If you like to solve problems using creative techniques and if you are interested in learning a range of skills to design and make contemporary and innovative furniture products, then this programme is for you.
Students get an opportunity to develop skills in both traditional and advanced maunufacturing techniques and learn how to apply the design process from concept through to fully finished furntiure projects.
Initially focusing on hand and power tools, students acquire skills to utilise a range of woodworking machinery, CNC technology, laser equipment and digital manufacturing.
Keen attention is paid to intelligent design that addresses issues such as markets, competitiveness, cost and environment and these criteria are closely linked with the ability of graduates to produce high-quality furniture product prototypes.
​​The main subject in year one is Projects, where students learn furniture making techniques and how to use wood and other materials to design and make furniture projects of very high quality. Other subjects include Design Process, Furniture History, Technical Graphics, applied Mathematics and Materials and Construction. A common first year module called Learning and Innovation Skills helps students understand the nature of learning at third level. Industry study trip are also undertaken.
Projects get more challenging and students respond to design briefs and apply the design process through to finished prototypes. There is a focus on more industrial machinery and advanced manufacturing technology where CAD and digital manufacturing are explored. Students are introduced to the business environment and begin to research companies for their Work Placement in Year 3. Other subjects studied in year 2 are CAD/CAM, Sustainable Materials, Design Process and Manufacturing Technology.
A 20-week block of work placement is undertaken in third year in Ireland or overseas. GMIT Letterfrack has contacts with a wide range of companies across the furniture and wood products industry. With support from their lecturers, students obtain valuable and relevant work experience. Examples include projects on super-yacht fit-outs, commercial interiors, custom made kitchens and bespoke furniture pieces. In preparation for work placement, students learn how to create a professional profile, prepare for interviews and build up an ePortfolio. Other subjects include Design Sustainability and Innovation, Product Development and Applied Science.
In Year 4 students select an area of interest to them for their Major Project which has a practical (project) as well as an academic output (report). Students develop their ability to research and learn professional skills such as Professional Design Practice, Project Management and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, students study Building Information Modelling, Design Communication and CAD/CAM. An international study trip is usually undertaken also.
There is a very strong demand for graduates who have a balance mix of design and manufacturing skills.
These transferable skills allow graduates to enter the segment of the industry that most appeals to them, ranging from craft based workshops to modern furniture manufacturers, both in Ireland and Internationally.
Some graduates also go on to establish their own businesses after gaining industrial experience.
GMIT Honours (Level 8) qualifications are recognised worldwide for entry to postgraduate programmes including Level 9 Master of Science research programmes.