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MSc/PgDip
Environmental and Architectural Acoustics

Location
Southwark

Duration
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)

Start date
September and February

Number of places
12

Simple timetable information
Full-time or one part-time day only

How to apply
Direct to LSBU

LSBU code
Full-time code: 2129
Part-time code: 2130

Course contact
Dr Stephen Dance

Course Director
dances@lsbu.ac.uk – 020 7815 7672

Non-standard 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.

Course units

12 core compulsory units:

– Measurement and Behaviour of Sound

– Architectural Acoustics

– Subjective and Environmental Acoustics

– Noise Control

– Environmental Management

– Research Methods

– Building Environmental Space

– Management

– Dissertation (quad unit)


Course description

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. It can be used as a conversion course for those who have no previous acoustics experience, while still being invaluable to those with previous knowledge.

The course is structured with an emphasis towards applied acoustics relevant to practitioners of acoustics. The course provides two primary units that consider the broader aspects of investigation and control of the built environment, followed by six units that examine areas in specific detail. Individual units can be taken separately as part of a continuing professional development (CPD). 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. In recent years one or two outstanding students per year go on to undertake research on our PhD programme.

Career 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.

Typical background of applicant

Students on this course will usually have a first degree.

Professional contacts/industry links

– Student membership of the Institute of Acoustics is offered

– Internships with Telent plc, Sound Research Laboratories

– CEng status is offered through the Institute of Acoustics or the CIBSE.

Recent guest lecturers

– John Campbell of Campbell Associates, Instrumentation and Software

– Peter Mapp of Peter Mapp Associates (PA System Design)

– David Winterbottom, Technical Development & Investigation Ltd (Soundplan)

– Bob Peters of AAD Consultants

Additional notes

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.