BA (Hons) Jewellery Design & Production

Led by Dr. Sofie Boons, the only PhD-qualified course leader in UK jewellery design degrees. Small class sizes. Big industry connections. Real-world projects. Validated by Kingston University – Top 6 in the UK for Art & Design (2025 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide).
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Open days

Get ahead of Clearing – enquire now for a September place.

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Study mode: Full time
  • Location: London
  • Start date: September 2025

Prefer to talk? Call us on +44 (0)20 7405 0197

About
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WHY BA (HONS)?
Progression
location
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Overview

The British Academy of Jewellery’s BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production offers a unique degree programme that combines advanced technical skills with creative development in design, theory, and innovation for jewellery.

You’ll learn advanced technical skills in jewellery design and manufacturing, taught through rigorous and fast-paced practical training. You’ll also explore creative and sustainable applications of both traditional and new materials and technologies.

Kingston University London
Apply via UCAS

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

Institution code:
B73

Next start date:
September 2025

Study mode:
Full time

Home fees:
£9,000

International fees:
£18,950

You’ll Thrive Here If You

  • Want to study jewellery exclusively, not a general art or design course.
  • Prefer hands-on studio learning over traditional lectures.
  • Are ready to specialise after a vocational qualification, A-levels, or an art and design foundation programme.
  • Want to study in the creative hub of Camden, London.
  • Gain expert guidance from Dr. Sofie Boons, the UK's only PhD-qualified jewellery course leader.
  • Learn from practising jewellers who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
  • Value one-on-one time with tutors and close-knit collaboration.
  • Earn a degree validated by Kingston University, ranked 6th in the UK for Art & Design in the 2025 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Student Work

About Us

The British Academy of Jewellery is a hub for technical excellence in jewellery, creative, and business education.

For over two decades, we have been providing cutting-edge training and inspiration to the next generation of jewellers, while supporting existing jewellery professionals through opportunities for upskilling.

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Application Process

Applying Via UCAS Clearing

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Speak With Our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0)20 3034 0123

We will call or email you to assess your eligibility for the course.
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Our Impact and Achievements

At the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ), we’re proud to be recognised as a
pioneering force in jewellery education. Our reputation is built on innovation,
industry relevance, and real-world success.

Endorsed for quality

We’ve been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in both 2019 and 2025, affirming our trusted reputation for responding to jewellery industry needs.

Setting national standards in jewellery education

In partnership with the Scottish Qualifications Authority, BAJ co-developed the SQA Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications in jewellery, setting a new benchmark for vocational jewellery education in the UK.

NSS-backed teaching quality and student satisfaction
Our HND Business course achieved 96.5% student satisfaction, a testament to the high-quality teaching and support that extends across all BAJ programmes, including jewellery.
Recognised by the Mayor of London

We’re proud to hold the Mayor’s Skills Academies Quality Mark – a prestigious recognition for London’s most exceptional skills training providers.

Validated by Kingston University — Top 6 Art & Design in the UK
Validated by Kingston University, ranked No. 6 in the UK for Art and Design (2025) by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. As a partner of Kingston University – a recipient of the prestigious Gold Award in the Teaching Excellence Framework – we share their commitment to outstanding teaching quality and student support.

Alumni Impact

Susannah King, a fourth-generation goldsmith, recently showcased her work at London Fashion Week and opened a flagship store in Kensington.

Learn more about Susannah King
Tabi DSGN, whose designs have been worn by Lola Young on Jimmy Fallon.
Learn more about Tabitha Sullivan
Cece Jewellery, founded by Cece Fein-Hughes, made it onto Forbes 30 under 30 2023 and created stunning pieces worn by Taylor Swift, ordered by Gigi Hadid.
Learn more about Cece Fein-Hughes
Genevieve Schwartz, named NAJ’s Designer of the Year 2024, is pushing boundaries with her creative designs. Pieces recently worn by Katherine Ryan and Emily Dean on the BBC One Show.
Learn more about Genevieve Schwartz

Why Choose BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production

At the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ), we don’t just teach jewellery design and production – we live it. This hands-on programme is for students who want to push boundaries, master technical craftsmanship, and gain the business skills to lead in the jewellery world. Through live industry projects and mentorship from top professionals, you’ll shape your future in jewellery design and production.
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Validated by Kingston University, ranked 6th in the UK for Art & Design in the 2025 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, and awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework. *Source: 2025 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
At BAJ, you’ll gain hands-on experience that will set you apart. Master everything from soldering and stone setting to advanced CAD, while challenging and innovating design in ways that will shape the jewellery of tomorrow. We focus on sustainable innovation and the reimagining of global jewellery traditions to prepare you for the evolving demands of the industry.

Step into BAJ’s lively jewellery community, where creativity meets craftsmanship. Surrounded by industry pioneers, you’ll be part of a hub where professional growth, technical excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit converge. Our London base offers endless inspiration and opportunities to connect with the jewellery world at its heart.

You’ll come away with a polished technical and design portfolio and an accredited qualification, equipping you for a successful career or further studies up to master’s level.
Future-focused
Gain a future-focused BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design and Production combining technical skills, innovative design, business expertise, industry projects, and mentorship

Join small cohorts and work in fully-equipped studios, where you’ll get personalised attention and hands-on experience that sets you up for success in the jewellery industry.

Our faculty are practising jewellers with real-world experience, bringing industry insights directly into your learning. Benefit from expert mentorship, ensuring your skills are honed by those who’ve exhibited in galleries and worked on major international projects.

BAJ’s strong links with the jewellery industry mean you’ll work on live projects, network with top professionals, and gain invaluable real-world experience. Whether you’re entering competitions, curating exhibitions, or meeting global jewellery houses, you’ll leave with a portfolio and connections that set you apart.

What You Will Learn

Technical skills

  • Gain technical hands-on skills in jewellery manufacturing and production.
  • Develop the skills to independently design, develop and produce a portfolio of jewellery, with an ability to apply these skills in a commercial context.
  • Gain a professional level of individual creativity, vision and personal expression in jewellery production and design.

Innovation

  • Experiment with new and existing techniques, technologies, processes and materials.
  • Gain an advanced understanding of new and future technologies, materials, processes and techniques for jewellery design.

Professional practice

  • Develop a range of jewellery-related critical, creative, technical and professional skills relevant to employment in the industry.
  • Gain the manufacturing knowledge needed to prepare to set up your own brand, begin a career of your choice within the industry, or pursue further study or research.

History and theory

  • Understand the key critical, professional, theoretical and cultural debates in jewellery, craft and design.
  • Learn critical thinking and develop transferable skills and competencies.

Year one

Level 4

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.

Year two

Level 5

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.

Year three

Level 6

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.

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Course specification

What Will You Learn?

This degree is built around four key pillars that prepare you for a future in jewellery:

  • Manufacturing & Technique –
    Get hands-on experience in the workshop and hone your craft.
  • Design Innovation –
    Push creative boundaries and refine your design vision.
  • Professional Practice –
    Learn how to navigate the industry and grow your career.
  • History & Theory –
    Deepen your understanding of the cultural, historical, and theoretical foundations of jewellery.
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Careers and Progression

As a graduate of the BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design & Production, you’ll be equipped to:

  • Launch your own brand and carve out your niche in the jewellery industry.
  • Work with renowned London or global jewellery houses, gaining hands-on experience and building your professional network.
  • Apply for leading postgraduate (MA) programmes to deepen your expertise and open up further career opportunities.
  • Enter the jewellery sector, the broader creative industries, or explore research opportunities, with a solid foundation to pursue multiple career paths.
  • Become a highly skilled technical maker and independent thinker with a standout portfolio of jewellery creations.
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Jewellery Prime Time

In this episode of the BAJ Podcast, Sofie Boons, Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design & Production and self-proclaimed Alchemical Jeweller, speaks with artist Hollie Paxton, a key contributor to the course.
Discover Hollie’s fascinating jewellery career, from creating designs for major TV hits like Netflix, BBC, and Apple TV, to showcasing her personal collections and bespoke commissions and vision for the course.
Listen to the podcast
Where You Can Study

London, Camden

81-84 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AR

London is well known as one of the cultural capitals of the world and is also home to a plethora of jewellery and diamond businesses and organisations. Studying in the heart of this vibrant and multicultural city, you will have the opportunity to make valuable links with top manufacturers and employers through BAJ’s dedicated networking and events programme.

About Camden

Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter

1 Moreton St, Birmingham B1 3AX

London is well known as one of the cultural capitals of the world and is also home to a plethora of jewellery and diamond businesses and organisations. Studying in the heart of this vibrant and multicultural city, you will have the opportunity to make valuable links with top manufacturers and employers through BAJ’s dedicated networking and events programme.

About Birmingham
Where You Can Study

London, Camden

81-84 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AR

About Camden

London, Euston

231-233 North Gower Street, London NW1 2NR

About Euston

Accommodation

London – Best city in the world to study in (QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2024)

At BAJ, we don’t provide accommodation, but we know how important it is for you to find the right place to live during your studies. To help you with your search, we’ve put together some useful links to trusted accommodation websites.

We recommend two private student accommodation options near Camden and Chalk Farm, located in a lively and well-connected area of London. With easy access to transport links, local shops, cafes, and cultural attractions, these locations offer a great balance of convenience, comfort, and the exciting energy that makes London a unique city for students.

Private student accommodation

The Stay Club
Londonist Student Accommodation – Camden & Hawley Crescent Residences

GoBritanya Student – Show your BAJ student ID to access discounts.
Homes for Students
University Living
Scape Student Living
Londonist
AXO Student Living
Amber Student

When searching for accommodation, it’s advisable to consider short-term housing options before committing to a longer-term rental. Temporary stays, such as in hotels, hostels, or short-let apartments, provide flexibility to view properties in person and choose a place that best suits your needs. This approach helps ensure that your long-term accommodation aligns with your preferences and requirements.

Airbnb
Unite short lets
Londonist student accommodation

Just a quick note: BAJ doesn’t officially endorse any of the websites we suggest, but they can be helpful starting points for your accommodation search.

Information

Living in London

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Student experience

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Student life at BAJ

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Your Tutors

Dr. Sofie

Boons

BA (Hons) Jewellery Design & Production Lead

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Contact

Rachel

Church

Associate Lecturer: Contextualising Jewellery Practice

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Contact

Phoebe

Coleman

Lecturer, Design and Professional Practice, BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production

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Contact

Syd

Kendall

BA Specialist Technician

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Contact

Annie

Law

Associate Lecturer in Jewellery Manufacturing and Design

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Contact

Hollie

Paxton

Year One Lead, BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production

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Contact

Nicholas

Yiannarakis

HE Lecturer

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Contact

Case Study

“I’ve always been interested in jewellery making but didn’t know where to start. After listening to the BAJ podcast, a friend recommended the Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing course. It was the perfect first step, and I then progressed to the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production.

The most valuable skill I’ve gained is creative thinking. BAJ offers excellent facilities, tutors, and support to help me develop my skills. I hope to eventually start my own jewellery business or work for a jewellery company.”
– Nadine Mcburnie

Entry requirements

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:

  • A minimum of 112 tariff points from recognised level 3 qualifications to include an Art or Design subject such as Foundation Diploma in Art or Design or an Art/Design related A-level or recognised equivalent.
  • Plus GCSE candidates are normally required to hold four GCSE subjects grades 9 – 4 including Mathematics and English Language.
  • If English is not your first language, you may not need to provide proof.
    You won’t need to if:
    • You’re from an exempt country, or
    • You have a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification (Level 4 or 5), Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school you began before the age of 18.
    If none of the above apply, you must take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) and achieve CEFR Level B2, typically an IELTS for UKVI score of at least 5.5 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
  • Offers will be made on the basis of a portfolio of work and interview for selected applicants.

All applicants invited for an interview are required to present a portfolio of work.

Tuition fee payments

You can pay your tuition fees in three instalments across the academic year. Payments are due at the beginning of each term – in September, December, and April.

We accept payment by debit/credit card or bank transfer. Full payment instructions will be provided upon enrolment.

If you are funding your studies through Student Finance, your tuition fees will be paid directly to us by the Student Loans Company.

If you have any questions about fees or funding options, please get in touch with our recruitment team at info@baj.ac.uk, or if you prefer to talk, call us on +44 (0)20 7405 0197.

Planning to study in the UK?

At BAJ, we celebrate diversity and are committed to helping you feel welcome, supported, and confident as you settle into life and study in the UK. From your first enquiry to your first day on campus, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
International support

Open days & events

Our staff will help you find the best course for you, guide you through the admissions process, and see which funding options may be available to you. Ask questions, see our facilities, and meet your future tutors.

Book open days

BAJ community

For more than two decades, the British Academy of Jewellery has been providing cutting-edge training and inspiration to the next generation of jewellers and supporting existing jewellery professionals through opportunities for upskilling.

International support

More Information

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.

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.

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Read policies

In line with the Customer 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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