Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control

The Institute of Acoustics' graduate entry Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control has been running since 1975. It is usually studied on a part-time basis, over a little more than one year. The Diploma course commences in September/Octoberand study of the Modules extends until June (exams) in the following year. - except for the Project for which the submission deadline is in October of the following year. The diploma Syllabus is available through the link below.

The Diploma course was set up to provide specialist academic training to meet the educational requirements for Corporate Membership of the Institute of Acoustics. Over the years the course has become well established as providing high level training in real-world practical acoustics. As a result, the Diploma is widely recognised as the leading specialist qualification for the professional practitioner in acoustics. It is recognised by a number of UK universities as providing partial exemption from their requirements for the award of MSc degrees. The normal minimum requirement for admission to the Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control is a degree in a science, engineering or construction-related subject or an Environmental Health Officer's Diploma. Alternative qualifications, with related professional experience, may be acceptable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Also it should be noted that, to ensure the currency of the Diploma as a professional qualification, Education Committee has approved the requirement that the Diploma must be completed within five years from first registration.

You can find out more information about the structure of this qualification by visiting our recently published “IOA Diploma Overview by Prof Keith Attenborough” link:

Accredited Centres: University of Derby, Derby; KP Acoustics Research Labs, Southampton; Institute of Acoustics, Milton Keynes

Requirements for completing the Diploma

To complete the Diploma, candidates must pass the following Modules:

General Principles of Acoustics

Laboratory (execution and reporting of Centre-dependent laboratory exercises)

Project (intended to demonstrate the ability to use and apply the skills and knowledge gained in the other modules of the Diploma to define and solve an acoustics problem including a research element as appropriate)

and two Specialist Modules selected from:

Building Acoustics

Regulation and Assessment of Noise

Environmental Noise: Prediction, Measurement and Control

Noise and Vibration Control Engineering

For prospective candidates in regions where Centre-based courses are not available, or, in principle, for any candidate who can show due reason why he or she is unable to make use of an Accredited Centre in the usual way, there is a Tutored Distance Learning Scheme that involves the distribution, to a timetable, of learning-support material and assessments. This is supported by a programme of group tutorials at a small number of venues throughout the UK and two residential laboratory-work sessions. Distance learning candidates face the same requirements for the award of the Diploma as all others.

Examination Dates

Examination	Date
Diploma	6-7 June 2024

For further information or queries on the Distance Learning option and the Institute's other educational programmes please contact educationioa [dot] org [dot] uk.