics
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fluid dynamics
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audio technology and control
The Systems Design and Computing module is an important part of the year. It currently involves the design, building and testing of an active 2-cone loudspeaker.
Year 3 overview
You'll complete an individual project. This will involve researching a subject and combining many of the concepts you've learnt over the first 2 years. Previous students have studied the effect of wing shielding on aircraft engine noise and marine mammal calls.
The compulsory modules are on:
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the human responses to sound and vibration
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acoustical engineering design
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noise control
You'll also choose from optional modules on topics like:
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vehicle powertrain, noise and vibration
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control and instrumentation
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electroacoustics
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human factors in engineering
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architectural and building acoustics
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musical instruments
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Keith Holland is the course leader.
Careers
Acoustical engineers are in great demand in almost every field of engineering. You could work on:
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better-sounding concert halls
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superior sound reproduction systems
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clearer ultrasound scans
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quieter aeroplanes
As an acoustical engineering graduate, you can expect to secure roles such as:
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acoustic engineer
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audio engineer (R&D)
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acoustic scientist
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acoustic technician
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noise engineer
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bioengineer
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sound engineer
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acoustician
The transferable skills you gain from audio engineering courses, will be welcome in a range of other sectors. This degree also provides a firm foundation for further study at Masters or PhD level.
Many of our graduates work in leading high-tech companies including:
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Bentley
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Jaguar Land Rover
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Arup
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Mott MacDonald
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Dyson
We can help you get placements and employment with local, national and international employers. Taking an industrial placement year will also give you valuable work experience.
Find out more about careers in acoustic engineering.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can choose to take a year-long paid placement in an engineering organisation to get a head start after graduation. During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional engineering experience.
Our students have recently had placements at:
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Airbus Space and Defence
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Dstl
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Jaguar Land Rover
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Leonardo
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Rolls-Royce
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Scuderia Toro Rosso
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Williams F1
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WSP
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: HH72
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
