You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• product and furniture design
• 3D design crafts
• interior design

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course in furniture design or furniture making, or a T Level in Craft and Design.

Courses like these would teach you some of the skills you'll need and could help you to get a job as a design assistant or trainee with a furniture making company.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You may be able to apply for a place on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

• Fitted Furniture Design Technician
• Bespoke Furniture Maker

These can take around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You'll need:

• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a furniture designer, you could:

• research and develop new design ideas
• work to a plan or 'brief' agreed with the client
• calculate costs, timings and types of materials for a job
• sketch ideas by hand or using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• make and test models and prototypes
• work with manufacturers on mass produced products
• present new pieces at industry design and trade shows

You could work in a creative studio, from home or in a workshop.