Acoustical Engineering
UCAS Code: HH72
Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)
Entry requirements
A level
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable. We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade B), with a pass in the physics Practical
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve Grade A in A-level Maths plus DD in the Tech Level Accepted subjects: Engineering. Must be offered in combination with A-level Mathematics.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3, D3, M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum of grade D3) and physics (minimum of grade D3)
Extended Project
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: ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade B), with a pass in the physics Practical and grade A in the EPQ.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics and 6 at Higher Level in physics Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and physics at H2
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve grade A in A-level Maths, plus DD in the Technical Diploma. Accepted subjects: Engineering
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve an A in both mathematics and physics at A-level plus D in the Technical Extended Certificate
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A-level mathematics and A in A-level physics
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. "
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
AAB from 3 A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A) or AA from two A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
Acoustical engineering is the application of acoustics – the science of sound and vibration – in technology, with broad applications from the design of cars, 3D-audio systems and concert halls, to reducing aircraft noise and using ultrasound to fight antimicrobial resistance.
As an acoustical engineering student, you will develop specialist knowledge of sound, vibration and their human effects, in addition to a solid foundation in a wide range of engineering fundamentals. You will learn by doing, studying the theoretical principles of acoustical engineering alongside practical design modules and projects.
During your first two years, you will study specialist modules in acoustics and audio signal processing, alongside the core principles of mechanical engineering, including mechatronics and electronics. In your third year, advanced modules and an individual project will deepen your understanding of acoustics and human responses to sound and vibration.
You will have access to our extensive facilities, including dedicated student design studios and workshops, anechoic and reverberation chambers, a listening room and a virtual acoustics laboratory.
Our acoustical engineering courses are unique in being accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Acoustics and offer a route to chartered status.
Modules
The first year provides a background in acoustics, emphasising the physics and mathematics of acoustics, sound and vibration. The second year covers further acoustics, vibration, mathematics, design, fluid dynamics and introduces audio technology and control. In your third year, you will choose from range of module options, suited to your own interests.
Core and compulsory modules:
Year 1: Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment, Design and Computing, ThermoFluids, Electrical and Electronics Systems, Acoustics I, Mechanics, Structures and Materials.
Year 2: Systems Design and Computing, Electronics, Drives and Control, Engineering Management and Law, Audio and Signal Processing, Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics, Machines and Vibration, Acoustics II.
Year 3: Individual Project, Acoustical Engineering Design, Noise Control Engineering, Human Responses to Sound and Vibration.
Assessment methods
Testing is conducted through a combination of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework in the form of problem solving exercises, laboratory reports, design exercises, essays, and individual and group projects. Experimental, research and design skills are assessed through laboratory reports, coursework exercises and oral presentations.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Acoustical Engineering

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What do graduate employment figures really tell you?Although the subject has seen a bit of resurgence in recent years, the UK is still felt to be short of physics graduates, and in particular physicists training as teachers. If you want a career in physics research — in all sorts of areas, from atmospheric physics to lasers - you'll probably need to take a doctorate, and so have a think about where you would like to do that and how you might fund it (the government funds many physics doctorates, so you might not find it as hard as you think). With that in mind, it's not surprising that just over a fifth of physics graduates go on to take doctorates when they finish their degree, and well over a third of physicists take some kind of postgraduate study in total. Physics is highly regarded and surprisingly versatile, which is why physics graduates who decide not to stay in education are more likely to go into well-paid jobs in the finance industry than they are to go into science. The demand and versatility of physics degrees goes to explain why they're amongst the best-paid science graduates.
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