Sound and Audio Engineering

PhD, MPhil

The Sound and Audio Engineering Research Group (SAERG) embraces knowledge and innovation in the fields of sound creation and capture, music production, audio electronics, acoustics and psychoacoustics, digital audio processing and audio data management and distribution.

The key motivation of the group is to develop new and novel engineering knowledge and techniques for the creative audio industries, as well as engaging in innovative design in all facets of the audio engineering field. A current project, concerning the development of quantitative methods for accurate and repeatable percussion instrument tuning has yielded new intellectual property which is in the process of being exploited. Industrial collaboration is key to the success of SAERG. Recent projects discussing the psychoacoustic perception of loudness in commercial music releases - in collaboration with The Pleasurize Music Foundation in the USA, development of networked data management systems for interview recording - in collaboration with AV Niche in the UK, and development of ultrasonic systems for pest control - in collaboration with STV Pest Control in the UK, have consolidated the group's industrial and international reputation.

Phillip Richardson

PhD, Acoustic Analysis and Tuning of Cylindrical Membranophones; BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Technology
Phillip Richardson

“?Whilst studying for my undergraduate degree a couple of my lecturers encouraged me to stay on and consider postgraduate study. As I'd enjoyed my time at Anglia Ruskin, and had always wanted to take my studies further, it was an easy decision to make.

I believe undertaking my PhD at Anglia Ruskin has given me the knowledge and confidence to achieve success in the future. It's already paying dividends with my success in the University's The Big Pitch competition where I recently won £10,000 of start-up funding for my business idea to create a software programme that analyses music and then generates an animation based upon it. I'm really looking forward to turning the idea into reality and hope that the finished product will be able to be used by aspiring musicians to easily and cheaply create professional music videos to showcase their talents via online channels such as YouTube.

In the future, I hope to develop my business ideas and perhaps even work abroad. Japan is a country that I'd love to work in and there is a lot of demand there for people with the skills that I've acquired.
”

Supervision and support

Supervision is provided by experienced and recognised academics in the field of sound and audio engineering.

Facilities

Our research facilities include a high specification audio processing and reproduction laboratory with advanced software and hardware facilities by industry leaders such as Prism Sound, Avalon, Universal Audio, TC Electronic and Dynaudio. A number of portable recording and audio analysis systems and specialist microphones are also available for research use. You will also have access to our undergraduate audio studios which contain a number of Logic and Pro Tools, equipped recording and mixing facilities, with analogue mixing and outboard facilities as well as software focused systems.

Funding

Aside from self-funding or funding by your employer, charities and trusts (competitively sought after, as are Research Council Awards), career, graduate, and professional study loans may be available. Click: www.family-action.org.uk for information on educational trusts, or www.direct.gov.uk for bank loans at competitive rates. Alternatively, visit your local high-street bank for more information.

Career development and training

This research programme provides development opportunities and one-to-one training with research group experts as required. Where necessary, you will be able to sit lectures on taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses to supplement your training.
  • Dr Rob Toulson (Director of SAERG) - audio signal processing, loudness and dynamic range of music, music production techniques, audio forensics and acoustic analysis and instrument tuning
  • Dr Douglas Nunn (Pathway Leader, Audio engineering) - gesture analysis for audio, audio/video processing, acoustics
  • John Ward (Pathway Leader, Audio and Music Technology)
Candidates seeking admission to the degree of MPhil or MPhil with possibility of transfer to PhD will normally be required to hold a first or upper second class honours degree of a university, or any other institution of higher education in the UK with degree-awarding powers or a qualification which is regarded by Anglia Ruskin as equivalent to a first or upper second class honours degree.

How to apply

Location

Duration

Phd:
24-60 months full-time
36-72 months part-time

MPhil:
18-36 months full-time
30-48 months part-time

Available starts

September, January

Faculty

Science & Technology

Department

Computing & Technology

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
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