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Furniture course qualifications

On Graduating

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, with its 25-year pedigree of practical cabinet making, furniture making, design and furniture restoration, is recognised worldwide. Furniture course qualifications which are awarded are:

The School is a Scottish Qualifications Authority Approved Centre No. 3008002.

* These Higher national units are required by the UK Border Agency for all students coming from outside the EEA. The exams are also available, but not compulsory, for any EEA students.
** SCQF = Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
*** NQF = National Qualifications Framework

Portfolio and "Apprentice Box"

Certificates are clearly very important but most future employers and customers will be more interested in evidence of practical woodworking ability. An effective way of demonstrating the skills learnt on the course is the Apprentice Box.

The Apprentice Box is unique to the Chippendale School of Furniture and is a physical demonstration of a student’s abilities. It has a marquetry top and inside there are 5 panels with 10 examples of different cabinet making techniques, including leatherwork, gilding, oysterwork and various inlays.

A photographic portfolio is also important, but it is this box that demonstrates the disciplines in which you have a high standard. You may wish to show it to a future employer or it may be useful to show clients. Either way it is highly practical, being both very tangible and extremely portable.

Graduation Ceremony

The course ends with a graduation ceremony for family and friends where the Student of the Year is announced. This is followed by an open evening for the furniture community and the school’s network of supporters. Students' work is displayed providing an opportunity to sell pieces of furniture.

Look at the syllabus overview to get a good idea of the skills you will learn in the course.