Qualification

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jewellery and Goldsmithing

   

Credits

• 60 Credits each year.  Total 180 Credits

Duration

• 3 years
• Full time: Monday – Friday
• September – June (40 week academic year)

Next Enrolment

• September 2024
• Deadline for applications: March 2024
• Interviews: April 2024
• Email [email protected] for further information

Location

• DCCI Academy | Jewellery and Goldsmithing School, Sessions House, Thomastown, Kilkenny, Ireland

Course fee

• €3,000 per annum for Irish/EU citizens
• €9,500 per annum for non-EU students in line with standard practice in the higher education sector

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Year 1

Predominantly year one is focused on the development of the learner’s practical skills and the processes associated with a traditional jewellery and goldsmithing workshop.  Learners receive one to on tuition on a daily basis and are trained to gain an in-depth knowledge of traditional techniques and workshop equipment while working in precious metal and gemstones.  Quality of craftsmanship and accuracy are instilled in the learners from day 1 of this course and are key to its successful completion.

Drawing skills and design are introduced  in year 1 and are intrinsically woven throughout the 3 year programme to encourage and nurture creativity and individuality.   Year 1 will provide the learners with in-depth skills in hand engraving, piercing, sheet fabrication and soldering, casting, stone setting, gemmology, design and what it takes to bring these techniques from the workbench to a successful business

Year 2

Year 2 allows the students to further develop their practical skills and design creativity while incorporating new technologies such as laser welding and 3D printing.

Design development is supported through one to one tutorials. All written assignments are practice-based and practice-led which allows for an in-depth level of research into the historical and contemporary contexts of design and techniques.

Year 3

Year 3 focuses on the development of the learners in preparation for employment within the jewellery trade and industry.

Learners identify a self-directed project for a specialist Jewellery or Goldsmithing design and making context.

While developing a large body of practical work demonstrating their skills in making and design learners also develop the business entrepreneurship and marketing skills needed to be successful upon graduation. Presentation skills, creative writing and the ability to promote your work and your craft are key to the success of the DCCIA J&G graduates.

In support of this aim each learner will be paired with an industry mentor who will impart their industry knowledge and business acumen.  This mentor along with the course tutors will support the learners to develop a body of work that will prepare them for successful careers within the jewellery and goldsmithing sector.

Opportunities after graduation

DCCIA Jewellery & Goldsmithing graduates progress to further education nationally and internationally.  They progress into the jewellery industry in Ireland and many are now head goldsmiths running some of the busiest workshops in the country.  Many go into self-employment in location all over Ireland and abroad as designer makers and specialists in goldsmithing, diamond mounting, retail and manufacture.