We are proud to announce our popular 50 Week Furniture Design and Makers’ course is SCQF credit-rated by Qualifications Scotland Level 8*.
The one year course is aimed at those who are looking to commit to a big change in their life. Do you wonder if you have the creativity and the ambition to run your own business? We’ll be with you every step of the way, so don’t worry if you have no experience. Most students start from a beginner’s level and we can help you explore your creativity and learn key skills from our award winning tutors.
“There really has never been a better time to train to become a furniture designer maker. Our 50 week course provides students with a SCQF Level 8 qualification* credit-rated by Qualifications Scotland within a 50-week time frame.”
Read more about our award here.
This one year course covers all of the basics you’ll need to know, listed in the syllabus below, and there are plenty of other topic options available, depending on what interests you most. Design appreciation and history will be looked at and assignments are given out which enable you to join in with our design discussions, start to consider design practices, and study existing designers. If you are less interested in the design side then our one year making only course may be better suited to you. We also take trips to exhibitions and have guest lecturers to teach additional topics.
Three or four projects are usually completed in the year and will be designed by you with guidance from your tutors. Our photographer will produce your portfolio which you can use to promote your business or gain employment. All students have the opportunity to also leave with a SCQF Level 8 qualification, credit rated by Qualifications Scotland, which can also help you to gain employment. If your dream is to start your own furniture making business once you finish your course with us, we can also cover subjects on business management, including accountancy, legislation, and marketing.
Our year course lasts a full 50 weeks, with 1 week off in August and another week over the Christmas period. So, you can get as much practical experience as possible during your time here.
*A SCQF Level 8 qualification is comparable to a Higher National Diploma or the first two years of a degree. Level 9 is a degree, 10 a honours degree, 11 a masters and level 12 is equivalent to a doctorate.
Next start dates:
20th April & 7th September 2026.
Cost: £24,000. Deposit £6,000 to secure your place.
Hand tool selection – New, old, tuning and sharpening. Use of hand tools and accurate measuring
Glues – Different types, strength comparison, and correct uses.
Abrasives – Different types and correct uses
Machinery – Maintenance, identification, and applications
Health & safety
Hand power tools – Routers, router tables, biscuit jointers, domino jointers, sander, drills
Joints – Cutting, assembly, identification, construction
Templates
Jigs and small batch runs
Drawing – Sketching, working drawings, rods, introduction to CAD
Cutting lists
Ordering timber – Costing and estimating waste
Timber study – Movement, moisture content, drying, defects, and conversion
External timber yard visit
Veneering – Selection, storage, preparation, vacuum bag
Laminating – Cutting, thicknessing, invisible glue lines
Curves – Steam bending (subject to availability), laminating
Finishing – Types, applications, polishing oils, bleach, colouring
These topics may be studied in addition to core topics, subject to availability and schedules
Making
Steam bending
Power carving
Material science
Carbon fibre
Design history
Design principals & appreciation
Metalworking
CAD, CNC machines
3D printing and 3D scanning
Business
Setting up a workshop – machinery, legislation, dust extraction
Meeting clients and communication
Exhibiting your work – retail, galleries, internet, your own exhibition
Introduction to websites – SEO, marketing, PR
Printed stationery – branding, designing, brochures, business cards, letterheads, drawings, photography
Course cost
50 week course cost: £24,000
Deposit: £6,000
Please contact us for details on the instalments for the remainder of the cost
Other costs
A budget for tools should be allowed, we can advise on what is needed
A budget should also be allowed for materials for your own projects. Materials are provided for small samples and test pieces
Schedule
Our student intakes are in April and September. Occasionally we can accept students outside of these dates, please email us to enquire about this
Teaching is 9am until 4.30pm
Some out-of-hours and weekend practice time may be available, subject to terms and conditions.
New for 2026
Extend to a 2nd year for just £15,000
Extend your 50 week course into a second year and complete further projects whilst deepening your understanding of techniques and practicing hand-skills.
Many students feel they would like to stay on at RHS after the 50 weeks draw to a close. They may have other ideas they want to explore, have portfolio’s to extend or just want to stay in a creative environment for longer.
This extra year allows students to create work at a higher degree level without any exams or essays to write – purely concentrating on making.
If you are hoping to go into the industry after your time at RHS, your learnt and practiced skills after 2 years shows an employer your high-levels of aptitude, skill and practical abilities.
Whilst it is not a degree in furniture design and making, it does carry some weight in the industry – Marc Fish and robinson house studio have become internationally renowned due to the experimental and progressive nature of their work and the exceptionally high level of tuition given by the school.
You will extend your knowledge of subjects including mixed media making, computer aided design and machining, model making and metal working. Whilst being encouraged to use these materials and skills in the projects produced in your second year.
We aim for you to produce three projects in the second year; the projects will be designed by you with guidance from Theo, Marc and the team.
Again, our photographer will help produce your portfolio at the end of the year, for you to use to promote your business or gain employment.
We’d be delighted to talk through any questions you have on adding a second year.
