Birmingham City University
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Course Enquiries Team
Email:courseenquiries@bcu.ac.uk
Phone:0121 331 6295
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Gemmology and Jewellery Studies
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Vittoria Street
Course summary
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 gemmological 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.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, 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.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the 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.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Vittoria Street
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 73J9
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- Vittoria Street
- Campus Code:
- V
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Birmingham City University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 73J9
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- Vittoria Street
- Campus Code:
- V
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BBC
A Level: 112 UCAS tariff points / BBC (or equivalent). AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels. A maximum of four subjects will be considered.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
112 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits. At least 45 credits at level 3. Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Science subjects preferred but other subjects also considered.
Scottish Higher
112 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
112 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
112 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Scottish Advanced Higher
112 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC).
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
GCSE/National 4/National 5
This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
T Level - M
Merit overall. All subjects accepted but Science preferred.
Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS tariff points.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS tariff points.
WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s).
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall
Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Distinction overall
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
- You will be invited to a face-to-face interview at The Assay Office. If you cannot attend in person, we can offer an online interview via Microsoft Teams.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | overall with no less than 5.5 in any level |
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 4 other materials and technology courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*AA
- Highest grades
- CDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18570 | Year 1 |
| International | £18570 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
*The Government is proposing to apply an inflationary increase to regulated tuition fees for 2026/27 and the University is planning on increasing fees to that maximum level once confirmed.
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