Social and cultural influences on the experience of soundscapes

Entry requirements

Please use this Research Proposal, Personal statement and CV: GUIDE when preparing an application.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

The soundscape can be described as a complex auditory environment, comprising a variety of sound sources that originate from a particular landscape. These sounds may affect how people experience the landscape, potentially creating situations that deter or exclude people and therefore contribute to social exclusion. These sound sources can be classified into three primary categories: biological, geophysical, and anthropogenic (Pijanowski et al., 2011). The way in which humans experience the soundscape may be influenced by social and cultural characteristics including their background and previous experiences.

Individuals will experience a unique ‘daily soundscape’ (a combination of sounds that are experienced throughout their day), which is shaped by a combination of natural and anthropogenic sounds. The ‘daily soundscape’ that individuals encounter is likely influenced by a variety of social and cultural characteristics, including community interactions, socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and personal history.

This PhD will employ primarily innovative qualitative methods (e.g., walking interviews, participant/photo diaries) and some quantitative methods (e.g., hearing tests, noise mapping) to understand how social and cultural characteristics influence participants' ‘daily soundscape’. The findings will contribute to the field of soundscape studies by highlighting the complex interplay between social and cultural factors in shaping auditory experiences. The research will have practical applications in urban planning, public health, and community development, aiming to create environments that cater to diverse soundscape preferences and enhance overall well-being.

Fees and funding

This programme is self-funded.

To enquire about University of Salford funding schemes – including the Widening Participation Scholarship – visit this website.