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Heart shaped silver and crystal knecklace Student in the workshop Jewellery piece. Barcode ingraved on a silver heart Flower ring Student filing in the wokshop Bracelet Golden brooch Student using the bunsen burner technology inspired piece small hinged box titled 'diary of travel' Contemporary filigree. djcad logo

Jewellery and Metal Design

BDes

The Jewellery & Metal Design course at Duncan of Jordanstone aims to provide an intellectual and creative stimulus which encourages debate concerning aspects of perception and aesthetics; to create an awareness of the social and historical context of jewellery and metal design; to encourage innovation and excellence.

Why study Jewellery and Metal Design at Dundee?

We will encourage you to use your drawing skills to develop your ideas and will give you the confidence to expand your creative thoughts about jewellery, fashion and small products. The course will teach you about the history of jewellery and metal design while also making you aware of current design trends. You will use our workshops to learn about new materials and techniques and will develop your own unique personal working philosophy and style.

Sana Aziz, a current Jewellery and Metal Design student, says: "The best thing about Jewellery Design at DJCAD is probably the opportunity you have to learn not only physical skills but also how to think like a designer. There is a great balance of making and designing, and the course teaches you how to succeed as a designer."

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • confidently and creatively use a wide variety of materials
  • use workshops to design individual jewellery, fashion and small products
  • use the skills you have gained throughout the course to develop your own unique style

New Designers

Final year students are given the opportunity to showcase their work at New Designers in London along with over 4,000 other design graduates from around the UK.

New Designers brings the design industry together, helping to launch the careers of the attending design graduates. With over 18,000 visitor throughout the duration of the exhibition there is a great opportunity to be discovered.

86% of exhibiting courses had graduates receive offers of work, placements or commissions.

Elizabeth Humble, 2010 Jewellery and Metalwork graduate, won the Goldsmiths' Company Jewellery Award.

Who should study Jewellery and Metal Design?

You are:

  • interested in creating 3D objects
  • innovative and like coming up with new ways of doing things
  • artistic and visually aware

You want to:

  • develop your knowledge of materials
  • develop your drawing skills
  • develop your creative ability
  • learn how to use a jewellery workshop

Student exchange

The academic perspective is enhanced by opportunities for you to study abroad through exchange schemes that operate with centres of excellence in many European and transatlantic countries.

In addition, the department normally organises an overseas study visit for all Level 3 students.

For examples of student work, staff profiles, and news from Jewellery & Metal Design, visit the DJCAD website.

Teaching & Assessment

The Jewellery & Metal Design team is well established and benefits from having an international reputation, they also draw on the expertise of professional practitioners who have a strong national and international profile with interests in narrative jewellery, sustainability and personal adornment.

How you will be taught

Learning occurs within a dynamic open studio environment where social interaction, peer and group learning and inter-year participation contributes to a stimulating environment. You will learn through a combination of workshops, lectures and self-initiated projects.

What you will study

Level 1

Students can enter illustration after successfully completing our Art and Design (General Foundation) course (apply for course WW12) or on successful completion of a recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (apply for course W720). This is normal for many art and design courses.

In the Art and Design (General Foundation) course you will learn the core values which will enrich and expand your personal visual language, preparing you nicely for a further 3 years in Jewellery & Metal Design.

Level 2

In Level 2 you will be introduced to a broad range of practical skills.

Modules include:

  • Leaning Design Through Making 1: you will be introduced to jewellery and will develop a range of basic technical and practical skills.
  • Learning Design Through Making 2: you will develop your visual skills and will begin to understand the importance of visual research.

You will also develop presentation and creative skills. You will also attend Design History, Theory & Practice modules which at this level will focus on a historical review of design and an overview of design in today's world.

Level 3

Level 3 will introduce you to a theoretical way of developing your skills.

  • Theory and Professional Practice: you will be encouraged to develop your technical skills which will enable you to work in unsupervised workshops
  • Design History, Theory and Practice: focussing on Design Futures and Professional Practice
  • Overseas Study Trip
  • Optional European or International Student Exchange

Level 4

Level 4 will prepare you for a career in the world of design. This year will focus on your individual development in regard to aesthetics, design concepts and research methods. Design History, Theory & Practice at this level will cover research outcomes in history, theory and practice.

How you will be assessed

Project work is reviewed at the conclusion of modules and assessed at the end of each level. Some theoretical designs are assessed by supporting essays and exams.

Careers

Our programmes of study prepare graduates for employment in a wide range of careers or to progress into postgraduate study. Placements, live project work and participation in national and international competitions all hone the employability and aspirations of our students.

Recent graduates have been employed in a wide variety of fields of work and postgraduate activity including:

  • self-employed artist/designer
  • designer to fine or fashion jewellery manufacturers
  • designer of small products
  • management within the jewellery trade
  • designer of effects in theatre, cinema or television
  • specialist posts within museums and galleries
  • lecturing and teaching in craft, design & technology

Postgraduate study

Some graduates choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level on our taught Masters degree or PhD programmes.

Enterprise/Freelance

Others have gone on to freelance and establishing their own successful businesses. Extra curriculum activities such as the Enterprise Gym help students cultivate entrepreneurial skills. The Greenhouse Business Pre-Incubator facility provides ambitious students with an office space to explore their business idea.

Kate Pickering graduated in 2009 after completing both the Jewellery and Metal Design and the Master of Design courses at the university. Kate says, "As a designer, I delve into the connections between jewellery, story telling and narratives. I believe jewellery hold endless opportunities to enhance the wearer's relationship with memories. As Founder of Vanilla Ink, my goal is to truly empower jewellery graduates." Kate is currently occupies a space in the Greenhouse office space.

Entry Requirements

Students applying for Jewellery & Metal Design must successfully complete our 1 year Art and Design (General Foundation) course. In this instance you should apply using the UCAS code WW12.

Alternatively, if you have already completed a recognised foundation course or equivalent elsewhere then apply directly to Jewellery & Metal Design.

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Selection notes

All applicants must submit a comprehensive portfolio of art and design work. The qualifications listed may be modified for an applicant presenting an exceptional portfolio.

Students are selected by assessing the contents of a portfolio of work that should convey a measure of creative, practical skill and intellectual/enthusiastic engagement in the practice of art and design.

Courses starting September 2011

BA/BDes Art & Design General Foundation Level 1 Entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher BBC/CCCC
GCE A-Level BC/DDD
ILC Higher BBC
IB Diploma 24 points
Essential Subjects Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Higher or GCE A-Level) and English (at SQA Higher, GCE AS Level at B)

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA An HNC in a relevant Art discipline, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
EDEXCEL A BTEC ND in a relevant Art discipline plus an acceptable qualification in English, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
Other qualifications will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Courses starting September 2012

BA/BDes Art & Design General Foundation Level 1 Entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher BBBC
GCE A-Level CCC
ILC Higher BBBC
IB Diploma 29 points (including 5, 5, 4 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC H, HL) and English at B (at SQA Higher, GCE AS Level, , ILC H, HL)

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA An HNC in a relevant Art discipline, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
EDEXCEL A BTEC ND in a relevant Art discipline plus an acceptable qualification in English, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
Other qualifications will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category Fees for students starting September 2012 Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.
Students from the rest of the UK £9,000 per year of study.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.
EU students You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.
Overseas students (non-EU) £11,461 per year.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

Students applying for Jewellery and Metal Design must successfully complete our 1 year Art and Design (General Foundation) course. In this instance you should apply using the UCAS code WW12.

Alternatively, if you have already completed a recognised foundation course or equivalent elsewhere then apply directly to Jewellery and Metal Design.

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree UCAS Codes
BA/BDes Art and Design (General Foundation Level 1 entry) (1 year only) WW12
BDes Jewellery and Metal Design W750

UCAS Application Process

Apply to UCAS thumbnail image - linking to youtube video
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Admissions procedure

All applicants must submit a comprehensive portfolio of art and design work. The qualifications listed may be modified for an applicant presenting an exceptional portfolio.

Students are selected by assessing the contents of a portfolio of work that should convey a measure of creative, practical skill and intellectual/enthusiastic engagement in the practice of art and design.

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

Candidates should be passionate about a career in Jewellery and Metal Design. This dedication and enthusiasm for the subject is essential. We are looking for students who have an understanding and an appreciation for design and who are eager to learn new skills and develop their own personal creative voice.

Communication skills are important as students will have to contextualise their design ideas and discuss them with staff and their fellow peers. The portfolio of work presented continues to play a crucial role in determining a candidate's suitability for the course. We look for originality and evidence of creative thinking and exploration. It is not essential to have previous metalwork experience; we are looking for individuals who have an innovative approach to design and who can translate their ideas into a third dimension.

Tips for your application

Candidates should not feel that they have to include evidence of any finished pieces in their folio. We are more interested in the design process than finished pieces at this stage. There should be a clear thought process, and evidence of research and development is essential. We are looking for design concepts that have potential for further development. Be selective about your folio and only include what you consider to be your best work.

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

Karen Simpson
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 028 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 028 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

International applicants

International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk