Program Overview

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Gemmology and Jewellery Studies - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our unique BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies course is globally renowned, and is deeply rooted in the rich history of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, which has been a hub of the gemstone industry since the 1800s.

This cutting-edge course goes beyond the levels of gemstone identification and grading that are found in the professional qualifications that are our only competitors, and explore advanced topics such as mineralogy, lab techniques, jewellery valuation, and the critical issues of ethics and sustainability in the industry.

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• 112 UCAS Tariff points.
• Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

• This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

• Qualification| Entry requirements
  • A Level / AS Level |
    • A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent)
    • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
    • A maximum of four subjects will be considered
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate) |
    • 112 UCAS Tariff points
    • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
    • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • T Level | Merit overall All subjects accepted but Science preferred.
  • Access to HE Diploma | Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Science subjects preferred but other subjects also considered.
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications | 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications | 112 UCAS Tariff points
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications |
    • 112 UCAS Tariff points
    • Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher | 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC)
  • Welsh Baccalaureate | 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma | Merit overall
  • Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media) | Distinction overall

International qualifications

• International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall
• EU / International students
  • Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.
  • In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BSc (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3 years
• Fees: £9,535 in 2026/27
• Apply via UCAS

International students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BSc (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3 years
• Fees: £18,970 in 2026/27
• Register interest

Course in Depth

Year one

• In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
  • Earth Processes and Mineral Properties 20 credits
  • Introduction to Gemstone & Diamond Practical 20 credits
  • History and Culture of Jewellery 20 credits
  • Synthetic, Simulant and Treated Gemstones 20 credits
  • Practical Gemmology 40 credits

Year two

• In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
  • Applied Gemmology 40 credits
  • Light, Optics and Colour 20 credits
  • Organics 20 credits
  • Jade 20 credits
  • Industry Studies 20 credits

Year three

• In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
  • Advanced Gemmology and Analytical Techniques 60 credits
  • Valuation Science 20 credits
  • Major Project: Gemmology 40 credits

Employability

• Employability and key transferable skills are embedded within the course ethos to maximise our students’ capabilities and understanding of potential career opportunities.
• Each module is designed to incorporate both generic and industry-specific skillsets to give students maximum flexibility in their chosen career path.
• Modules are structured to include field visits and opportunities for students to observe and develop an understanding of potential routes to employment.
• Additionally, the course content includes extensive training in advanced analytical techniques which are required by laboratories worldwide.

Facilities & Staff

Facilities

• Our Gemmology students are based in new, state-of-the-art premises at Moreton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, within the Assay Office Birmingham building.
• The purpose-built workshops are spacious and superbly well-equipped with equipment, samples and books.
• There is access to some of the highest specification of equipment available for gemmological education in the world.
• Our students also have access to the further advanced equipment housed within the Assay office’s AnchorCert laboratory.

Workshops

• Jewellery and Horology workshops are located at the School of Jewellery, complemented with a Technology Hub including state of the art digital manufacturing equipment.

Gemmology

• Gemmology is furnished with high specification interactive lecture facilities and is situated within the working environment of Birmingham’s Assay Office.

IT and library

• Computers and laptops have the latest Adobe software and you will be given access to Lynda.com as a source of great tutorials and advice to support your studies.
• The School of Jewellery has its own specialist library with a comprehensive range of international periodicals and access to the Mintel Report.

Exhibitions

• Our students love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of the building and return year on year to our annual exhibitions.

Our staff

• Miranda Wells
  • Associate Professor in Gemmology
  • With a long and varied career in the jewellery and gems industry, Miranda has experience in the buying and selling of coloured stones and diamonds, manufacturing, retail, and design.
• Michelle McCormick
  • Lecturer
  • After twenty years of working in the Jewellery and Gemstone industry and studying for numerous trade qualifications, Michelle graduated from the Birmingham City University with a First-class BSc (Hons) in Gemmology and Jewellery studies in 2015.