Acoustics and Audio Postgraduate Research
Blended Delivery
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Two year
Three year
Five year
January 2025
In a nutshell
The University of Salford is an international centre for audio and acoustics research. Since 1958, our academics and researchers have led pioneering projects that have developed new knowledge, set industry standards and shaped products sold worldwide today.
Supported by world-class laboratories with research opportunities funded by industry partners, research councils, and government bodies, a research programme at Salford can take your passion for acoustics and audio further.
We engage in a wide range of research fields, including architectural and building acoustics, audio, environmental noise and soundscapes, psychoacoustics, signal processing, materials and vibro-acoustics.
Today, you will find our PhD graduates working at companies that include Arup, Apple, BBC, Google and NHS, as well as academic positions in Universities.
You will:
- Join a community passionate about sound research
- Carry-out research that can be applied to solve real-world problems in acoustics and audio
- Develop the ability to be an independent researcher
students accepted
All about the course
Acoustics postgraduate research is available in a range of pathways:
Master of Research (MSc/MRes)
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Three years full-time
Five years part-time
Our research students have access to a wide range of supervisory expertise, training, and excellent facilities.
The research training you receive will be tailored to your particular needs. Your supervisory team will discuss with you once you join the programme.
Doctoral School
Becoming a world-class researcher is challenging yet rewarding. It takes amazing dedication and plenty of hard-work.
If you are a current or prospective research degree candidate, find out how our Doctoral school is here to give you support to help you reach your goal.
Acoustics Research at Salford
Find out more about our research staff, our world-class acoustic laboratories, the areas of acoustics and audio we research, and the current projects we're working on.
You will also find a list of suggested PhD topics.
Contact us
Are you a current or prospective research degree candidate in need of further guidance? Contact our dedicated research team who can help you find the right research programme for you:
Call us: +44 (0)161 295 6435 (9am-5pm)
Email us: PGR-SupportCSE@salford.ac.uk
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
Audio and acoustics engineering postgraduate research applicants come from a variety of backgrounds. Many hold a first degree which has provided the principles of engineering and/or scientific practice. This could include mechanical engineering or physics, but also acoustical engineering, applied science degrees and other engineering disciplines, such as electrical, architectural and civil.
With perception playing an important role in many doctorates, applicants might also hold a first degree in subjects such as experimental psychology or geography. Applicants from an audio production, music technology or architecture background are welcome but need to have experience of engaging with scientific methodologies.
As a student embarking on a postgraduate research degree, you will be assigned a supervisory team, to help guide and mentor you throughout your time at the University. However, you will take responsibility for managing your learning and will be expected to initiate discussions, ask for support and be proactive in your studies.
Applicants are required to attend an interview.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is proof of this.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)
International students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin study. To comply with Home Office regulations, you must obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK. Please refer to your offer conditions. You can find out if your programme requires an ATAS by checking the FCO website
Undergraduate/postgraduate degree
PhD: First or upper second class undergraduate degree or equivalent, and/or a relevant postgraduate diploma or Masters degree.
MRes: a first or upper second class undergraduate degree or equivalent
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees. These vary according to the programme you are studying. Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.
More information about fees and funding.
Salford graduates, including those who studied a programme delivered by Robert Kennedy College, are entitled to a 20% discount on programme fees.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on residential travel and accommodation visits.