Institute of Acoustics Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control

Vocational training in acoustics and environmental noise

3 reasons to study Acoustics and Noise Control at Salford

• Taught by world-class acoustics researchers and environmental noise practitioners
• Develop professional knowledge and hands-on vocational skills to improve employability
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories for acoustic and environmental noise measurement

Overview of the IoA diploma

The Institute of Acoustics Diploma covers environmental acoustics, noise control, building acoustics and other skills needed in acoustic consultancy, environmental health and other professions working with sound and noise.

It is a nationally recognised professional qualification and the University of Salford is one of a few centres accredited to teach the course.

At Salford, the full programme of study takes one year of part-time attendance on a day release basis.

The syllabus is determined by the Institute of Acoustics and the elements making up the programme are:

• General Principles of Acoustics Module
• Two Specialist Option Modules
• Project

These elements may be taken individually, e.g. over a period of two years, but to gain the Diploma, students must pass all of them.

The two Specialist Option Modules are chosen from:

• Acoustics in Buildings
• Regulation and Assessment of Noise
• Environmental Noise: Measurement, Prediction and Control
• Noise and Vibration Control Engineering

We cannot guarantee that all option modules will run; this depends upon the choices made by students and staff availability.

Download the course syllabus from the Institute of Acoustics...

Institute of Acoustics Corporate Membership

The Diploma gives eligibility for Associate Membership of the Institute of Acoustics (AMIOA) and satisfies the academic qualifications requirement for Corporate Membership of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA). Election to MIOA also involves having evidence of significant professional experience in the area of acoustics, vibration or noise control.

Why study the diploma at Salford?

Salford always achieves a very high pass rate among students taking the diploma. You also tap into a great wealth of experience: for over 30 years, Salford has been a major centre for teaching, research and commercial work in acoustics. Our students often pick up prizes, including 2006 Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) prize for best diploma project (Claire Churchill's project entitled “An investigation of the functioning of anti-vibration mounts in situ under a transmission suite" won the prize) and the 2003 Institute of Acoustics' Diploma prize (Brian Donohoe won with "An investigation into automotive transmission noise focusing on epicyclic gear whine characteristics").

Environmental health, acoustic consultancy, R&D

Our students tend to work in areas like Environmental Health, Acoustic Consultancy, R&D and the manufacturing industries. The course also attracts self-funding students who want to change careers to work in environmental noise, acoustics or noise control.

Environmental Health Officers: recent students have come from county councils across England and Wales, including Manchester City Council, Salford City Council and Trafford Borough Council.

Acoustic and environmental engineering consultants: students have come from: Sound Research Laboratories, Casella Stanger, Stanger Science & Environment, Wardell Armstrong

R&D and manufacturing industry: students have come from: Owens Corning Alopor Ltd, Crown Stage & Theatre Services Ltd, Torotrak Automotive, Georgia Pacific (GB) Ltd.

Entry requirements for the diploma in acoustics and noise control

To join this course applicants must have at least one of the following:

• A degree in environmental health, environmental science, environmental studies or a discipline related to science or engineering.
• An HND or HNC in a discipline mentioned above with relevant vocational or professional experience.
• Other qualifications and vocational training and experience may be acceptable. Please contact the Course Tutor.

Fees

There are two categories of fees for this course.

• The tuition fee to the University of Salford, payable on enrolment. Students who are paying their own tuition fee may do so in five equal monthly installments from October to February, inclusive.
• The registration and examination fee to the Institute of Acoustics, payable in December. The Institute does not have arrangements for payment by installments.
• Because the fees are determined annually, it is not possible to post them on this page. Details are available from the course tutor.

Applications and more information

Please contact the Course Tutor, Francis Li on 0161 295 5462 or at f.f.li@salford.ac.uk for further information, including fees.

Further information about the diploma is also available from the Institute of Acoustics.

Download an application form...

Dates and days

• Attendance required every term-time Wednesday afternoon from 1-6pm.
• The examinations are usually held on the Thursday and Friday around the third week of June. The deadline for submitting the project report is approximately the middle of July.
• The Institute of Acoustics awards the Diploma when all elements of the programme have been passed. Results are published on or about August 31.