Jewellery and Related Products Birmingham City University

Overview

This distinctive one-year Graduate Diploma is structured across two semesters, focusing on practical training in jewellery and related products, specifically tailored for pre-Masters level learners. The programme is designed to help students refine their portfolios, particularly in the realm of contemporary jewellery, thereby facilitating their advancement to MA studies or other advanced educational pursuits. The course emphasises the importance of studio practice, encouraging students to develop confidence in self-directed learning and independent creative skills.

Throughout the duration of the programme, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of studio practice as a designer-maker within the jewellery industry. This will be achieved through guest lectures, industry visits, and hands-on experiences that enhance their knowledge of both historical and theoretical aspects of contemporary jewellery. Regular lectures and seminars will provide essential insights into the discipline, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

The Graduate Diploma incorporates substantial technical and studio-based learning, enabling students to acquire a diverse range of skills, materials, and techniques. Participants will be encouraged to generate innovative designs that meet high professional standards, culminating in the creation of a final body of work. Practical demonstrations and the use of various machinery and processes will provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing students to explore modelling and prototype development skills alongside critical design thinking.

Students will also enhance their communication skills by presenting their work and ideas to peers and tutors, fostering an environment of collaborative learning. The course promotes the identification and development of individual design interests, guiding students in cultivating critical reflective skills necessary for a sustained studio practice focused on jewellery and related products. Engaging in reflective discussions regarding their progress is a vital component of the curriculum, preparing students for future educational and professional advancements.

The programme concludes with an exhibition of students' final collections, providing a platform to showcase their work alongside other undergraduate peers. This experience not only highlights their achievements but also contributes to the celebratory atmosphere of the academic year’s end.

Graduates from this course have achieved notable recognition, including being shortlisted for the Global Design Awards through ArtsThread, a platform that offers exposure to a global audience and serves as a launchpad for creative practitioners. This diploma is particularly appealing due to its unique structure, which prepares students effectively for further Masters-level study. Graduates who excel with distinction are granted automatic acceptance into the MA in Jewellery and Related Products.

Why Jewellery and Related Products at Birmingham City University?

Birmingham City University boasts an internationally recognised School of Jewellery, the largest in Europe, located in the heart of Birmingham’s renowned Jewellery Quarter. This area is a significant hub for jewellery production, with an estimated 40% of British jewellery still crafted there today, providing students with invaluable contacts, inspiration, and practical experience.

In addition, Birmingham has been designated a World Craft City by the World Craft Council, underscoring the university's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in jewellery design. The School of Jewellery's strong connections with leading national jewellery companies, such as Georg Jensen, enhance the learning experience and provide students with unique opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Graduate Diploma in Jewellery and Related Products are as follows:

• National Students: £10,000 per year
• International Students: £18,600 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Students will engage with a variety of core modules to complete the Graduate Diploma, including:

• Contemporary Studio Practice (40 credits): This module focuses on developing confidence in material exploration and design processes.
• Contextual Studies (20 credits): This module supports studio learning and provides a historical and theoretical context to contemporary jewellery.
• Studio Project (40 credits): A self-directed project that allows students to explore personal interests within the jewellery discipline.
• Graduate Practice (20 credits): This module enhances understanding of the jewellery industry and develops essential communication and employability skills.

The course employs a diverse range of teaching methods, including workshops, lectures, seminars, group critiques, and industry visits, all aimed at fostering an experiential learning environment. Students will benefit from practical experiences that encourage creativity and innovation within the field of jewellery design.