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Acoustics consultant

Alternative titles for this job include Acoustician, acoustics engineer

Acoustics consultants work to reduce unwanted noise in the environment and improve sound quality in buildings, workplaces and equipment.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role

University

Most employers will expect you to have a degree in a subject like:

  • acoustics
  • maths
  • physics
  • engineering

You could do a degree in music technology or environmental science, followed by further training in acoustics or applied acoustics at postgraduate level.

The Institute of Acoustics also offers the Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control, which can help towards gaining membership of the Institute.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Work

You may be able to start work as an assistant or trainee acoustics technician and with further training, qualify as an engineer or consultant.

You'll normally need at least 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including two science subjects. A levels or equivalent, like applied science, may be acceptable. Employers may also consider relevant work experience, for example, in non-destructive testing, if you do not have sufficient academic qualifications.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institute of Acoustics for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the industry.

Further information

You can find out more about a career as an acoustics consultant from the Institute of Acoustics.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an acoustics consultant, you could:

  • use computer modelling to design high quality acoustics for buildings, like theatres and music venues
  • carry out environmental assessments to make sure noise is within legal limits
  • investigate ways to reduce machinery noise and vibration in the workplace
  • develop sound equipment and features for recording studios
  • design ultrasound tools for use in healthcare, materials testing and welding
  • produce reports for project teams and make recommendations
  • give specialist advice in legal cases

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a project leader, managing the design and development of new products. You might also specialise in a particular area, for example architectural, medical or underwater acoustics technology.

You could become a senior acoustics engineering consultant and register for chartered status through the Institute of Acoustics. Chartered status demonstrates your expertise in the industry.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an acoustics consultant right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Physics

  • Provider: CHRIST THE KING COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Newport

Physics

  • Provider: ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC ACADEMY
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Hebburn
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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