International Jewellery Business - BA (Hons)
- UCAS Code: N120
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (3 years)
- Location: School of Jewellery
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
This International Jewellery Business degree course is a unique opportunity to study the management and marketing of jewellery at Birmingham City University’s internationally renowned School of Jewellery.
On the three-year full-time undergraduate degree you will study theoretical management models utilised in the jewellery industry. You will learn how to apply marketing techniques and discuss how the history and culture of the world has shaped attitudes towards the consumption of jewellery.
What's covered in the course?
This BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business will give you a fantastic start in your career in the jewellery industry by combining academically rigorous studies with the possibility to practice applying skills and knowledge in 'live' projects and simulations. The options available throughout your time at Birmingham City University will allow you to customise your studies to concentrate on gaining skills and experience for the jewellery industry that best match with your career ambitions.
You will be taught by experienced tutors with a background in the jewellery industry and will learn by working on group and individual projects, and applying the management and marketing theories to jewellery industry challenges. Some of your studies might include collaborations with other students from the School of Jewellery or from other schools in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media, for specific jewellery businesses or the jewellery industry more widely.
The facilities at the School of Jewellery and the rest of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media provide everything you need to support your learning; whether it is access to specialist computer software, access to industry insights through BCU library services like Mintel, Euromonitor or trade publications, and space to work individually or in groups.
Why Choose Us?
- Unique portfolio of courses with the most comprehensive range of jewellery related programmes under one roof.
- 96 per cent of School of Jewellery students achieve employment or progress to further study.
- Extensive network of industry contacts and partners with connection to professional bodies
- Exciting opportunities for live projects in a global context.
- International reputation for excellence.
- Situated in the heart of Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter.
- The School has 125 years of history and is constantly evolving to keep abreast of current technology and the needs of the jewellery industry.
Similar Courses
Open Days
Our Virtual Open Day for this course will take place on 22 November 2020. Book now and we will email you with a link to the Virtual Open Day for your subject area of choice.
Register your interest
This course is open to International students
Discover the School of Jewellery
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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| LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
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| IELTS | Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills. | |
| LEVEL 3 (and above) QUALIFICATIONS | ||
| A Level and Advanced VCE |
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| AS and AS VCE | Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications (AS Levels must be in different subject to A-Levels) to obtain 112 pts | |
| Access to HE Diploma |
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DMM | |
| Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media) |
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| IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. | |
| OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma | DMM | |
| Scottish Advanced Higher |
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| T-Levels |
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| UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts | Merit overall | |
| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
| IELTS |
6.0 overall. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 14 points or above from three higher level subjects and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points. |
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International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Worried about personal statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Year one
In your first year you will learn about the history of jewellery and its place in different cultures in the History and Culture of Jewellery module, which will provide you with a good understanding of the context of the Jewellery Industry. You will also study Principles of Jewellery Marketing and use the knowledge you gain from the History and Culture of Jewellery module to apply what you learn to the marketing challenges faced by international jewellery businesses. You will then study Principles of Strategy and Jewellery Business Management and will explore the different strategies that international businesses use to identify and take advantage of new business opportunities. In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits): |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules: |
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Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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Year two
In the second year of your studies on the BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business you will continue to develop your marketing and management skills and learn about the challenges faced by international jewellery companies in selling to different markets around the world in the Retail Marketing for Jewellery module. You will also have the choice of modules for specialising in either Consumer Behaviour or Luxury Jewellery Branding, depending on your own interests and which skills are best suited for your career ambitions. In semester two you will work on creative industry projects, studying the Event and Project Management module. Depending on your choice of the option modules offered, you will then take part in creating and running a 'Live' Project that would connect with the Jewellery Industry, or work in a Collaborative Project with students from other schools in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media, or gain industry experience through a Work Placement module. In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits): |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
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Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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Year three
You will begin the third year of your degree by learning about Trend Forecasting and Entrepreneurship, and practising the skills that will help you in your future career in the jewellery industry. This will be supported by your studies in Academic and Market Research, which will teach you the tools, practices and skills needed to conduct reliable and relevant research that will support your marketing and management decisions. Your year will conclude with a Major Project, which will let you apply everything you have learned over the preceding three years. Projects vary from year to year, but might include researching a consulting project for a jewellery brand; developing and running a jewellery industry conference that brings together designers, brands and students; researching marketing opportunities and developing strategies for international jewellery brands that want to enter new markets. The Major Project will be you chance to show what you have achieved on the degree and demonstrate your skill and talent to potential future employers around the world. In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
This course is a unique offering for students interested in being part of the jewellery world but not as a designer or manufacturer.
Being part of the School of Jewellery means you are part of a holistic view of jewellery, from commercial to conceptual and can work alongside gemmologists and horologists.
The course will involve attending a key trade fair and retail events such as:
- Jewellery & Watch - Birmingham
- International Jewellery - London
- Baselworld - Switzerland
- Inhorgenta – Munich Germany
- JCK – Las Vegas
- HKTDC – Hong Kong
- Gems & Jewellery – Vicenza Italy
- London Fashion Week.
Study and work abroad
If you are interested in undertaking part of your studies abroad, the Erasmus scheme may be of interest to you. It allows higher education students to study for part of their degree in another European country.
It is open to undergraduates in their second year (or above) and offers a unique opportunity to enhance your CV and experience new cultures. If you study with us you will have access to an Erasmus co-ordinator, who can provide information about which institutions we have links with.
Potential employment opportunities for graduates of this course include roles as:
- Creative director
- Brand manager
- Jewellery merchandise director
- Sales manager
- Web designer.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
Graduate jobs
Graduates from the School of Jewellery have taken up work experience and employment with companies all over the world from De Beers and Vivienne Westwood, Chow Tai Fook and TTF Haute Joaillerie to Links of London and H&M.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Facilities
The course is based at the Assay Office, in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery quarter. You will also work alongside students designing and making jewellery in a broad spectrum of materials and styles at the School of Jewellery.
The School of Jewellery is a unique environment as it includes jewellers, designers, horologists and gemmologists working together to create a network of industry contacts second to none. You will have opportunities to collaborate with fellow students giving access to expertise in all these specialist areas. Our range of courses allows individual talent to be developed through access to a unique and enviable range of equipment.
Workshops
Jewellery and Horology workshops are located on the main School of Jewellery site complimented with a Technology Hub including state of the art digital manufacturing equipment.
Gemmology
The Gemmology department is furnished with high specification interactive lecture facilities and is situated within the working environment of Birmingham’s Assay Office. It has links with the Gemmological Association and offers the chance to gain a recognised professional qualification as an optional study route.
IT and library
Computers and laptops have the latest Adobe software and you will be given access to Lynda.com as a source of great tutorials and advice to support your studies. The School of Jewellery has its own specialist library with a comprehensive range of international periodicals and access to the Mintel Report.
Exhibitions
Our students love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of the School and return year on year to our annual exhibitions.
Meet our staff
The lecturers are practitioners in the field and there is a vibrant programme of visiting speakers and experts from the industry.
Kate Thorley
Course Director - BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business
Kate is an Alumni of BCU (formally known as UCE) studying at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham; graduating in 1996 with a BA (hons) in 3D design specialising in Jewellery and Silversmithing. Kate entered the jewellery trade as a bench worker with Europe’s largest bullion and findings manufacturer; Cookson Precious Metals and within five years was Senior Designer creating successful commercial jewellery sold in national high street outlets. Kate won an International Jewellery Competition; World Gold Council’s Gold Virtuosi 2002 and had two sell out shows on QVC shopping channel.
Kate’s valuable manufacturing experiences help progress her career to become Senior Designer for the industry facing Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre facility at BCU.
Working for the Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre (JIIC), companies and designer makers to provide New Product Development solutions. She worked on 3 successful Knowledge Transfer Partnerships as the knowledge-based supervisor.
When the European NPD Project ended Kate established a business as a bespoke jewellery designer and design consultant, presenting her trade experiences to students BCU as a visiting tutor. After 7 years, the opportunity arose to join the Higher National Diploma as a part-time tutor whilst continuing her own practice. During 2016, the pathway for the new International Jewellery Business course was forged and Kate took responsibility for the Programme Leader role;
“the School of Jewellery continues to have a significant impact in feeding our industry with outstanding graduates specialising in design, traditional bench skills and innovative digital technology; so I am delighted to be leading the new business-facing BA(hons) ‘International Jewellery Business’. This course has been designed specifically to cultivate marketeers, entrepreneurs, researchers and project managers for our innovative world-wide trade.”