Start dates: January, May, September
The one-year advanced course is aimed at those who may have trained elsewhere or are self taught to an already high standard. If you already feel you know the basics and want to push yourself further and explore your creative side, this course is ideal for you.
You will cover more advanced subjects including mixed media making, computer aided design, model making, metal working including casting theory/comissioning and welding. Business topics can also be covered such as accountancy, legislation, and marketing, which will be helpful areas if you are looking to start your own business. We also take trips to exhibitions and have guest lecturers to teach additional topics.
Four projects are usually completed in the advanced year, and the projects will be designed by you with guidance from your tutors. You will be encouraged to push yourself, explore new techniques and experiment with materials and finishes. Our photographer will produce your portfolio, which you can use to promote your business or gain employment. All of our students also leave with a graded diploma, which can also help you to gain employment.
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, 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, hand pressing, vacuum bag
Laminating – Cutting, thicknessing, invisible glue lines
Curves – Steam bending theory, coopering, 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, coopering
Power carving
Material science
Carbon fibre
Design history
Design principals & appreciation
Metalworking
CAD, CNC machines
3D printing and 3D scanning
Mould making for casting in metal and resin
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: £18,000
Deposit: £3,000
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 January, May, 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
