Foundation degree in Kitchen Design opens 2013

Head of National School of Furniture,
Dr Jones

Buckingham New University is set to introduce a Foundation Degree (Arts) in Kitchen Design, in September 2013, which will be the first of its kind. Head of the course, Dr Lynn Jones said: “It is an exciting leap forward” for kitchen design in the UK and believes it will add academic credence to the profession.

Head of the National School of Furniture (NSF), based at Buckingham New University, Dr Jones hopes the course will contribute to establishing the UK as the world hub for kitchen design.

The course is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time qualification, where each of the 12 study modules has been developed with industry partners, including kitchen designer Johnny Grey of Johnny Grey Studios. He will also sit on the advisory board at the NSF.

The course, which has taken two years to develop, will cover dealing with customers and suppliers to designing and managing kitchen projects, as well as computer-aided design. In addition, it will include business and finance, materials and technology.”

Dr Jones said: “The course will build on the many excellent apprenticeships in the UK, such as the Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms Training Group courses, run by the well-respected Renee Mascari, and will allow students the chance to gain further qualifications, and perhaps move on to degree programmes in furniture at Bucks New University or elsewhere.

“We have listened to what our industry partners and contacts have said and come up with a foundation degree programme that meets the needs of what they are looking for.”

Dr Jones continues: “Visits and live briefs from industry partners will be a key aspect and this course will also offer students the chance to work in industry and spend as much time learning outside the classroom as inside it.

“Now we want to build momentum, attract the students, and make a significant contribution to UK kitchen design.”

Among its industry supporters is Hettich UK, where students will work with them on live briefs. Managing director of Hettich UK, Tim Leedham commented: “The kitchen industry is both big and diverse. There are over 2,000 manufacturers of varying sizes and over 5,000 retailers. Nearly one million kitchens are sold in the UK every year and the industry is therefore a large employer and important to the UK economy.”

Applicants should hold a Level 3 qualification in kitchen fitting, furniture manufacture, design or similar qualifications. Mature students with relevant experience, but no formal qualifications, can also apply and applicants from industry can combine the part-time mode with employment.

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