BSc (Hons)Gemmology and Jewellery Studies

Study location	United Kingdom, Birmingham
Type	Bachelor courses, full-time
Nominal duration	3 years
Study language	English
Awards	BSc (Hons)
Course code	73J9

Entry qualification	High school / secondary education (or higher)

Language requirements	English Accepted proof of proficiency: Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL, Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or other equivalent IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL (IBT): Overall score of 80 or above, with at least 17 in Listening, 17 in Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking CAE: level C

Other requirements	At least 1 reference(s) must be provided. A motivation letter must be added to your application.

More information	bcu.ac.uk/..-and-jewellery-studies-2018-19

Overview

Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.

Programme structure

Gain the highest level of gemmological skills, as well as knowledge of all relevant aspects of the jewellery trade, with our Gemmology and Jewellery Studies course. Our highly-practical course will give you the professionally-recognised attributes and experience you need to enhance your employability prospects.

You will work in our fully-equipped, purpose-built gem labs, carrying out a range of gemmological tests, as well as learning advanced-level analytical techniques, diamond grading and jewellery valuation.

You will be introduced to a range of gemmological testing equipment, as well as diamond theory, jewellery valuation and appraisal. You will also learn to grade diamonds to a professional standard, while sharpening your skills in photography and photomicrography.

As you become more skilled and familiar with the equipment, you get the opportunity in your second year to continue your gemmological studies to a greater depth. This will also include greater knowledge of jewellery valuation and appraisal, an extensive practical gemmology testing project, and specialist modules in Jade and organic gem materials.

In your third year, you will conduct advanced scientific testing of gem materials, as well as applying the use of spectroscopy to advance your study of diamonds. The knowledge of jewellery valuation and appraisal that you have commenced in your first two years will be further strengthened, and your increasing skills in analytical techniques will then be demonstrated in a research project of your own choosing.

Career opportunities

You could find openings with wholesale and retail buyers of coloured gemstones and diamonds, as well as with diamond graders, valuers, auction houses, or jewellery designers, manufacturers and retailers.

The advanced gemmology and diamond grading skills you will gain are required by laboratories worldwide, and there is currently a UK-wide shortage of suitably qualified jewellery valuers.