The Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s renowned Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course is a unique programme designed to equip graduates with the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to develop careers in the jewellery industry in Ireland and internationally.

This intensive three-year BA Hons degree programme will be delivered at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Jewellery and Goldsmithing Centre of Excellence. The three-year programme will build on the previous two-year diploma.

For enquiries on the next commencement date please contact education@dcci.ie.

Studies are broken into three years.

Year 1

The year begins with an emphasis on developing core skills, know-how and accuracy required. There is an introduction to drawing in the second term as sketchbooks and mood boards become an important feature of the lengthy design process in future projects. Participants will soon begin to work in precious metal on design-led intricate projects lasting from 5 to 8 weeks. Specialist techniques are introduced to allow participants to push their designs, using traditional techniques and modern technologies.

Year 2

Participants continue to receive introductions to specialist subjects including casting, gemstone setting, hand engraving, forging, silversmithing, surface decoration, enamelling, gemmology, laser welding and CAD/CAM. In the second year, there is an even greater emphasis on self-directed learning with participants building towards creating a more personal final project which reflects their developed style and technique.

Year 3

In this final year, participants will develop a capstone project in their own unique area of specialisation within goldsmithing skills and jewellery design. Utilising the skills and techniques learned in the first two years, there is an emphasis on research and design development to create a personalised portfolio of work.

The practical elements will be supported through modules in design communication, entrepreneurship, research methods and a written dissertation, exploring contemporary practice, digital marketing.

Course Mode

Full time, September – July
3 years (40 weeks per year) including work placement in Year Two.
Enrolment is every 3 years.

Opportunities after Graduation

The design and craft sector delivers significant economic and cultural dividends to Ireland through the work of thousands of small creative enterprises which create quality, sustainable employment.

Many participants initially gain experience in workshops in Ireland and abroad. Many then use the design skills they have learned and developed on the course to set up their own businesses as designer/makers. Other participants have chosen to further their education, topping up their skills with more advanced courses of study in specific areas.

The fees will be €3,000 per annum for Irish/EU citizens. Fees of €9,500 per annum will apply for non-EU students in line with standard practice in the higher education sector.