Audio Engineering PhD

University of Surrey

Our primary goal is simply this: to make sound better. We’re interested in human perceptions of audio quality, particularly of high-fidelity music signals. Our research combines elements of acoustics, digital signal processing, psychoacoustics, psychology, sound synthesis, software engineering, statistical analysis and user-interface design, with an understanding of the aesthetics of sound and music. Since the Institute of Sound Recording was created in 1998, we have become known internationally as a leading centre for research in psychoacoustic engineering. Our research aims to provide tools to assist in any area where assessment of the quality of audio as perceived by human listeners is desirable but, for one reason or another, potentially problematic. We provide complementary tools to allow appropriate adjustment where the assessed quality can be improved. More generally, we aim to engineer perceptually-motivated signal analysis, processing and control systems. We have doubled the facilities space, and our Performing Arts Technology Studios have been upgraded and complemented by a £1.7m investment in state-of-the-art production and media suites, and we have significant funding from research councils and industry. We belong to TECHNE, an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded doctoral training partnership, which provides access to comprehensive academic and professional training programmes, as well as the possibility of funding for your studies.