All abilities are welcome to this course which accommodates 8 learners comfortably. Basic sheet metal and wire included in the fee to learn techniques and processes and make prototypes. Additional metal is available to buy if needed for your project work. Please note we do not provide precious metals or gemstones ? your tutor can advise where to purchase these. You will have access to all tools in our well equipped studio, however use of the furnace for casting is restricted to intermediate/advanced courses only. Please note we cannot accommodate mass production as our studio is a shared communal space with a range of activities going on at one time. If you are interested in a specialist technique not listed or described in the course description, please contact the Curriculum Manager before enrolling to find out if it is possible for us to accommodate this.

This is a metals-based course in which you will learn a range of jewellery making skills, such as piercing metal, filing, drilling, emerying and annealing, using a variety of specialist tools and machinery. Techniques include: forming metal sheet (synclastic and anti-clastic raising scoring and forging); fabrication (soldering, cold joining -riveting and bezel setting); wire work; texturing and polishing. You will apply these skills in a self-directed project. By the end of the course, you will be able to: explore a variety of jewellery and/or silversmithing techniques and processes; produce a range of test pieces and developments in copper and brass; design, develop and make a small collection of pieces e.g. a piece of jewellery or small object such as a ring, necklace, small spoon or small bowl. You will attain an awareness of contemporary Jewellery & Silversmithing; understand and observe correct studio practice & Health and Safety rules.

The programme is taught through tutor demonstration, group discussions, sharing skills and knowledge within the group, and most importantly through developing your own practice. We share skills and ideas in a friendly, safe and supportive atmosphere. This class is tailored to your individual needs. If you are new to the class, you will be inducted after an initail assessment and asked what you would like to make. Samples of finished work and technical processes will be demonstrated. Through discussion and technical advice, you will be supported to develop your ideas prior to embarking in your work. Returning students will continue ongoing personal projects, researching new techniques and processes and expand and further their practice. Resources used within each lesson are available electronically. There is no formal homework. However, your tutor may discuss ideas with you individually to help extend your study and for ongoing independent projects. Your tutor will also recommend exhibitions, gigs or websites for you to visit to enrich your study.

There is no exam or formal assessment for this course. However, you will work with your tutor to identify your aims at the beginning of the session and will receive one to one feedback throughout as well as sharing outcomes at the end of the course. The tutor will discuss your progression plans with you and make suggestions where appropriate

Once you have completed the course, you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject. Advice and Guidance for all further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

You may be eligible for fee reductions or one of our bursaries, please check the Information and Advice section of our website to find out more.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet learners’ needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an interview with the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre.

We offer free support with finding a job, including 1-1 support with job applications, creating a CV or improving your interview skills, as well as advice about progression opportunities. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment with our Employability Coach.

There are regular cross-college events, external speaker visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for you to get involved in college life. Look out for adverts around the college, iLearn or sign up to Our Newsletter via the website.