BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering · University of SalfordBachelor's degree · 3 years
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The University of Salford · Undergraduate

BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering Bachelor's degree at the University of Salford

BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering at University of Salford covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.

BEng (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
80%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Discover how you can create a better sounding world with our BEng Acoustical and Audio Engineering degree. World-class facilities. Industry-focused learning. Include a placement year. Apply now. From the provider’s course page.

BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at the University of Salford. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Physics graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.4
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional95

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent80

Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong76

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 76% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year one 6 modules
  • Introduction to AcousticsCore
    Module details

    This module offers an introduction to a wide range of concepts in acoustics and allows you to begin to gain skills in the practical measurement and analysis of acoustic devices and audio technologies.

  • Analogue ElectronicsCore
    Module details

    This module will enable you to design and prototype analogue electronic circuits for use in audio and other signal processing applications. You will cover the fundamental design principles of Analogue Electronics and how these are applied in electronic circuit implementation.

  • Mathematics (Acoustics)Core
    Module details

    You will be given the basic mathematical skills and concepts required to appreciate and succeed in understanding acoustics and audio engineering.

  • Acoustics LaboratoryCore
    Module details

    You will be taught about a wide variety of specialist acoustic and audio measurements, in terms of equipment familiarity, correct use, interpretation of data and correct reporting (oral and written).

  • Studio ProductionCore
    Module details

    This module is designed to give you an understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of multi-track production, develop your production skills to translate multi-source live music and sound into a recorded stereo image, and develop the organisational skills needed to successfully record an artist/group. Typically, you will use our Pro-Tools sound recording studios to record a band.

  • Signal Chain TheoryCore
    Module details

    This module introduces the fundamentals of sound, signals, and systems, and then explores the signal flow of a complete generic audio system, from capture (microphones) to playback (loudspeakers) and transmission.

Year two 5 modules
  • Digital Signal ProcessingCore
    Module details

    This module demonstrates the basic principles of AD conversion (sampling, aliasing, quantisation and dither), the principles and application for signal processing (impulse response, frequency response, and convolution), time-frequency transforms (Fourier, Laplace and Cepstrum), spectral analysis (Fourier spectrum and spectral estimation of stochastic signals) and digital filter design (FIR, IIR), as well as gives a general introduction to big data analysis, machine learning, and the applications

  • Microphone and Loudspeaker DesignCore
    Module details

    The principal aim of this module is to give a critical understanding of electroacoustic transduction mechanisms and the modelling techniques used in the design of microphones and loudspeakers. Loudspeaker (and microphone) design is the perfect example of a multi-physics problem, requiring an understanding of many branches of physics and engineering. In the quest to understand and develop suitable design methods this module will cover a broad selection of topics, including: electronics and circui

  • Industrial Studies and Career ManagementCore
    Module details

    You will understand the nature of entrepreneurs and the development of entrepreneurial organisations. You will cover popular business theories such as theory of management, the role of enterprise in the economy, leadership and management of an enterprise and developing and managing quality in the enterprise.

  • Group Design ProjectCore
    Module details

    You will work together with course mates on a specific real world acoustic/audio design task and come up with a real practical solution using the acoustics laboratory facilities and the Maker Space facilities and equipment.

  • Modelling of Physical SystemsCore
    Module details

    The use of computers to model and analyse physical phenomena and solve problems in physics is a powerful and ubiquitous technique in both academic and industrial research. This module will develop the application of numerical modelling, demonstrating how it can be complementary to mathematical-based analytical techniques, often allowing the examination of the characteristics beyond the limitations of standard approaches. The focus is on developing appropriate physical models and is applied to th

Year one part time 1 modules
  • Principles of Acoustics
    Module details

    This module provides a general introduction into the subject of Physical Acoustics with an emphasis on sound radiation.

Year three 7 modules
  • Final Year ProjectCore
    Module details

    The final year project is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and application of the knowledge you have acquired on the course. The project topic chosen will be on an agreed subject related to audio or acoustics and you have the option to work within a group or as an individual with regular supervision.

  • Architectural & Building AcousticsOptional
    Module details

    This module aims to provide you with a thorough grasp of room acoustics principles, including theoretical models for both low and high frequencies, developing your ability to apply these in order to analyse existing rooms or design new ones. During the module, you will study wave theory and statistical theory for acoustic enclosures, including objective descriptions of and how these tally with listeners' perceptions. Techniques for designing and applying sound absorbing and scattering treatments

  • Psychoacoustics & Human ResponseCore
    Module details

    This module will allow you to study in depth how the human auditory system works. Starting with the physiology and physics of the ear, you will develop a solid grasp of how loudness, pitch and the ear's frequency bands really work. You will grapple with the fundamental difficulties of psychophysics – we cannot have direct access to any human's perception, and you'll discover how we get round this with clever experimental design. As the module progresses, we move up the chain of auditory percepti

  • Immersive Sound ReproductionOptional
    Module details

    You will gain an understanding of transducer systems for the capture and reproduction of 3D sound. You will then go on to develop understanding of how the human auditory system works and how this can be exploited to deliver realistic and immersive spatial audio experiences. You will also learn how to design loudspeaker systems using typical enclosures or horns and develop the skills necessary to design PA systems using suitable loudspeaker systems and arrays.

  • Computational Methods in AcousticsOptional
    Module details

    This module will teach you about two fundamental uses of computational methods in acoustics: for simulation and for signal classification. Both of these are increasingly essential and ubiquitous tools in modern acoustical engineering. The module will make good use of Salford's strong research track record in these areas by exposing you to current research ideas, often via the researchers themselves. The first part will focus on established computer simulation techniques, such as finite element m

  • Environmental NoiseOptional
    Module details

    In this module, you will learn about environmental noise measurement, modelling, and mitigation. You will carry out practical measurement and modelling exercises using appropriate instrumentation and state-of-the-art tools for the environmental noise assessment of road, rail, and air vehicles. The module will develop your ability to interpret and apply current environmental noise legislation, guidance, and best practice based on client requirements. You will also gain knowledge of noise control

  • Vibro & Aero AcousticsOptional
    Module details

    This module provides an in-depth understanding of vibro- and aero- acoustics, and the noise generation and transfer paths and mechanisms they include. Ideal if you are aiming to work in automotive, aerospace, environmental acoustics, or noise control engineering, this module combines theoretical knowledge with industry-relevant skills and practices. In the vibroacoustics part, you will learn the fundamentals of multi-DoF vibration analysis before moving onto state-of-the-art 'component-based' ap

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This degree emphasises industry-focused learning and world-class facilities to develop practical acoustical and audio engineering skills. You'll usually begin with engineering foundations: mathematics, mechanics and materials, and design fundamentals including CAD and workshop practice. In Year 2, you'll progress to core discipline studies in circuits and systems, engineering analysis and computing, alongside a team design project against a real-world specification. Year 3 introduces specialist options such as mechanical, electrical and electronic, robotics and mechatronics, energy and sustainability, or the Chartered (CEng) pathway. Throughout, you'll engage with professional practice covering safety, ethics and sustainability, culminating in a substantial individual design or research project. A placement year is available to embed your learning in industry.

Who it's for

This course suits those with a strong interest in acoustics and audio engineering. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among entrants was 80–95 points. You should check the university's entry requirements and funding pages for specific details about admissions and financial support.

Careers & job market

Across Engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and 80% of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries of £29,000–£35,000 at 15 months; after three years, £26,775–£37,800; and after five years, £33,150–£46,800. These figures reflect national patterns, not a guarantee.

University & format

The University of Salford is a public university founded in 1896, located in Salford. The BEng (Hons) Acoustical and Audio Engineering is a 3-year full-time degree taught in English. It is a recognised UK degree-awarding body and holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
98%
Learning opportunities
93%
Assessment and feedback
86%
Academic Support
100%
Organisation and management
93%
Learning resources
100%
Student voice
93%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysRegister for our next Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent89% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 80 - 95 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Salford's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent89%
a previous degree4%
another higher-education qualification4%
a Baccalaureate2%
an Access course2%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Salford whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£18,600 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Salford →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Salford funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£24,000£19,000 – £30,00015
3 years after£25,500£18,500 – £33,00050
5 years after£34,000£23,500 – £41,00050

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

80%
in work or further study 15 months on
60%
in highly skilled work or study
76%
continue past their first year
95%
find their work meaningful
55%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000
£29,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£25,500
£26,775 – £37,800
After 5 years LEO
£34,000
£33,150 – £46,800
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,000 – £48,500

National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

80 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

60% working20% working and studying5% in further study60% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
  • Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Engineering courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
80%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
88%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Engineering & manufacturing firms
  • Automotive & aerospace
  • Energy & utilities
  • Defence & consultancies

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 94.7% · in work or study 80% · continued 76%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Salford

All students26,030
International19.1%
Aged 25+31.8%

Engineering and technology across the UK

Students176,530
Aged 25+23%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Salford University

10 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 7Other Crime 1Other Theft 1Theft From The Person 1

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Engineering right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to University of Salford from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £18,600 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Salford’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Salford and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Salford. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Physics graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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