General Studies

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There is increasing pressure to make life quieter and to gain a better understanding of how noise and vibration affect people. This MSc programme is a full-time masters degree, aimed at engineering, science or mathematics graduates. No prior knowledge of acoustics is required.

This programme aims to provide science or engineering graduates from a diversity of backgrounds with an academically challenging exposure to modern developments in sound, vibration and signal processing. The range of subjects offered is linked to the internationally recognised research activities of staff. You will cover aspects of engineering acoustics, structural dynamics, noise and vibration control, human effects of sound and vibration and applied digital signal processing such as biomedical.

Specific aims of this MSc programme are:

* To enable you to acquire some of the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed for a professional career in sound, vibration and signal processing.
* To develop your ability to apply the academic knowledge gained to practical situations in your chosen discipline.
* Through a substantial open-ended research project, to develop your critical and analytical abilities as well as project management skills.

Subsidiary aims are:

* To provide a supply of well-trained and motivated graduates for research positions both in the ISVR and elsewhere.
* To provide career development opportunities in the broad field of sound, vibration and signal processing, for those seeking a change in employment or enhancement of their first degree.

Full-time study

Full time, the MSc is a full 12-month full-time course, commencing in October. The programme is split into two components: a 'taught' component (October to June) and a research component (June to September).

Part-time study It is possible to study part-time over a period of 2-5 years, for example by attending one day a week. However, if possible, it is better to study the whole first semester at once and then to take semester 2 options over a longer period.

Exit points The taught component of the MSc programme is assessed independently of the research project component. Progression to the research project depends on successful completion of the taught component. The MSc award depends on passing the examinations and on successful completion of a dissertation on the project. The possible exit points are:

* PG Certificate (60 Credit Points)
* PG Diploma (120 Credit Points)
* MSc (180 Credit Points)

First or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in engineering, science or mathematics.Applicants with a lower-second class Bachelors honours degree are considered only if evidence can be provided for the development of skills and capabilities beyond the degree, such as 2-years of relevant and appropriate work experience and training.Equivalent QualificationsAlternative qualifications are considered on individual merit. For example, a portfolio of appropriate work experience underpinned by an academic achievements equivalent to the basic requirements and recent serious and appropriate study, with clear evidence of scientific aptitude. Applicants in this category are interviewed and might be required to sit the admissions assessment. We are always happy to receive applications from candidates with equivalent qualifications. If you are unsure about our entry criteria, please contact our admissions staff who would be happy to provide advice in advance of your application.English Language requirementsIf your first language is not English, we need to ensure that your listening, written and spoken English skills would enable you to enjoy the full benefit of your studies. For entry onto our programmes, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification (i.e. TOEFL 580-Paper/237-Computer/92-Internet based). English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Accreditation

This MSc programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers as Further Learning contribution for CEng registration for intakes 2010-2014. PG Diploma accredited as Further Learning for IEng registration.