Postgraduate Course 

If you’re a professional acoustician, you can top up your existing qualifications to achieve a highly regarded masters degree – all by distance learning. You'll need to have studied the IOA Diploma in Acoustics to study this MSc top-up.

Build on your experience

This course offers a convenient fast-track route to a masters degree for professionals who already hold the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control. 

You will enter the MSc at the masters stage, so your studies will centre on a research-based investigation – either practical or desktop-based – culminating in a thesis on an acoustics topic of your choice.

Throughout this independent study, you’ll be supervised and supported by an academic advisor.

Meaningful and relevant research

If – like most of our students – you are already employed in the acoustics field, the skills and knowledge you gain on the course will be directly relevant to your day-to-day work.

You can choose to undertake a work-based study which is of benefit to both you and your organisation. We will liaise with you and your employer to ensure that your study meets the right academic criteria for an MSc award. 

If you are not currently employed in a noise-related field, we can provide support regarding the selection and development of a project.   

Rhino walking over grass

Glenn's research explores how noise can affect White Rhinos

Glenn examined the use of low frequency sounds and infrasound within the vocal repertoire of the White Rhinoceros population in a safari park.

Find out more about Glenn's research projectFind out more about Glenn's research project

An expert team to support you

Derby is currently the largest centre in the Midlands for the IOA Diploma, and we have a strong reputation for delivering high-quality acoustics courses. You’ll benefit from the support of our friendly and approachable academic staff including the programme leader who is an active member of the Institute of Acoustics. You’ll also enjoy guest lectures by key practitioners.

swooshes of lights from cars on the motorway

Flexibility and convenience

With distance learning you can fit your MSc studies around your work and personal commitments. You can complete the course full-time over a year or part-time over two years.

We provide high-quality online learning materials, recorded presentations by academic staff, online tutorials and online classroom sessions where you can share your views and experiences.

An image of a church tower

Tim's research looks at the impact of church bell noise

Tim’s thesis gave him the opportunity to use and challenge existing scientific processes, and led him to consider the perception of the impact of church bells and why both current and historical associations with the bells gives them a status greater in people’s minds than just that of noise.

Find out more about Tim's researchFind out more about Tim's research
Multi-Faith Centre, Kedleston Road

Postgraduate Open Event

Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.

Book your Postgraduate Open EventBook your Postgraduate Open Event

What you will study

You’ll take this module:

  • Independent Scholarly Activity - This module is worth 60 credits towards the final award. You’ll complete a research-based investigation, either of a practical nature or a desk top review, into an acoustic topic of your choice. Throughout the module you’ll be supervised and supported by an experienced academic advisor

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

You'll study by distance learning, and all materials are accessed through our Blackboard facility. You'll also be supported by online tutorials, online classrooms, and online presentations.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed entirely through coursework assignments. There are no examinations.

Who will teach you

Mark Dring

Programme Leader

Mark Dring in conversation.

Mark Dring

Mark is a lecturer on the Sound, Light and Live Event Technology Degree and also on the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control.

View full staff profile

Entry requirements

You’ll be required to hold an undergraduate degree in a science or relevant discipline. If you do not have the IOA diploma in Acoustics when applying for the MSc it is essential that you contact the programme leader to discuss.

International students should have an undergraduate degree, postgraduate qualification in a science or relevant discipline, or an international equivalent. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 6.0 or above. International students can only study this course remotely and must have completed or be in the process of completing the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control or equivalent. Please note that the IOA diploma at the University of Derby is a part-time course delivered on Campus and is therefore unavailable to International Students.

Fees and funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

TypeFull-timePart-time
UK

£3,000 for 60 credit Independent Project

£1,000 per 20 credits

International

£3,115 for 60 credit Independent Project

N/A

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

Additional fee information

Applicants who already have the Institute of Acoustics Diploma or an equivalent qualification will enter at the Masters stage and only complete the project module (60 credits).

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

AwardCredits
Postgraduate Certificate60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma120 Credits
MA or MSc180 Credits

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Students chatting to each other

International student scholarships

We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.

Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Careers

Gaining the MSc will enhance your career and promotion prospects, paving the way to more senior roles in industry, consultancy, local authorities and statutory bodies.

It will help you continue your professional development, bring you up to date with the challenges facing acousticians today and give you insights into latest methods of assessment and control.

You’ll also develop valuable research, critical thinking and analytical skills which will serve you well as you advance your career. 

If you’d like to pursue further academic research, the MSc is also an excellent platform for studying at PhD level.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Other courses you might like