Principles and Practice of Furniture Making Level 3

Advance your skills in furniture making and design on this Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Furniture Design and Making. It’s a practical course which covers woodmachine training, advanced furniture making techniques and finishing skills. Successful students can progress to our furniture design-and-make foundation degree.

In addition to more advanced cabinet-making techniques, the course covers wood machining, design skills and wood finishing. If not already achieved at Level 2 students will need to complete a health and safety module. Practical sessions are complemented by specialist study options such as furniture history, design processes and restoration can also be explored.

You are continuously assessed by practical exercises and written work. You produce a portfolio of learning and complete a timed practical assignment. There is also a one-hour multiple choice exam in health and safety.

The majority of this course is taught in our on-campus Rycotewood Furniture Centre, workshops using practical activities and tutor demonstrations. There will be some lectures in technology and specialist options too. This is a very highly regarded training centre for furniture making. Rycotewood works in partnership with Bucks New University to form the National School of Furniture.

As well as reaching an advanced level of cabinet making you gain an insight into small workshop production techniques.

Applicants for a Level 3 programme will normally have at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including some subjects related to the proposed area of study), and/or a completed Level 2 award, the willingness to study for an additional Level 2 qualification in English and/or Maths. If you are interested in a Level 3 programme and have alternative qualifications you would like us to consider please contact us with your details. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and complete an internal assessment. All students will have their literacy and numeracy needs supported within the programme.

Upon completion of the course you may progress to a Foundation Degree in Furniture Design and Make which we run here at City of Oxford College, or you can seek employment in the furniture industry.