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Acoustics consultant
Acoustician, acoustics engineer
Acoustics consultants help manage and control noise and vibrations in homes, workplaces and other environments.
Average salary (a year)
£22000.0
Starter
£35000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
University
Most employers will expect you to have a degree in
acoustics, maths, physics, engineering
You could also do a degree in music technology or environmental science then take further training, like the Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control, offered by the Institute of Acoustics.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing an acoustics technician higher apprenticeship, then take further training to become an engineering consultant.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You may be able to start work as an assistant or trainee 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 like non-destructive testing, if you do not have academic qualifications.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming an acoustics consultant from the Institute of Acoustics.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    The ability to work well with others
    Knowledge of engineering science and technology
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    To be flexible and open to change
    Customer service skills
    Knowledge of media production and communication
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
Your day to day tasks will depend on the type of acoustics you work in. For example you could:carry out noise assessments on buildings to make sure they meet building regulations, check noise levels are within legal limits, test how changes to a building's design affects sound levels and quality, use computers to find ways of reducing machinery noise and vibration in the workplace, give specialist advice in legal cases, explore how sound vibrations affect machinery and structures, design and work with recording studio and broadcast sound equipment, design medical equipment, like ultrasound, to help doctors diagnose and treat patients, produce reports, share your findings and make recommendations for action
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 & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
With experience, you could become a senior acoustics engineering consultant and register for chartered status through the Institute of Acoustics.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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