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Level 3
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Furniture Design and making
COURSE OVERVIEW
Develop advanced craft skills, explore sculptural form, and learn to design and build original furniture in our rural, professional workshop and classroom environment. This specialist Level 3 programme blends hands-on artistry with technical mastery—ideal for aspiring designer-makers, furniture artists, and creative problem-solvers ready to push their creativity further.
Delivered over 1 year, the course offers the flexibility to complete a second year to achieve an extended Diploma as well, allowing learners to tailor their journey to their goals.
FURTHER INFORMATION
This programme is ideal for students who are passionate about making, designing, and working with wood. You can join if you meet one of the following entry routes:
Route 1: Progression from Wood Trades
Applicants who have:
- Completed a Level 2 (or above) qualification in Furniture Making or Wood machining, Bench joinery
- Grade 4 in English and Grade 4 in Maths GCSEs.
Route 2: Creative GCSE Route
Applicants who have:
- Achieved five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above,
- An interest in progressing to Art, Design Technology, or related creative subjects.
If you’;re enthusiastic, motivated, and ready to explore both artistic and technical approaches to furniture and sculpture, this course is designed for you.
Admissions enquiries
If you have any questions about the entry requirements or the application process, please contact us on admissions@chichester.ac.uk.
After Completing the Course
Graduates will have a strong, industry-aligned portfolio and advanced workshop confidence, preparing them for:
Progression to Higher Education
- Furniture design degrees
- 3D design / product design
- Fine art sculpture
- Craft and material-based courses
- Architecture or spatial design (with portfolio)
Employment & Apprenticeships
- Fine furniture workshops
- Cabinetmaking and bespoke joinery
- Set building and prop-making
- Sculpture fabrication studios
- Modelmaking
- Creative industries and craft-based roles
This programme develops technical skill, creativity, and problem-solving—opening doors across both craft and design industries. It is a highly respected route into higher education, and will likely be looked upon very favourably when compared to A levels for progression into HE, due to the value of the portfolio during the programme.
Assessment on the UAL Creative Practice qualification is project-based, practical, and reflective—designed to support creative growth rather than rely on traditional exams.
You will be assessed through:
- Practical projects and workshop outcomes
- Design development, sketchbooks, and visual research
- Written reflections and contextual studies
- Final major projects that showcase your personal creative direction
- Portfolio building ready for employment, apprenticeships, or university
All assessment is internally marked and externally moderated by UAL.
- Tuition
- For students aged 16-;18, the course is typically free.
- Fees may apply for adult learners—please enquire for current funding options.
- Materials & Equipment
- A basic materials contribution will be required for personal project work, particularly concerning the materials you select for the final major project you design each year.
- Students should expect to purchase some personal tools, sketchbooks and stationary, and PPE (protective footwear, safety glasses, etc.). Access to your own computer or laptop is useful, but we also have computers available on campus.
- Specialist industry spec machinery and workshop resources are fully provided by the college.
Full equipment lists will be issued before enrolment. This is typically £300 for materials
Course Fees
If you are a home student and are under 19 at the beginning of your course, you do not have to pay tuition or exam fees for the majority of courses. If you are 19 or over when you start your course, you will have to contribute to your course fees in line with government guidelines.
For further information about course fees, please visit: https://www.chichester.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support/course-fee-information.
Financial Support
We understand that financial matters are an important consideration for our students and that everyone’;s circumstances are different. Please visit our financial support page for further information on what support is available: https://www.chichester.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support
If you have any questions regarding student finance, please email studentfinance@chigroup.ac.uk and one of our team will be in touch to help.
Applicants will be required to undertake a short course during the summer holiday (remotely, no college attendance required) This will include tasks like sketching pieces of furniture from your own home, reflecting on its features and how you might make aesthetic changes.
Identifying, researching, and evaluating the work of existing historical or contemporary furniture designers.
Creating a “mood board” for an existing furniture design brief.
If you’;d like to know more about:
- Course structure
- Workshop facilities
- Portfolio expectations
- Progression advice
- Open days or taster sessions
Please get in touch with the college admissions team.
Each year learners can enter a range of competitions at a regional, national and international level. We have trained students to successfully progress from national competitions in their first year to compete for gold medals at international competition in their subsequent years with us.
We also take part in an End of Year show at our Chichester College campus each year. This is a fantastic opportunity to display your work, to celebrate your new skills, cement friendships that you have forged during the year and meet with top industry employers.