Acoustics consultant Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

You could work in a variety of fields, for example construction, noise pollution, the media or medical technology. Your exact duties would depend on your area of work but could include:

• carrying out noise assessments on buildings to make sure sound insulation methods meet Building Regulations
• performing environmental noise surveys to check levels are within acceptable limits of legislation, such as the Noise at Work Act
• testing how changes to a building's design affects sound levels and quality (known as auralisation)
• using computer modelling to design plans aimed at reducing or eliminating machinery noise and vibration in the workplace
• advising in legal proceedings like noise nuisance disputes or medical cases like Vibration White Finger
• investigating the effects of sound vibrations on machinery and structures, such as bridges, aircraft or household goods
• designing and working with recording studio and broadcast sound equipment
• designing medical instruments like ultrasound equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat patients.

You would use computer programs to analyse data and produce reports detailing your findings, with recommendations for action.

Hours

You could work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or on a shift system, depending on the job. Some projects could include working unsocial hours or overnight stays away from home.

Your time would be split between the office, the lab and on site.

Income

Starting salaries for newly-qualified staff are from £20,000 to £25,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to £35,000. Senior acoustics consultants can earn more than £50,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

Most employers expect you to have a degree-level qualification. Relevant subjects include:

• acoustics
• maths
• physics
• environmental science
• mechanical engineering
• construction-related subjects.

You could specialise in a particular area, for example transport or building acoustics, after completing a postgraduate diploma through the Institute of Acoustics (IOA).

Alternatively, you may be able to start work as an assistant or trainee technician, and with further training, qualify as an engineer or consultant. To do this, you would normally need at least four GCSEs (grades A-C), including two science subjects, maths and English, or equivalent qualifications like the BTEC Certificate or Diploma in Applied Science.

Employers may consider alternative qualifications or relevant work experience, such as non-destructive testing, if you do not have academic qualifications.

You may be able to get into this career through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

See the IOA website for more information about relevant degrees, postgraduate courses and professional qualifications.

• Institute of Acoustics

Training and development

You would usually start work on a structured graduate training scheme, working under the supervision of experienced staff.

You could take professional development training offered by the IOA, including:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control
• Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Risk Assessment (CCWPNRA)
• Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement (CCENM)
• Certificate in the Management of Occupational Exposure to Hand Arm Vibration (CMOEHAV).

You can take the Postgraduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control by distance learning. See the IOA website for further details and a list of course providers.

Skills and knowledge

To be an acoustics consultant you should have:

• a creative and practical approach to solving problems
• the ability to explain design plans clearly
• good IT skills for planning and testing designs
• a flair for maths and science
• an understanding of environmental legislation and standards
• good budgeting and negotiating skills
• good project management and organisational skills
• strong spoken and written communication skills.

More information

Institute of Acoustics
77A St Peter’s Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3BN
Tel: 01727 848195
www.ioa.org.uk

Opportunities

You could work for a range of organisations, including building and civil engineering firms, local authorities, sound recording studios, the NHS, aerospace companies and universities.

With experience and further training, you could gain chartered status with the IOA. You may need this in order to progress to the role of senior acoustics engineer.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):

• Institute of Acoustics
• JustEngineers
• Engineering Jobs Network