ÃÛÌÒTV this course
On this MSc in Acoustical Engineering you'll learn how to apply acoustics to technology. Our master's in acoustics will give you expert knowledge of the latest modern developments in sound, vibration and signal processing. You’ll graduate with the skills you need for a career in acoustical engineering or for continued study at PhD level.
This acoustic engineering course combines an understanding of engineering fundamentals with specialist knowledge of sound and vibration. We’ll develop your practical and problem-solving skills to apply them in fields including:
- noise control
- audio engineering
- architectural acoustics
- biomedical ultrasounds
You’ll study at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) - a world-leading centre for acoustical engineering.
You can choose to study acoustic engineering as a general topic, but may also decide to specialise in signal processing or structural vibration:
- Signal processing provides in-depth training on modern signal processing techniques for biomedical applications and audio signal processing.
- Structural vibration emphasises the advanced techniques to model, measure and control vibration in mechanical systems such as railways and automotive applications.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course lead has research interests in various aspects of railway noise and vibration, particularly rolling noise and curve squeal, and vibroacoustics.
Visit Dr Giacomo Squicciarini's staff profile to learn more about his work.
Accreditations
This master's in acoustics is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Introducing our MSc in Acoustical and Vibration Engineering
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the ÃÛÌÒTV.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:
- an engineering subject, such as mechanical engineering
- a science subject, such as physics
- mathematics
You'll also need to have studied at least 3 maths or physics modules, such as:
- calculus
- mechanics
- dynamics
- linear algebra
- matrices
- complex numbers
We may consider music technology graduates, dependent on the maths content of the degree, but we do not consider pure music graduates.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Information for students who have studied in China
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
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.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. .
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure 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
The programme is split into 2 components: a taught component (October to June) and a research component (February to September).
The taught component will consist of a range of modules based on lectures, hands-on demonstrations, laboratory teaching and exercises in small groups.
Semester 1 consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Christmas, followed by exams at the end of January.
Semester 2 consists of 12 weeks of lectures with a break at Easter, followed by exams in early June. You normally take 3 modules.
The research project offers an opportunity to perform advanced research supervised by a member of academic staff. Our teaching staff will post a list of projects offered during the first semester. You may also propose your own project.
You’ll submit a planning and literature review report at an early stage in the project, and later, there’ll be an interview with the internal examiner. After this you’ll write your dissertation before the start of the new academic year.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
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...
MSc Research Project
Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...
Professional Aspects of Engineering
This module is designed for final year MEng and MSc students in acoustical engineering to supplement your technical modules in order to prepare you for professional practice as a Chartered Engineer in modern society. In provides a broad overview of the le...
You must also choose from the following modules :
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
Fundamentals of Vibration
Vibrations are the oscillation of a mechanical structure. Vibration may be desirable as in the strings of a guitar or in the human vocal cords. More often vibrations are undesirable as for the vibrations of an electrical motor or of an entire car. In both...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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
Learning
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Throughout to contribute you’ll need to contribute your own experiences and thoughts as part of a free exchange of ideas.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- a dissertation
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Academic Support
A member of the academic staff will supervise you when you write your research project.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- EDI leadership
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Information and Communication,
Education,
Finance and Insurance,
Public Administration and Defence,
Scientific and Technical,
Arts and Entertainment,
Manufacturing,
Transport.
- Acoustic consultant
- Sound engineer
- Broadcast engineer
- Acoustic scientist
- Noise and vibration consultant
- Acoustician
- Acoustic engineer
- Environmental consultant
- Speech technologist
- Audio technologist
- Data analyst
- University lecturer
- Software engineer
- Financial analyst
- Management consultant
- Secondary school teacher
- Acoustics consultant
- Acoustics engineer
- Noise and vibration engineer
- Acoustics and vibration scientist
- Software engineer
- Research scientist
Job prospects for MSc Acoustical and Vibration Engineering graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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, , is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £31,500.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the ÃÛÌÒTV, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. .
Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £5,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Engineering.
Find out more about the Southampton Engineering Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
- International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
- International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
- UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former ÃÛÌÒTV student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000