BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FURNITURE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE

Why Study Furniture Design and Manufacture?
This programme produces highly skilled graduates who combine their creative strengths with manufacturing technology in the design and making of innovative furniture products. The programme develops skills in the use of traditional techniques and incorporates the requirement for competency in computer aided design (CAD) and manufacture. This broad approach allows graduates to enter the segment of the industry that most appeals to them, ranging from craft based workshops to modern furniture manufacturers. Keen attention is paid to intelligent design that addresses issues such as market, competitiveness, cost and environment and these criteria are closely linked with the ability of graduates to produce high quality furniture product prototypes.

Throughout the programme a number of challenging design and make projects are set and these underpin an intensive block of work placement that can be undertaken in Ireland, UK, USA, Europe, Australia and other parts of the world.

Brief Video about the Programme: (3 mins 24 secs)

Programme Modules
Year 1: Learning to Learn, Foundation Drawing, Materials, Manufacturing Technology, Technical Graphics, Mathematics, Furniture History and Design Process, Furniture Construction, and Projects 1

Year 2: Applied Science, Applied Graphics and Computer Applications, Management and Economics, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Design History, Design and Visual Studies, and Projects 2

Year 3: CAD/CAM, Product Development, Design and Innovation, Commercial Projects and Work Placement, Marketing and Finance and Regulatory Environment

Career Opportunities
Graduates with a broad range of skills and competencies function at different levels within the furniture industry. They usually operate at junior management level where, with a complimentary mix of design and manufacturing knowledge, they can contribute to: manufacturing, new product development, prototyping, 3D modelling and the generation of detailed presentations and working drawings. Graduates can also seek positions as cabinet/furniture makers in craft based industry and, after gaining industrial experience, can go on to establish their own businesses.

Other Essential Information
The programme involves training in the use of a wide variety of woodworking machinery.

First year students must purchase tool, safety and design kits upon registering for this programme which are sourced and specified by GMIT.

It is recommended that applicants have a European Computer Driving License (ECDL) qualification.

It is desirable that applicants have studied Art or Design and Communication Graphics to Leaving Certificate level.

An extensive five month work placement, which can take place in Ireland, the UK, the USA, Australia or other locations, is incorporated into year three, and provides students with essential, relevant industrial experience.

A term of study in a third-level Institute overseas may also be considered in lieu of the industry placement.

Follow-on Studies
Graduates can apply for places on year four of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Furniture Design and Manufacture at GMIT Letterfrack.