GMIT Prospectus 2022/23

GMIT CREATIVE AND CULTURAL

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Furniture Design and Manufacture (Level 8) Bachelor of Science in Furniture Design and Manufacture (Level 7)

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Code: GA981 Level: 8 Code: GA970 Level: 7

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Why study Furniture Design and Manufacture? 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 course is for you. Students get an opportunity to develop skills in both traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques and learn how to apply the design process from concept through to fully finished furniture 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. Year-long Work Placement in Year 3, in Ireland or overseas, ensures graduates gain invaluable experience and have a good understanding of their roles in industry. What will I study? Through projects, students respond to design briefs and apply the design process through to finished prototypes. There is a focus on more industrial and automated machinery in Manufacturing Skills 2. Other subjects include Visual Communications and Contextual Studies, CAD /CAM, Advanced Materials and Sustainability and Applied Science and Testing. Students also research and prepare for Work Placement through the subject Business Environment. Year 3: For Year 3, students are placed in a company or organisation linked to the Irish Furniture industry. During their placement, students also undertake some online learning including subjects Product Development and Marketing and Computer Aided Design and Manufacture. See the section on Placement to find out more. Year 4: In Year 4, students undertake the design and creation of furniture items suitable for commercial and domestic interiors through a subject called Professional Design Practice. Students also develop their ability to research and learn professional and management skills, undertaking subjects in Commercial Design, Project Management, Entrepreneurship and Advanced CAD and BIM. Year 1: Common First Year – see page 134 Year 2:

What are my career opportunities? Currently there is 100% graduate-employment for those wishing to enter the wood and furniture manufacturing industry following study in GMIT Letterfrack. There is a very strong demand for graduates who have a balanced mix of design and manufacturing skills. These transferrable 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.

Design – Career opportunities • Designer Maker • Product Designer • Kitchen Designer • Space Planner

• CAD Design • Procurement • Prototyper • 3D Modelling

• Project Management • Costing and Estimating • Entrepreneurship

Other Essential Information • First year students must purchase tool, safety, and design kits upon registering for this course, which are sourced and specified by GMIT. • It is desirable, though not essential, that applicants have studied Construction Studies, Art or Design and Communication Graphics. • A Level 6 Higher Certificate is embedded in this course, and students may wish to exit with this award after completing years one and two.

National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design &Technology

PLACES 18

CAMPUS Letterfrack

DURATION 3/4 years

Talk to us: Jeremy Madden, Lecturer Tel: +353 91 74 2669 | E-mail: jeremy.madden@gmit.ie

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