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Acoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement Year

  • Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Summary

Sound is more than something you hear. It shapes how we experience the world, from the spaces we move through to the technology we rely on every day. Acoustical engineering brings together the science of sound and vibration with real-world design, with applications ranging from concert halls and 3D audio to quieter aircraft and new approaches to healthcare.

On this course, you will explore how sound behaves, how it affects people and how it can be engineered to solve complex challenges. You will develop specialist knowledge in acoustics alongside a strong foundation in engineering, combining theory with practical design and project work.

In your first two years, you will study acoustics alongside core engineering topics such as mechanics and electronics. In your third year, advanced modules and an individual project will deepen your understanding of sound and human response to vibration.

You can also choose to take an Industrial Placement Year, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real engineering environment while gaining valuable professional experience.

Key features of the course

Build both depth and breadth. You will develop specialist expertise in acoustics while gaining a solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles.

Learn through application. Design modules and projects will challenge you to apply your knowledge to real engineering problems.

Access specialist facilities that bring your learning to life. These include anechoic and reverberation chambers, a listening room, an aeroacoustic wind tunnel, a loudspeaker audio lab and a virtual acoustics laboratory.

Boost your employability with an optional Industrial Placement Year. You will spend a year in industry, developing professional skills and experience that prepare you for your future career.

Take a recognised route into the profession. This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and meets the educational requirements of the Institute of Acoustics, supporting your path to chartered status.

Student support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering academic guidance, career advice and signposting to wellbeing and pastoral services when needed.

You will also be part of a collaborative learning environment, working with students and staff who share your interest in sound, design and engineering.

Further information

You will have access to dedicated student design studios and workshops, giving you the space to develop ideas, test concepts and work on projects independently and as part of a team.

The skills you gain will prepare you for careers across a wide range of sectors, including audio technology, automotive, aerospace, architecture and healthcare engineering.

Modules

Course Modules

Typical modules include:

Year one: Acoustics; Engineering Design; Electrical and Electronic Systems; Mathematics; Mechanics, Structures and Materials; Thermofluids

Year two: Acoustics; Audio and Signal Processing; Electronics, Drives and Control; Engineering Management and Law; Fluid Mechanics; Mathematics; Mechanics, Machines and Vibration; Systems Design and Computing

Year three: Individual Project; Acoustical Engineering Design; Human Response to Sound and Vibration; Noise Control Engineering; plus additional module options.

Assessment method

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.

The Industrial Placement Year is assessed via an individual reflective report.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Acoustics, Institute of
  • Mechanical Engineers, Institution of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
H34P
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
H34P
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB

AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics (minimum grade A).

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

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 either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics, plus grade A in the EPQ.

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Scottish Advanced Higher

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.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Extended Project
A

AAB from 3 A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics (minimum grade A) or AA from two A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics (minimum grade A) and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation, and 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics

We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

AAB from 3 A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics
or
AA from two A levels including mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H2H2H2H2

H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either chemistry, electronics, further mathematics or physics.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
A

AAB from 3 A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or chemistry (minimum grade A) or AA from two A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or chemistry (minimum grade A) and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking

We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3M2

D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum grade D3) and either chemistry, further mathematics or physics (minimum grade D3)

We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A.

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/undergraduate/courses/acoustical_engineering/h722_meng_acoustical_engineering.page#entry_requirements ____________________

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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