MSc Audio Acoustics  MSc Audio Acoustics University of Salford ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1567498157University-of-Salford-1.jpg

Introduction The generation, manipulation, and reproduction of high quality audio signals are core elements of the rapidly expanding communication and entertainment industry. This Masters course aims to train graduates in the acoustic aspects of audio such as digital signal processing, transducer design, room acoustics and sound reproduction. It is primarily designed to be a conversion course for technically skilled graduates whose first degree was not in reproduced sound but another engineering or science discipline. This course is designed for those currently working in the industry who wish to expand their expertise, and those wishing to train to begin an acoustics career. Salford University has over thirty years experience of placing graduates in key audio and acoustic industries carrying out consultancy, research, development and design What are my career prospects? The Masters course is designed to train graduates to meet the growing demand for audio in industry and also to enable employees to reach their full potential. There is a rapid expansion in the use of digital technologies such as mobile phones, computers and game consoles.. While one naturally thinks of mobile phone design as telecommunications, there are considerable audio engineering challenges in getting good quality sound out of small transducers in a confined space, often with significant interfering noise. There is also increasing use of sophisticated audio systems at home (surround sound cinema), at work (Internet conferencing facilities, virtual environments) and in transport (quality in car audio). The audio acoustics industry is diverse. It includes major audio firms such as Philips, Sony, Dolby, NXT and Celestion. But many other companies need specialists in acoustics: Nokia Mobile phones, Bentley cars etc. Buildings need specialist consultants in acoustics to deal with room design and sound reinforcement system design, companies such as Arup Acoustics use graduates from our courses as we teach unique skills and knowledge. Students might also go on to study a higher degree by research, here at Salford or elsewhere. What is special about Acoustics at Salford University? The are only major two academic centres of acoustics in the UK which undertake teaching, research and consultancy in acoustics. 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, two post production studios (and more being constructed now). Course Structure 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? Loudspeaker Design and Application You will learn how to design appropriate transducers to transform electronic signals to acoustic waves and discover how these waves behave in rooms and outdoors. Pyschoacoustics 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. Microphones and loudspeakers As well as expanding your understanding of loudspeakers, you will study the design of micro