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Close-up of jewellery being made

Jewellery

Undergraduate Pathway in Jewellery

The School of Jewellery is one of the largest in the world and is located in Birmingham’s working Jewellery Quarter, where a significant amount of British jewellery is still made.

Study one-of-a-kind degrees: BA (Hons) Horology (designing, making and repairing clocks and watches) or BSc (Hons) Gemmology (the study of precious gems).

Some of our students have gone full circle and are now Artists in Residence at the School of Jewellery!


Duration

  • Two or three semesters

Intakes

  • September
  • January
  • May

Entry Points

  • Foundation

Progression Degrees

BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies

This degree is one of the only courses of its kind in the world, enabling you to gain the highest level of professionally recognised gemmological skills. You will learn in purpose-built facilities at the Assay Office, examining gem materials under the microscope and exploring testing, diamond grading and jewellery valuation.

Find out more: BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies

BA (Hons) Horology

This is another specialist degree, where you will learn how to design, make and repair clocks and watches using fine hand and machining skills. Benefit from work experience opportunities through the School’s many industry partnerships with luxury goods brands including Richemont UK (who owns Cartier) and Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.

Find out more: BA (Hons) Horology

BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects

You will explore both traditional processes and experimental materials, giving you a range of skills and the confidence to grow creatively. While studying, you will have the opportunity to participate in jewellery exhibitions, enabling you to showcase and sell your pieces to the public. You will also have the chance to enter multiple competitions and industry awards.

Find out more: BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects

Step inside our School of Jewellery

Programme Details

Foundation Modules - Jewellery

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication*

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Creative Workshop*

During this module, you will develop and demonstrate imaginative and flexible approaches to different art and design techniques. You will develop your ideas within the creative studio environment.

Critical Thinking*

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

Extended Media Experimentation

You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

Information Researching, Recording and Responding in Art & Design

During this module, you will learn how to undertake in-depth research while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also learn how to respond to problems, enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication & Preparation and Progression in Art and Design

This module will cover topics including:

  • Understanding cultural and gender differences
  • Methods for planning, preparing and producing a major art and design project
  • Preparing for exhibition.

Knowledge & Understanding of Creative Practice in Art & Design

You will develop an understanding of contemporary, cultural, social and historical contexts in art and design. This will help you develop your creative practice and make informed decisions about your pathway choices.

Mass Communication*

This module will introduce you to the core concepts and principles relevant to mass communications, including some of the major theories.

Media Experimentation in Art and Design

You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.

Personal Combined Experimental Studies in Art & Design

This module will cover topics including:

  • Reviewing and reflecting on your own work
  • Challenging previous thoughts, ideas and beliefs
  • Health and safety requirements
  • Record-keeping.

* Additional four modules in the three-semester programme

Foundation Modules – Gemmology/Horology

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 1

This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

Physics 1

This module defines the basic laws of physics. You will learn how to describe the fundamentals of mechanics and thermofluid mechanics.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

ICT Skills

This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills, including applications and reporting mechanisms.

Information Researching, Recording and Responding in Art & Design

During this module, you will learn how to undertake in-depth research while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also learn how to respond to problems, enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.

Critical Thinking

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Entry Requirements

In addition to GCSE Maths and English or equivalent at grade C/4 or above, you must submit a good portfolio if you are entering the two-semester programme without a related academic subject.

A portfolio is NOT required for entry onto BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies or BA (Hons) Horology.

Workshop Requirements

All students accessing the 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room and the kiln room will need to wear safety footwear with toe caps. Such footwear can be purchased from any safety footwear provider (e.g. Sports Direct) and can be as cheap as £12. The shoes should be S1P and comply with EN 20345.

There is no long-term storage facility for personal items in the workshops, so you will need to bring the safety footwear with you each day you are accessing the workshops.

Career Prospects

  • Jewellery Designer
  • Gemmologist
  • Horologist
  • Auction Specialist
  • Luxury Sales Associate

Industry-standard Facilities

The School of Jewellery is in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. Inside is a contemporary environment of workshops, a specialist library and exhibition space. Take a look at where you will be studying and the facilities available to you.

Our Facilities – Jewellery
Student working on their portfolio

Art Support

Want to study Jewellery but don’t yet have a portfolio of work? Check out our Art Support Hub, where you can access:

  • Taster videos on working with materials such as craft wire and salt dough
  • A virtual tour of our latest in-college Art Exhibition
  • Inspiring stories of BCUIC student success in the creative industries.
Explore our Resources
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