Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement

This course is divided into five key areas:

Basic Concepts of Environmental Noise

You’ll receive an overview of the basic definitions and principles of sound, noise indices, and units, and the basic calculations involving decibels and noise indices.

Instrumentation for Environmental Noise Measurement

You will go through the basic features and properties of an integrating sound level meter. We will also consider the importance of both field and laboratory calibration requirements.

Noise Indices and Measurement Methodologies for Environmental Noise Measurement

You will review noise assessment methods and standards, including the new guidance documents on noise in relation to planning applications, BS4142, CRTN, and BS5228. The focus here is very much on measurement methodology and less so on the legislative requirements.

Environmental Noise Measurement in Practice

We’ll encourage you to focus on the principles and good practice of noise measurement in the field, including those stipulated in BS7445.  You will also consider the limitations of noise measurement through the application of practical case studies and uncertainty. There will be plenty of opportunities to practise your skills outdoors.

Overview of Noise Propagation

This part of the course focuses on the propagation of noise from point and line sources and the effects of the environment on noise propagation.

Who is this course for

If you’re employed in a technical or scientific role by local authorities, environmental consultancies or other organisations where environmental noise measurement features, this course is ideal for you.

No formal qualifications are required. Successful completion of the course can lead to technical membership of the Institute of Acoustics.

Learn from an expert teaching team

• Acoustics and noise control expertise; Member of the IOA; Member of various IOA Committees, including the Education Committee and External Examiners group
• Tim Green – Associate Lecture in acoustics and practising consultant

The course will start on a Monday and will take five full-time days to complete.

This is a hands-on course that will develop your skills in undertaking noise measurements and interpreting the results, so it will be very relevant to the job you do.

You'll take a practical exam on the Friday. There's also a written exam that is normally held on a Friday about two weeks after the course.

Certificate/award on completion: Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement

• Gain practical skills associated with environmental noise measurement
• Gain an understanding of the basic acoustical principles in the context of environmental noise. 

The next step could be the IOA diploma in Acoustics.

You're probably already in employment, so you'll be able to put the skills you develop into practice immediately in your role. Gaining this qualification could also enhance your career prospects as it will set you apart from your peers.

The cost of the course is £1,400 (including IOA registration fee) for the academic year 2022/23.

Please note this is subject to change for the academic year 2023/24.

Thank you for expressing interest in this course. To register your interest in studying this course and find out when the next enrolment is, please contact sande@derby.ac.uk. 

Contact us

If you want to find out more about studying a short course, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.