About this course
We've changed some parts of this course for the 2020 to 2021 academic year due to coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes may affect how we'll teach you and which modules you'll take.
The programme specification addendum (PDF, 1,328 KB) has all the latest details.
Acoustics can affect designs in many mechanical engineering projects, including vibration or noise. This course will let you specialise in areas that interest you, from making aircraft quieter to optimising sound for music venues. When you graduate, you'll be prepared for a career in the engineering sector.
This course follows similar content to our degree in Mechanical Engineering. You'll explore the core topics and specialise on Acoustical Engineering modules.
You'll learn how to solve real-world challenges, from making jet engines quieter to improving the accuracy of ultrasound scans.
As part of this course you can:
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use our design workshops and studios
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showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
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study management and design to improve your employability
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go on site visits to experience engineering in practice
You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H34H for the Industrial Placement Year option.
We're a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement, in full, for Chartered Engineer registration.
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
A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
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:
A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical, 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:
AAA including mathematics and physics with a pass in the physics Practical or A*AB including A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Physics and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
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*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical
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
There are no additional requirements
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.
Modules in the first 2 years focus on the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. You’ll gain the skills to apply your theoretical understanding to a wide range of real design problems.
In years 3 and 4 you'll extend your knowledge and skills by taking part in both individual and group projects.
You can select specialist modules that focus on acoustical engineering.
Year 1 overview
You'll take part in our award-winning induction programme and gain practical experience. Teams of new students work together to design and create. For example, you could take apart and put back together a 4 stroke engine.
The first year provides a background in engineering science, emphasising the mechanical engineering aspects. This includes a workshop training course.
Core modules cover topics such as:
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thermofluids
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materials
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solid mechanics
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electrical and electronics systems
You'll develop your design and programming skills, preparing you to design, build and test engineering systems, components and mechanisms.
Year 2 overview
You'll explore the main mechanical engineering subjects with tailored modules. This includes topics such as:
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fluid mechanics
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drives and machines
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vibration
You'll also take part in a challenging design project, such as designing an autonomous robot or quadcopter.
At the end of this year, you can apply to spend a semester abroad at one of our partner universities, in Sweden, New Zealand, France or the USA. This provides the opportunity to study in a different environment, with all modules taught in English.
Year 3 overview
You'll undertake an individual project that usually takes the form of a design or research exercise.
You'll explore specialist acoustics modules, which includes engineering for noise control.
Optional modules include topics such as:
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musical instrument acoustics
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human responses to sound and vibration
Year 4 overview
You'll take part in a group design project, these are often linked to current research activities or topics that have practical relevance to industry. You'll apply your conceptual engineering and scientific knowledge to an engineering design problem.
As a team, you'll develop your ideas through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and manufacture.
Further optional modules cover topics such as:
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aeroacoustics
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electroacoustics
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architectural and building acoustics
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
Richard Wills is the course leader.
Careers
Our mechanical engineering courses are fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and offer a route to chartered status.
We're also a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).
Our collaboration with Lloyd's Register at our Boldrewood Innovation Campus allows our students to gain industry experience through projects and placements.
As an acoustic engineering specialist, your skills and knowledge will be in demand across many industries.
Recent mechanical engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including:
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Aston Martin Lagonda
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Babcock
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Dyson
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ExxonMobil
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Rolls-Royce
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Siemens
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Formula 1 teams
Roles you'll be suited for include:
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acoustic engineer
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mechanical engineer
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automotive engineer
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CAD technician
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control and instrumentation engineer
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maintenance engineer
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nuclear engineer
You'll develop transferable skills that are highly sought after in careers outside engineering. These include:
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problem-solving
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teamwork
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communication
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IT
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 take an Industrial Placement Year as part of this course.
You can apply what you have learned so far on your course, try out a potential career, and develop new skills and experience to help you stand out to future employers.
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: 4R23
- 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
