Education & Training

We offer professionally recognised courses for those interested in working in any aspect of acoustics

Education & Training Courses

The Institute offers a range of professionally recognised courses for those interested working in any aspect of acoustics. They cover general principles and specific applications including building acoustics and the management, regulation and control of noise and vibration in the workplace and environment.

The Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control normally requires a year of (part-time) study, including coursework, written examinations and a project. Short specialist courses, normally requiring five days of study including practical training and examination, lead to Certificates of Competence.

COVID-19 update

The Government is clear that people should not be travelling, or meeting in large groups and we have to respect their guidance. Given that many of our certificate centres are closing anyway until further notice, we have decided to cancel all of Spring Certificate Course Exams.

As far as possible, teaching and learning for the Diploma will be moving to an online format.
Fortunately the laboratory schools have been held already.
We are aware that many of the measurement components or other practical activities that may have been planned for Projects might have to be curtailed or abandoned. If this is the case, then we will adapt our expectations regarding Project content, conduct and Reports accordingly.

Also, it is clear that it will not be possible for the planned written paper examinations for the IOA Diploma (scheduled to be held in June 2020) to go ahead in their normal format. Instead, we are exploring possibilities for online examinations. Details will follow as soon as we have worked out a suitable format.

These decisions have been taken in exceptionally challenging circumstances and we hope that you appreciate that they have not been taken lightly.

Meanwhile we hope you stay healthy.

(Prof.) Keith Attenborough, HonFIOA
Education Manager

Courses

Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control

The Institute of Acoustics' graduate entry Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control has been run since 1975. It is usually studied on a part-time basis, over one year. 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.

Certificate of Proficiency in Anti-Social Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 - Noise Measurements

The ASBA course is approved by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) and the Institute of Acoustics and relates to the implementation of the noise provisions of Anti-Social Behaviour Act in Scotland. It is designed to enable successful candidates to make and report the required noise measurements in a competent manner. For those without a prior qualification in acoustics and noise measurement recognised by REHIS and the IOA it is a five-day course.

Certificate of Competence in Building Acoustics Measurement

This five-day course provides a basic knowledge of the methodology for measuring and reporting sound insulation and aspects of room acoustics, together with relevant provisions of key standards and guidance. There is an examination on the final day of the course. Students take the certificate at an accredited centre. Usually attendance at the centre is required for the four days preceding the examination and on the examination day which includes a practical test.

Certificate Course in the Management of Occupational Exposure to Hand Arm Vibration

This five-day course seeks to enable course delegates to appreciate the nature of Hand-Arm Vibration hazards in the workplace and the need to protect employees from hand-arm vibration syndrome and to advise and assist employers to meet their legal duties under relevant health and safety law, in accordance with current guidance from the Health and Safety Executive.

Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Risk Assessment

This Certificate course aims to provide a recognised course of education and training to enable persons to carry out workplace noise assessments in a competent manner, as required by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Since the course was first run in 1989, more than 2000 people have gained the Certificate. With the introduction of the new Regulations in 2005, demand for competent noise exposure assessments is increasing and this course provides those registering with the latest information and training to meet the demands of this new legislation.

Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement

This five-day course seeks to provide delegates with a basic knowledge of the methodology of environmental noise measurement, including the use and accuracy requirements of sound level meters and analysers and to enable them be aware of the significance of measurement data against the framework of standards and legislation for environmental noise.