1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Acoustics consultant

Acoustics consultant

Alternative titles for this job include Acoustician, acoustics engineer

Acoustics consultants help manage and control noise and vibrations in homes, workplaces and other environments.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an acoustics consultant

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

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

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.

What it takes

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
  • 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

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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

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: QUEEN MARY'S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
  • Start date: 03 September 2024
  • Location: Walsall

Physics

  • Provider: PIMLICO ACADEMY
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: London

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.