Environmental and Architectural Acoustics

This course has evolved from those running successfully for more than 20 years and offers experience of most fields of acoustics whilst still allowing for specialisation in areas of particular interest. It is suitable for environmental health officers, technicians, acoustic consultants, building services engineers, environmental test engineers and audio sound engineers.

The course can be used as a conversion course for those who have no previous acoustics experience, while still being invaluable to those with previous knowledge. There is emphasis towards applied acoustics, relevant to practitioners of acoustics, as well as two primary units that consider the broader aspects of investigation and control of the built environment.

Individual units can be taken separately as part of continuing professional development. For the MSc course the project enables investigation of an area of interest in considerable depth; the topic and scope of the project are selected with the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Practical work is an essential part of the course giving direct experience of modern measurement equipment and techniques. Members of the teaching team are actively involved in research and consultancy work that enables staff to draw on the latest developments in acoustics in both lectures and practical work.

This course is of a highly practical nature with half of the time spent in the laboratory; this is reflected in the balance between course work and exams.

Course modules

An indicative list of topics covered on this course are:

• Measurement and behaviour of sound
• Architectural acoustics
• Subjective and environmental acoustics
• Noise control
• Environmental management
• Research Methods
• Building environmental space
• Management
• Dissertation (quad unit)

Career and progression opportunities

The course reflects the diversity of the acoustics industry and attracts students from a range of backgrounds, mostly environmental health, science or engineering. The training provided in acoustics is also particularly relevant to noise consultancy and the environmental and occupational health professions. One or two outstanding students per year go on to undertake research on our PhD programme.

Student membership of the Institute of Acoustics is offered.

Chartered Engineer status is offered through the Institute of Acoustics or the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Professional and industry links

Recent guest lecturers have included:

• John Campbell, Campbell Associates, Instrumentation and Software
• Peter Mapp, Peter Mapp Associates (PA System Design)
• David Winterbottom, Technical Development and Investigation Ltd (Soundplan)
• Bob Peters, AAD Consultants

Entry requirements

If you are interested in studying at LSBU, please refer to our Standard Entry Requirements.

Additional entry requirements

Applicants for this course must also meet the following additional entry requirements.

Applications are also welcomed from those without the required qualifications that possess the life/work skills that would make them suitable to study at this level. Those applicants holding an Institute of Acoustics Diploma will be exempted from the appropriate taught units.

How to apply

Application methods for undergraduate part-time and postgraduate study vary depending on the course you are applying for. When applying use the LSBU codes listed below.

LSBU - FullTime - 2129

LSBU - PartTime - 2130

Further information about how to apply for your course.