This programme is aimed at aspiring furniture designer-makers. It provides a work-related Honours top-up progression route for holders of a Foundation Degree or HND Furniture Design and Make.
If you’re only applying to Activate Learning, use the Apply Direct button below. If you’re also applying to other institutions, use Apply via UCAS.
For further advice, see How to Apply for a Higher Education Course or contact us via our Contact Us page.
Full Time
08/09/26
16/06/27
Monday
1 Year
450 hours per year
450 hours per year
£7,700 per year
Home/EU students.
International students not accepted.
Learning in the Rycotewood Furniture Centre, our students develop skills as creative thinkers and makers, who innovate furniture craft through the exploration of materials and skills.
This programme is aimed at aspiring furniture designers/makers and provides a work-related Honours top-up progression route for holders of a Foundation Degree or HND Furniture Design and Make.
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.
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Furniture: Design and Make from Oxford Brookes University
Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary from that shown here:
The modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change.
Learning is supported through close contact with a range of furniture specialist tutors with access to dedicated facilities and provides an opportunity for personally-focused learning. Students will develop critical thinking and practical skills, as well as professional and research skills.
Alongside the academic study in the programme, you will develop the communication skills that will equip you to respond to changing conditions, to develop an ability to work in different environments and to seek out diverse opportunities in the furniture industries.
Contacts with the furniture industry are given a high priority throughout the programme and maintained through visiting specialists and guest lecturers, industry engaged projects and visits to relevant exhibitions, workshops and factories.
You will be encouraged to take an active role in your learning, utilising effective time management and use of resources.
You will be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college that will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake.
Students must have completed an appropriate programme to be eligible to apply for the final year entry to the BA (Hons) Furniture Design and Make. These include:
Applicants whose first language is not English, must also demonstrate that their level of English is acceptable by achieving a score in a recognised test such as: British Council IELTS: normally minimum level 6.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in the reading and writing components and 5.5 for speaking and listening.
In exceptional circumstances, direct entry to the final year BA top up may be considered for applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements, but are able to demonstrate a significant amount of relevant experience in the industry. This would normally be evidenced in the form of a portfolio and a reflective statement.
Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements would also be expected to demonstrate evidence of an ability to succeed on the programme with particular reference to their level of academic writing.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.
If you do not meet the formal entry requirements above but have relevant work experience, training, or alternative qualifications, you may still be eligible to apply through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
This process allows us to recognise the learning you have gained through professional practice, previous study, or other experiences when we assess your RPL application.
If you need any further advice or guidance, please see our How to Apply for a Higher Education Course, or send an enquiry through our Contact Us page.
Admissions Information
Our Admissions Policy outlines our commitment and responsibilities to applicants, while the Admissions Procedure for Higher Education explains the application and enrolment process.
All applicants are also encouraged to read our Higher Education Terms and Conditions, which provide important information and reference the relevant policies and procedures that apply to applicants and enrolled students. These can be found at the bottom of our Higher Education Policies page.
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.
On successful completion, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) Furniture Design and Make (Top-Up) from Oxford Brookes University.
*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:
Materials fee of £200 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 your materials fee.
All students are supplied with a starter pack at the beginning of each year that includes:
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 most of these are available from the Learning Resource Centre. If you choose to buy textbooks, they may cost up to £60 each.
You may wish to purchase some of your own tools and details of suggested items along with indicative costs is available upon request.
Oxford Brookes offers accommodation for new and existing full-time students who wish to live in our halls and shared houses.
Please read these important documents before applying for this course.
