Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Course structure
  3. How to apply
  4. Modules overview
  5. Assignments and assessments overview
  6. Completing the course overview
  7. Careers overview
  8. FAQs

2 x Coursework Assignments

There are two coursework assignments for the GPA module which include some numerical answers and some answers which are more discursive and open-ended.

The deadlines for these are in December and the following February. 

These two assignments contribute 40% of the final mark for the Module – i.e. 20% each. 

They are marked by a local course tutor. The questions and marking scheme are provided by IOA examiners.

Two coursework assignments (2m 21s)

 

Aim of The Assignments 

The assignments test your ability to carry out relevant calculations to an extent that would not be reasonable under exam conditions and to encourage reading outside of the course material. Whenever possible they explore areas that of topical interest. 

Examples:

An assignment on sonic weapons was set in the same year that there were media claims regarding staff in the Cuban American embassy had been subjected to sonic weapons of some sort.

An assignment exploring underwater sound effects on marine mammals was set in the year that this topic received a lot of media attention.

 

Written Exam

There is a 3-hour written examination for the GPA in early June 2025. 

The exam has two parts: 

Part A – consists of 8 compulsory short answer questions intended to cover a large part of the syllabus. 

You have to attain 50% for this section to pass – i.e. 20 of the 40 marks. 

Part B – consists of 5 longer questions from which you choose 3 to answer. 

The exam mark accounts for 60% of the final mark for this Module. 

There is a 30% pass threshold on any assessment component which means at least you can count a CW mark only if it is 30% or more. 

Note:

If you need to carry over a Coursework mark as part of a re-sit it would be better to carry over a higher mark than 30% and in Part B of the examination you need to score at least 18 of the 60 marks available.

To obtain a merit on the GPA you need to obtain an aggregate mark of 70% or more.

 

Specialist Module Assessment

Each Specialist Module has a single coursework assignment which contributes 40% of the final mark for the Module.

Typically, the Specialist Modules are taught between February and April at assigned centres. 

Not all Modules are offered for Centre-based students since it depends on demand and the availability of suitable tutors. 

However, all Modules are available through the Tutor-Assisted Distance Learning route. 

There is a 2-hour written examination in June for each specialist module which contributes 60% of the final mark for the Module.

Both the coursework and the exam are marked by Specialist Module Examiners.

To pass the module requires a conflated mark of 50% or more and no less than 30% on any section of the exam.

This means: 

12 out of 40 for Part A

18 out of 60 on Part B 

Also you need to obtain at least 30% for the assignment.

The Project is undertaken from February to October and marks are gained for 3 compulsory elements: 

1. The Proposal 

2. The Project Conduct (which includes the project log book and a project presentation)

3. The Final Report and Project Logbook  (this being the most important) 

Another compulsory element is a draft report but no marks are given for this.

Specialist module assessment (1m 30s)

 

"Without doubt the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control has been the biggest stepping stone in my career so far."

 Glen Plunkett

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