Acoustical Engineering

Acoustical engineering is the discipline concerned with understanding and controlling sound and vibration in all its forms, from the design of concert halls and noise-reducing materials to the acoustics of vehicles, aircraft and industrial machinery. It sits at the intersection of physics, mathematics and engineering, applying rigorous scientific understanding to some of the most practically important questions about how sound is generated, propagates through different media, interacts with structures and affects people. Noise pollution, structural vibration, architectural acoustics and underwater sound are all domains in which acoustical engineers work.

At the University of Southampton, this four-year integrated masters programme is delivered at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, which is one of the world's leading centres for acoustical engineering research and education. The degree provides masters-level knowledge of acoustics, sound and vibration, as the university's own description notes, combining fundamental engineering knowledge with specialist acoustical understanding. You will study vibration theory, wave propagation, structural dynamics, signal processing, room acoustics, noise control and the human response to sound, developing both the mathematical and physical tools to analyse acoustic problems and the engineering skills to design solutions.

The Institute's active research profile means you will be taught by world-leading researchers in the field.

Acoustical engineering is a relatively small and specialised discipline, which means that well-trained graduates are genuinely sought after by the industry. The depth of the programme at Southampton prepares graduates for demanding professional roles.

Graduates go on to careers in consultancy, automotive and aerospace companies, the music and entertainment industry, defence, environmental noise management, architectural design and research institutions. Chartership with the Institute of Acoustics is the professional standard. Further study at doctoral level is an option for those interested in research.