Program Overview

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Horology - BA (Hons)

Overview

Discover the evolution of designs and materials behind clocks and watches, alongside exploring the specialist skills required to design, make and repair these fascinating mechanisms yourself using fine hand and machining skills.

What's covered in this course?

Our unique undergraduate Horology course will enable you to study clocks and watches, both mechanical and electronic, as well as exploring the art and science of time measurement.

Combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology, this course looks at the theory of horology, as well as providing you with valuable practical skills. You’ll examine the history of timekeeping, how clocks and watches work, and how they are designed, providing you with the restoration skills that are in demand within the industry.

The course uses industry-standard software, such as the Solidworks CAD package, to teach design and technical drawing skills, as well as both traditional and modern niche skills of repair, conservation and restoration. Our workshops give you access to timing and testing equipment, as well as machine tools, including laser welding machines, 3D printing and engine turning equipment.

Professional Placement year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

Why Choose Us?

• Our outstanding employability record with graduates working for brands such as Bremont, Cartier, Rolex, Swatch, Tag Heuer, and Christopher Ward; or with unique makers/restorers such as Roger Smith and Richard Higgins Conservation; and for others such as Bonhams and the British Museum.
• You will be supported by experienced staff and visiting tutors, who inspire through example and share their expertise in practice, research and design techniques.
• Our partnerships with industry give you the chance to undertake placements, receive mentoring and develop technical expertise in a commercial setting.
• You will have the opportunity to gain the professional accreditation of the British Horological Institute.
• We have a strong employability record, with the majority of our students getting offers of work, often within days of graduating.
• All of our Horology degree students receive a tool/materials bursary from the George Daniels Educational Trust worth up to £1,900, along with opportunities to qualify for further financial support.

World Craft City

Birmingham has been officially named a World Craft City by the World Craft Council, spotlighting our prestigious School of Jewellery and Jewellery Quarter as global leaders in craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation. As one of only eight European cities with this title, Birmingham now stands as a hub for heritage and cutting-edge jewellery design—attracting international talent, partnerships, and investment while reinforcing its status as a powerhouse of the global craft and creative economy.

Similar Courses

• Gemmology and Jewellery Studies - BSc (Hons)
• Jewellery and Objects - BA (Hons)
• Jewellery and Silversmithing - HND
• Horology with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

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)
• Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points
• T Level: Merit overall
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3
• 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
• 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
• 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.

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: BA (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.
• 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: BA (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2025
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3 years
• Fees: £18,600 in 2025/26

Course in Depth

Year one

• Introduction to Horology (20 credits)
• Production Techniques (40 credits)
• Specialist Horological Skills (40 credits)
• CAD for Bespoke Production (20 credits)

Year two

• Commercial Servicing Skills (40 credits)
• Advanced Production Techniques (40 credits)
• Commercial Awareness (20 credits)
• Live Project (20 credits)
• Work placement (20 credits)

Year three

• Major Project: Horology (60 credits)
• Employment Skills (60 credits)

Employability

• The course is not just about the acquisition of a set of specialist skills; we also develop key transferable skills, all of which will enhance your employability prospects.
• With a degree-level qualification, you’ll be able to enter the employment market at graduate level, with essential skills in communication, presentation and problem solving.

Facilities & Staff

• The School of Jewellery at Vittoria Street is inspirational and functional. A blend of traditional historic and cutting-edge contemporary, it is light, spacious and extremely well-resourced.
• Horology students also have dedicated areas, as well as the latest CAD equipment.
• Our Centre for Design and Digital Manufacturing (CDDM) situated within the heart of the School of Jewellery offers expertise in computer-aided design and manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and has a state-of-the-art precious metal laser sintering facility.

Our staff

• Matthew Porton: Course Director, Lecturer
• Jaq Prendergast: Course Director, Lecturer