Jewellery and Silversmithing - Design for Industry (Level 6 | Top-up) - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
If you want to be a designer within the contemporary jewellery industry, our Jewellery and Silversmithing – Design for Industry degree course will help you succeed. Focusing on new technology but building on existing traditional skills, you’ll receive the support, facilities and expertise to enhance your jewellery design potential....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location School of Jewellery
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
If you want to be a designer within the contemporary jewellery industry, our Jewellery and Silversmithing – Design for Industry degree course will help you succeed.
Focusing on new technology but building on existing traditional skills, you’ll receive the support, facilities and expertise to enhance your jewellery design potential.
Our graduates are highly successful and go on to work in design and production roles for local and international businesses, as well as setting up their own successful companies.
What's covered in this course?
This leading design course is a one-year top-up, shaping contemporary designers for the jewellery and silversmithing industry. Emphasising new technology, it builds on existing traditional skills to enhance your potential.
Whether you want to work as a designer within a company or as a creative entrepreneur, our dedicated staff will help you develop a successful career.
Live projects give you a chance to test your skills and creativity, and exhibit work with the chance to be awarded student prizes. You will create several products throughout the course to develop your portfolio.
You’ll use the latest CAD software packages and work towards a project to design, develop and launch a new product range.
Visits to trade fairs, exhibitions and companies give you an understanding of commercial manufacturing environments and help you decide which aspect of the jewellery trade you want to work in.
Our students benefit from outstanding industry links and you’ll also have the chance to enter awards and competitions to help you get noticed.
You’ll study at our internationally-renowned School of Jewellery, in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter where much of today’s jewellery is still made. The historical facade of our Vittoria Street building conceals a contemporary environment including workshops, a specialist library, an atrium gallery and exhibition space.
Choosing to go onto the Design for Industry year after completing my HND was the best decision. It allowed me to create a final collection that purposefully designed to combine my new CAD skills whilst pushing myself to progress my hand skills. The tutors provided the perfect balance of freedom and guidance, offering valuable industry knowledge and insights.
As a result, my collection earned me awards, including Jewellery Designer of the Year at New Designers in London, and opened doors to job offers and mentoring opportunities. I wouldn’t have had this exposure without being on the DFI program so I encourage anyone interested to just go for it!
Augusta Lazenby - student
For me, coming to the School of Jewellery was the best decision I’ve made. The tutors really knew how to make me to want to work harder to develop my skills further and to start thinking outside the box. They are one of the reasons that made me enjoy making jewellery so much. I managed to get my name out there through the opportunities that the School gave me and to be honest, that’s one of the most important things.
Mihai Donoiu - student
Why Choose Us?
- BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing students won awards at the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Awards, and the School won the College Trophy.
- Founded in 1890, our internationally-renowned School of Jewellery is the largest in Europe, located in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. An estimated 40 per cent of British jewellery is still made there today and you’ll gain contacts, inspiration and experience.
- You’ll have access to industry standard studio workshops with laser cutting, marking and welding, and a dedicated CAD facility with relevant CAD software.
- Sponsorship, support and strong collaborative links with industry will help you to develop an entrepreneurial outlook and an insight into the professional world.
- We have an excellent reputation for highly employable, creative graduates with an in-depth understanding of the latest technology and the manufacturing industry.
- Our Technology Hub offers expertise in a range of industry-related techniques, including CAD and manufacturing, rapid prototyping, surface finishing, reverse engineering and project management.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 24 November 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
240 credits equivalent following the study of a relevant and compatible course at levels 4 and 5, or HND, Foundation Degree, DipHE (or equivalent).
- Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE): Students will be required to have successfully completed both Level 4 and Level 5 in an relevant and compatible course and achieved 240 credits.
- Foundation Degree (Level 5): Students will be required to have successfully completed a relevant and compatible course (e.g., FdA in Jewellery and Silversmithing) and achieved 240 credits.
- Higher National Diploma (HND): Students will be required to have successfully completed a relevant and compatible course and achieved 240 credits.
Applicants will also need to submit a good portfolio. Applicants that meet the essential entry requirements must complete a successful interview in order to receive an offer.
If you are an EU/international student or are transferring from another course or university, please see 'Additional information' below.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year
- £18,600 in 2025/26
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Portfolio guidance
If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.
Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.
Portfolio guidance
If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.
Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
You will explore the potential that 3D Cad software offers a designer/manufacturer within the industry. You will work with the technology hub to appreciate the variety of software available commercially and the practicalities of using this for production. You will learn and develop advanced modelling skills to fulfil a range of set tasks, from commercial client briefs to leading industry competitions.
You will explore the potential for technological process used in the production of jewellery and allied products. You will work with the technology hub and equipment provided within the school’s extensive facilities to explore and appreciate the technological processes available commercially and the practicalities of using these for production.
This module of work utilises your portfolio of products to showcase your skills, building on your Personal Development Plan and your future career aspirations. It runs concurrently with your final major project, using the new product range you are developing to promote your skills to the industry.
You will reflect on your individual career opportunities and research your chosen area of specialism. You will discuss your ideas with your tutors to determine a portfolio of products / skills with which to graduate with. The focus for the project will fulfil a personal brief to enhance your employment and future career prospects upon graduation.
Download course specification
Download nowCourse Structure
The course is assessed through coursework. We feel this best mirrors the way you’d work in the real world and so better prepares you for a career in the design industry.
The course enables you to begin developing a collection of work to start a business with or towards creating a professional and relevant portfolio for your intended career.
You’ll develop a strong portfolio of work - each practical module leads to you creating a jewellery product, ready for market, constructed from precious metals or other materials.
You'll also have the chance to enter competitions like the annual Goldsmiths Craft and Design awards. Birmingham City University's historic School of Jewellery has won a top accolade at a major industry awards ceremony recognised as the 'Oscars' of the jewellery world.
The final stage of the course is an exhibition of work to promote you to future employers and industry professionals.
A variety of different learning and teaching methods are employed on the course. These include Lectures, Seminars, Critiques, Team Work, Presentations, Tutorials, Online Learning, and Self Directed Study.
If you wish to the push the boundaries of jewellery and silversmithing, challenge traditional conventions, and create experimental objects in materials other than metal then we suggest you visit our Jewellery and Objects course.
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
The course has an excellent reputation for highly employable graduates with an in-depth understanding of the latest technology and the manufacturing industry.
Many of our graduates are employed in a variety of roles across the industry, from jewellers, stone setters, retailers, CAD designers, casting production and managers. Our graduates are working for companies such as Deakin and Francis, Asprey’s, Bespoke Quarter, Vipa Designs, Weston Beamor, Centre Jewellery, Cooksongold, Royal Mint, Jewelcast, Charles Green, Hockley Mint, amongst others, or have chosen to start their own business, Like Kirsty Bridgwater, Jack Row, Andrew Cowley (Bespoke Quarter) and Lucy Walker.
You’ll have creative ability, commercial awareness and technical skills, using the latest CAD software packages. This will be complemented by essential networking, communication and presentation skills that are required in a competitive industry.
A strong portfolio shows your product range and creative style. You’ll also know how to create a plan for your career progression upon graduation, explore brands and market new products.
Our graduates have been exposed to industry and are quickly noticed by professional contacts.
By working on live briefs you’ll learn how to generate a range of potential ideas and apply this to the production of creative work.
You’ll also develop a range of transferable skills, such as how to communicate ideas and solve problems, as well as developing negotiation and planning skills.
Placements
Although we don’t offer a formal placement year as part of this course, our students are offered a range of opportunities thanks to the outstanding industry links of our respected staff.
It is not uncommon for our students to be working in the industry part-time while studying with us, and we have placed students into companies locally to support their understanding of the industry.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
The School of Jewellery at Vittoria Street is inspirational and functional. A blend of traditional historic and cutting-edge contemporary, it is light, spacious and extremely well-resourced.
An extensive refurbishment programme integrated the Victorian Gothic building of 1863 with the adjacent 1912 extension and a site further down the road. The architects’ success in doing so resulted in awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Civic Trust.
You’ll have access to industry standard equipment, studio workshops with specialist tools and a shared machine workshop with a wide range of powered equipment, a casting facility and an electroplating laboratory. The School’s main computer suite includes CAD design software and Adobe Creative Suite, and you’ll have access to a specialist library.
Our staff
Andrew Howard
Lecturer
Andrew has been lecturing on the Design for Industry Course since January 2016. He has strong links to the Jewellery Industry and uses these to his student’s advantage from organizing group visits to allow students to see behind the scenes in large companies to sign posting them to the best setters, finishers, casters etc. Andrew has a...
More about Andrew