BSc in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies
Birmingham City University
Key Information
Campus location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* UK students: £9,250 per year | international students: £13,980 per year
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Our BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree is one of the only courses of its kind in the world. This gemmology course will enable you to gain the highest level of professionally recognised gemological skills, up to and including research-level techniques.
Based in the heart of Birmingham’s thriving Jewellery Quarter, you’ll benefit from unrivalled expertise and facilities as you explore precious gems and all relevant aspects of the jewellery trade.
What's covered in this course?
Our highly practical Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree offers an introduction to geological theory and testing, diamond grading and jewellery valuation.
With our fully-equipped gem labs at your disposal, you’ll be able to carry out a range of standard and advanced gemological tests used in the identification of gemstones.
You’ll have the chance to put gem materials under the microscope, from natural and synthetic gemstones through to imitation. There will also be a chance to learn complementary skills such as photography.
You’ll study at our brand new purpose-built facilities at the Assay Office, just a few minutes walk from the School of Jewellery and in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, where much of today’s jewellery is still made. Our staff team are all experts in their field and have extensive industry experience. Our graduates go on to work in a wide variety of roles in the jewellery industry throughout the world.
Professional placement year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
Why choose us?
- This Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree is one of the only courses of its kind.
- It is taught by industry experts and leading academics in their field.
- You’ll work in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities, with an extensive range of both standard and advanced gemological equipment.
- You will have the opportunity to continue your study at the postgraduate level with our groundbreaking research team.
- Our department has extensive links with the industry, and sponsors include Garrard and Fellows.
- You study where the industry practices – the course is based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, where an estimated 40 per cent of British jewellery is made today.
Curriculum
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following core modules (totalling 120 credits):
- Earth Processes and Mineral Properties
- Introduction to Gemstone & Diamond Practical
- History and Culture of Jewellery
- Synthetic, Simulant and Treated Gemstones
- Practical Gemmology
Year two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following core modules (totalling 120 credits):
- Applied Gemmology
- Organics
- Jade
- Industry Studies
Year three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following core modules (totalling 120 credits):
- Advanced Gemmology and Analytical Techniques
- Valuation Science
- Major Project: Gemmology
Career Opportunities
Enhancing Employability skills
Employability and key transferable skills are embedded within the course ethos to maximise our students’ capabilities and understanding of potential career opportunities. Each module is designed to incorporate both generic and industry-specific skill sets to give students maximum flexibility in their chosen career path.
Modules are structured to include field visits and opportunities for students to observe and develop an understanding of potential routes to employment. Additionally, the course content includes extensive training in advanced analytical techniques which are required by laboratories worldwide.
Links to Industry
All of our tutors have worked within the industry, and therefore the course has excellent links with the jewellery trade. Our course has a number of industry sponsors, and they fund a great programme of visiting lectures from a wide variety of experts in the gemmology trade. We also have a number of industry-sponsored prizes for high-achieving students and work closely with other universities and gemological professional bodies around the world.