Jewellery Design (Top-Up)

The adornment of the human body with objects, and use of jewellery can be traced back millennia. It carries many meanings, and answers profound and enduring needs to express personality and individuality. In a changing world we know this ancient desire for self-expression will remain. Develop your own creative identity and help others realise theirs through this practice-based one-year top up degree course.

Explore and experiment with traditional and modern materials and processes to design and make objects of distinction and meaning, whether individually crafted or designed for batch production. Join our stimulating community of creative students and tutors to realise your own voice.

This is a practical course, based in your dedicated space in a studio with easy access to our range specialist workshops. You will learn to harness your creativity through traditional craft making skills that reflect the subject’s rich heritage, whilst embracing contemporary ideas, materials, processes and technologies. You will be given the support and freedom to find your creative voice, to express it through developing your personal design and making practice, and to develop your unique professional career trajectory.

What to expect
On this small and friendly course, you’ll join a supportive environment where students share ideas and experiences and benefit from both individual tuition and group discussion. You will be taught by a team of lecturers, technical demonstrators and visiting professionals, each with their own creative practice and expertise in their field. You will acquire skills in designing and making by hand, by machine, and by using digital technologies.

Studios & Workshops
HCA Jewellery Design students have access to superb design studios and 3D workshops across our 2 campuses. All workshops are run by expert staff who support your technical needs and help you realise your ideas. We have laser cutters, 3D printers, small metals, wood and plastic forming workshops, ceramics, glass, textile and drawing studios. We are committed to offering students, regardless of their chosen degree, access to all our workshops so they can develop and advance their practice without limitation.

We are uniquely placed to be able to offer individual workspaces throughout your year of study. You will also have access to professionally equipped IT suites with both Mac and PC’s, large scale digital printers and professional software to support your practice.

What we provide
Immersive, creative arts school experience that develops your creative and making skills.
Designated studio space for every student.
Outstanding access to specialist workshops, overseen by technical experts.
Well-developed links with local and national professionals, organisations and gallery owners.
Hereford is home to a thriving local craft community.
HCA students have been recognised in awards such as: ‘Mark your Mark’ from the Goldsmiths’ Company, The Goldsmiths’ Precious Metal Bursary Award, The Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards, New Designers ‘One to Watch’
and more.
A programme of visiting lecturers from around the world bringing cutting edge practice to HCA students.

Entry Requirements

• Successful completion of a UK based level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject (evidence of prior learning will need to be provided).

• Portfolio submission or audition (as applicable) and successful interview.

Course Modules

Year 1 (level 6) - Practice in Context 3 (20 Credits), Practice 5 (30), Practice 6 (60), Professional Practice 2 (10)