HNC 3D Design
(Jewellery Design and Manufacturing)

Overview

This course is designed for students seeking a vocationally oriented higher education qualification available after one year of study. The vocational orientation of the programme is achieved via an applied and contextualised approach to learning.

HNC (Level 4) will introduce you to complex technical skills, alongside expanding design and creative thinking skills. You will develop further essential workshop and Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills needed to complete and produce set and self-directed designs.

Qualification:
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design (3D Design)

Awarding body:
Pearson

Location:
London

Duration:
1 year (level 4)

Study mode:
Full time

Next start date:
Autumn 2025

Tuition fee:
£6,000

Qualification number:
603/0908/8

Delivered in partnership with

Why Choose HNC Art & Design 3D Design (Jewellery Design and Manufacturing)?

With our strong connections to the creative industries, you’ll have endless opportunities to learn from and connect with the top professionals in the jewellery sector. Our world-class tutors have first hand experience running their own jewellery businesses, so they know the practical skills needed in the field. You’ll learn both traditional techniques and the latest technology, ensuring you’re fully prepared for success in the industry.

Our HNC programme is designed to be more flexible and cost-effective than a traditional bachelor’s degree. Not only do our tuition fees tend to be lower, but you can also complete your HNC in just one year. You still have the option to progress to HND (Level 5) whenever you’re ready to take your education to the next level.

Blended learning approach

Embrace the flexibility of blended learning, where approximately two-thirds of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activities, and one-third is dedicated to guided independent study. This allows you to customise your learning experience while benefiting from a supportive and engaging academic environment.

Innovative teaching methods

Explore a variety of teaching methods, including classroom-based learning, live webinars, supervised independent learning, case studies, group presentations, and applied research. Our dynamic approach to education ensures that you receive a well-rounded and immersive learning experience tailored to your individual learning style.
Entry requirements

Typically 18+ years of age. You must also have: 

Standard route

Non-standard route

Mature applicants, aged 21 and above, with limited formal qualifications, require 2 or more years of work experience in a related field, a personal statement, and an English assessment equivalent to CEFR level B2.

All routes

There will also be a one-to-one interview and/or bench test session to understand students’ level of prior attainment and motivations to learn.

Fees & funding

Per academic year: £6,000 

Funding through Student Finance England is available for those eligible.

Tools and consumable materials are not included in the course fee.

What You Will Learn

Get ready to unleash your creativity and master the art of jewellery making! Not only will you learn essential “bench skills”, but you’ll also discover how to develop your ideas to stunning pieces of jewellery and use Computer Aided Design software. Plus, you’ll keep a creative journal to document your progress. By the end of the course, you’ll have an impressive portfolio showcasing your finished jewellery pieces and designs. But that’s not all – you’ll also gain valuable knowledge of the business and production processes involved in jewellery manufacturing. With the skills to design, source, create, and produce high-quality jewellery, you’ll be ready to take the industry by storm.

You will have the opportunity to study in a small and intimate class setting, located in one of our state-of-the-art professional studios. Your expert tutor will be there with you every step of the way, providing you with personalised guidance and support as you master the art of jewellery making. With their wealth of knowledge and experience, you’ll be able to explore traditional drawing techniques, design stunning jewellery pieces, and learn essential practical skills.

To complete this HNC (Level 4) programme you will need to have achieved 120 credits from 4 core Units and 4 specialist Units.

HNC

Level 4

15 credits

You will start planning your steps towards the career you aspire to have through tutorials, workshops, events and talks. You will develop the professional skills needed to get a job in the industry.

15 credits

You will learn Art & Design history, understand and investigate how the context, the world around us, informs our ideas and everything we make.

15 credits

You will develop, design and make a piece of jewellery based on a specific theme and get feedback from an industry professional.

15 credits

You will learn how to make a box clasp and work on linkages in order to develop, design and make a bracelet.

15 credits

You will look into the history of engagement rings and various cultural elements of your choice in order to design and make an engagement ring. As part of this Unit, you will gain the skills to make specific sets and an eternity ring.

15 credits

You will learn all the basic commands on Rhino 3D and develop a collection of pieces.

15 credits

You will experiment with the plasticity of metals in order to develop, design and produce a small object through forming metal.

15 credits

You will investigate mechanisms and utilise them to develop, design and make a pendant.

Progression

As you progress through our programme, you’ll acquire the necessary technical design skills and production management knowledge to bring your own unique jewellery collection to life. Whether you aspire to pitch your designs to a high street jewellery company, work for a jewellery manufacturer, or establish your very own independent brand, we’ll equip you with the tools and expertise to succeed in your jewellery-making career. With our guidance and support, you’ll be able to build a successful and fulfilling career in the exciting and rewarding world of jewellery design and production.

Meet the Team

Rebecca

Cheeseman

Manufacture Lead & HE Lecturer

Carla

Hughes

Specialist Technician

Nicholas

Yiannarakis

HE Lecturer

Eleni

Zolia

HNC Art & Design Course Lead

Student Work

Where You Can Study

81-84 Chalk Farm Rd,
London NW1 8AR

Delivery & Structure

Our programme combines traditional classroom-based learning with online education.

Timetabled learning and teaching

2 days per week will involve timetabled activities such as lectures, seminars, workshops, and group discussions. These sessions are designed to deepen your understanding of key concepts, promote critical thinking, and foster collaboration with peers and faculty.

Guided independent study

1 day a week will be for guided independent study. Here, you’ll have the freedom to explore course materials, conduct research, complete assignments, and develop entrepreneurial skills. Our faculty and support staff will provide guidance and feedback to support your progress.

Flexible schedule

All scheduled classes happen over 2 days per week 9:30 to 17.00. The third day is to be utilised for Guided Independent Learning and there are scheduled activities on that day that you can and/or are required to attend. Whether you’re a full-time student or managing work alongside your studies, the schedule can accommodate your lifestyle and preferences.

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve doing contextual and design research, reading books and accessing other resources, working on individual and group projects, and preparing presentations and portfolios. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Blended learning requires access to a laptop or desktop computer, which can cost from £300 to £1,000 depending on whether you want to be able to have CAD software on it. You also need to use word processing software such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint or a free Google account with access to Google Apps.

News About This Course

Keep up to date with the latest.

BAJ Celebrates the Next Generation of Jewellers
at London Graduate Show

BAJ Students Attend Inspiring Enterprise Series

Jewellery Consultant Liz Olver with BAJ Jewellery design students providing guidance.

BAJ Partners With Renowned Jewellery Consultant Liz Olver
for Enriching Student Project

New Designers event at the Business Design Centre in London

Meet the Next Generation of Designers at New Designers London

Advancing Your Career: Studying Jewellery

The Rising Popularity of Men’s Jewellery in the UK

Student using blow torch and tweezers at the workbench

Jewellery Careers in the UK: Opportunities and Pathways

Engagement Ring Showcase – BAJ x Lewis Malka 2024

BAJ students' engagement rings on display

BAJ Students’ Bespoke Designs Win Lewis Malka Excellence Awards

Lewis Malka Interview: Advice from Engagement Ring Specialist

BAJ Partners with Renowned Jeweller Lewis Malka for Exciting Project

Bracelet Showcase – HNC Art & Design 3D Design (Jewellery Design and Manufacturing)

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.

Academic development tutors support students in developing the skills they need to be more confident in their studies. They work with a range of academic programmes to help students in areas such as academic writing, time management, use of feedback, and working in groups.

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.

Assessment typically comprises (7%) practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and (93%) coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course depends to some extent on the specific modules selected.

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on the optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

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