Kate Thorley

BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business Course Director

Could you tell us about your experience and how this feeds into your course?

I come from an industry professional background working in the jewellery sector; my extensive network provides exclusive opportunities to access jewellery retailers, manufacturers, designers and exhibitions that are not available to the public.

What is the philosophy of your course?

Externality and employability are often buzzwords used in education, but the specialised course material, developed for International Jewellery Business, is applied to case studies, live projects, visits and work experience opportunities. Through combining study skills with ‘real-life’ situations, students are able to better understand opportunities and challenges faced by manufacturers and retailers. International Jewellery Business aims to equip students with theoretical and applied methodologies in management and marketing practices preparing them for future employment.

If you had to name one thing about your course that makes it distinct, what would it be?

Strong relationships in the UK’s jewellery industry.

Why is Birmingham a good place to study?

Centrally situated in the Jewellery Quarter with great transport links to the rest of the UK and beyond.

Why do you believe it’s important to study a degree and why might students want to study your course?

The coursework and qualification will inform employers of your ability to evaluate situations and apply problem-solving techniques:

• Learn to lead, make strategic decisions and develop new perspectives and industry insights
• Experience and participate in live projects
• Benefit from the networks of industry professionals who enthusiastically share their experiences
• Develop global friendships and start to build your own business connections
• Broaden your jewellery horizons by experiencing International exhibitions, trade shows and factory visits.
• Flourish in the learning environment at BCU developing the passion to become a life-long learner

Where will the students be based in their time here and what will their learning environment be?

Predominantly, the students will be based at the School of Jewellery’s Assay Office in the seminar room, but will occasionally participate in classes at the School of Jewellery Vittoria Street site and frequent the library at St Paul’s.

What can students do to help prepare them for the course?

Get into the habit of wider reading and develop independent research skills.

What’s your favourite element about working at the School of Jewellery?

The community.