Course description
Why come to Salford?
There are only major two academic centres of acoustics in the UK which undertake teaching, research and consultancy. In teaching, the MSc teaching team has strength and breadth. In terms of research, Acoustics at Salford University undertakes internationally significant research for industry and government. The Acoustics Research Centre has a broad range of interests in the built environment, environmental acoustics, and electroacoustics. It has an internationally renowned reputation in several key areas of research: computer modelling in room acoustics, surface diffusion design and applications in room acoustics, long range sound propagation, active impedance control and digital signal processing. Because of this we have high quality facilities: an anechoic chamber, transmission suite, two semi-anechoic chambers, a listening room and a recording studio complex consisting of four studios, each with its own live room. We also have a commercial operation that provides consultancy and testing
This means that our teaching is up to date, addressing the current needs of industry, and industry knows that we produce students with the skills required.
Careers in AcousticsThere is currently a severe shortage of acoustics graduates, with most acoustic consultancies struggling to recruit and retain good people. Many employers come directly to Salford to recruit graduates from our programmes and we maintain a list of vacancies on this website. Our reputation in acoustics means that our graduates have an excellent chance of quickly finding a job. Indeed, some of our programmes (e.g. BSc (Hons) Acoustics have 100% employment records. We keep examples of graduate destinations on this website.
Learning and TeachingOne of the key strengths of Salford is the skill and experience of the teaching team. We have 19 full-time academic members of staff in the acoustics, audio and video group. From this, the MSc teaching team is made up of 9 acoustics specialists who have extensive research and consultancy experience.
The majority of the teaching and learning takes place through tutorial and seminar groups. Assessment is generally in the form of assignments, which improves problem solving and other skills as well as providing a strong background in the subject area. There are several novel features about the MSc Environmental Acoustics: the Environmental Noise Measurement module includes a practical hands-on training in the use of a sound level meter, which is assessed by an observed practical test. We also hope to be able to offer the opportunity to take the Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement for the cost of an additional exam fee. The Environmental Noise Measurement module will also include 'crit' style assessments by experienced, practicing consultants, people who are using Environmental Acoustics in the real world every day.
Course Content
Environmental Noise Measurement - You will learn how to take reliable measurements of environmental noise, how to apply acoustic theory and knowledge of standard practice to work out what, where and how to measure. You will be given a practical test with a sound level meter as part of the assessment, and will (to be confirmed) be given the opportunity to obtain the Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement.
Noise control
This module will equip students with the knowledge to be able to select appropriate noise control options for realistic environmental noise scenarios, and to justify their selections.
Mathematics and Vibrations
A high level of competency at mathematics forms a core requirement to understanding how audio systems work
Acoustics
This will provide a fundamental understanding of the physics behind the behaviour of sound. . What is sound? What is vibration? How is it generated? How does it propagate? How do we measure it in time and frequency?
Transducers and sound reinforcement
You will learn about how to design appropriate transducers to transform electronic signals to acoustic waves. You will discover how these waves behave in rooms and outdoors, and so learn about appropriate application of loudspeakers for music reproduction, sound reinforcement and public address.
Psychoacoustics
Human auditory perception is fundamental to all audio acoustics. You will learn about such effects as pitch perception, localisation and masking and how these are used in perceptual coding and spatial audio. You will learn how to measure human response to audio signals.
Digital signal processing
Digital systems form the core of modern audio. In this module you will learn what happens when signals are transformed from analogue to digital representations and vice versa. You will learn to manipulate digital signals by filtering, and concepts such as convolution, Fourier transformation and filter design will be explored .
Numerical techniques
Fundamental to most modern acoustic research is the use of numerical techniques to enable complex mathematical systems to be solved and understood. In this module techniques such as Boundary Element, Finite Element, Statistical Energy Analysis and geometric room acoustic models will be learnt.
Room Acoustics
Most audio systems ultimately radiate sound into enclosures. Whether you're designing an arena, listening room or shopping mall, correct acoustical design is vital to make the space comfortable to use and reproduced sound audible and intelligible. You will also learn about the design of spaces, such as concert halls and theatres, for non-electronic sound sources.
Project
A third of the Masters is based on an individual project. This gives you a chance to study an area of interest to yourself in more depth. Projects are carried out under the direction of a named supervisor who will agree a title and plan which is normally suggested by the student. If appropriate, the project may be based around a task of interest to your current employers.
Please note that the exact course content is subject to change.
Modules offered on this programme
Module information is provided to give you an overview of the modules typically available for this programme and not a guarantee of the final programme structure. If you are interested in a specific module, please confirm with the admissions tutor that it will be offered for your cohort.
Core Modules
- ACOUSTICS AND SIGNAL STATISTICS
- Mathematics and Vibrations
- Psychoacoustics
- Transducers and Sound Reinforcement
- Module Specification to follow
- Noise control
- Numerical Techniques
Option Modules
- Room Acoustics
- DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
Dissertation
