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

Are you ready to turn your passion for jewellery into a career?

Our Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing offers a hands-on introduction to jewellery design and manufacturing, providing a solid foundation for your future in the industry.

Created by the British Academy of Jewellery in collaboration with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), this qualification is the first of its kind, designed to meet the needs of the jewellery sector. It’s the most comprehensive and practical beginner’s course available, equipping you with the creative and technical skills essential for becoming a qualified jeweller.

During your diploma, you’ll explore a variety of introductory-level manufacturing techniques, learn practical design skills in jewellery illustration and 2D CAD, and gain an introduction to jewellery history, metallurgy, and creative thinking exercises. You’ll learn from BAJ’s experienced tutors through practical workshops and theoretical classes.

Level:
L3 Diploma in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing

Awarding body:
SQA

Location:
London, Birmingham

Duration :
10 months (Full programme)

Next start date:
September  2025 (Full programme)

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

Study mode:
In person

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.

All of the Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design and 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 Level 4 Diploma in 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

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.

Case Study

“I earned a first-class BA in Fashion Promotion & Communication at UoN, then joined my family’s jewellery business. After 4 years in retail, I was eager to learn the creation process.

BAJ’s Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing gave me creative freedom, industry insight, and valuable connections. I’m now working as a jobbing jeweller, repairing pieces, and gaining experience. BAJ built my confidence.”

– Sophie Henderson

Careers and Progression

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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