Gemmology and Jewellery Studies

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https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/gemmology-and-jewellery-studies-2027-28

Gemmology and Jewellery Studies - BSc (Hons) - 2027/28 Entry | Birmingham City University

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Undergraduate › Gemmology and Jewellery Studies - BSc (Hons)

Gemmology and Jewellery Studies - BSc (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.

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....

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Undergraduate

Study mode

Full Time

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September 2027

View course fees

Jewellery

Location

School of Jewellery

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

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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.

Our diverse cohort of students benefit from hands-on training in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, gaining practical expertise guided by industry-leading staff.

What's covered in this course?

Many of our students have no formal science training before they come to BCU, but we equip our graduates with the technical knowledge and industry insights to excel in their chosen field.

Our excellent partnerships with industry help them succeed in an impressive variety of global roles including high-end auction houses, jewellery valuation, international laboratories, education, mining industry, and the global gem and diamond markets.

Our international reach means that we have exciting partnerships with institutions around the world, while our local influence sees us input into practical jewellery and short courses, as well as our own programmes.

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.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

The BSc Gemmology degree is an essential course for anyone looking for a career in the gemstone or diamond industry. Whether you are a budding Lab Technician, Diamond Grader, Researcher or Jewellery Retailer, this course has something for everyone. You will learn a wide range of skills from all aspects and nuances of gemstone analysis to some of the wonderful history of jewels and jewellery.

Jonathan Solomons

Why Choose Us?

This Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree is one of the only courses of its kind.

It is taught by industry experts and leading academics in their field.

You’ll work in state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities, with an extensive range of both standard and advanced gemmological equipment.

You will have the opportunity to continue your study at postgraduate level with our ground breaking research team.

Our department has extensive links with industry, and sponsors include Garrard and Fellows.

You study where the industry practices – the course is based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, where an estimated 40 per cent of British jewellery is made today.

Founded in 1890, our internationally-renowned School of Jewellery is the largest school of its kind in Europe.

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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.

Open Day

Join us for our next Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students,

explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 21 November

an Open Day

Course in Depth

Year one

Year two

Year three

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Earth Processes and Mineral Properties 20 credits

This module introduces you to gemmological theory, and the earth processes that create minerals and organic gemstones. You will study the underlying geology of gemstone formations and handle rough gem crystals, whilst learning how to explain the physical and optical properties of a wide range of different gem materials.

Introduction to Gemstone & Diamond Practical 20 credits

This module introduces you to the skills and techniques of practical gemmology where you will develop stone testing experience through the use of a range of standard gemmological instruments, and gain familiarity with a representative suite of gem materials, utilising the learning which you gain in the gemmology theory module.

History and Culture of Jewellery 20 credits

History and Culture of Jewellery stimulates enquiry around the influences that have shaped attitudes to jewellery around the world from a historical and cultural perspective. It allows you to identify your own personal interest in sectors of the market by exploring material preferences, considering the social context and values, and discovering the global distinctions.

Synthetic, Simulant and Treated Gemstones 20 credits

This module develops the learning from the Semester 1 theoretical module, and introduces synthetic, simulant and treated gemstones. You will learn the different production methods for a variety of synthetic gem materials, and how to identify these from natural stones.

Practical Gemmology 40 credits

This module builds on the practical skills that you gained in the Semester 1 introductory module, and further develops your techniques in coloured gemstone testing and identification. You will learn to identify a range of synthetic materials, common simulants, and treated gemstones using a variety of methods. You will also have the opportunity to test gemstones set into jewellery, and to develop your diamond grading skills to produce accurate plotting diagrams.

Applied Gemmology 40 credits

This module is designed to build on the Level 4 modules to further expand your knowledge and skill in gemstone testing, and to increase the range of gemstones and equipment that you are familiar with.

On completion of the module, you will have developed your basic gem testing abilities so that you can undertake critical analysis of testing techniques on a wide variety of organic, non-organic, ornamental, natural, artificial and treated stones, in rough and fashioned forms, both loose and mounted in jewellery. In addition, you will learn advanced diamond grading and plotting, and you will also be introduced to the laboratory testing skills of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy.

You will also become familiar with specialist gemmological terms and vocabulary, and how to present relevant information clearly and accurately. These accurate and specialist skills will be central to your future employment.

Light, Optics and Colour 20 credits

On completion of the module, you will be able to describe a wide range of gemstone phenomena and characteristics and explain more advanced gemmological concepts and theories, particularly in the areas of light, optics and causes of colour. You will learn how these apply to determination of gemstone locality, and will be able to explain a wide variety of mechanisms that cause colour in gemstones. This module will also build on the concepts explored in GEM4011 by further exploring defects in diamonds, and the knowledge gained in GEM4014 by looking at more advanced methods of gemstone synthesis.

You will also become familiar with specialist gemmological terms and vocabulary, and how to present relevant information clearly and accurately.

Organics 20 credits

Organic materials are amongst some of the earliest gem materials used by man. This module is designed to develop your specialist knowledge of a range of organic gem materials (pearls, coral, shell, jet, tortoiseshell, ivory, horn, and amber), to learn methods of identification, treatments, simulants, and methods of pearl culturing. Additionally, you will explore and debate the ethics surrounding the use of various materials, protection of endangered species, and restrictions in dealing and shipping of organic materials. The practical element of this module will teach you to detect organic gems by observational features, and the principles of pearl grading.

Jade 20 credits

Jade is a gem material with huge commercial and cultural importance. Its history stretches back for thousands of years, and has not only been used in jewellery, but for ornamental purposes, religious artefacts, and even weaponry. This module is designed to enable you to explore jadeite and nephrite in greater depth, their history, geological origins, treatments, and common simulants, and to analyse and understand the cultural significance of these unique gem materials.

Industry Studies 20 credits

This module invites you to reflect on your intended position within the industry post-graduation, and to engage in a cycle of experiential learning to ensure that you capitalise on the opportunities available once you have left the programme.

Advanced Gemmology and Analytical Techniques 40 credits

This module is designed to equip you with both the theory, intellectual context and application of the ‘state of the art’ scientific testing techniques utilised in both the gem and diamond industries. It will also provide you with the intellectual skills and confidence required to tackle challenges you will encounter in your future career. The module is designed to encourage you to explore, investigate and research as inherent aspects of the learning process, and also to develop the transferable skills of problem solving and self-reliance.

The module includes exploring current challenges, research, developments and technology used within the industry allowing you to consider the latest concepts and gain a current insight into industry best practice.

Valuation Science 20 credits

In commerce value is an intrinsic and fundamentally important aspect, therefore the skills and knowledge you gain within this module can find useful application in many aspects of the industry.

This module builds on your knowledge of the concepts of valuation covered in modules from level 4 and 5 of the degree Your knowledge and understanding of gemstones, jewellery, metals and their relative valuations introduced at levels 4 and 5 will be enhanced in both breadth and sophistication.

Through this module you will discover that by combining the skills of the gemmologist, with your understanding of manufacturing techniques used in jewellery production, you will develop the ability to both differentiate and evaluate alternative methods of manufacture and assess their relative quality.

Your ability to assess and discriminate will not only facilitate your valuation practice, but provides many valuable transferable skills that are prized within the industry. As your self-confidence develops as you progress through the module you will be able to undertake more complex valuation tasks and discuss and analyse the process in depth.

The module aims to develop within you a level of competence and understanding of the subject, additionally the importance of self-promotion, presentation and professionalism, and the ability to produce well researched and reliable work with the hallmark of quality.

Major Project: Gemmology 60 credits

The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome will take the form of a written dissertation. At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available, and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help in the development of your Major Project.

This module is an opportunity for you to develop not only academically, but it will also help you to acquire life-long skills and attributes that identify you as a graduate of BCU, a creative problem solver, entrepreneurial, professional and work ready, and having a global outlook. In addition to this and in the context of the creative and cultural industries this means developing an ability to: create work which demonstrates an awareness of professional standards relevant to your discipline; gain an understanding of successful project planning, which may include budgetary and other relevant constraints; be innovative and experimental and to push at the boundaries of your discipline; to self-evaluate and reflect critically on your work, being able to place it within the context of relevant debates within your chosen medium.

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Course Structure

Gain the highest level of gemmological skills, as well as knowledge of all relevant aspects of the jewellery trade, with our Gemmology and Jewellery Studies course. Our highly-practical course will give you the professionally-recognised attributes and experience you need to enhance your employability prospects.

You will work in our fully-equipped, purpose-built gem labs, carrying out a range of gemmological tests, as well as learning advanced-level analytical techniques, diamond grading and jewellery valuation.

You will be introduced to a range of gemmological testing equipment, as well as diamond theory, jewellery valuation and appraisal. You will also learn to grade diamonds to a professional standard, while sharpening your skills in photography and photomicrography.

As you become more skilled and familiar with the equipment, you get the opportunity in your second year to continue your gemmological studies to a greater depth. This will also include greater knowledge of jewellery valuation and appraisal, an extensive practical gemmology testing project, and specialist modules in Jade and organic gem materials.

In your third year, you will conduct advanced scientific testing of gem materials, as well as applying the use of spectroscopy to advance your study of diamonds. The knowledge of jewellery valuation and appraisal that you have commenced in your first two years will be further strengthened, and your increasing skills in analytical techniques will then be demonstrated in a research project of your own choosing.

You’ll study in our industry-standard facilities in the Assay Office. You’ll also undertake national and international field trips to gain a wider understanding of the gemmology field.

Classroom Activities and Projects

Around 50% of our work is practical, and is based in our purpose- built gem testing labs. You will work with a wide variety of precious gem materials, including rough crystals, cut stones and gems set into jewellery.

Trips and Visits

Our trips vary each year, depending on what events are being held. They range from attending talks, conferences, and museum visits, to field trips both in the UK and abroad. Examples are visits to local auction houses, local and London museums, the annual Gem-A Conference and Scottish Gemmology Conference, the Blue John mines in Derbyshire and a three-day visit to the Antwerp Diamond District.

Discover the community in the College of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles where our students talk about their journeys here at BCU which has inspired creativity and innovation.

View video transcription

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course; see interview arrangements below.

The offer we make you takes into account your performance at interview, along with your individual circumstances, predicted grades, achieved qualifications and potential to succeed at university.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

Qualification

Entry requirements

A Level / AS Level

A Level: 112-72 UCAS Tariff points / BBC-CDE (or equivalent)

AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels

A maximum of four subjects will be considered

Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points

Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall grade

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

NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications

WJEC Level 3 qualifications

Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects

Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved from three Advanced Highers or two Advanced Highers plus two Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall

Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media)

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances

If you're applying with an International Baccalaureate Diploma or international qualifications, please see further information below.

Interview arrangements

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview at The Assay Office. If you cannot attend in person, we can offer an online interview via Microsoft Teams.

Mature students

Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

International qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Obtain 28-24 points overall

EU / International students

Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information on pre-sessional English courses.

Meeting our entry requirements

If you do not meet our academic or English language requirement, or have been out of education for some time, you may wish to consider joining Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC). BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to undergraduate study at Birmingham City University.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student

International Student

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. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2027

Duration

£10,050 in 2027/28

Apply via UCAS

International students

£19,630 in 2027/28

Apply Online

Included in your course fees

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Specialist equipment

This course requires specialist equipment. You will access to general gem testing equipment and spectroscopy equipment.

Not included in your course fees

Project materials (mandatory)

This course includes project work that requires you to develop and produce a portfolio or collection. You'll be expected to provide the materials for use in your individual major projects. Costs will vary depending on the materials selected, but we recommend you budget £50-100.

Clothing and safety equipment (mandatory)

This course requires the purchase of clothing and/or safety equipment. You will require a lab coat at an estimated cost of £15.

Specialist equipment (mandatory)

This course requires the purchase of specialist equipment, including portable gem testing equipment at an estimated cost of £250.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Personal stationery and study materials (optional)

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

Gallery visits (optional)

It is advisable for all Creative Arts students to visit exhibitions, galleries and other creative and cultural institutions and events depending on your own individual area of interest. Travel and entry costs may be associated with this.

Personal equipment (optional)

Whilst not essential, it is advised you own a basic computer or laptop capable of running Microsoft Office.

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS

Login to UCAS and complete your details

Select your course and write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS.

Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

View fees for continuing students

Employability

Enhancing Employability skills

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.

Modules are structured to include field visits and opportunities for students to observe and develop an understanding of potential routes to employment. Additionally, the course content includes extensive training in advanced analytical techniques which are required by laboratories worldwide.

Links to Industry

All of our tutors have worked within the industry, and therefore the course has excellent links with the jewellery trade. Our course has a number of industry sponsors, and they fund a great programme of visiting lectures from a wide variety of experts in the gemmology trade. We also have a number of industry sponsored prizes for high-achieving students, and work closely with other universities and gemmological professional bodies around the world.

Facilities & Staff

Jewellery facilities

Take a look around the facilities available to you as a Jewellery student at BCU.

See our Jewellery facilities

Our staff

Miranda Wells

Head of Department and Associate Professor in Gemmology

With a long and varied career in the jewellery and gems industry, Miranda has experience in the buying and selling of coloured stones and diamonds, manufacturing, retail, and design.

More about Miranda

Michelle McCormick

Senior Lecturer

After twenty years of working in the Jewellery and Gemstone industry and studying for numerous trade qualifications, Michelle graduated from the Birmingham City University with a First-class BSc (Hons) in Gemmology and Jewellery studies in 2015.

More about Michelle

Discover Uni information for this course

UK prospective students

Contact the enquiries team

T: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Non-UK prospective students

E: International enquiry form

T: +44 (0)121 331 5389

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