Salford Acoustics

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Salford Acoustics offers education in acoustics and audio engineering, conducts public and industrial research in acoustics, and runs commercial testing as well as public outreach in acoustic science and engineering. It operates from two sites: the Peel Park Campus near Manchester (Newton Building) and MediaCityUK on the Manchester Ship Canal.

The group began in Salford in 1965 with early acoustic laboratories and formed the Department of Applied Acoustics in the early 1970s. In 1996, it merged with University College Salford, creating the Department of Acoustic and Audio Engineering, which later joined with another department to become Acoustic and Electronic Engineering. It is now part of the School of Science, Engineering and Environment, under the Acoustics Research Centre.

Education has included the BSc (Hons) in Electroacoustics (introduced in 1975, later renamed Beng (Hons) Acoustics) and the BEng (Hons) in Audio Technology (1993). Today, these are united under the BEng Audio Acoustics with two pathways. The school also runs master’s programs in Audio Acoustics and Environmental Acoustics, with the Acoustics Research Centre offering master’s and doctoral research degrees.

In research, the Acoustics Research Centre covers various sub-disciplines of acoustic engineering and science. Public engagement is a key activity. In REF2021, the Engineering Panel highlighted outstanding impact, including live sports audio. In earlier assessments, the centre achieved high ratings, with most work at international standard and a significant portion world-leading.

Facilities are mainly at Peel Park, with some laboratories at MediaCityUK. Salford Acoustics acts as a calibration and test house for construction, government, military, audio R&D, and the motor industry. Several former Salford Acoustics members have gone on to become President of the Institute of Acoustics.