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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 3,900
Per course
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Acoustics
Area of study
Engineering
Education type
On campus
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 3,900
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Institute of Acoustics Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control

Course Description

Take your interest and skills in acoustics to the next level on this practical and inspiring accredited course.


  • Gain the knowledge, practical skills and problem-solving abilities which are essential for professional acousticians
  • Choose to specialise in specific areas of acoustics to reflect your current job role or career aspirations
  • Build your professional credibility on a course accredited by the Institute of Acoustics and meet the educational requirements for membership of the Institute
  • Study at a leading centre with over 40 years’ experience of delivering acoustics training
  • The IOA diploma is a part-time course delivered on campus and is therefore unavailable to International Students

A Boost for Your Career and Promotion Prospects

Our Institute of Acoustics (IOA) Diploma is a popular choice for people already in employment who want to enhance their career prospects. Many work as pollution control or noise control officers with local authorities, environmental consultancies, architecture and engineering firms. We also attract students who have just completed their undergraduate degrees and want to broaden their employment options.


The Diploma is useful for individuals from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds. Over the last decade, it has, for instance, become popular with music technologists and geographers.


A Valuable Professional Qualification

The Diploma is a sought-after, accredited qualification which can lead to Associate Membership of the IOA, regarded as the UK’s leading professional body in acoustics.


The IOA works with educational institutions to ensure the Diploma remains up to date and professionally relevant at all times. Members of our own teaching team take an active role in Institute affairs, serving on its Course and Educational Committees and helping to shape the structure of the Diploma.


As well as providing specialist academic training so that you can satisfy the educational requirements for membership of the IOA, the course can put you on the fast track to a masters degree at the University. It provides partial exemption from the requirements for the award of our MSc Applied Acoustics. Once enrolled, students can apply for the student membership of the IOA.


Learn from the Experts

We have a strong reputation for delivering high-quality acoustics courses. Derby is currently the only centre in the Midlands for the IOA Diploma, recruiting around 20 students per academic year who study at our Derby Campus on a Wednesday.


You’ll benefit from the support of our friendly and approachable teaching staff. Our teaching team is made up of experienced and research-active acousticians, supported by local, national and internationally based consultants who deliver guest lectures on specialist themes.


We’ve had speakers from Acsoft, ANV, Mason UK, Svantek, HSE, Ecophon, Balfour Beatty Vinci, Ian Turner, Tiflex.


We’ve also had exciting site visits to Britain's biggest transport and building infrastructure project HS2 and The Building Test Centre.


Pursue Your Specialist Interests

As part of the course, you can choose to focus on specific areas of acoustics, with specialist modules in:


  • Building Acoustics
  • Environmental Noise: Prediction, Measurement and Control
  • Regulation and Assessment of Noise
  • Noise and Vibration Control Engineering.

You will also undertake an individual research study exploring an aspect of acoustics which particularly interests you or which will aid your career progress.


What You Will Study

You'll study core modules such as:


Modules

  • General Principles of Acoustics - You’ll explore the nature and behaviour of sound and vibration, its measurement and noise indices, response of humans to sound and vibration, basics of room acoustics, and the principles of noise control engineering
  • Laboratory and Experimental methods - This module develops the practical and vocational skills that are essential for the professional acoustician, it also includes exercises which support some of the basic principles introduced in the General Principles of Acoustics module
  • Project - This module is an opportunity for students to carry out an individual research study in a specific area of acoustics. The project can be work-based

The specialist modules provide an opportunity for students to focus in a specific area of acoustics. Students take a further two specialist modules from the following:


  • Building Acoustics - The Building Acoustics module considers the acoustical parameters that define the sound quality in a space, and reviews a selection of case studies, including theatres and teaching spaces
  • Environmental Noise: Prediction, Measurement and Control - This module focuses on the main sources of outdoor noise, their impact on the environment, and how they are assessed and controlled
  • Regulation and Assessment of Noise - The module focuses on the legislative aspects and the Standards and Guidance documents in acoustics
  • Noise and Vibration Control Engineering - This module considers the full range of mitigation measures associated with noise/vibration control at source, along the transmission path, and at the receiver end

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants with an undergraduate degree, diploma, or higher national diploma in a science or related discipline. We also encourage applications from those with non-traditional qualifications or experience.


Fees and Funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

£3,900 for the full course, including the IOA registration fee.


Additional Costs and Optional Extras

  • All costs associated with laboratory and fieldwork
  • Personal computer or tablet computer approx. £500

Careers

If you are currently employed, this qualification will broaden your skill set, raise your professional profile and enhance your promotion prospects.


If you are just starting out on your career, the Diploma is a stepping stone to roles in local authorities, environmental
oise consultancies and industry. Many of our students finish their studies knowing that they have already secured a job.


Successful completion of the Diploma also means you can top up your qualification to a masters award. Find out more about our MSc Applied Acoustics helped Tim take his research and business to the next level after graduating.


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About University
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University of Derby Summary


Overview:

The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.


Services Offered:

The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.

    Campus and Facilities:

    Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.

    Fees and Finance:

    Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.

    International Students:

    Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.

    Employability:

    Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

    Clubs and Societies:

    A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

    Sport at Derby:

    Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.

    Union of Students:

    A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Teaching Excellence:

    The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

    Applied Research:

    The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.

    Student Satisfaction:

    The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.

    Strong Employability:

    The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.

Academic Programs:

The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Programs:

    BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.

    Postgraduate Programs:

    MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.

    Short Courses:

    A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.

Other:

The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

    Campus and Facilities:

    While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.

    Fees and Finance:

    The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.

Total programs
629
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

You’ll need an undergraduate degree, diploma, or higher national diploma in a science or science related discipline. Non-standard entry candidates are also welcome to apply.

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