Acoustics

Research degree FAQ for applicants

What is an MSc by Research?

  • This is a research programme, there is no taught sessions, exams or assignments.
  • Learning supported by supervision by one or two members of acoustics research centre staff.
  • 12 months research (1 year fees) and 12 months write up and assessment (no fees).
  • You write a 40,000 word thesis assessed by external examiner (usually no VIVA).
  • You can do a ‘Transfer report’ at end of year 1 and convert onto PhD

What is a PhD?

  • Research programme – no taught sessions, exams or assignments.
  • 36 months research (3 year fees) – 12 months write up and assessment (no fees).
  • Write a 100,000 word Thesis – assessed by external and internal examiner with a VIVA Voce examination.
  • Learning supported by supervision by one or two members of acoustics research centre staff.

How much does it cost?

For current fees please see central University pages here.

Where can I find funding?

What background do I need to apply for a research degree in acoustics?

We have had people studying for a PhD from very diverse backgrounds: acoustics, audio technology, architecture, computer science, engineering, physics, psychology etc. It is important to pick a topic and a methodology that allows you to build on what you’re good at already. Ask potential supervisors about whether you have the right background for the topic you’re interested in.

For entry requirements, see here.

You ask for a short research proposal with the application, what are you looking for?

A nugget of a good idea to start a PhD. Most applicants will have to refine their proposal when they start, so we’re not expecting the final definitive project plan. The proposal should show some evidence of how your idea fits into current research at Salford and beyond. It should also give an idea of the types of methods you think might be useful. It is also fine to contact supervisors as you prepare the application to discuss the proposal.

Format of the research proposal and guidance from the School.

What support will I get as a PhD or MSc by research student from the supervisor?

You’ll get very individual support in our research centre. Supervisors meet students about once a week. You’ll also be treated very much as ‘one of the team’, and be able to draw on help from other staff and students.

Can I study part-time?

Yes, for a PhD that means it lasts 5 years.

What areas of Acoustics and Audio does your PhD programme cover?

This is very varied. Browse our areas of focus or look at the expertise of our staff and their publications to see what parts of acoustics we work in. This webinar also has staff chatting about some possible areas.

How many years does a PhD normally last in your lab?

For a PhD full-time, people finish within 3-4 years after starting, with most probably being nearer 4 than 3 years. A research masters takes one calender year.

What are my career options after I graduate?

We have PhD graduates in consultancy (e.g. Arup Acoustics, Sandy Brown, SRL), tech companies (e.g. Apple, Google, Samsung), broadcast (e.g. BBC, RAI), regulators (e.g. European Environment Agency), product research and development (e.g. Carbonair, Music Tribe, SalsaSound, Canford Audio) and a number carry on as post-docs and academics here at Salford and elsewhere (e.g. Cambridge, Sheffield, York, NYU).

How will I work? Is it 9-5 in the lab every day?

Although a full-time research degree should be regarded as a full-time job, how you actually work can be agreed between you and your supervisors. Some students like the discipline of working 9-5 Mon-Fri in the department, while others do their best writing at home in the evening. Most research degrees will involve periods of data collection, where you might be working all day in the lab or in the field. At other times, you could be doing data analysis or writing a paper and just come in for weekly meetings. Most of our research students find being in the department at least part of the week handy for help and support from other researchers and getting inspiration from our research seminars, etc.

Can I do it by distance learning?

MSc by research or PhD can be done wholly by distance learning (you never come to the lab, all meetings on Teams) but this is usually only allowed for students based outside the UK. If you are based in the UK, then you will need to come to the department at least some of the time, but flexible working is often possible (see above).

Is it full-time job?

Yes, full-time study means full-time. While PhD students can supplement incomes with extra teaching work, this is only for a few hours a week because otherwise it gets in the way of your studies.

Are you treated as an equal with others in the research centre?

Yes, you’ll be treated very much as ‘one of the team’

What is the difference between research and taught MSc?

On a research degree (MSc by research, PhD) you devote yourself to one aspect of acoustics or audio. You get to study this in great depth and make more of a contribution to the field through original research. Support comes from directed supervision rather than a set of lectures, seminars, tutorials, etc. You have much more autonomy over what you research and how you go about the investigation.

Our taught masters (MSc Audio Acoustics and MSc Environmental Acoustics) have 2/3rds of the course delivered through taught modules. This means the learning and assessment is more directed than on a research degree. There is a research project on the taught MSc, but that only lasts 2-3 months. Consequently, taught master courses are more structured and give a broader education in acoustics compared to research degrees.

Taught MSc

  • Ideal if your background isn’t acoustics and you want a broad education
  • You will get a solid grounding in all core topics through a set of structured taught modules
  • You will then get a taste of individual project-based research through the dissertation project.
  • After which you could go on and do a PhD if you wished to

Research degree

  • If you already have a background in acoustics or want to specialise immediately.
  • Have experience of project work.
  • Breaking new ground and contributing to knowledge is exciting.

I’m interested in applying, what do I do next?

  • Find out if we carry out research in areas of acoustics, audio, vibration and noise engineering that interest you by browsing these pages or looking at our publications.
  • Email a members of staff who does research in the right area along with a brief CV. If you don’t have a definite funding source, detail what you are doing about this. Please only email one member of staff at a time to avoid us duplicating work.
  • If you are unsure who to contact, email the director of the Acoustics Research Centre
  • Consult and follow the formal application procedure. This includes details about the information and documents you will need as well as guidance about submitting your application.