Learn how to build beautiful furniture at one of the best colleges in the country for Furniture Studies. Our courses are hands-on and teach you practical woodworking, modern machining and creative design skills. With expert tutors and specialist workshops, we set you up for a future as a professional in the furniture industry.
There are not many colleges offering full-time Furniture Studies courses, but we are one of the leaders and with over 9,000 furniture manufacturing companies in the UK, the opportunities to progress in the industry are vast.
At Moulton College, we prepare you for the world of work from day one. Our courses offer a mix of creativity, hands on making and technical skill. They are ideal for students who enjoy design, problem solving and working with detail.
Key reasons to study at Moulton College include:
- Industry standard workshops equipped for cabinet making, wood machining, finishing and upholstery.
- Access to modern machinery and precision hand tools used by real furniture makers.
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) suites to support digital drawing and design.
- Expert tutors who guide you step by step through each project.
- Strong industry links with opportunities for work experience.
- Clear progression routes through Levels 1, 2 and 3.
- Chance to enter competitions like WorldSkills, helping you build confidence and showcase your talent.
- Creative, practical courses where you learn by making real furniture pieces.
- A mix of traditional and modern methods, helping you understand the history of an industry that wants young professionals with new ideas.
We offer courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3 so there is a clear pathway through Furniture Studies.
Level 1
This gives you a strong foundation in the essentials including furniture design, ICT and hand drawing skills, health and safety, and manufacturing basic furniture.
Level 2
A strong next step where you develop your woodworking skills and begin producing more detailed pieces. You’ll develop your knowledge of technical drawing, design, timbe and how to use equipment safely.
Level 3
A one year, advanced course that takes you through the full design to build process. You’ll create more complex pieces, develop drawing skills and learn about the history of furniture design.
Careers
After completing your course, options include:
- Moving on to the next level of Furniture Studies
- Joining the industry as a trainee furniture maker or wood machinist
- Taking up a role in design, restoration or finishing
- Explore specialist craft areas or further creative study
Your learning takes place in workshops designed for real furniture making. You will use a mix of hand tools and machines to shape, cut and finish wood. Lessons include demonstrations, guided practice and technical tasks that help you build your skills.
You will also spend time in our Computer Aided Design (CAD) suites, where you learn how to produce digital drawings that support your work. Technical drawing is an important part of the course because it helps you plan your projects and showcase your designs to others.
Teaching includes both practical sessions and theory lessons. You may also take part in work experience with employers, giving you real insight into the industry. Competitions like WorldSkills help you challenge yourself and test your abilities.
Assessment includes practical projects, written tasks, technical drawings and portfolio work. By the end of the course, you will have a strong set of skills and a portfolio of pieces that show your craftsmanship.
Have a question?
Have a look at our FAQs below to find out more.
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What course are you looking for?
Full time | Level 1
Certificate Level 1 Furniture Making and Furnishings
Full time | Level 2
Diploma Level 2 Furniture Making
Full time | Level 2
Diploma Level 2 Wood Machining
Full time | Level 3
Diploma Level 3 Furniture Design and Making
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Furniture FAQs
Is the course practical?
Yes. Most of your training takes place in the workshop, where you will build real furniture pieces. You also have classroom sessions for design, drawing, theory and planning. This mix helps you understand both how to make furniture and how to design it properly.
The course suits creative, practical learners who enjoy working with detail. Many students come from art, DT or design backgrounds. You do not need experience, but you should enjoy hands on work, problem solving, concentration and working carefully.
We don’t currently offer Furniture apprenticeships, but some students move into jobs with training after Level 2 or Level 3. Many employers value the strong workshop skills taught at Moulton, which helps students progress into workplace learning.
Yes. Moulton has strong industry links, so you may take part in commercial experience or employer run projects. This gives you a chance to see how a professional workshop operates and build confidence before you enter the industry.
You will train in specialist workshops for cabinet making, wood machining, finishing and upholstery. You will also use CAD studios for digital design work. These facilities allow you to experience the full process of professional furniture production.
Yes. You will create several pieces of furniture during your course. These projects form a strong portfolio that you can show to employers, colleges or clients. This is an important part of proving your skills and gaining work.
