This module, Projects 1, integrates the core areas of design, making and digital manufacture in the context of furniture related products. Learners are taught from first principles and establish a level of accuracy and proficiency required for the production of creative and high quality pieces. The module will be process led in order to help learners build competence in their use of the design process and the application of both traditional and modern woodworking techniques.

1. Develop through questioning and lecturer demonstrations a defined level of work quality and aspire to achieve this.

2. Competently produce high quality components and finished pieces of furniture through the organisation and use of essential hand skills, power tools and basic traditional and digital machining techniques.
3. Demonstrate an ability to analyse design briefs and develop creative solutions to the problems posed
4. Prepare the organisation, planning and production of furniture components.
5. Apply different wood finishes to a required level of work quality
6. Consider through class discussion, issues related to sustainability, circular economy and the UN sustainable development goals as they apply to furniture making practice and project work.

7. Value the importance of appropriate furniture design and making techniques in the manufacture of high quality gallery standard furniture.

This module introduces the theory and practice for all types of hand tools and power tools used in furniture making. Best practice in terms of tool use, set-up, health and safety and performance are established.

1. Plan and prepare for the safe operation and set up of a wide range of hand tools, power tools and machines used in the production of furniture components
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the safe use of various hand tools, power tools, machines and finishing equipment.
3. Apply procedures for precise marking and measuring of joints and furniture components
4. Organise and manage safe working practices in a working environment
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the safe use of various precision marking and measuring tools
6. Understand the various types of wood finishes and application techniques suitable for furniture and furniture components

This module aims to introduce the learner to 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD), Product Data Management (Costing) and their associated underlying principles. The module will employ industry standard software and will stress the value of computer-based visual and product data to professional designers and makers. Further emphasis will be placed on the use of these tools to generate professional standard working drawings, bills of materials and digital prototypes.

1. Recall and define the various Computer Aided Design (CAD) terminology, as applied to the furniture and wood product’s industry.

2. Use 2D CAD software as a means of demonstrating competence with fundamental drawing projection and design communication principles.

3. Create professional quality industry standard working drawings (including all relevant accompanying product data) in a professional format and in accordance with relevant international standards and best practice.
4. Employ the use of appropriate software packages to generate 3D digital representations of various artefacts.
5. Describe and demonstrate the various digital workflows involved in a typical furniture and wood products industry project.

Design Elements introduces students to and develops their core skills in the fundamental elements of design; sketching, process, context and creativity. Design Elements aims to collaborate with other modules in the delivery of common assignments.

Sketching – Students will gain skills in 2D and 3D hand sketching techniques coupled with basic model making skills to aid students in idea generation and problem solving.

Process – Students will learn about the need and use of design process and be able to apply a defined method to help solve design briefs.

Context – Students will be exposed to contextual studies related to historical and contemporary styles, products and design. This will aid them in answering design challenges and inform them of how and why this subject area has developed as well as providing them with an appreciation for the value of design.

Creativity – Through applied projects and group exercises students creative abilities will be developed to help them overcome road blocks in the context of design.

1. Developsketching skills appropriate to the process of design.

2. Demonstrate an ability to make models as part of the design process.

3. Create and present basic graphic layouts for presentation.

4. Evaluate a design brief and apply the design process to generate multiple creative ideas to given design problems.

5. Demonstrate a knowledge and recognition of design in ahistorical and contemporary context.

6. Associate the value that design sustainability plays in society.

This module will allow learners to explore a variety of natural and manmade materials and their associated processing techniques appropriate to the furniture industry. A strong emphasis will be placed on the learners understanding of wood, and its related composites. Characteristics, properties, joinery and finishing techniques alongside traditional and modern processes will be addressed. Other materials to be introduced will include metal, glass and plastics. Active learning will be applied through experiential labs to help students explore these materials and processes in a hands-on fashion. Sustainability issues will be addressed in the context of the materials and practices mentioned above.

1. Identify and classify wood using basic scientific analysis and justify species selection in the manufacture of given components or products
2. Discuss tree felling, conversion, and drying in relation to the preparation of wood for use in furniture, joinery and construction
3. Formulate and accurately undertake basic tests such as those for checking moisture content, case hardening and hardness of wood
4. Discuss the production, properties and uses of selected materials such as wood, wood based composites, modified wood, glass, metals and plastics
5. Appraise sustainability and environmental issues in relation to material selection in the manufacture of furniture
6. Demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of basic tools and equipment used in the manipulation of materials such as glass, plastics and metals
7. Develop manufacturing documentation such as cutting lists and material costings associated with rudimentary furniture products
8. Discuss the basic health and safety requirements associated with the safe use and disposal of materials

The aim of this module is to develop academic and professional development skills for student success in higher education and beyond. This module combines online learning activities and small group workshops to focus on areas such as academic writing and integrity, creative thinking, problem-solving, time management, communications, group work, technology, innovation and presentation skills.

1. Apply appropriate tools and principles to optimise the learning experience.

2. Develop self-reflection practices for individual and group-work activities.

3. Develop academic writing skills, recognise different information sources and apply the principles of academic integrity.

4. Assess a variety of professional communication practices and digital tools and apply to problem-solving.

5. Consider how the chosen discipline has a responsibility to wider society.