Student success – Jade, from China

• Completed three-semester Foundation in Art and Design
• Graduated from BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects
• Winner of the Gem Empathy Award 2019 (awarded by Gem-A)
• Winner of the Charles Green CAD Competition 2019
• Winner of the Craftmanship & Design Awards (Silver) 2020

“I came to study at BCUIC and BCU because Birmingham is home to one of the largest jewellery schools in the world. I really enjoyed using all the industry-standard machinery during the BCUIC workshops, and the independent study gave us the creative freedom to express our own ideas. I had no art and design knowledge at all before I came to BCUIC, but I soon felt prepared for my degree.”

Stage 1: University Foundation

Portfolio Requirements

Modules for Jewellery

Click below for more information on each module

• Creative Workshop*

  During this module you will develop and demonstrate imaginative and flexible approaches to different art and design techniques. You will develop your ideas within the creative studio environment.

  This module is assessed entirely through the production of a portfolio.

• Critical Thinking*

  You will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods: three 1-hour tests in class, and one 2-hour closed book exam.

• Extended Media Experimentation

  You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A report of research, experimentation and application
  • A self-reflective journal
  • The presentation of your work

• Information Research, Recording and Responding In Art & Design

  During this module you will learn how to undertake in-depth research, while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also discover how to respond to problems, enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.

  There will be three pieces of coursework:

  • A personal statement of intent
  • A final research journal, made up of weekly submissions
  • A final portfolio of art, design and media work – including statements of self-reflection

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication*

  Throughout this module you will learn about:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Listening skills
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
  • The importance of writing style
  • How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Examination techniques and skills
  • How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • A research project – referencing a topic and using a variety of techniques and resources
  • An individual presentation
  • Two group presentations
  • A listening assessment
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication & Preparation and Progression in Art and Design

  During this module you will learn about:

  • Techniques and strategies to manage speech anxiety
  • Enhancing your grammar and vocabulary
  • How to think critically under pressure
  • How to research and deliver logical and persuasive communication in a variety of formats
  • Understanding cultural and gender differences
  • Methods for planning, preparing and producing a major art and design project
  • Preparing for exhibition

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • An individual presentation on intent and planning of the final major art project
  • The project itself (40%)
  • Exhibition and presentation of the project

• Knowledge & Understanding Of Creative Practice In Art & Design

  You will develop an understanding of contemporary, cultural, social and historical contexts in art and design. This will help you develop your creative practice and make informed decisions about your pathway choices.

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A research project around contextual influences on art and design practice (50%)
  • A group presentation
  • A self-reflective log

• Mass Communication*

  This module will introduce you to the core concepts and principles relevant to mass communications – including some of the major theories.

  There will be three pieces of coursework:

  • A close analysis of the film Fight Club
  • An analysis of an advertisement from a magazine or newspaper
  • A group presentation

• Media Experimentation in Art and Design

  You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.

  You will be assessed through your log of experiments and research, and your portfolio of experimental work.

• Personal Combined Experimental Studies In Art & Design

  During this module you will learn about:

  • Exploring and reviewing a range of skills, materials, processes and techniques
  • Reviewing and reflecting on your own work
  • Challenging previous thoughts, ideas and beliefs
  • Health and safety requirements
  • Record-keeping

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A group project around problem-solving, research, experimentation and selection of materials
  • An individual presentation
  • A log of experimentation

^* Additional four modules in the three semester programme.

Modules for Gemmology & Horology

Click below for more information on each module

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication 3

  Throughout this module you will learn about:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Listening skills
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
  • The importance of writing style
  • How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Examination techniques and skills
  • How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

• Numerical Techniques 1

  This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

• Physics 1

  This module defines the basic laws of physics. You will learn how to describe the fundamentals of mechanics and thermofluid mechanics.

• Design Concepts

  This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

  You will be assessed via three methods:

  • A designated civil design project in the form of a written report (1,000 words), including sketches and annotated drawings
  • A class presentation based on the project and concept, supported with a poster
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• ICT Skills

  This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills in the context of technology, engineering and the environment – including applications and reporting mechanisms.

• Information Research, Recording and Responding in Art and Design

  During this module you will learn how to undertake in-depth research, while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also discover how to respond to problems – enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.

  There will be three pieces of coursework:

  • A personal statement of intent
  • A final research journal, made up of weekly submissions
  • A final portfolio of art, design and media work – including statements of self-reflection

• Critical Thinking

  You will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods: three 1-hour tests in class, and one 2-hour closed book exam.

• Numerical Skills 2

  This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Sequences
  • Geometric progressions
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

Stage 2: First Year Degree

Stage 3: Second Year Degree

Stage 4: Final Year Degree

Birmingham City University Degree Pathways

Click below for more information on each pathway

• BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies

  • This degree is one of the only courses of its kind in the world, enabling you to gain the highest level of professionally recognised gemmological skills.
  • You will learn in dedicated gem labs, examining gem materials under the microscope – with the opportunity to gain complementary skills such as photography.
  • As well as being one of the largest in the world, the School of Jewellery is located in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter - where an estimated 40% of British jewellery is still made today.
    Find out more

• BA (Hons) Horology

  • This course is the only one of its kind, enabling you to gain professional accreditation from the British Horological Institute.
  • The University boasts links with industry names including Rolex and Cartier.
  • As well as being one of the largest in the world, the School of Jewellery is located in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter - where an estimated 40% of British jewellery is still made today.
    Find out more
    • You will apply management and marketing theories to challenges within the jewellery industry, as well as collaborating with other jewellery students and working on live projects.
    • As well as being one of the largest in Europe, the School of Jewellery is located in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter - where an estimated 40% of British jewellery is still made today.
    • In this way, you will learn about the business side of the jewellery industry within an authentic working environment.
      Find out more

• BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects

  • Learning in the School of Jewellery, located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, you will be fully immersed in the industry from the first day of your studies.
  • You will be given complete creative freedom and encouraged to develop your own personal style and create innovative work without boundaries.
  • While studying, you will have the opportunity to host a number of jewellery exhibitions, giving you the chance to sell your pieces to the public.
    Find out more

Special entry requirements

• Applicants entering the two-semester programme without a related academic subject must submit a good portfolio. For three-semester programmes, applicants must submit a portfolio. Applicants are also required to have GCSE Maths and English or equivalent at grade C/4 or above.
• No portfolio required for BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies / BA (Hons) Horology

Important:

All students accessing the 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room and the kiln room will need to wear safety footwear that has toe caps. Such footwear can be purchased from any safety footwear provider – including Sports Direct – and can be as cheap as £12. The shoes should be S1P and comply with EN 20345.

There is no long-term storage facility for personal items in the workshops, so students are advised to bring the safety footwear with them each day they are accessing the workshops.