Jewellery and Metal Design

Why study Jewellery and Metal Design at Dundee?

Jewellery designers are the creators of a universal symbolic language that expresses identity, difference, distinctiveness and shared values. As such it fuses together art, science, fashion, politics, culture and technology.

Studying jewellery & metal design at Dundee begins with material based exploration - learning the characteristics and qualities of a range of materials e.g. wood, metal, plastics etc. Traditional hand techniques and new technologies such as electroforming, laser cutting, and digital processes including rapid prototyping are thoughtfully integrated. Critical thinking and debate is encouraged, creating a dynamic and vibrant environment in which to generate new ideas and material processes. You are encouraged to think about your ideas and ways of working in order to push the boundaries of the discipline. Consequently jewellery and metal design is often not worn on the body, and does not have to be made of metal!

In addition to creating work for sale within the contemporary craft gallery our graduates are also creating new markets and arenas for the knowledge and skills they have developed, for example in healthcare (medical alert jewellery) and forensics (disaster victim identification - a jewellery classification system). Working in collaboration with different departments and courses is one of the key benefits of being part of a vibrant diverse research university.

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.

Who should study Jewellery and Metal Design?

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

Related courses

• Animation
• Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices
• Digital Interaction Design
• Fine Art (Digital Media, Drawing & Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture)
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior Environmental Design
• Product Design
• Textile Design
• Time Based Art & Digital Film

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.

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.

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 2013

BA/BDes Art & Design Specialisms Level 2 Entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	BB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level	ABB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5, at Higher level)
Other	Foundation Degree in Art & Design
Other	HND in an Art & Design subject with BB in the Graded Units
Essential Subjects	Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level, IB Higher Level), an appropriate literate subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level) and one other subject outside art & design subjects (at SQA Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level).
All applicants must also submit a comprehensive portfolio of art/design/creative work.
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview and visit the course.

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with BB at AH
EDEXCEL	A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM
Advanced Diploma	Grade B with ASL A-levels in appropriate subjects at AB
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A-levels in appropriate subjects at AB
All qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All qualifications should include a relevant Art & Design subject & a literate subject. A comprehensive portfolio of creative work is required, and an interview may be required.
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	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	DJCAD Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
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.	University of Dundee Bursaries DJCAD Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£11,461 per year.	DJCAD Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

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	KIS data
BA/BDes Art and Design (General Foundation Level 1 entry) (1 year only)	WW12	View KIS data for this course
BDes Jewellery and Metal Design	W720	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

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:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

Any questions?

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