About this course
This course is closed for entry in September 2023 and September 2024
Learn to hear music in a new way, and discover how sound and vibration can affect us and the world around. This Acoustics with Music degree combines musical composition and critical analysis with acoustical engineering. Whether you sing opera, play guitar solos or make electronic dance music, we'll help you develop.
This degree provides a broad-based education in sound, hearing and technology as well as musical engineering, theory and performance. The modular nature of the course means you'll choose how you balance Acoustical Engineering and Music modules.
You'll use our extensive Music facilities, including:
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dedicated rehearsal rooms
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ensemble practice spaces
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electronic studios
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networked multimedia workstations
You'll study Acoustics at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, a leading centre for Acoustical Engineering. You'll use our world-class acoustic and engineering facilities, which include:
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anechoic and reverberation chambers
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an aeroacoustic wind tunnel
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a virtual acoustics laboratory
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a professional manufacturing centre
You'll also study hearing. You'll develop your understanding of how hearing works, for example the anatomy and physiology of the ear.
You'll study how we perceive sound; how the brain interprets information from the ears, including how hearing impairment affects the perception of sound and music. We need to understand the acoustics of how sound is produced by instruments and how the hearing system picks up and interprets sound information, to fully understand music perception. This degree will develop your understanding of both aspects of music perception.
In your final year you can choose to study modules in either acoustics, music or hearing. This will help you to develop specialisms for your career or further study.
Each year you can take tuition to improve your performance as a soloist or accompanist, and enhance your public performing experience.
At our Turner Sims concert hall, you can watch professional musicians perform. We support the most extensive series of professional concerts and workshops of any UK university.
You can also take a Year in Employment to enhance your employability and give you vital experience.
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
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
For Academic year 202324
A-levels
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A), music* and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music.
A-levels additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. *We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory or Grade 8 Music practical where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. **Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video.
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), music* and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics, plus grade A in the EPQ. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music.
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), music* and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music.
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, a minimum of 5 in Higher Level in Physics or Chemistry and a minimum of 5 in Higher Level in music*.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory or Grade 8 Music practical where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. **Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video.
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 National Extended Certificate plus grade A in A-level mathematics, grade A in either further mathematics, physics, electronics or chemistry at A-level and a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory*, Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics. Applicants must have a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory*. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
A pass in the science A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. *We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory or Grade 8 Music practical where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. **Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics, grade A in either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics at A-level and a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory*. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics. Applicants must have a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory*. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music
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.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics, music* and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics, applied mathematics, music* and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music.
Irish certificate additional information
*We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory or Grade 8 Music practical where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. **Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum grade D3), music* and either chemistry, further mathematics or physics. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A. *We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory or Grade 8 Music practical where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. **Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A), music* and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music or AA from two A levels including mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory*. Grade 8 in music practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** is also required for applicants wishing to pursue a performance component in music.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. *We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory or Grade 8 Music practical where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM. **Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video.
Welsh 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.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
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.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
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
Compulsory modules will introduce acoustics, hearing and audio signal processing in the first 2 years. These provide a solid preparation for the final part of the degree, which includes an individual project.
You'll select from a range of music-related modules throughout the course. You can choose modules from the Acoustical Engineering, Audiology and Music programmes.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will provide a background in acoustical engineering. You'll study the physics and mathematics of sound and acoustics. You'll also study the basic science of hearing and sound perception.
Music modules look at:
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performance
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composition
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history
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critical analysis
You'll choose from optional modules, including:
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Introduction to Music Technology
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Exploring Music I
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Electrical and Electronic Systems
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Fundamentals of Analysis
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Counterpoint and Harmony
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First Year Performance Tuition
From jazz theory to global hip-hop, you can explore the music of your choice. You can also take individual or group tuition, to help develop your performance skills.
Year 2 overview
You'll study further acoustics, sound and mathematics, hearing science and technology, and audio engineering technology.
Option modules include:
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System Design and Computing
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Jazz Theory
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Studio Techniques
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Conducting
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Arranging
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Music Therapy Fundamentals
Year 3 overview
You can focus on areas that interest you in acoustics, music and hearing, through a wide selection of option modules. There are no compulsory modules this year, but you'll complete either a Research Project in Music or an Individual Project.
You'll choose from optional modules, including:
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Musical Instrument Acoustics
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Architectural and Building Acoustics
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Human Responses to Sound and Vibration
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Electroacoustics
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Commercial Composition
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Studio Techniques
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Orchestration
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Ensemble Performance
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Fundamentals of Auditory Implants
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Rehabilitation of Auditory Disorders
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Acoustics 1
As an Acoustical Engineer you will need to be able to: 1. Understand the physics of sound and vibration 2. Understand the effects sound and vibration have on people 3. Design systems that control sound and/or vibration 4. Design systems that use sound...
Design and Computing
This course develops your skills in design and computing with practical hands-on engineering to enable you to design, build and test artefacts relevant to your discipline. From the design component of the module you will be introduced to modern comput...
Dynamics
This module comprises the dynamics components of the Mechanics, Structures and Materials module (FEEG1002) and is specifically for students on the Acoustics with Music joint honours degree programme. The fundamental principles of dynamics covered here pro...
Electrical and Electronics Systems
It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without electricity: homes without electric light, without television or radio, without motors to drive the washing machine, the refrigerator and the vacuum cleaner; offices without computers, word p...
Exploring Music 1
Offering a broad overview of European music in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, this module will also allow you to develop your academic writing skills. Lectures introduce styles and genres of the period, including the polyphonic Mass, the sonata, the...
Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Composition Fundamentals
Composition Fundamentals will introduce you to a range of compositional techniques and principles. We will consider different ways of creating musical ideas and different approaches to structuring, varying and developing musical ideas. In particular, we w...
Exploring Music 2
This module aims to introduce you to some of the major musical forms, techniques and styles cultivated between 1750 and 1900. During the module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of ‘Classical’ and ‘Romantic’ musical styles and genres while...
First Year Ensemble Performance
Ensemble performance is a crucial skill in any musician's portfolio, in addition to being one of the most rewarding aspects of musical life. In this module you will prepare a 15-18 minute programme of instrumental, vocal or mixed ensemble music of your...
Global Transformations in Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Music
This module explores the history of key twentieth and twenty-first musical styles and practices including jazz, popular and art music’s. Its scope is global, with the aim of "provincialising" European and North American experiences. In addition the module...
Performance in Practice B
This module allows you to develop your music performance skills to a new level. A combination of individual tuition in your chosen performance specialism* (12 hours of lessons) and a variety of workshop and public performance opportunities provide you ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Acoustics II
This module builds on the knowledge and understanding of sound fields and their generation and propagation that was built up in ISVR1032 Acoustics I. Those fundamental concepts are explored in greater depth to allow them to be applied to a wide variety of...
Audio and Signal Processing
Acoustical engineers are required to demonstrate knowledge of the basic methods for acquisition, analysis, processing and reproduction of audio data and audio material. They must be familiar with the theoretical fundamentals of these techniques and be cap...
Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II
The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Composition Workshop
This module explores important historical and contemporary techniques and approaches to composition to give you a range of ways of thinking about creating, varying, transforming and organising musical materials. We will look at examples of compositional i...
Conducting
This module covers basic gestures used in duple, triple, compound, mixed and asymmetric metres; cueing of players and singers, and introducing expressive gestures for dynamics, phrasing etc.; basic approaches to rehearsal and score-marking technique.
Electronics and Control
Modern mechanical and acoustic systems contain numerous electronic and control components. For example, an electric vehicle may have speed, traction and active noise control systems. Practicing Mechanical and Acoustical Engineers therefore require a worki...
Engineering Management and Law
This module provides students with an introduction to management, accounting and law applicable to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. Emphasis is placed upon introducing managerial knowledge and skills required to apply effective managem...
Ensemble Performance 1
In this module students prepare one programme of instrumental, vocal, or mixed-ensemble music of their own choice, which is coached regularly by members of staff. There is an expectation that students, not staff, will independently organise an ensemble ...
Film Music Composition
Composing music for films has a rich, 100+ year history, and technological advances and inspired and innovative teams continue to evolve this dynamic sector of the creative industries. You will be introduced to this history and a series of contemporar...
Global Hip Hop
The module aims to develop your critical awareness of hip-hop as a social phenomenon and the ways that scholars have approached hip hop. The main focus of this course will be rap music, and we will also touch on other elements of hip-hop including DJing (...
How the Arts Work: A Practical Introduction to Cultural Economics
How are the arts getting back to work again after Covid-19? This is a critically important question for everyone who cares about them, artists and audiences alike. If you’re a student considering a career in the arts you’ll want to know where fresh opport...
Mechanics, Machines & Vibration
This module will help the students to understand the fundamental concepts in Kinematics and Dynamics of multi-body systems. It provides an understanding of the application of simple mathematical models to vibration problems in engineering using different...
Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
This module explores how music therapy uses music very differently to the entertainment industry, introducing you to the unique use of music as a powerful clinical tool in health and education settings. Using clinical music therapy techniques, music can b...
Music and Sound Production 1
This module allows you to explore basic multi-track recording and production techniques. The module is based in the University’s recording studios and music computing facilities where you will explore a range of techniques and equipment from both theoreti...
Performance Tuition (Single Study)
This module allows you to continue to develop your music performance skills. A combination of individual tuition (10 1hr lessons) and a variety workshop and public performance opportunities provide you with the chance to study new repertoire, improve your...
Singing Together: Working with Voices
This module offers a practical introduction to organising, arranging for, rehearsing and performing with groups of singers of any level, from beginners to professionals. It is particularly aimed at students who are interested in community music or music e...
Systems Design and Computing
This module follows on from FEEG1001 Design and Computing where students focus on the design of functional parts. In FEEG2001 students address the design of a system consisting of a number of interacting parts which may include mechanical and electrical p...
The American Musical
This module introduces you to the history of the American Musical and examines some of the issues connected with race, exoticism, gender and national identity as they were articulated in this multimedia entertainment between the late nineteenth century an...
The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
In this module you will explore the operas by Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s most influential composers. Britten’s operas are among the few 20th-century works that hold a central position in today’s operatic canon. They are produced regularly by world...
Them Changes: Composing and arranging for jazz and jazz influenced genres.
This module gives students a chance to compose for jazz and jazz influenced ensembles. This module will embrace the rich tradition of jazz writing and its conventions as heard in the works of the great jazz composers, such as Duke Ellington, Herbie Han...
Year 3 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules in year 3:
Acoustical Engineering Design
This module comprises two design exercises, the first examining practical isolation requirements and the second involved with designing an acoustic exhaust or intake with a required performance. The investigation will be conducted in groups, no larger tha...
Active Control of Sound and Vibration
This aim of this module is to build an understanding of the physics of active control. Active control is a method for realising control through the use of secondary sources or actuation, whose outputs are designed to modify the response of a system. Techn...
Adventures in Musical Research
This module is based on a selection of recent and innovative scholarly writings on music, which challenge the reader to examine their assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music as cultural practices. It is taught together with MUSI6022 Adv...
Architectural and Building Acoustics
The transmission of sound within buildings plays a vital role in architectural design that should be taken account of at an early stage. The module covers two main areas: (i) building acoustics, that is the effects of the materials and overall design of b...
Autopsying European Art Music
This module focuses on the detailed 'hands-on' analysis of works of European art music, guided by a selection of classic and contemporary theoretical and analytical writings that challenge assumptions about the inner structure of musical works. Extramusic...
Biomedical Application of Signal and Image Processing
During the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment, patients routinely undergo imaging, measurement and monitoring procedures using a wide range of techniques. Whether it is the automated monitoring of blood pressure of flow, the electrical signals ...
Composition Workshop
This module explores important historical and contemporary techniques and approaches to composition to give you a range of ways of thinking about creating, varying, transforming and organising musical materials. We will look at examples of compositional i...
Electroacoustics
Electroacoustic transducers, such as microphones and loudspeakers, are commonplace in the fields of acoustics and audio and it is important that acoustical engineers have an understanding of the theory and mechanisms of electroacoustic transduction. This ...
Ensemble Performance 2
In this module students prepare one programme of instrumental, vocal, or mixed-ensemble music of their own choice, which is coached regularly by members of staff. There is an expectation that students, not staff, will independently organise an ensemble f...
Film Music Composition
Composing music for films has a rich, 100+ year history, and technological advances and inspired and innovative teams continue to evolve this dynamic sector of the creative industries. You will be introduced to this history and a series of contemporar...
Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics
Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...
Global Hip Hop
The module aims to develop your critical awareness of hip-hop as a social phenomenon and the ways that scholars have approached hip hop. The main focus of this course will be rap music, and we will also touch on other elements of hip-hop including DJing (...
Human Factors in Engineering
This module provides an introduction to the role human factors in Engineering. It demonstrates how the characteristics and capabilities of people can be taken into account to optimise the design of things used by people, the environments in which they li...
Human Responses to Sound and Vibration
This module provides an understanding of human responses to sound and vibration in the environment, and how such environmental stimuli are measured and assessed. People judge the success or failure of any efforts in noise and vibration control, so their r...
Individual Project
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
Interactive! Music in Video Games and Media
Interactive music and sound can be found in diverse forms, from video games and interactive installations through to data driven sonic art and works with audience/performer interventions. Such situations provide composers and sound artists with both exci...
Introduction to Machine Learning
Machine Learning advances are revolutionising our world. At a fundamental level, Machine Learning deals with the extraction of useful information from large and complex datasets. There are now many applications, from the automatic understanding and proces...
Music Therapy 2: Beneath the Surface
The aim of this module is to look beneath the surface - challenging assumptions made about music being therapeutic and exploring how to prove music is effective as therapy. Drawing on the knowledge gleaned in the second year module, the module aims to dev...
Noise Control Engineering
Noise control engineering is concerned with the application of basic acoustics and vibration theory to reduce noise in practical situations. The noise control engineer needs to know how to set targets, how to characterise and quantify noise sources, and h...
Ocean Acoustics & Biomedical Ultrasound
Sound is a vital tool for exploring and understanding the underwater environment, it also plays a key role in many biomedical applications. This module will describe the underlying physics of sound propagation in liquids and discusses the engineering cha...
Performance Tuition (Single Study)
This module allows you to expand your music performance skills to a high standard. A combination of individual tuition (10 1hr lessons) and a variety workshop and public performance opportunities provide you with the chance to study new repertoire, improv...
Research Project
This module is based on a topic chosen by the student, completed under the supervision of a member of staff and culminating in a detailed dissertation. The topic may be musical (historical, analytical, critical) or it may relate music to another art or di...
Signal Processing
Signals such as audio, music, sonar, image and video convey information about physical quantities that vary over time and space. Signals can, for example, describe acoustic vibrations or radio waves, and thus play an important role throughout engineering....
The American Musical
This module introduces you to the history of the American Musical and examines some of the issues connected with race, exoticism, gender and national identity as they were articulated in this multimedia entertainment between the late nineteenth century an...
The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
In this module you will explore the operas by Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s most influential composers. Britten’s operas are among the few 20th-century works that hold a central position in today’s operatic canon. They are produced regularly by world...
Theoretical and Computational Acoustics
This module introduces students to mathematical and numerical methods to solve practical problems in acoustics. It provides a self-contained review and derivation of the equations of linear acoustics in the time and frequency domains. Mathematical modelli...
Theoretical and Computational Acoustics
This module introduces students to mathematical and numerical methods to solve practical problems in acoustics. It provides a self-contained review and derivation of the equations of linear acoustics in the time and frequency domains. Mathematical modelli...
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
- assessed performances
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- assessed performances
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- assessed performances
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Ying Ye is the course leader.
Careers
You'll graduate with the skills to work in the acoustics, music and audio technology industries. You could choose to develop your musical performance abilities, enhanced by your knowledge of acoustics.
This degree also provides a foundation for further study at Masters or PhD level.
Typical roles that you will be qualified for include:
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acoustician
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studio producer or engineer
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performer
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music therapist
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composer
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sound engineer
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live sound engineer
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recording engineer
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acoustics and audio researcher
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acoustics consultant
Our recent graduates work for leading companies such as:
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Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design
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GP Acoustics
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Hoare Lea Acoustics
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Hunter Acoustics
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RBA Acoustics
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SLR Consulting
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Wolfson Microelectronics Plc
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WSP
The transferable skills you gain will also be vital in a range of other sectors.
We have helped some of our graduates create innovative start-up companies through the SET-squared partnership.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 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:
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work experience schemes
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CV and interview skills and workshops
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networking events
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careers fairs attended by top employers
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a wealth of volunteering opportunities
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study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £25,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
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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 to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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: HW73
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
This course will be open for entry in September 2023, however we are not accepting applications starting in September 2022.
We'll invite shortlisted applicants to an open day, which will include an interview. If you're shortlisted, we'll email you all the information you'll need to prepare.
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
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