Single Module Environmental Noise, Level 7 (15 credits)
Full-time
One semester
September 2026
In a nutshell
In the Environmental Noise 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 processes and methodologies, learning to select and apply suitable control options for realistic scenarios within the transport sector. Emphasis is placed on understanding and critically assessing current best practices in environmental noise management and adapting them for application in complex or unfamiliar situations.
This single module is drawn from our MSc/PgDip Acoustics programme. It is offered standalone to cater for the needs of those who only require training in one specialist area, e.g., for CPD purposes in relevant industries. Please search for “single module” to find the other modules that are available.
You will:
- Be able to evaluate critically current state-of-the-art to select appropriate noise control options for realistic environmental noise scenarios, and to justify their selections.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of noise control engineering, especially around transport noise (road, rail and air vehicles).
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of legislation and best practice guidance for the measurement, modelling, assessment, and control of environmental noise.
- Develop a practical understanding of how established methods are used to carry out and interpret assessments of environmental noise, including: identifying and interpreting the requirements of appropriate local, national and international legislation
This module is for you if...
You want IoA-approved, industry‑aligned fundamental acoustics training drawn from a respected MSc/PgDip programme
You need to build practical understanding of environmental noise assessment and control
You need to build practical understanding of environmental noise assessment and control
You want to develop skills valued by employers, from vibration analysis to digital signal processing and frequency‑domain techniques
All about the course
In this single module, you'll learn the fundamentals of environmental noise, which will inform your other learning throughout your time on the MSc Acoustics programme. You will learn key concepts within the principles of acoustics and develop systematic understandings which will support your learning on other taught modules and other parts of the course.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.
Driven by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to take your career potential further.
Facilities
Acoustic and audio test facilities at are second to none, and soon to be upgraded in the new Acoustics building.
We have a full range of specialist test chambers: full anechoic chamber, two semi-anechoic chambers, transmission suite, two large and one small reverberation chamber, ITU standard listening room, audiometric test facilities and a range of modern instrumentation and equipment. We are accredited to perform no less than twelve types of test and the test chambers are maintained by a team of commercially funded technical staff.
We also have a UKAS accredited Calibration Laboratory which provides a full-scale commercial service to industry.
Industry Collaboration & Research
When you study acoustics at , you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.
Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also deliver collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of local and global issues and challenges with noise, sound and vibration.
Read on and discover how you are part of something bigger.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
Acousticians with engineering, science and mathematical skills are in short supply, which puts you in a strong position to build a career once you graduate.
Our Single-module Masters in environmental noise can open up careers where you can lead and influence acoustics and audio engineering research, broadcast engineering, loudspeaker and audio system design, sound innovation and consumer audio product development.
In our increasingly busy world, managing unwanted noise is a growing and significant problem. You might choose to use the knowledge and skills developed on the course in a consultancy context, by working with organisations to solve environmental noise challenges.
Many of our acoustics graduates have progressed into senior roles in acoustics consultancy, research, development, and audio design. Today, you will find our alumni working at Apple, Dolby, BBC, plus every major acoustic consultancy in the world.
FURTHER STUDY
This module can be taken as a stand-alone for the purposes of continuing professional development or as part of our MSc Acoustics programme.
You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Our is home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities exploring a range of topics, including noise and soundscapes, sound modelling, psychoacoustics, vibro-acoustics, building acoustics, acoustic materials and audio engineering. Our Acoustics research was recognised in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The panel highlighted our “outstanding impact demonstrated … live sports audio”.
Explore our Doctoral School to learn more about research training, support and opportunities.
Career Links
Acoustics has been taught at for over 60 years, with an MSc course first being offered during the late 1970s (this current course has run continually since 1999). As a result, you will find our alumni at the heart of a large proportion of acoustics and audio companies and departments. These professionals know the quality of our courses and the calibre of the graduates we produce and hold them in high regard. This is demonstrated by the number of companies that regularly approach us to advertise their jobs to our graduates (evidence of this can be seen on our social media feeds)
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
Designed to build solid subject knowledge, the course is recommended for numerate science graduates and professionals looking to move into the exciting field of Acoustics or Audio and sound engineering.
Applicants needing a general grounding covering all of Acoustics should consider applying to the full MSc/PgDip Acoustics programme from which these modules are drawn.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)
International students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an before they begin their studies. You need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions.
If you have a query relating to ATAS, please contact: -ATAS@salford.ac.uk
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
DISTANCE LEARNING PATHWAY - MANDATORY ATTENDANCE
The ‘Principles of Acoustics’ module includes a lab week, which requires mandatory attendance for distance learning students. This takes places midway through trimester one. Depending on your nationality, you may require an ATAS certificate. Students potentially requiring this are advised to apply early.
Undergraduate degree
- An undergraduate award at 2:2 or above (or equivalent) in science, engineering or mathematics.
- An undergraduate award at 2:2 or above (or equivalent) in another discipline, together with an appropriate engineering mathematics foundation qualification.
All applicants must have a solid grounding in engineering mathematics:
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Physics
- Production Engineering
- Informatics and Computer Technology
- Sound and Broadcast Technology
Applicants studying BEng will have the necessary Engineering Mathematics knowledge for entry onto this course, as many modules that you study on your undergraduate degree will involve a substantial amount of mathematical background. Applicants from other backgrounds may need to take independent mathematics study specifically in preparation for entry to this course.
Qualifications that are not usually suitable on their own include:
- Music Technology
- Audio Production
Applicants must also have the equivalent of grade C or higher, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English.
The Institute of Acoustics (IOA) Diploma in Acoustics may be suitable depending on your previous study.
International entry requirements
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
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).
For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: AdmissionsSEE-PGT@salford.ac.uk
Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have the traditional entry requirements may be able to apply through the Alternative Entry Scheme. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Distance learning UK | 2026/27 | £1,770 for 30 credits |
| Part-time UK | 2026/27 | £1,770 for 30 credits |
| Distance learning International | 2026/27 | £2,212 per 30 credits |
| Part-time International | 2026/27 | £2,212 per 30 credits |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.