Program Overview

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

• Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points.
• Accelerate offer: 80 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

• A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent), AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels.
• Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points.
• 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.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• Award: BSc (Hons).
• Starting: Sep 2025.
• Mode: Full Time.
• Duration: 3 years.
• Fees: £9,535 in 2025/26.

International students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• Award: BSc (Hons).
• Starting: Sep 2025.
• Mode: Full Time.
• Duration: 3 years.
• Fees: £18,600 in 2025/26.

Course in Depth

Year one

• 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

• Applied Gemmology (40 credits).
• Light, Optics and Colour (20 credits).
• Organics (20 credits).
• Jade (20 credits).
• Industry Studies (20 credits).

Year three

• 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.

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.

Staff

• Miranda Wells: Associate Professor in Gemmology.
• Michelle McCormick: Lecturer.