Sound and Vibration

Sound and Vibration

Master's Programme, 2 years

A student measuring acoustic radiation from a power inverter. Photo: Geir Mogen / NTNU.

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MSSV, Sun Sep 21 10:48:01 MEST 2025 | M2

Ready to master the science of sound?

Do you want to understand and shape sound—from infrasound to ultrasound—and tackle real challenges in society and industry? The Master of Science in Sound and Vibration is a two-year, international master’s programme that gives you advanced competence in acoustics.

You will learn to measure, model and simulate, turning theory into solutions that, for example, reduce noise indoors and in cities, synthesise musical instruments, and use sound waves for smart devices to monitor endangered species and biodiversity.

You will build a solid foundation in physical acoustics, signal processing, numerical methods and measurement techniques. The programme covers waves in air and water and in solid materials (vibrations).

You can specialise in one of these fields:

  • Marine Acoustics
  • Acoustic Signal Processing
  • Acoustics in the built environment

This master’s programme is taught in English.

In Sound & Vibration, you study physical acoustics, signal processing, numerical methods, measurement techniques, sound sources and sensors. You combine modelling, laboratory work and data analysis—and see theory become practice.

You learn to understand and apply sound and vibration in air, water and solid materials. The programme covers waves, sources, sensors, acoustic signal processing, measurement techniques, and numerical simulation of sound fields using COMSOL and Bellhop. You will train in an anechoic chamber, AuraLab, a reverberation room and a water tank—analysing, measuring and designing solutions.

Read more about what you will learn

You can use sound and vibration to measure, model and design solutions that reduce noise, improve safety and drive sustainable technology.

The programme qualifies you for a wide range of careers. You can work in applied, practice-oriented roles or in research and development. Relevant sectors include maritime, construction, medical, energy, communications, and multimedia.

After a master’s degree, you can go on to a PhD.

Read more about career opportunities

Trondheim has a broad and versatile study environment. You may join the student academic committee, sport clubs, and participate in several other student activities.

The programme of study is structured in such a way that it is possible to elect courses individually. The teaching includes lectures, exercises, and laboratory work, and you will spend a great deal of time with your fellow students. 

This master’s degree programme is an international programme of study taught in English. It will provide you with good opportunities for establishing international networks. Education can be used all over the world.

Read more about the study environment

The two-year master’s programme in Sound & Vibration builds on a bachelor’s degree in physics, electronics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, robotics, programming, or similar fields.

In the first year, you take compulsory and elective courses to learn the fundamentals of acoustics, plus a project. In the second year, the autumn semester includes one specialisation course and the first part of your master’s thesis. Your choice of specialisation determines the expertise you graduate with.

The programme concludes with a master’s thesis in which students carry out an independent research project within their chosen specialisation:

  • Marine Acoustics
  • Acoustic Signal Processing
  • Acoustics in the built environment

Opportunities are available for a study-abroad exchange during the programme.

Read more about the programme structure

The programme admits 20 students.

Admission requires a completed bachelor’s degree in physics, electronics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, robotics, programming, or a related field.

You must have an overall grade of C or better from your bachelor’s degree, and at least 30 ECTS credits in mathematics, physics, programming, and/or statistics to be eligible for this programme.

Read more about admission and requirements

Do you have questions about the programme? We can help you with compulsory and elective courses, exams, deadlines, and general programme information.

Contact us