- Location
- Anniesland Campus
- SCQF Level
- 8
- Start Date
- 24 Aug 2026
- Qualification Type
- HND
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 2 Year (August to June)
Applications for Aug 2026 courses open Wednesday 14th January 2026
If you’d like to build on the skills you’ve learned in our NQ course, this two-year HND will prepare you for work in the industry. Delivered by a team of practising professional luthiers, makers and repairers in our well-equipped workshop, you’ll learn wood machining, jig making, advanced major repairs and finishing techniques that will help you master this very special craft. You could also showcase your achievements in the Craftex competition, which celebrates the work of skilled students from colleges around Glasgow.
What will I learn?
The general aim of the HND Musical Instrument Making and Repair course is to prepare you for working in the industry by examining and utilising some of the production methods used in a small workshop environment. You'll produce a minimum of two instruments during the course. This will enable the development of practical skills and provide knowledge and understanding regarding the rationalisation of working methods in a similar way to the production methods found in small workshops.
You'll research and develop methods to enhance the manufacturing process using jigs and machinery, this will further develop your craft skills, improve quality and increase production.
You'll study a range of subjects such as wood machining, Jig making, advanced major repairs, practical acoustics and materials testing, finishing and instrument construction.
The following is a list of course units currently taught:
- Wood machining
- Major repairs
- Jig making
- Instrument inlay and soundhole cutting techniques
- Manufacture of instrument necks
- Manufacture of instrument body components
- Team building project
- Practical acoustics and materials testing
- Assembly of instrument bodies and necks
- Finishing
- Graded unit 1.
Hear from HND student and Craftex winner Alan.
Entry requirements (minimum)
You'll have constructed at least one musical instrument and attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:
Entry requirement equivalency table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
Various makers and repairers throughout the UK and beyond.
Jobs and further study
You could become an instrument repairer, maker or technician, a teacher, or go into careers that involve specialist woodworking skills.
If you successfully complete the course, you can also go on to study BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft at Lincoln College.
Take a look at the course progression map for musical instrument making courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You'll receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you'll either be:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you'll be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You'll be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You'll be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you'll not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you'll be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.
