Level 3 Furniture Design and Making Course in Oxford. Classes run at Oxford City Centre College, full-time during the day, over one year. This is a practical course covering wood-machine training, advanced furniture-making techniques, and finishing skills. You'll need four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths, plus examples of your work. This course is for learners aged 19 or over, or for those aged 17 to 18 years old who already hold a Level 2 furniture qualification. An Advanced Learner Loan may be available to help with fees.
Who this course is for
Please note that this course is for 19+ students only (or 17 - 18 year old students with a Level 2 furniture qualification). If you are aged 16 - 18 without a Level 2 qualification, then please see the Level 2 course. This is a practical course that covers wood-machine training, advanced furniture-making techniques, and finishing skills. Upon successful completion of this course, you could progress to our furniture design-and-make foundation degree. Learning in the Rycotewood Furniture Centre, you will develop skills as a creative thinker and maker, who innovates furniture craft through the exploration of materials and skills. The programme balances design, craft, and theory to nurture furniture designers and makers of excellent ability, who can progress to employment or further study with a broad understanding of the processes involved in the design and craft of furniture. By training at our renowned Rycotewood Furniture Centre you learn the principles of handcrafted furniture from industry-trained tutors.. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
Entry requirements
You need to have 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths, with a keen interest and evidence in the subject (example of work).. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
What you will learn
You'll develop wood-machine operation skills safely and accurately.
You'll apply advanced furniture-making techniques to real projects.
You'll practise surface finishing and preparation methods.
You'll work with furniture design principles to plan and create pieces.
You'll build a portfolio of work demonstrating your skills and progress.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a workshop environment. Teaching covers wood-machine training, construction techniques, and finishing processes. You'll be assessed through practical projects and a portfolio of completed work. Classes are classroom and workshop based, running full-time during the day.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Oxford City Centre College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Furniture maker, crafting bespoke pieces by hand or machine
Cabinet maker, building fitted and freestanding storage
Joiner, working on interior woodwork and fitted furniture
Furniture restorer, repairing and refinishing antique or damaged pieces
Furniture designer, developing original designs for production or commission
Workshop technician, supporting production in a furniture manufacturing setting
What you could study next
Foundation Degree in Furniture Design and Make. The provider notes this as a direct next step after completing the Level 3 Diploma, deepening your design and making skills at higher education level.
Level 4 or Level 5 qualifications in Design or Craft. These can open routes into design management, teaching, or specialist making at a professional level.
