Jewellery and Metal Design

Why study Jewellery and Metal Design at Dundee?

Jewellery designers are the creators of a universal symbolic language that expresses identity, difference, distinctiveness and shared values. As such it fuses together art, science, fashion, politics, culture and technology.

Studying jewellery & metal design at Dundee begins with material based exploration - learning the characteristics and qualities of a range of materials e.g. wood, metal, plastics etc. Traditional hand techniques and new technologies such as electroforming, laser cutting, and digital processes including rapid prototyping are thoughtfully integrated. Critical thinking and debate is encouraged, creating a dynamic and vibrant environment in which to generate new ideas and material processes. You are encouraged to think about your ideas and ways of working in order to push the boundaries of the discipline. Consequently jewellery and metal design is often not worn on the body, and does not have to be made of metal!

Sana Aziz, a current Jewellery and Metal Design student, says: "The best thing about Jewellery Design at DJCAD is probably the opportunity you have to learn not only physical skills but also how to think like a designer. There is a great balance of making and designing, and the course teaches you how to succeed as a designer."

In addition to creating work for sale within the contemporary craft gallery our graduates are also creating new markets and arenas for the knowledge and skills they have developed, for example in healthcare (medical alert jewellery) and forensics (disaster victim identification - a jewellery classification system). Working in collaboration with different departments and courses is one of the key benefits of being part of a vibrant diverse research university.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

• confidently and creatively use a wide variety of materials
• use workshops to design individual jewellery, fashion and small products
• use the skills you have gained throughout the course to develop your own unique style

Final year students are given the opportunity to showcase their work at New Designers in London along with over 4,000 other design graduates from around the UK.

New Designers brings the design industry together, helping to launch the careers of the attending design graduates. With over 18,000 visitor throughout the duration of the exhibition there is a great opportunity to be discovered.

86% of exhibiting courses had graduates receive offers of work, placements or commissions.

Elizabeth Humble, 2010 Jewellery and Metalwork graduate, won the Goldsmiths' Company Jewellery Award.

You are:

• interested in creating 3D objects
• innovative and like coming up with new ways of doing things
• artistic and visually aware

You want to:

• develop your knowledge of materials
• develop your drawing skills
• develop your creative ability
• learn how to use a jewellery workshop

Student exchange

The academic perspective is enhanced by opportunities for you to study abroad through exchange schemes that operate with centres of excellence in many European and transatlantic countries.

In addition, the department normally organises an overseas study visit for all Level 3 students.

For examples of student work, staff profiles, and news from Jewellery & Metal Design, visit the DJCAD website.

• Animation
• Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices
• Digital Interaction Design
• Fine Art (Digital Media, Drawing & Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture)
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior & Environmental Design
• Product Design
• Textile Design
• Time Based Art & Digital Film