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Sheridan College, located in Ontario, Canada, is a prestigious educational institution ...
Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design (Furniture)
Trafalgar Campus (Oakville)
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design (Furniture) program at Sheridan College offers students a comprehensive education in furniture design and craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with contemporary practices to prepare them for successful careers in the furniture industry. Over four years, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that integrates hands-on studio work, design theory, technical skills development, and professional practices. Under the guidance of experienced faculty who are practicing artisans and designers, students explore a range of materials, processes, and conceptual approaches, allowing them to develop their unique design aesthetic and creative voice. Through studio-based projects, collaborative workshops, industry partnerships, and exhibitions, students gain practical experience, build a portfolio of original work, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to thrive as furniture designers and makers. The program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of traditional furniture design, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the field upon graduation.
Curriculum:
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Studio-Based Learning Environment: The program provides students with dedicated studio space equipped with specialized tools, machinery, and resources for furniture design and fabrication. Students have the opportunity to work in a hands-on environment, experimenting with materials, exploring construction techniques, and bringing their design concepts to life under the guidance of experienced faculty.
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Comprehensive Curriculum: The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential to furniture design and craftsmanship, including design theory, materials science, woodworking techniques, furniture history, sustainability principles, and digital fabrication technologies. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, and studio projects, students develop a deep understanding of the principles and practices of furniture design.
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Design Process and Concept Development: Students learn to develop their design ideas from concept to realization, engaging in iterative design processes that emphasize research, sketching, prototyping, and refinement. They explore various design methodologies, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a design philosophy that reflects their individual interests and values.
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Technical Skills and Craftsmanship: The program emphasizes technical proficiency and craftsmanship, with students mastering a range of woodworking techniques, joinery methods, and furniture construction processes. Through hands-on projects and demonstrations, students acquire the skills needed to execute their design concepts with precision and attention to detail.
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Material Exploration and Innovation: Students have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials commonly used in furniture design, including wood, metal, plastics, and alternative materials. They explore material properties, experiment with surface treatments and finishes, and push the boundaries of traditional material usage to create innovative and sustainable furniture designs.
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Sustainable Design Practices: The program promotes environmentally conscious design principles and sustainable practices within the furniture industry. Students learn about the environmental impact of material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycle management, integrating sustainability considerations into their design decisions and practices.
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Professional Development and Industry Connections: Throughout the program, students engage with industry professionals, guest speakers, and visiting artists who provide insights into the contemporary furniture market, emerging trends, and career opportunities within the field. Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships, design competitions, and exhibitions, gaining exposure to the broader design community and establishing professional networks.
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Portfolio Development and Presentation Skills: Students graduate with a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their design process, technical skills, and creative vision. They learn how to effectively present their work to potential clients, employers, and collaborators through portfolio reviews, presentations, and exhibitions, positioning themselves for success in the competitive design industry.
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Entrepreneurship and Business Skills: The program equips students with the entrepreneurial skills and business acumen needed to succeed as independent furniture designers or small business owners. Students learn about marketing strategies, branding, pricing, and business development, preparing them to navigate the challenges of running a successful design practice or startup venture.
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Continued Learning and Professional Growth: Graduates of the program are prepared for lifelong learning and professional growth within the field of furniture design. They have the skills, knowledge, and adaptability to pursue advanced studies, specialized training, or new career opportunities as the design industry evolves.
Location
Trafalgar Campus (Oakville)
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 16927
Application Fees: CAD $ 100
Academic Requirements: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Sheridan College should have a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 88 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 60.
- DET Score: A minimum DET score of 115.
Sheridan College does not provide scholarships to international students. However, there are other financial aid options available to international students, such as bursaries and awards. These are typically based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. International students can also explore external scholarship opportunities offered by their home country's government or private organizations. It is recommended that students thoroughly research and apply for these opportunities well in advance of their desired start date at Sheridan College.
Graduates of Sheridan College's Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design (Furniture) program possess a unique blend of artistic creativity, technical proficiency, and entrepreneurial skills, positioning them for diverse career opportunities within the furniture design and manufacturing industry.
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Furniture Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as furniture designers, creating original and innovative pieces for residential, commercial, and institutional settings. They develop design concepts, produce technical drawings, and collaborate with clients, manufacturers, and artisans to bring their creations to life.
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Furniture Maker/Craftsperson: With expertise in woodworking techniques, joinery methods, and furniture construction, graduates can establish themselves as skilled furniture makers or craftspersons, producing high-quality, handcrafted furniture pieces for individual clients, galleries, or design studios.
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Product Developer/Prototype Builder: Graduates may work as product developers or prototype builders for furniture manufacturers or design firms, translating design concepts into functional prototypes and production-ready models. They refine designs, conduct material tests, and oversee the manufacturing process to ensure product quality and integrity.
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Custom Furniture Fabricator: Some graduates choose to specialize in custom furniture fabrication, working with clients to design and build bespoke furniture pieces tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and space requirements. They collaborate closely with clients, interior designers, and architects to deliver personalized solutions.
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Furniture Production Manager/Coordinator: Graduates with strong organizational and project management skills can pursue careers as furniture production managers or coordinators, overseeing manufacturing operations, scheduling production timelines, and coordinating workflow to ensure efficient and timely delivery of furniture products.
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Furniture Restoration Specialist: Those with a passion for preserving and restoring antique or vintage furniture pieces can pursue careers as furniture restoration specialists. They assess the condition of furniture, perform repairs and refinishing work, and restore pieces to their original beauty and functionality.
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Retail Buyer/Visual Merchandiser: Graduates may work as retail buyers or visual merchandisers for furniture stores, design boutiques, or home furnishing retailers, curating product selections, sourcing new furniture designs, and creating visually compelling displays to attract customers and drive sales.
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Design Consultant/Interior Stylist: Graduates can leverage their design expertise to work as design consultants or interior stylists, providing guidance and expertise to clients on furniture selection, space planning, and interior decoration. They collaborate with homeowners, businesses, or design firms to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior environments.
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Educator/Workshop Instructor: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in education, teaching furniture design, woodworking techniques, and studio practices at colleges, universities, or art schools. They share their knowledge and expertise with aspiring designers and makers, inspiring the next generation of furniture artisans.
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Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner: Graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions can establish their own furniture design studios, workshops, or small-scale manufacturing businesses. They develop their own product lines, build client relationships, and market their creations through online platforms, craft fairs, and gallery exhibitions.
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Industry Consultant/Researcher: Graduates may work as industry consultants or researchers, providing expertise and insights to furniture manufacturers, design firms, or government agencies on industry trends, consumer preferences, and sustainable practices. They conduct market research, analyze industry data, and offer strategic recommendations to support business growth and innovation.
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Exhibition Curator/Creative Director: Those interested in promoting contemporary furniture design and craftsmanship can pursue careers as exhibition curators or creative directors for galleries, museums, or design organizations. They curate exhibitions, organize events, and promote emerging talent within the furniture design community.
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Digital Fabrication Specialist: With advancements in digital technology and computer-aided design (CAD) software, graduates can specialize in digital fabrication techniques such as CNC machining, laser cutting, and 3D printing. They integrate digital tools and technologies into their design process, pushing the boundaries of innovation and customization in furniture design.
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International Opportunities: The skills and expertise gained from Sheridan College's Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design (Furniture) program open doors to international career opportunities, with graduates working in diverse cultural contexts, collaborating with artisans and manufacturers around the world, and contributing to the global dialogue on furniture design and craftsmanship.
