BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at Birmingham City University

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.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media  |  Department: Jewellery  |  Duration: 3 years full-time  |  Study mode: full-time (optional professional placement)  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

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. Modules include Earth Processes and Mineral Properties, Introduction to Gemstone & Diamond Practical, History and Culture of Jewellery, Synthetic, Simulant and Treated Gemstones, Practical Gemmology, Applied Gemmology, Light, Optics and Colour, Organics.

Career pathways

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.

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