Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement

Start date: We usually run the course twice a year in April and September at our Kedleston Road site in Derby. However, it may be possible, by special  arrangement, to hold the course at your place of work.

Course length: The course will start on a Monday and will take five days to complete.

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

If you're employed in a technical or scientific role in local authorities, environmental consultancies or other organisations where environmental noise is an issue, this course is for you.

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

We usually run the course twice a year, in April and September, at our Kedleston Road site in Derby. However, it may be possible, by special  arrangement, to hold the course at your place of work.

What you’ll study

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 you’ll learn how to undertake basic calculations involving decibels.

Instrumentation for Environmental Noise Measurement
You’ll go through the basic features and properties of an integrating sound level meter.

Noise Indices and Measurement Methodologies for Environmental Noise Measurement
You’ll review the most common noise assessment methods and standards, including PPG 24, BS4142, Calculation of Road Traffic Noise and BS5228.

Environmental Noise Measurement in Practice
You’ll focus on the principles and good practice of noise measurement in the field. You’ll also consider the limitations of noise measurement through practical case studies.

Overview of Noise Propagation and Control
During this part of the course you’ll focus on the propagation of noise from point and line sources and the effects of the environment on noise propagation. You’ll be introduced to the control of environmental noise, including the use of barriers.

Details on application

Details on application.

How you'll learn

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.

How you're assessed

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.

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.

"A very informative, extremely valuable and practical course that was run by experienced, enthusiastic and friendly lecturers. The week was very relaxed with an open forum allowing questions and discussion."
Louise Lewin, JMP Consulting

"As an Environmental Engineer, the attainment of the IOA Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Assessment was essential to my career development. I would recommend the University of Derby for its relaxed, yet thorough, approach to the course content."
Michelle Dawson, JMP Consulting

"Attending both courses [Workplace Noise Risk Assessment and Environmental Noise Measurement] has opened a whole
host of new employment opportunities for me. Recently, I have undertaken some noise consultancy work in Cheshire and when I finish my degree, I fully expect to gain employment in this area, as I have already received job opportunities whilst studying, purely on the basis of my attending both noise courses."
Rachel Pick, Full-time student (now employed with Applied Acoustics Solutions Ltd)