About this course
On this MSc in Acoustical Engineering you'll learn how to apply acoustics to technology. Our master's in acoustics will give you expert knowledge of the latest modern developments in sound, vibration and signal processing. You’ll graduate with the skills you need for a career in acoustical engineering or for continued study at PhD level.
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
This acoustic engineering course combines an understanding of engineering fundamentals with specialist knowledge of sound and vibration. We’ll develop your practical and problem-solving skills to apply them in fields including:
- noise control
- audio engineering
- architectural acoustics
- biomedical ultrasounds
You’ll study at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) - a world-leading centre for acoustical engineering.
You can choose to study acoustic engineering as a general topic, but may also decide to specialise in signal processing or structural vibration:
- Signal processing provides in-depth training on modern signal processing techniques for biomedical applications and audio signal processing.
- Structural vibration emphasises the advanced techniques to model, measure and control vibration in mechanical systems such as railways and automotive applications.
Course lead
Your course lead has research interests in various aspects of railway noise and vibration, particularly rolling noise and curve squeal, and vibroacoustics.
Visit Dr Giacomo Squicciarini's staff profile to learn more about his work.
Accreditations
This master's in acoustics is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:
- engineering
- science
- a maths subject
We may consider music technology graduates (dependent on the maths content of the degree), but do not consider pure music graduates.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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
Course structure
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.
Careers
Acoustical Engineering students at the University of Southampton benefit from an employability programme of careers support and employer talks to facilitate work experience, as well as the ISVR Careers Fair.
See career resources and information for research and job hunting sites – for both professional placements and graduate roles.
Use the FEE Student Employability Blackboard to access careers presentations, jobs alerts from employers targeting the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, information on competitions and further study.
You should consider joining the professional accreditation bodies of your degree programme to take full advantage of the benefits:
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
Fees, costs and funding
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get 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. Find out if you're eligible.
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.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
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.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
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