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Overview
Students will learn advanced technical skills in jewellery design and manufacturing, taught through rigorous and fast-paced practical training. They will also explore creative and sustainable applications of both traditional and new materials and technologies.
Qualification:
BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design and Production
Awarding body:
Kingston University
Location:
London
UCAS tariff points:
112 (BBC or equivalent)
UCAS course code:
W201
Duration:
3 years
Study mode:
Full time
Tuition fee:
£9,000
Next start date:
September 2025
You will come away from the course with your own technical and design portfolios and an accredited qualification, equipping you for continued jewellery studies on a range of diploma or degree programmes.
The British Academy of Jewellery’s BA (Hons) Jewellery Design & Production is validated by Kingston School of Art, Kingston University, which was rated the top in the country for design and crafts in the 2021 Guardian University Guide league table.
The degree programme is structured around five fundamental pillars: technique, innovation, professional practice, history and theory.
The holistic approach means that students can evolve into technically competent and highly creative jewellery professionals with a solid grounding in all areas of the jewellery industry. They will therefore be prepared to pursue their choice of career in jewellery of the broader creative industries, whether through professional practice, related employment, or further study and research.
All of our tutors are practising jewellers, meaning that their teaching is informed by their own professional experience and in-depth knowledge of the demands of the industry.
British Academy of Jewellery graduates are recognised as well-rounded and highly employable individuals with a broad range of relevant skills that are valued by the industry.
We welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds. Applicants are invited to meet the minimum entry qualifications listed; however, mature students and non-standard applicants who have not obtained the minimum entry qualifications may still apply through a submissions of samples of their work prior to being called for interview.
Students must normally be 18+ years over on 1st September in the session of admission.
Minimum entry qualifications:
All applicants invited for an interview are required to present a portfolio of work.
For applicants wishing to apply without 112 UCAS points should refer to contextual offers. See Recruitment and Admissions Policy.
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a ‘Home’ (UK), ‘Islands’ or ‘International’ student.
Eligible students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid directly to BAJ. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it. There may be additional extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Find out more about additional costs for your course here.
You may be eligible for a Maintainance Loan, this is a loan paid directly to your bank account at the start of each year, which you have to pay back. You have to give details of your household income and your course start date. More information is available here.
Technical skills
Innovation
Professional practice
History and theory
Progression
30 credits
This Unit aims to introduce a broad range of fundamental making skills needed to establish a jewellery-related practice, alongside, and in conjunction with the other modules on this course.Particular emphasis will be placed on formulating a basis of technique on which to build complex understanding and competence.
Students are encouraged to consider their own making methods and practice, translating their ideas and designs into three-dimensional forms. They will be invited to invest effort into the reflective process, and to establish strategies for time management.
Throughout this Unit, students are expected to apply safe working practices and gain a fundamental understanding of tools and basic jewellery-making techniques, while familiarising themselves with relevant materials and technologies to aid the making process.
They are systematically supported to realise their own ideas through independent thinking and the collaborative exchange of information. Projects will offer students an opportunity to explore varied methods of generating and developing concepts through material expression.
30 credits
Analogue & Digital Design Principles will complement the Jewellery Workshop Fundamentals Unit.
The Unit introduces students to the process of design development through the exploration of sources and techniques, and the presentation and communication of research.
Students will be introduced to a range of techniques encompassing exploration, observation, documentation and evaluation. This includes the application of
freehand drawing and rendering techniques in line with industry standards. The realisation of a digital or analogue research portfolio for documenting sources of inspiration and drawings underpins 3D designs and prototype development.
Simple 3D model-making techniques both analogue and digital are introduced to enhance the student’s ability to explore and communicate ideas effectively.
The Unit will enable students to develop the skills and tools required to
communicate and present their design ideas in a variety of media in response to
the audience they are addressing.
30 credits
The aim of this Unit is to introduce the student to professional practices within the global jewellery industry.
During this Unit, students will gain an overview of the breadth of the jewellery industry. They will learn about the different types of business models used within the industry, as well as key industry institutions, membership bodies, and specialist careers. During the Unit, students will link social aspects and sustainability to design practices and businesses.
The Unit will provide students with an understanding of the basics of jewellery marketing, fostering the students’ commercial insight into the professional communication of products, services and designs.
Students will also start developing the abilities and soft skills required to
successfully manage and organise individual and independent work.
30 credits
This Unit introduces students to key debates and theoretical questions whileproviding a framework within which they can position their own practices.
The Unit will discuss the social, economic, technological or cultural events that historically shaped jewellery practice in terms of production, design or
function/purpose.
Through a series of image-based lectures, discussions and appropriate field visits, students will develop an understanding of key debates and theoretical questions.
This context aims to inform the students’ own practices and provide them with the necessary tools to interpret the current world, its challenges and their own
responses to it.
Particular emphasis will be placed on techniques, the introduction of technology and use of material in jewellery making and design. As we move towards looking into the 20th and 21st century, the emphasis will shift towards more contemporary issues such as the changing role of jewellery, the debate between craft and technology, concepts of value, changing new media and digital technologies, and how all affect the sector.
Critical debates, which have shaped theoretical discussions of jewellery, are
introduced, and the contextualisation of the value of jewellery is a central theme for discussion.
30 credits
The aim of this Unit is to enhance the students’ jewellery manufacturing skills and encourage the creation of complex pieces of work.
Emphasis is placed on the development of competency in translating designs into objects utilising methods that are relevant in a contemporary jewellery workshop, through the application of materials, technologies and processes. Continuous practice-based research will enable the students to strengthen and reinforce the technical side of their practice whilst aiding insight into the theoretical.
By responding to live, set, and self-initiated briefs students will develop the ability to identify design and making challenges and adopt a reflective approach when aiming for innovative solutions and applications within the jewellery sector.
This Unit will lead students to build confidence in their personal development within jewellery manufacturing and enable them to clearly articulate decisions
around their work.
30 credits
Analogue & Digital Design Development will complement the Jewellery Fabrication & Material Experimentation Unit.
Building on the student’s prior learning, during this Unit students apply the process of design development in response to live, set and self-initiated briefs.
They will approach the brief through the exploration of sources and techniques and will document and present their research, ideas and finalised concepts.
The Unit aims to contextualise students’ design ideas and support them with the identification and adaptation of concepts to meet live, set and self-initiated briefs. The module encourages how to work creatively within established parameters and guidelines.
Students are expected to acquire the skills to communicate and present their
research, design process and final concepts professionally and thoughtfully; physically, digitally, verbally and visually.
30 credits
The aim of this Unit is to build on prior knowledge and enable students to begin applying commercial insights and understanding into practice. By the end of this Unit, students will have developed a more focused and resolved approach to their practice and specialism.
The Unit will provide students with fundamental skills in photography and
graphic design to support the development of promotional materials, for use both in print and digital or social media.
The Unit contains a group project, in which students will be asked to
collaboratively design, develop and sell a small commercial collection in response to an industry or set brief.
30 credits
This Unit emphasises theorisation of contemporary jewellery practice. A series of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and exhibition visits inform and support students’ own emerging research interests.
Throughout this Unit, students will develop independent visual and academic research skills that cross history, theory and design practice. Lectures and seminars will deepen critical and theoretical engagement with contemporary issues in jewellery. Seminar tasks and assessments are carefully designed to foreground projects that support the location of jewellery as a discipline. Research methodologies are introduced through case studies and practical activities that reflect the issues explored through the Unit’s contemporary content.
60 credits
This ‘capstone’ Unit is designed to be the culmination of previous workshop practice through the production of a final major collection.
The process will encompass all developmental stages from initial design through to final production of jewellery during which students’ making skills will be elevated to an advanced level, at a professional standard. Students are required to combine previously learned techniques into a cohesive body of work, enabling them to progress to professional practice or further study. Emphasis is placed upon taking all methods and techniques of manufacturing within the jewellery industry into consideration.
Students are encouraged to address this challenge by reflecting upon their own making process and contextualising their individual practices. Students will consolidate the professional skills and abilities they have gained, and demonstrate their ability to apply them through research, design development and final production of a collection. The ability to innovate and creatively engage with the subject during the final project is fundamental. Prior to commencement of the final collection, the students are required to submit a detailed collection proposal to be reviewed by tutors and peer group.
30 credits
The aim of this Unit is to prepare students to effectively promote their skills and abilities through the presentation of an integrated body of work that is industry ready.
This Unit requires students to develop a cohesive brand identity which is appropriate to both their work and their target audience, supported by a marketing strategy and relevant collateral and promotional materials. Whether the student’s ambition is to start a jewellery label, join a jewellery manufacturing house, or become a freelance designer maker, this module will focus on both the development of core business skills as well as the formation of their own personal branding.
A final presentation requires students to position their body of work within the industry and contextualise their ideas. They will also present their brand in the form of an industry-ready promotional package to help support the launch of their products and skills into the industry.
30 credits
The Dissertation: Research and Reflection module focuses on in-depth research, critical enquiry and reflection on questions and critical issues emerging in students’ own practices, and pertinent to the industry.
Over the Unit, students will initiate and develop an individual research topic; identify and evaluate appropriate archives, bodies of critical literature, visual/material sources and research methods; manage their study time; engage with and respond to tutorial dialogue and peer feedback and apply critical and analytical skills to produce a 6,000-word written dissertation, supported by a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Following the submission of the dissertation, and to support the realisation of the final capstone project, students will be assisted with the conception and development of an individual statement that enables self-reflection and locates students within the contemporary contexts of their discipline.
Consolidating the research, reflexive, and critical skills acquired throughout the students’ programmes of study, the statement seeks to engage and apply learning undertaken within critical and historical studies modules as well as studio practice.
It supports the students’ self-presentation at their final degree show, future postgraduate study, and/or professional practice in a variety of art and design contexts.
Meet the Team
81-84 Chalk Farm Rd,
London NW1 8AR
231-233 North Gower St,
London NW1 2NR
Student Work
The British Academy of Jewellery offers a range of student services and Academic support.
Your personal tutor will work with you to review your progress on your course and help you identify and achieve your personal goals.
Student Services and Administration provide a range of support, information, and specialist services to enhance your student experience.
The Student Welfare and Support Officer can advise on academy policies and procedures, any concerns, emotional or personal difficulties and provide information on external support services.
The course is fast-paced and focused, and you will work predominantly within dedicated studio facilities. A range of teaching methods are used throughout the course, including workshops, studio-based projects, seminars, lectures, discussion groups, project critiques, technical inductions, peer and self-assessment, individual and group presentations, essays, and critical writing.
At our London Camden campus, you will have access to dedicated, professional-quality jewellery workshop spaces and a range of jewellery design and manufacturing technology to gain familiarity with professional equipment for careers in jewellery.
At our London Euston campus, you will have access to state-of-the-art computer labs for digital design and research.Â
Assessment is both summative and formative. Primarily, summative assessment is intended to identify what has been learned (assessment of learning) and therefore the assessed mark counts towards the module grade awarded. Formative assessment is intended to help students to learn (assessment for learning) and provides opportunities for students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, focus on areas they need to work and improve, and identify how to achieve improvements.
Formative assessments will take place at several intervals during the course. Feedback, both formal and informal, is maximised throughout the programme and may take the form of individual tutorials, presentations, essays, shows and degree exhibits, portfolios, and module assessments. Students are given regular feedback/feed-forward through interaction in the studios in the development of projects, tutorials, group crits, and practice presentations.
The programme also contains a capstone project (JA6001) which is designed to be a culminating educational experience for students. It aims to summarise and synthesise all or part of a student’s academic career at the university.
In line with the Consumer Act, we reserve the right to close a course – if there are insufficient student numbers to make the course financially viable.
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