BA (Hons) Jewellery and Object

Level One

Students will study a range of disciplines relating to jewellery and object design and will use precious, semi-precious and alternative materials in their work. This will provide students with a broad range of both theoretical knowledge and technical skills. At level one the programme intends to provide an environment in which conceptual thinking and creativity are encouraged, and where professional attitudes and good practice are developed.

Students will participate in modules which run concurrently across the year, for example one module deals with basic visual communication skills, including conventional drawing, introductory CAD, and media selection and application. Another investigates, analyses and applies the design process to a series of assignments that introduce students to jewellery and object design. Others explore the potential of various materials and processes associated with the manufacture of jewellery and objects and contextualise the subject through the history of design, the status of designer/makers in the current market place, whilst learning skills in the collection and delivery of written and visual research materials.

Level Two

Students will have developed an individual approach towards their work, allowing for personal expression and development within projects. Level two is designed to support and encourage students’ development and design at a more advanced level to enable them to gradually articulate a personal creative philosophy.

Modules provide opportunities to investigate the use of new technologies such as laser-cutting and rapid-prototyping and develop enhanced skills in 3D modelling to assist in the design and creation of innovative and creative jewellery and objects. One module provides students with the necessary skills to undertake a significant piece of written work to be submitted at third Level.

Level Three

Students at this level are expected to develop skills and attributes which will enable them to become independent thinkers and practitioners. Students will design and manage their work with support from the Jewellery and Object staff. Modules at this level will investigate the practical and intellectual issues that will confront them as professional practitioners and provide an ethical framework in which to operate as a successful artists and designers in the field; provide an opportunity to explore, in-depth, the potential of their creative ideas through the use of prototypes, models and finished products. A further module will enable students to reflect on their practice and placing their work in context. An end-of-year exhibition of work will allow students to display products and collections to the public.

Assessment methods have been selected to compliment various learning styles, relate clearly and directly to identified learning outcomes and to produce an appropriate range of approaches for the demonstration of understanding of knowledge.

Formative and summative assessment strategies are continually used to ensure knowledge and comprehension of skills and abilities are developed.

Assessment may involve the presentation of an identified project, oral presentation (which incorporates question and answer sessions), report and logbook evaluations, and the presentation of personal research projects. In addition to formal staff assessments, assessment can include self-assessment and peer-assessment. Feedback is provided at all stages on assessment achievement.

Applicants should have some knowledge of the subject and profession of jewellery which they can demonstrate. Interest in the creative arts in general is also expected. 

Applicants will be invited for interview, whereby they will have opportunity to go through their portfolio with a member of the academic team.

In your portfolio include idea sheets to demonstrate ability to generate ideas. Know your designers/design movements - include a piece of written work to demonstrate this.

Applicants will need to have one of the following:

• 280 UCAS points, with a minimum of 100 points (i.e. B or above at A-Level) in a relevant art/design subject
• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)
• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications
• An equivalent qualification to those listed above, i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit. 

The programme is designed to provide graduates with a high level of specialist craft and design skills required to prepare them for an exciting and successful career within the field of jewellery and object design. Whether your aim is to work for an international design house or a high street supplier, or something else entirely, the career possibilities are vast. Career possibilities include:

• Jewellery Designer
• Jewellery Artist
• Accessories Designer
• Buyer
• Marketing / Promotion
• Teaching
• Art Education
• Museum Services
• Gallery Work

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding