It consists of two key elements, focusing on independent and industry-linked projects. The independent projects are linked together to provide a holistic experience, first establishing a self-initiated brief through a significant written research project and directly linking this with a major design and make project. Building on the reputation of the Rycotewood Furniture Centre and its industry links, a combination of live projects, study visits and guest speakers will support the development of design, craft, business and enterprise skills relevant to furniture designer makers. On successful completion, you will be awarded a Foundation Degree (Arts) in Furniture: Design and Make from Oxford Brookes University.
What you'll learn
The programme is delivered in the Rycotewood Furniture Centre of Excellence. You will be taught by highly professional furniture designer /makers who have been in industry and are kept up-to-date with current practices.
Work related experiences are fully integrated into the programme and include regular guest speakers, live project briefs, competitions and visits. The programme will culminate in a professional public exhibition for the industry and networking opportunities.
You will be encouraged to engage in live projects and national competitions. Current examples are New Forest Trust Fine Furniture Competition, Alan Peters Award and Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers Young Furniture Maker Awards.
Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary from that shown here:
Year 1 (Level 4):
- Technical and Visual Communication (30 credit)
- Furniture Craft (30 credit)
- Design and Make (30 credit)
- Manufacturing and Material Culture (30 credit)
Year 2 (Level 5):
- Advanced Technical and Visual Communication (30 credit)
- Furniture Production (30 credit)
- Advanced Design and Make (30 credit)
- Advanced Manufacturing and Culture (30 credit)
The modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Study support
If you do not have a recognised disability or specific learning difficulty, but you require additional support with your studies, you may be eligible to access some discrete sessions in one of the following areas:
- Assistive software training
- IT upskilling
- Essay planning and structure
- Proof reading and editing written work
- Bibliographies and referencing
- Time management and personal organisation
- Revision and exam tips
- Presentation techniques
N.B. Your eligibility for any of the above support will be reviewed with your course tutors and a member of the study support team on your campus.
At each level of study you will be asked to participate in formative assessment procedures which require you to consider your own work against the agreed assessment criteria.
This allows you to reflect upon your own practice, with tutors, and to take responsibility for acknowledging areas of strength and areas for further development in your work.
Progression
Develop a career in furniture design and make with this work-related Honours top-up progression route.
Upon successful completion students can progress either to employment within the furniture industry or on to the BA (Hons) in Furniture Design and Make
Graduates have found employment in a variety of roles within the furniture industry. Typically they find employment as furniture makers, furniture designers/ CAD technicians, before moving into management positions and self-employment as designer-makers.
Entry requirements
- a minimum of one A-level at grade C plus the equivalent of 5 GCSE passes at C grade or above normally including Mathematics and English Language – or a recognised equivalent vocationally related qualification, or;
- A National Diploma in General Art and Design or;
- An Art Foundation course, or;
- Level 3 City and Guilds Diploma in Furniture, or;
- Access to Art and Design,
- a minimum of the equivalent of two years of relevant work experience and a current role in an appropriate workplace setting
- evidence of ability to study at academic level 4
- evidence of support/recommendation from their employer.
- Show that they have an understanding of the course
- Demonstrate that they have the necessary (or required) academic, artistic and practical skills, as appropriate, to enable them to embark upon their chosen course of study
- Show that they are motivated to undertake the chosen course of study
- Show an awareness of, and interest in, creative ideas
Additional information
Home/EU* Fee for September 2025 entry: £7,700 per year
Please note:
Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.
*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after the 1st August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:
- you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements
- you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue
Additional costs include:
Material fee of £300 per year.
Your materials fee covers most everyday consumables, such as adhesives, domino and dowel joints, screws, wood finishes, sanding belts, machine blades/knives/cutters and sharpening, mini-bus and coach travel, paper for sketchbooks, printing credit, etc.
Certain sundries such as mitre bond, epoxy resin, fixings, components, are allocated within budget to a fixed quantity for the year.
Specialist items which are specific to students’ own projects such as timber, catches, magnets, hinges are not included within materials fee.
All students are supplied with a starter pack at the beginning of each year that includes:
- 1” roll masking tape
- 1 metre of 120 grit Mirka abrasive paper
- 1 metre of 180 grit Mirka abrasive paper
- 1 metre of 240 grit Mirka abrasive paper
- 6 Mirka sanding discs (120, 180, 240)
- 6 cotton rags
- 3 pairs disposable gloves
In the first year the materials fee includes:
- Plywood and MDF to make tool drawers.
- Timber for practice joints.
- Timber, board, and veneer for Craft Table
- Materials for Seating Model – offcuts, construction veneer, etc
- Timber, board, veneer, and hinges for Craft Box
- Jig, rod, former material for your D&M Table
In the second year the materials fee includes:
- Gordon Russell Model – offcuts, construction veneers, etc.
- Production Table, Production Stool
- Storage D&M – prescribed quantities of Himax, Valchromat, Grada, Jigs, timber, template boards
- Pitt Rivers – offcuts
- Seating – prototype board materials, jigs, template boards
- You should be aware that accommodation and day-to-day living costs are not included in our fees.
- We strongly recommend purchasing a laptop to support you in your studies on the course.
- We recommend that you budget £100 a year for additional costs such as for stationary to undertake your studies. You can borrow textbooks and access journals from the recommended reading lists as these are available from the Learning Resource Centre.
How to apply
Applicants should apply online through the Oxford Brookes University website.
All applicants to the course will be interviewed and their portfolios reviewed, so we can assess the candidates suitability and compatibility. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your academic, artistic and practical skills needed to embark on this course.
You can also use your interview as an opportunity to tour the facilities, meet staff and students and have a rundown of the course.
Oxford Brookes offers accommodation for new and existing full-time students who wish to live in our halls and shared houses.
