Jeremy Hobbins
BA (Hons) Horology Course Director
Could you tell us about your experience and how this feeds into your course?
Having studied Horology some 30 years ago, I quickly learnt what I didn’t know in the world of work. My experiences gained working for specialist watch, clock and even musical box restoration businesses meant that when creating the BA Horology course I was able to make sure that our graduates are now better prepared to enter the working environment
What is the philosophy of your course?
To introduce our students to the possibilities of a career in horology by offering a breadth of experience allowing each to develop their own specialist skillsets.
If you had to name one thing about your course that makes it distinct, what would it be?
The breadth of opportunity and information available at the internationally renowned School of Jewellery.
Why is Birmingham a good place to study?
The birth of the Industrial Revolution, the heritage and history of the area feeds the now vibrant and evolving city that has such a great mix of cultures and experiences to offer.
Why do you believe it’s important to study a degree and why might students want to study your course?
A degree offers many exit pathways, not just in the specific specialist skills gained through studying the BA Horology course, but also by allowing individuals to gain and develop the transferable skills that make graduates more attractive to all employers.
Where will the students be based in their time here and what will their learning environment be?
The School of Jewellery building at Vittoria Street houses the Horology course with shared workshop spaces and access to the specialist equipment required to explore and develop range of specialist skills.
What can students do to help prepare them for the course?
Explore as much of the subject of horology as possible. Visit museums, exhibitions, and even high street shops, whether specialist dealers or high street brands. Read as much as possible, either books or on the web. A quick search for horology, clocks and watches will take you to amazing places. Immerse yourself in the variety of mechanisms that have been designed to show the passing of time, and maybe investigate why we are obsessed with needing to know the time!
What’s your favourite element about working at the School of Jewellery?
The opportunity to talk to, and work with people from a variety of backgrounds with amazing skills and knowledge in many specialist and associated jewellery related areas, all housed in the well-equipped workshops.