Jewellery: NC (Level 6)
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Course overview
This course is a unique blend of traditional bench-based skills coupled with modern digital approaches to jewellery production taking advantage of the recent developments in computer aided design and 3D printing.
The study and use of precious gemstones is also a main focus of the course with approaches to jewellery design being a thread through most projects. Delivery is generally a mix of technical projects designed to promote learning of new skills, interspersed with personal projects where you are free to design and manufacture your own unique pieces.
The development of entrepreneurship is also an essential part of the course along with a full awareness of the opportunities both in the existing jewellery industry and the ongoing development of web-based opportunities for the sale of jewellery and luxury goods.
What you will learn
A comprehensive range of topics will be covered including:
- Traditional bench-based manufacturing techniques
- Modern, cutting-edge digital approaches to jewellery manufacture including CAD, 3D Printing and investment casting in gold, silver and platinum.
- Historical and Contemporary Jewellery Design
- Gemstone testing and Identification
- Advanced Gem Setting techniques
- Entrepreneurship and digital marketing
Entry requirements
Ideally, you should have one of the following:
- NC Group award in Jewellery OR
- NPA Group awards in Jewellery OR
- Other appropriate qualification or experience in related subjects such as Art and Design OR
- Other relevant industrial experience which may be assessed at interview
For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
You can develop your Jewellery career in the Jewellery manufacturing industry or become self employed, working with private clients as well as supplying goods and services to the retail Jewellery trade.
Future prospects
You may be able to progress to art school or university. Our past students have progressed to The Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art and Birmingham Jewellery School.
Past students have also progressed to Strathclyde University to undertake a two year qualification which allows you to teach technical subjects in the secondary school sector.
Real Industry Connections
The department is well connected to the retail and manufacturing jewellery industry in the West of Scotland and the wider UK allowing for guest speakers, workshop visits and work placements to occur during the academic year where possible.
Related Courses
Jewellery: Intermediate/Advanced Techniques: NM (Day Release)
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