When can I start my course?
For long courses (19 weeks and up), our intake for new students is April and September.
You can view our dates for Taster Week here and a huge variety of weekend courses here.
How are the courses taught?
The courses are taught in small groups of around 6 students so you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time with the tutors. Theo Cook, our Vice Principle and Senior Tutor leads the day-to-day teaching with talks and lectures by both Theo and Marc Fish who is available daily. Students typically complete 3-4 projects over a one year course, which are designed by the students with guidance from tutors, but can be set by tutors if a student wants to solely focus on making. There are also occasional guest lectures and trips to exhibitions and timber yards.
Will the course qualify me to set-up my own business?
We have had students from the previous 12 week course set-up businesses, but if this is your aim, we’d suggest the 50 week course as a better option. They are ideal if you’re looking for a career change, or if you’re a student looking to build a business out of your passion. We cover business subjects including accountancy, legislation, and marketing. Plenty of our students have gone on to start their own business!
What happens after I finish my course?
Setting up your own workshop can take time, particularly as it can be expensive. If you’d like to carry on with your woodwork after the course, we have benches available to hire in the workshop. You could also gain work elsewhere, using the portfolio you will have built up during your time with us.
Do I need experience to apply for one of your courses?
Not at all! Our long courses are designed to cover everything, right from the basics, and most of our students join us without experience. If you have a little experience and have taken a few courses, our course may still be right for you as we offer an opportunity to expand on your knowledge and get a lot of making practice. If you have some experience and aren’t sure if our course is right, please get in touch and we can discuss it further.
Do you accept international students?
We have been delighted to accept students from around the world, particularly from the USA and Europe. However, we are not an accredited college (none of the English woodworking colleges are) and you will need to research your eligibility to study in the UK.
Here is a good place to start your research: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
Or email us at admin@marcfish.co.uk.
Are there any funding options available?
Unfortunately, there are not many options available for student loans or grants, and the majority of our students are self-funded. Long courses are paid for in instalments and we are happy to work with you on a payment plan.
Can I come and visit you?
Yes, please do! We are located in Newhaven, near Brighton, which is just over an hour from London by train. Please contact us to arrange a time to come and visit us.
Where is the studio?
We are located in Newhaven, which is just outside of Brighton, and just over an hour away from London by train. We are also right on the South coast, 15 minute walk to the sea!
Can you recommend accommodation for students?
There are plenty of places to stay in the surrounding areas, including bed & breakfasts and homes you can rent while you stay here. Please view our list of recommended accommodation, listed here in a PDF, if you are taking a weekend or week course. If you would like assistance with accommodation for a longer course, we are happy to help advise you on where to stay (Brighton, Newhaven & Seaford) and put you in touch with a local lettings agent.
Will I need a car to get to the studio?
No. The studio is a short walk from a nearby train station and there is also a bus stop close by.
What can I do in my spare time?
There is plenty to do in the area, so there’s no risk of you getting bored if you take one of our long courses! Brighton is a busy city that’s popular with tourists, with lots of events and festivals throughout the year. We’re also close to the beach and surrounded by the beautiful Sussex countryside.
London is just over an hour by train too, where there is plenty to see and do.
Our course Booking Terms and Conditions apply to students enrolling on a course with us at robinson house studio, bounding both parties in a contract.
