Level: Undergraduate
Study Mode: Full-time & part-time
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Application: Full-time via UCAS, part-time direct to the College
Application Deadline: 15 Jan 2010
UCAS Course Code: W700
Institution Code: H18
Validated By: University of Wales

Contemporary jewellery design and fine metal working is one of the most popular craft practices in the UK with the demand for exquisitely designed and beautifully crafted objects continuing to flourish.

The course, which is experimental in nature, places particular emphasis on the development of creative, technical and innovative design skills whilst exploring the relationship between jewellery and fine and applied arts through a range of collaborative projects. You will be encouraged to develop an independent approach and examine the way in which contemporary designers and makers reflect and respond to cultural, social and environmental issues such as sustainability and recycling. The work you produce may be large or small scale, one off, small batch or mass production.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your work at New Designers in London at the end of the course, and the county and region are rich in high quality crafts activity - Hereford hosts a nationally renowned contemporary craft fair each year.

Year One
During the first year of the course, students will be engaged in a wide variety of studio and workshop activities designed to introduce and develop strong visualisation, communication, design and production skills associated with traditional and contemporary approaches to Jewellery Design. The course which is primarily project based encourages creative thinking and experimentation in both two and three dimensions. Particular emphasis in the first year is placed upon the development of appropriate visualisation skills using a variety of media and the promotion of good problem solving skills through the exploration of materials and processes. An ability to communicate different design aesthetics and understanding of contemporary and professional practice is continuously cultivated within studio and workshop based projects. Throughout the whole of year one, studio activity is underpinned by a Cultural Studies and Discourse lecture programme in which issues of a broader cultural and contextual nature are explored.

Year Two
In year two students will build upon the understandings and experiences of the first year and begin to undertake more open ended and self directed projects. Designing and making skills incorporating more advanced research methodologies as well as the development of a more ‘personal’ approach to contemporary practice are encouraged. Students also have the opportunity to create and develop innovative solutions to ‘real’ design problems by responding to a number of ‘live’ briefs and national design competitions. In addition to the programme of Cultural and Professional Studies, second year students begin formulating a business plan for development in year three.

Year Three
The final year of the course provides the student with a set of specific opportunities to assemble a highly specialist and professional portfolio of work. There is increased emphasis on research, critical thinking, and innovation. Students will be expected to work in an increasingly self-directed manner to a professional level and have the opportunity to produce a body of work for public exhibition. A series of ‘master’ classes focusing upon the development and refinement of workshop making skills will be delivered to underpin studio practice and students will also be expected to undertake subject specific seminars related to the development of their business plan and market analysis depending on their projected career interests. Students will be given the opportunity to contextualise their own ideas and design philosophy by undertaking a critical enquiry project in the form of a dissertation or case study.

Students could establish and manage their own studio design business or, alternatively,  wish to explore broader opportunities in the creative sector through consultancy, community arts, teaching and residencies. Some graduates could choose to further their study by undertaking Post Graduate Research Degrees or PGCE courses.

Minimum age 18
 Successful portfolio & interview
200 UCAS tariff points
 Mature students with related experience
English as a second language, proof of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent on enrolment

All applications to our Full Time Higher Education courses should be made via UCAS – for more details on how to apply, click here