Bachelor of Jewellery Design + Technology

The Bachelor of Jewellery Design & Technology at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a unique and innovative program that combines the artistic and technical aspects of jewellery design. Students will learn to create functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces of jewellery using a variety of techniques, materials, and technologies. The program covers a wide range of topics, including jewellery design, metalsmithing, gemology, and business management. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter the workforce as talented and well-rounded jewellery designers and artists.

Additional Information

The Bachelor of Jewellery Design & Technology is a four-year program that consists of 24 courses, including studio classes, lectures, and workshops. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials and technologies, including precious metals, gemstones, and CAD software. The program also includes a professional practice component, which provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the jewellery industry.

Leading the Way in Jewellery Design and Technology

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is one of the leading institutions for jewellery design and technology in New Zealand. The college has a strong reputation for producing talented and innovative graduates, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the jewellery industry. The program's emphasis on both artistic and technical aspects of jewellery design provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for a variety of career paths.

The programme combines workshop experience characterised by attaining master goldsmith skills through comprehensive hand-making, digital, and other manufacturing techniques required in creating fine jewellery. It will develop students into professionals who are able to manage all phases of design from initial inspiration, analysis, development, and finishing of the final product.

Students will be equipped with skills focusing on entrepreneurship, resource and material management, identifying new opportunities, and how to effectively direct their resources to appropriately respond to market opportunities.

This programme will include working sessions, technical and practical workshops, authentic projects, research activities, and group and self-reflection activities.

The students will learn how to study and expand on relevant jewellery and goldsmithing theory, techniques, and skills, and apply this knowledge to comprehensive manufacturing tasks in order to become an industry professional.

Admission Requirements:

Students are required to hold one of the following qualifications, or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience:

• Attend an interview along with a portfolio of 6-12 sketches of jewellery designs

• Undertake an audition

• Meet the New Zealand, National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 entry requirements or provide evidence of achievement at an equivalent level

• Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years industry or life experience relevant to Jewellery design and creation, in addition, these applicants must undertake a supervised written assessment to demonstrate numeracy and literacy skills including an essay (500 words) followed by a task on interpreting measurements.

• International students will also be required to meet (New Zealand Qualification Framework) NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013 e.g. an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic score of 6, with no band score lower than 5.5; or the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5).