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National Certificate: Furniture SCQF Level 5

This course will provide you with the basic skills you will need to start a career in the furniture industry. You will work through a range of projects that  will challenge your practical abilities and woodworking knowledge. Many of the subjects are integrated, so you’ll be completing assessments for a few subjects through one project. Assessments are mostly based around your practical projects with the addition of some written assessments.

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Level:

SCQF Level 5

Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Glenrothes

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year full-time

Who is this course for?

This course is for those with an interest in designing and making furniture, learning more about the traditional skills to become a craftsman blended with innovation techniques and experimentation of scale to create functional pieces of furniture for everyday use. Whether you are a school leaver or looking to gain more knowledge, this course will introduce you to the many layers of skill involved in creating furniture.

What skills will I learn?

  • You will learn and develop  practical woodworking skills, research skills, design history and model making.  
  • You will learn and improve your knowledge of  softwoods, hardwoods, timber staining/finishing and modern upholstery.  
  • You will develop your skills by maintaining and using hand tools tools, as part of your workshop projects. 
  • You will develop safe working practices on how to use woodworking machines.
  • The course is heavily inspired by STEM subjects.

What will I study?

  • Machinery woodworking
  • Workshop practice
  • Timber frame
  • Carcase making
  • Upholstery: an introduction
  • Upholstery application
  • Furniture polishing
  • Furniture drawing
  • Art and design: design activity
  • Furniture: polishing practice
  • Veneering
  • Furniture in context
  • The Core Skills of ICT, numeracy and communication will be developed and certificated on this course

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • HNC: Furniture SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: 3D Interior Design SCQF Level 7
  • NC: Art and Design level 6
  • NC: Architecture with Interiors level 6

What career opportunities are there?

  • Apprentice/trainee
  • Cabinet maker
  • Upholsterer
  • Polisher/finisher
  • Independent visual artist

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