Jewellery and Silversmithing - Higher National Diploma

Based within a stimulating and dynamic environment, the School of Jewellery’s HND course is unique within the UK and has an excellent reputation within the industry, with our students and graduates employed at all levels, locally and internationally.

As an HND student, you will be working on live, collaborative and customer-facing projects, broadening your experience through our industry-focused curriculum. Working at authentic jewelers’ benches, you will develop traditional skills alongside knowledge of contemporary cutting-edge technology.

What's covered in the course?

Our course will immerse you in the world of jewelry and silversmithing as you create pieces in precious and non-precious metals. You will produce pieces by hand and by mechanical means, with a particular focus on manipulating metal.

The practical, design-led nature of the course gives you plenty of opportunities for hands-on workshop experience to hone your skills. You’ll develop practical experience of materials and tools, alongside techniques in drawing and model making to develop your design processes.

You’ll have access to the latest equipment such as laser welders and 2D and 3D CAD software packages, as well as casting and plating workshops.

Dedicated staff with professional experience will offer advice, support and industry contacts. You’ll be encouraged to enter national and international competitions, and you’ll also have fantastic opportunities to work on live projects with industry.

Field trips and study visits add color and relevance to your studies and support an understanding of commercial jewelry manufacturing environments.

You’ll study at our internationally-renowned School of Jewellery, in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, where much of today’s jewelry is still made. The historical facade of our Vittoria Street building conceals a contemporary environment, including workshops, a specialist library, a state-of-the-art technology hub, an atrium gallery, and an exhibition space.