Not every career in the Wizarding World revolves around the Ministry or teaching in Hogwarts. Many are employed as wandmakers, architects, carpenters or are some form of craftsman. Vocational Studies in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry revolves around teaching its young students the pertinent skills, involving practicals and the instruction of usage in enchanted equipment. It is the equivalent of a Muggle shop class, and its purpose is to introduce students to various fields so that after graduation, they are better able to choose where they wish to be apprenticed to become masters. The course is offered as an elective from the third year to the seventh. Though there are no restrictions placed upon who may select this class, one cannot deny that the vast majority are young Wizards.

Third year: Students are introduced to the very basics of craftsmanship. They are taught the properties of certain magical ingredients and components in the crafting of items such as wands, cauldrons and brooms. Practicals include the usage of equipment to complete assigned, basic projects.

Fourth year: Studies from the previous year are continued, and Wizards are taught to craft projects in metal, leather and wood.

Fifth year: An introduction to architecture is given, explaining the magic behind the constructions of such wonders as Hogwarts Castle. Students are expected to be able to design their own houses and build miniature models, in addition to other projects that review and build skills gained in the previous two years.

For the OWLs: Written examinations cover every aspect of theoretical knowledge thus far taught, including vocabulary, the principles of design and safety. The OWLs focus more heavily upon the practical aspects. Students should expect to demonstrate that they are capable of constructing functional objects within a given time period.

Sixth year: Preparation for the NEWTs begins. Students continue their studies of architecture, becoming more acquainted with the principals of locational geomancy and working with instruments to determine the best locations to construct buildings. They are also introduced to the principles of constructing magical vehicles that resemble those of Muggles, such as ships and steam locomotives.

Seventh year: Preparation for the NEWTs continues. Wizards are allowed to study somewhat independently in their favoured fields, be it architecture and geomancy, shipbuilding and nautical navigation or manufacturing and carpentry. No matter the chosen field, students are also expected to maintain some working knowledge of other subjects.

For the NEWTs: Students are expected to have a project (or multiple projects) completed that demonstrates their knowledge of their favoured area of study. Written examinations determine their knowledge of those areas they did not focus upon so strongly.