BA(Hons) Contemporary Jewellery

Your learning will move between studio, specialist workshop, digital spaces and the wider creative world.

Projects begin through research, drawing, writing, observation and experimentation. You will then test ideas through materials and processes, reflect on what happens and use what you discover to develop the work further.

You will learn through practical demonstrations, workshop sessions, tutorials, critiques, lectures, seminars, visiting practitioners and independent study.

Your learning journals and sketchbooks will help you make your thinking visible and understand the relationship between research, experimentation and outcome.

As you progress, projects become increasingly self-directed. You will learn to set your own questions, make informed decisions and develop a practice that is authentically your own.

You will encounter contemporary jewellers, artists, designers and creative professionals through visiting lectures, workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions and live projects.

The course has strong links with the contemporary jewellery community both locally and nationally and opportunities to exhibit and promote your work through national events, galleries, competitions and graduate showcases.

You will be encouraged to build professional relationships throughout your degree rather than waiting until graduation meaning you have exit velocity and confidence as you launch your career.

You will have your own studio workspace within an intimate and supportive community of jewellers, designers and makers.

Small-scale teaching enables you to work closely with tutors and technical demonstrators throughout your development. You will be encouraged to take creative risks, learn through experimentation and develop confidence in your own decisions.

We recognise that students arrive with different experiences and strengths. Whether you are already an experienced maker or are discovering jewellery for the first time, you will be supported to develop both your technical abilities and your individual creative practice.

• Minimum age 18. 
• UCAS Points: Applicants applying for September 2025 entry and beyond, should have achieved 96 – 112 UCAS Tariff Points or more. However, whilst qualifications are important, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We may make offers based on other evidence of talent and suitability for the course – for more details about UCAS Tariffs tariff explanation and advice on the UCAS website. We expect all applicants to have examples of their current creative work available for submission on request.  
• Mature students: Applications from mature students with relevant experience will also be considered. 

If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact us at registry@hca.ac.uk and we can offer further advice on HCA and the UWTSD awarding body requirements. 

You can apply to HCA by making us one of your options on your UCAS application. In some cases, such as with current students, student transfers and top-ups, we also accept direct applications. 

We receive a high number of application all our subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.

You can find out out everything you need about the application process using the link below. If you have any questions, just email registry@hca.ac.uk. 

As soon as you apply, our Registry team will be in touch to let you know they have received your application. At this point they will also send out information on portfolios or auditions.

Portfolios and auditions are a chance for you to showcase yourself in a different way. They give us an idea of what excites you about the subject, and what you might want to explore further on the course. 

We will send out guidance on how to submit your portfolio, or book and audition date, and if you have any questions you will always be able to reach out to us for assistance or clarification.

After submitting your portfolio online, your work will be reviewed by a course lead, and you will receive personal feedback alongside your offer.

Studying is an investment in yourself, and in your future. It’s important to understand the financial support that is available to you, and to be clear about any fees or funding associated with the course you want to study.

Follow the link below to visit our Fees and Funding pages. These pages are designed to help you plan for your future, so you can start your course with confidence in your financial situation.

Everyone’s personal circumstances are different. If you can’t find the information you need, our Student Finance team can offer additional advice.

All undergraduate degrees at HCA are validated by University of Wales Trinity St David.

You can view a detailed breakdown of the course content in the Key Information Document.

This can be downloaded below.