Furniture Making

What it's all about?

This course combines craftsmanship with a thorough understanding of contemporary manufacturing and modern business practices, providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to work at the highest levels of fine furniture-making.

You will study and practise a range of essential furniture-designing and making techniques and processes as well as developing hand-woodworking and machine-woodworking skills. Whilst working to the highest standards on a series of demanding projects, you'll also attend supporting lectures to develop your knowledge in areas such as design principles, visual and technical communication, business studies, and material and construction theory.

In your second year, you'll apply these skills to real projects and study business skills and new manufacturing technologies for the small business. You'll also produce a piece of work to exhibit at the public End of Year Show.

Is this the course for you?

On completion of the two year foundation degree, you will have two choices. You can either enter the commercial world of furniture or if you wish, apply for the third year of our BA (Hons) Furniture Making course here at the College.

Mature students (21+)

We welcome applications from students who are returning to education. We offer many opportunities for adults even if you don't have conventional entry qualifications. We're interested in your motivation, your potential, and your ability to follow the course successfully.

Course content
First-year modules

Hand Production Techniques, Machine Production Techniques 1, Design and Prototype, Wood Finishing, Timber Technology, Design Elements and Principles, Technical Communication, Critical Studies 1, Personal and Professional Development 1.

Second-year modules

Design and Manufacture, Machine Production 2, Final Project, CNC Production, Personal and Professional Development 2, Enterprise and Innovation: Setting up a Business in the Creative Industries, Critical Studies 2.

Assessment

There are no exams or tests; you will be assessed on your project work.

Live briefs

Opportunities do arise from time to time to work with real clients. Previous students have enjoyed extensive projects such as the designing and making of the reception desk at Temple Newsam and seating for Harewood House, both stately homes in the Leeds area.

Work placements

During your second year, you can undertake work placement with an established employer.

Resources

You have access to the College's extensive industry-standard workshops throughout your course.

Study visits

You will be presented with a number of opportunities, including visits to workshops, museums and national exhibitions.

Progression & career opportunities

Graduates progress to careers in a range of furniture production environments, from craft furniture workshops to mass-production specialists. Career possibilities include the commercial furniture and joinery sector (eg shop-fitting), the built-in furniture industry, and refurbishment of retail and business premises. Our graduates have the skills necessary to occupy positions ranging from hands-on making at improver level to trainee supervisory and middle management positions. They could eventually start their own business based on high-quality craft skills and knowledge of furniture-making processes. Alternatively, on completion of the Foundation Degree, you can progress on to achieve a BA (Hons) in Furniture Making.