Completing The Diploma
There are two ways you can study and complete your Diploma:
1. Centre-Based learning (mainly through day-release)
Study takes place at an IOA-accredited centre.
Note: The pattern of study is determined by each centre be it block teaching or a number of days per week over the course of the year, but broadly follows similar timelines to the DL centres.
2. Tutor-Assisted Distance learning (DL)
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
This option is available at one of four regional hubs in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and to overseas residents through the IOA headquarters hybrid online delivery at Milton Keynes.
Please note: DL students are required to attend four days of laboratory school sessions.
Centre-Based
Four accredited centres will be running the IOA Diploma in 2024-25:
- London South Bank University (LSBU)
- University of Derby
- KP Acoustics Research Labs
- Manchester Hub (hosted at the University of Salford)
- Southampton Hub
UK-based students are encouraged to study through an accredited centre as the regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with tutors offers the best learning experience.
| Centre | Address | Contact |
|
KP Acoustics Research Labs Southampton |
Oregon House, Brunel Road, Totton, Southampton, SO40 3WX
|
Juan Battaner-Moro MIOA Prof Chris Barlow FIOA education |
|
KP Acoustics Research Labs Manchester |
University of Salford
|
Juan Battaner-Moro MIOA Prof Chris Barlow MIOA education
|
|
University of Derby
|
College of Science and Engineering, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB
|
Mark Dring MIOA ioa [dot] enquiries
|
|
London South Bank University (LSBU)
|
Acoustics Group, School of the Built Environment and Architecture, 103 Borough Road, London, SE1 0AA
|
Haydar Aygun FIOA aygunh
|
Tutor-Assisted Distance Learning (DL)
This option for studying the IOA Diploma is ideal for those living in regions where centre-based courses are not available.
DL can also be a suitable option for those students who are unable to make use of an Accredited Centre in the usual way for personal or health reasons.
Tutor-Assisted DL is also supported by a programme of in-person group tutorials at the regional hubs in:
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Milton Keynes
- Dublin
Laboratory School Sessions
It must be understood that attending lab-school sessions in person is a must after enrolling and being accepted onto the IOA Diploma course.
Tutor-Assisted DL students who elect to take laboratories at the University of Liverpool will have their first session in November and their second 2-day session the following February.
Tutor-Assisted DL students who elect to take laboratories in Dublin or Dubai will have a condensed 4-day session in January.
Examinations
You have to be prepared to attend three paper-based, closed-book examinations in person at your assigned centre.
Overseas students may attend at a locally approved centre in their country of residence, however they should note that this may attract an additional local hosting fee.
Accredited Laboratory Centres (DL)
For DL students, the laboratory module is delivered onsite at the following:
- University of Liverpool
- Trinity College Dublin
- Dubai Acoustics Research Laboratory (DARL)
The laboratory sessions enable DL students to gain hands-on experience of instrumentation and measurement procedures in a college environment and to meet fellow students.
Credit & QCF Rating
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.
The Diploma is accepted as the educational requirement to become an Associate Member of the Institute of Acoustics.
Then, after gaining the required professional experience, you can apply to become an MIOA.
The majority of the IOA Diploma content is actually at Masters’ Level and the Diploma enables advanced standing of 90 credits on some MSc courses.
"If you’re an environmental health officer, a structural engineer or anybody that deals with sound on a day to day basis this course is right for you."
Glen Plunkett
how to apply Learn about preparation, eligibility and how to apply