Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery
Design and Manufacturing

Full bursaries may be available for 16-18 years based in London, subject to availability and eligibility.

Overview

Our one-year Jewellery Fundamentals course offers you an exciting, hands-on introduction to jewellery design and manufacturing, providing you with a solid foundation on which to start building your future in the jewellery industry.

During your diploma in jewellery design and manufacturing, you will explore a wide variety of introductory-level manufacturing techniques, and learn practical design skills in both jewellery illustration and 2D computer-aided design (CAD). You will also gain an introduction to jewellery history, metallurgy and creative thinking exercises, learning from BAJ’s experienced tutors and taking part in both practical workshop sessions and theoretical classes.

Level:
L3 Diploma in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing

Awarding body:
SQA

Location:
Birmingham, London

Duration:
10 months

Study mode:
Blended learning

Tuition fee:
£6,421/FREE (subject to eligibility)See fees and funding for details

Next start date:
September 2025 

March 2025 (condensed)

 What Will You Learn

Basic manufacturing skills covered by the course include marking, measuring, cutting, piercing and drilling metal, creating rings and chains, soldering straight seams, polishing and finishing. Students also learn how to carve and produce wax for casting and gain theoretical knowledge about the lost wax casting process. As the Level 3 Diploma course is an introductory programme, emphasis is also placed on the teaching of safe working practice.

In terms of 2D design, students are introduced to technical drawing, jewellery illustration, maquette making and relief creation, among other skills, and are also taught how to research a design brief. Training in computer-aided design (CAD) includes an introduction to programmes such as Rhino 3D and Adobe Suite to create 2D images, as well as lessons providing a basic understanding of computer-aided manufacturing in the jewellery industry.

Alongside this practical training, students receive an introduction to jewellery studies, providing students with fundamental information about the jewellery industry, its history and culture. casting process. 

All of the Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing classes are taught in small groups, meaning that every student gets the attention and guidance they need.

The Results

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 course therefore serves as the ideal preparatory year for BAJ’s HNC/D Art & 3D Design (Jewellery Design and Manufacturing), on which you will become an imaginative and versatile designer-maker able to respond, adapt and lead in the dynamic and fast-changing jewellery industry.

Upon completion of the L3 Diploma course, you will receive an SQA Level 3 qualification in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing.

Entry Requirements

No prior knowledge or skills in jewellery making are necessary to enrol in this course. However, possessing some previous experience or knowledge in jewellery could be advantageous.

This course is ideally suited for individuals who do not have a qualification in jewellery at Level 3 or higher.

Participants are required to reside in England for the duration of the course.

Fees and funding

The course can be privately funded, co-funded, or funded through Advanced Learner Loan. Full bursaries may be available for 16-18 years based in London, subject to availability and eligibility. Funding may also be available for learners ages 19 and up via the Advanced Learner Loan.

“It’s brilliant. I can’t wait to get on to [BAJ’s diploma programme] and I can’t wait to see where it’s going to take me. I thought I would join BAJ with the intend of honing in on a specific skill but now I’m open to literally anything to do with jewellery. It’s completely opened up something that I was already passionate about. The atmosphere at BAJ is incredibly supportive. I did four years of university before coming to BAJ and in these six or seven months, I’ve felt more supported within the college than I have anywhere else. It’s been incredible. “

– Author

Careers And Progression

This course will allow progression onto BAJ’s HNC/D Art & 3D Design (Jewellery Design and Manufacturing).

Learners may also apply to progress to BAJ’s BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design & Production.

Alternatively, learners may progress to a range of external qualifications at Level 4.

BAJ’s Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing can also lead directly into employment within the jewellery industry in a variety of roles including: jewellery designer, jobbing jeweller, goldsmith or silversmith. The qualification also includes critical thinking, presentation and marketing skills, so it is ideal for anyone wishing to start their own business.

Where You Can Study

Discover our campuses

BAJ Camden

81-84 Chalk Farm Rd,
London NW1 8AR

BAJ Camden

81-84 Chalk Farm Rd,
London NW1 8AR
More about BAJ Camden

BAJ Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter

The Assay Office, 1 Morton St,
Birmingham B1 3AX

BAJ Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter

The Assay Office, 1 Morton St,
Birmingham B1 3AX
More about BAJ Birmingham

Application Process

Thank you for expressing interest in our programme!
Our application process is designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible.

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Begin your journey!

On your first day of the course, you’ll officially join BAJ and begin your journey towards a successful career in your chosen field.
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