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.

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:

use our design workshops and studios
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
study management and design to improve your employability
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

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

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.

ODT

Download 2021-22 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Select the academic year you want to see entry requirements for

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.

More information about A-levels

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

or

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)

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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.

or

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

or

Select additional entry requirements to display

Other requirements

UK students

International students

Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

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.

More information about A-levels

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

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 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)

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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.

or

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 A-level mathematics

We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without A-levels in mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical

Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.

BTEC additional information

We accept the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering subjects, alongside A-level mathematics. Please contact Admissions for further details.

or

Select additional entry requirements to display

Other requirements

UK students

International students

Other ways to qualify

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

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:

thermofluids
materials
solid mechanics
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:

fluid mechanics
drives and machines
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:

musical instrument acoustics
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:

aeroacoustics
electroacoustics
architectural and building acoustics

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

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

You must study the following modules in year 1:

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...

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...

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...

Mechanical Systems Analysis

This module builds upon the technical content of the other first year modules and develops skills needed for the professional application of Mechanical Engineering. The ability to solve new challenges through innovation and through application of scientif...

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of five inter-dependent, to some e...

ThermoFluids

Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics and Physics A Level

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Electronics, Drives and Control

Practicing Mechanical and Acoustical Engineers require a working knowledge of aspects of electronics, electrical machines and control systems, as these elements are regularly encountered, for example, when instrumenting mechanical/acoustic structures with...

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...

Fluid Mechanics

This module begins with the introduction and derivation of the fundamental conservation equations for fluid mechanics (mass, momentum and energy). The application of these equations for solving simple flow problems will be demonstrated. This is followed b...

Materials and Structures

This second year module continues to develop the links between structures and materials, building on the fundamentals established in the first year course on mechanics, structures and materials. The relationship between composition, microstructure and pro...

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...

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...

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...

Thermodynamics

Enables students to analyse and design advanced power, propulsion, heating and cooling systems using thermodynamic principles.

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Engineering Design with Management

This module will introduce you to the practice of mechanical engineering design as applied to one of a number of contrasting applications. It will also enable you to understand key management topics that are relevant to engineering practice, specifically ...

Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics

This module is aimed at providing the requisite background in solid mechanics and structural vibration. Then, the module concentrates on solving this problem by introducing the Finite Element Method, aiming at providing an understanding of fundamental kn...

Fundamentals of Acoustics

This module provides an introduction to the basic elements of acoustics for the purpose of meeting the fundamental needs of practising engineers. This module provides the knowledge and tools to understand and predict the behaviour of complex acoustical sy...

Heat Transfer and Applications

This module gives a comprehensive coverage of the classical heat transfer syllables, including steady and transient heat conduction, convection and radiation. While the underlying mathematics are properly elaborated, their conceptual significance and phys...

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...

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...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

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...

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...

You must study the following modules in year 4:

Group Design Project

This group project enables you to apply your conceptual engineering and science knowledge to an engineering design problem. The ideas are developed through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture. You will also consider and...

Manufacturing and Materials

This module manufacturing and materials is intended to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. This module discusses various manufacturing methods including casting, forming, we...

Materials, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management

This module will first be offered in the 2022/23 academic year. This module provides a case study-led approach to topics relevant to contemporary manufacturing and supply chain management processes. The course will apply knowledge of engineering materi...

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....

You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:

Advanced Computational Methods I

The module is focussed around advanced computational methods incorporating C and compiled languages, computational modelling and software engineering techniques for science and engineering. It builds on lower level courses such as FEEG1001 and FEEG2001 an...

Aeroacoustics

This module covers aerodynamic noise sources and sound propagation in moving media. Aeroacoustics is of great importance in engineering settings involving high speed flows, including transport (aeroplane, aeroengine, automobile, train), industrial proces...

Aircraft Propulsion

This module develops aerodynamic and thermodynamic methods for design of gas turbine engines. Starting from considerations of aircraft requirements and basic thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, students learn how the overall engine design can be tailored ...

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...

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 ...

Physiology and Psychology of Hearing

The sense of hearing is essential for human communication. In this module we investigate the extraordinary capabilities and limitations of the human sense of hearing. Starting with the outer, middle and inner ear, we will investigate the anatomical and ph...

Vibration Engineering Practice

Vibration and shock of engineered structures occur due to dynamic loads arising during operation, e.g. in transportation vehicles, motors/generators and buildings. Analytical and numerical prediction tools are required during virtual prototyping to desig...

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

59%

Scheduled learning & teaching

41%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

52%

Written exam

25%

Coursework

23%

Practical exam

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:

Aston Martin Lagonda
Babcock
Dyson
ExxonMobil
Rolls-Royce
Siemens
Formula 1 teams

Roles you'll be suited for include:

acoustic engineer
mechanical engineer
automotive engineer
CAD technician
control and instrumentation engineer
maintenance engineer
nuclear engineer

You'll develop transferable skills that are highly sought after in careers outside engineering. These include:

problem-solving
teamwork
communication
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.