Acoustics Consultant

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £50,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 variable

evenings / weekends away from home

How To Become a Acoustics Consultant

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

Most employers will expect you to have a degree in:

acoustics
maths
physics
engineering

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

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an acoustics technician higher apprenticeship, then take further training to become an engineering consultant.

2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

carrying out noise assessments on buildings to make sure they meet building regulations
checking noise levels are within legal limits
testing how changes to a building’s design affects sound levels and quality
using computers to find ways of reducing machinery noise and vibration in the workplace
giving specialist advice in legal cases
exploring how sound vibrations affect machinery and structures
designing and working with recording studio and broadcast sound equipment
designing medical equipment, like ultrasound, to help doctors diagnose and treat patients
producing reports, sharing your findings and making 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

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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an acoustics consultant from the Institute of Acoustics.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.