Foundation year in Jewellery, Gemmology and Horology

The Foundation year of your course will introduce you to the breadth of, and the possibilities within, the industries of Jewellery, Gemmology and Horology. You will gain an understanding of some of the key principals and relevant technical terminology, and have the opportunity to develop and apply some of the basic skills whilst gaining an overview of the key industry resources.Alongside exploring the industry specific qualities, techniques and process you will gain an understanding of the requirements and methodology for further study at HE level. You will develop enhanced directed and independent learning techniques, focusing on your critical and reflective skills.

Q&A

Artist Statement

You will be introduced to the University, the School, and the expectations of higher education learning and teaching. You will gain an understanding of the support services and academic resources available to you through a series of inductions. The module will cover the breadth of opportunities within the Jewellery, Gemmology and Horology industry and the specialist requirements of each of these areas.Drawing skills, the foundations of technical drawing, hand rendering, Photoshop, and the application of visual presentation skills will be introduced and developedThere will be introductions to key library learning skills and methods of academic research. It will include activities engaging you with methods of collecting, collating and evaluating information and knowledge. You will be developing critical reading, critical analysis and presentation skills.You will be given the opportunity to pursue an in-depth enquiry specific to your field of interest in Jewellery, Gemmology or Horology. You will investigate an aspect within the field of your specific interest that informs your progression route.

What craft do you work with?

With successful completion of the foundation level you will be able to progress to BA hons Jewellery and Objects or BSc in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies or BA hons Horology.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Bridie LanderCourse Leader Foundation, Course leader Graduate DiplomaSchool of JewelleryBridie is an experienced jewellery designer/maker and lecturer. She spent several years as an artist and academic in Australia where latterly she was Coordinator of the Jewellery and Object Studio at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.Some of her work was recently included in a group exhibition, “Transplantation: British and Australian Narrative Jewellery”, that is touring UK and Australia.Nuala ClooneyLecturer School of Jewellery

How do you start your creative process?

WorkshopsJewellery and Horology workshops are located on the main School of Jewellery site complemented with a Technology Hub including state of the art digital manufacturing equipment.GemmologyThe Gemmology department is furnished with high specification interactive lecture facilities and is situated within the working environment of Birmingham’s Assay Office.ExhibitionsOur students love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of the School and return year on year to our annual exhibitions.