BIAD : Jewellery : Jewellery and Silversmithing - Design for Industry - BA (Hons)


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  • School of Jewellery

Jewellery and Silversmithing - Design for Industry - BA (Hons)

Introduction

The course provides a unique opportunity to understand the role and significance of a designer within the jewellery and silversmithing industry. While there is a clear emphasis on new technology, the course will build on existing traditional skills to enhance manufacturing potential. Collaborative projects and strong links with the industry will offer a sound knowledge of the market, developing business and entrepreneurship within a professional environment:

Introduction

This is a one year degree level course, ideally designed to follow on from the HND Jewellery and Silversmithing programme or comparable skill level. If you are interested in developing skills relevant to todays’ jewellery industry and already have knowledge and experience of traditional jewellery making techniques and processes then this is the course for you.

The Design for Industry course is based around the technology and processes that are leading the jewellery industry forward, such as Computer Aided Design and Manufacture, laser welding, laser cutting and laser sintering.

The course has an excellent reputation within the trade for producing highly employable graduates with the skills needed within the industry today.

Students benefit from collaborative projects and industry links, entrepreneurial guidance and the use of a personal laptop with up to date CAD software for the duration of the course.

Your Learning Experience

This is a design based course, which encourages students to explore the potential for the technology within directed and self-directed projects. Each practical module results in the creation of a functional product, ready for market, constructed from precious metals or appropriate materials.

Personal Development Planning guides each student through the course and in the direction of their future career within the industry. Students work through each module in a way that is appropriate to their intended pathway and target market.

Concepts and ideas are developed through drawing, model making and the use of 3D Computer Aided Design software and rapid prototyping. Instruction in 2D CAD software enables students to present their work in a professional way, appropriate to their intended target market.

Visits to trade fairs and relevant companies within the industry, support an understanding of commercial manufacturing environments and provides students with the awareness to determine where they intend to work within the trade.

The Design for Industry course has forged strong links with industry. Collaborations and live competitions with companies support modules throughout the course providing students with invaluable experience and future employment opportunities. At the end of the course students have the opportunity to pitch their ideas and product range and to promote themselves to a panel of industry experts who offer advice and support appropriate to their field.

A variety of different learning and teaching methods are employed on the course. These include Lectures, Seminars, Critiques, Team Work, Presentations, Tutorials, Online Learning, and Self Directed Study.

If you wish to the push the boundaries of jewellery and silversmithing, challenge traditional conventions, and create experimental objects in materials other than metal then we suggest you visit our BA course.

Summary
  • School
  • School of Jewellery
  • Campus
  • Vittoria Street
  • Tariff
  • 280
  • Duration
  • Full Time: 1 year

Further Studies

 For further information on courses Tel: +44(0)121 331 5595 or go direct to the courses section of the website.

Employment Opportunities

Career opportunities exist within the jewellery and silversmithing industry, to include; CAD designer/technician, designer, independent designer/manufacturer, production technician and in retail and marketing.

Structure

Course Structure

Course Highlights

Module 1 - CAD CAM Acquisition introduces students to a range of CAD applications appropriate to the industry. Training is undertaken to create familiarity and proficiency in a range of software.

A collaborative project with a manufacturing company provides the opportunity to apply knowledge and creativity in a realistic commercial environment. The live competition involves a new product development process taking into account timescales, costing for production, Computer Aided Design and Rapid Prototyping, marketing and promotional material.

Products created through this process are judged, exhibited and prizes are awarded.

Module 2 – Business and Entrepreneurship provides the opportunity for students to identify a career path and write a business or career plan ready for the next stage of their life. Workshops are led by an industry entrepreneur. The development of an online portfolio promotes the student to a worldwide audience and provides them with an invaluable tool to take their career or future business forward. 

Module 3 – Design in Context aims to create familiarity with laser technology appropriate to the industry and the opportunity to apply knowledge and creativity in a professional context.

Students are introduced to laser cutting, laser marking and laser sintering technologies and use this knowledge to explore the design potential the technology offers.

Students develop their own ideas to create a bespoke or production piece ready for sale.

Module 4 – Design in Practice allows students to develop, produce and launch a product range to promote their business or themselves as a designer / CAD designer.

This module is self-directed and provides students with the opportunity to explore the technology available to them. Enabling them to design and realise a product range, ready for market.

Presentation to a panel of industry experts offers students advice and opportunities for the next stage in their career.

The final stage of the course is an exhibition of work to promote students to future employers and industry professionals.

How to apply

Entry Requirements

A good portfolio plus one of the following:

  • Higher National Diploma in Jewellery & Silversmithing
  • 280 Tariff points
  • Foundation Degree Course FdA in Jewellery & Silversmithing
  • Equivalent qualifications or experience
  • International Baccalaureatewith 28 points 

Application Details

UCAS Code: W790

Search for this course on UCAS.

Fees Notes

If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the fees area of the Student Info section.

Enquiries

Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.