City & Guilds Level 2 Forgework

This 16-week full-time course is designed to prepare you for an apprenticeship in farriery or to follow a career as a blacksmith/in blacksmithing.

Location: Oatridge
Study mode: Full Time (1 year)
Start date: January 2026
Agency code: FWO1

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Course overview

With plenty of practical content, this course develops basic skills in farriery and related subjects. It's designed to prepare you for an apprenticeship in the farriery industry, or for beginning a career as a blacksmith.

Over the 16 weeks you'll make a portfolio of pieces. This will include all the mandatory test pieces from the Qualification Handbook, and will be examined at the end of the course by an external examiner.

You'll also take a practical exam in which you'll produce two test pieces from the current Qualification Handbook, and a single multiple choice test via the E-volve system.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Minimum three National 4s, including English and Maths.

What you'll learn

We'll cover a range of topics during the course, including basic maintenance, operation and control of forge hearths and gas furnaces, and safe working practices in forging, forming, cutting and joining.

You'll also learn about using, maintaining and making blacksmiths' tools and produce a portfolio of forging exercises.

Student experience

Holly Loftus had a career in community projects before she came to SRUC to study forgework, something she had wanted to learn more about for many years.

It was a first step towards a dream career, and not one she took lightly. "I had very low confidence at the beginning of the course," she said. "But with the facilities available and the support of the staff, it didn’t take long for me to build up my skillset.

"My favourite thing was the style of teaching. It was always exciting and fresh. Over a few weeks my portfolio began to take shape and look quite impressive, which I'm very proud of."

I would 100% recommend this course to anyone who wants to gain confidence and increase their skills in forging.

Holly Loftus

Meet the lecturer

Juliet Grant

BA honours degree in 3D Design (Wood, Metal and Plastic)

Juliet’s aim is to bring students who have never lifted a hammer up to industry standard levels of skill.

After gaining her 3D Design Honours Degree, Juliet was awarded a Fellowship as a designer/maker in the Design Worker Foundation, where she developed, exhibited and sold her products. It was here that the blacksmithing spark was ignited.

Juliet continued to explore her passion by completing a Blacksmithing and Metalwork Diploma.

Course Funding

Full-time students of C & G Level 2 Forgework can apply for a Further Education Bursary.

Once you’ve accepted a place, we’ll email the bursary funding online application. Complete the application and return it along with any required documents. You should apply even if you're still waiting for exam results.

Tuition fees are waived for students who qualify for a bursary.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: Any care experienced students studying full time can apply for a bursary of around £202.50 per week. Find out more from our student funding teams at registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Education Maintenance Allowance: Students between the ages of 16-19 who meet specific criteria may be entitled to an EMA. This means-tested allowance depends on the income of the home the student stays in.
Discretionary Fund
Childcare