What does this course involve?
This course is designed to provide you with the technical skills and design background to become jewellery designer.
This course will teach you how to design jewellery, produce manual drawings, respond to briefs and handle gems.
You’ll also learn how to use hand and power tools, use engineering processes for jewellery and metal smithing production, and create basic to advanced jewellery.
You’ll also learn how to establish and manage a small jewellery business and coordinate a jewellery exhibition so you can be a successful, self-employed jewellery designer.
This course is also available to international students.
What employment opportunities will I have?
This course may provide you with employment opportunities as a:
- self-employed jewellery designer
- jewellery designer working in conjunction with the manufacturing industry
As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on
1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).
Accreditation
Nationally Recognised
What further study options will I have?
You may wish to progress into similar courses at a more advanced level at other institutions or universities, and receive credit for studies already undertaken.
Can I apply?
- You should have successfully completed Year 12, or be mature age
- Your folio may contain (but doesn’t require) drawings (life and general), jewellery design sketchbook, jewellery or metal smithing objects or sculpture or other related 2D or 3D objects
How do I apply?
- To apply for a full time position in this course you must use the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) process. Details of the VTAC application process are at www.vtac.edu.au and in the VTAC Guide, which is available from leading newsagents and libraries from August. If the Institute still has vacancies after the VTAC places have been offered, you will be able to apply directly to the Institute.
- Supplementary application requirements are necessary for this course. Please read the information contained in the selection process.
If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).
How will I be selected for this course?
- Individual Interview
- Assessment of Folio
- Supplementary requirements to the application process apply:
- You will need to contact the Institute in October on (03) 9286 9632 to book your interview.
Length of course
Full time – 2 years (commences in February and has no mid-ear intake)
Where will I study?
Whitehorse Campus
What costs and other fees should I expect?
Government Funded
This course attracts Victorian Government funding. For information about Fees and Charges please click here. This qualification may also be provided on a fee for service basis to industry, interstate or international students.
Click here to learn about scholarships that may be relevant to this course.
How will I be assessed?
- Oral presentation
- Written assessment
- Practical assessment
Will my previous experience or study count?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.
Unit of Competency Details
Year One
AUM5301A – Produce drawings manually - (40 hours)
This unit identifies the competence required to produce drawings using manual drafting techniques.
CUVDES03A – Apply the design process to 3-dimensional work in response to a brief - (50 hours)
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and apply the design process in a 3-dimensional (3D) way in response to a brief.
MEM13.14A – Apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment - (10 hours)
This unit covers following occupational health and safety procedures in an engineering or similar work environment.
MEM18.1C – Use hand tools - (20 hours)
This unit covers using a range of hand tools for a variety of general applications appropriate for jewellery construction.
MEM18.2B – Use power tools/hand held operations - (20 hours)
This unit covers using a range of hand held power tools and fixed power tools for hand held operations for a variety of general applications appropriate for jewellery construction.
MEM19.3B – Handle gem materials - (20 hours)
This unit covers correct general handling and observing of gem materials through a basic understanding of gemology and gemstone terminology. Included in this unit is a basic understanding of gemology and gemstone types (including diamonds), nomenclature relative to gemstones and diamonds and the use of the basic equipment required to observe the condition and features of gemstones.
VBN773 – Produce basic engineering sketches and drawings - (20 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required in the identification, selection and interpretation of a drawing or sketch, and the preparation of sketches and drawings.
VBN776 – Use basic engineering concepts to plan the manufacture of engineering components - (20 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to plan the fabrication of engineering components. This involves defining the problem, identifying and reviewing specifications, determining resources, production sequence and schedules.
VBN786 – Fabricate basic jewellery items - (60 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to construct basic jewellery components, single and multiple-piece items involving a limited range of fabrication processes and techniques.
VBN788 – Design and prototype components and/or small structures using engineering design principles - (60 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to design and prototype engineering components or small structures in an engineering context. This involves preparation of concept proposals,
drawings, plans and models.
VBQU269 – Design jewellery and other 3D objects - (40 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to prepare jewellery and other 3D objects designs and associated documentation.
VBQU270 – Plan and implement chain and chenier fabrication process - (40 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to fabricate wire and chenier jewellery items and to fabricate basic chains.
VBQU272 – Plan and create gem settings - (40 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to produce rubbed in settings for gemstones.
VBQU273 – Manufacture rings - (40 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to form, finish and resize simple rings using standard manufacturing techniques.
VBQU277 – Produce renderings and technical drawings for jewellery construction - (60 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to produce jewellery renderings and technical drawings using manual equipment and procedures.
VBQU278 – Plan and apply surface treatment - (40 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to apply a range of surface treatments to jewellery and 3d objects.
VBQU279 – Research and evaluate jewellery designs in an historical context - (40 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to research and analyse designs in relation to features and characteristics indicative of particular historical eras and design movements.
VBQU280 – Apply non-precious and alternative materials to costume and fashion jewellery - (40 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to select and use a range of non-precious and alternative materials to produce various jewellery and other 3D objects.
VPAU200 – Plan and apply jewellery casting techniques - (60 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to produce wax models, cuttlefish casts, produce moulds & cast metals for jewellery. Processes may include free form carving moderate detail with some fine detail. This unit is not intended to include fine wire filigree work.
VPAU206 – Establish a profile of jewellery and 3d object design industries - (40 hours)
This unit describes the skills & knowledge required to develop a profile of contemporary jewellery, metalsmithing & 3D object design industries. This includes trends, supply chains, & developments in retail & exhibition venues.
Year Two
Structure and descriptions are currently under review and will confirmed in 2008.
CUVICS04A – Originate and develop a concept - (80 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to work with and develop a concept to that stage where it becomes the basis of a creative and effective product, service or process. It covers both the response to a brief or the development of a self-initiated proposal.
VBQU281 – Establish and manage a small jewellery business - (80 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to establish & manage a small jewellery business.
VBQU282 – Plan, conduct and supervise a jewellery exhibition - (80 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to coordinate jewellery exhibitions from the conceptual stage through to the design, planning, implementation & evaluation stage.
VPAU199 – Create silversmithing objects - (60 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to design & create objects using silversmithing techniques.
VPAU201 – Design advanced jewellery and/or 3d objects - (80 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to design advanced jewellery and 3D objects to specifications using computer based applications.
VPAU203 – Establish production techniques for advanced jewellery/3d objects - (80 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to establish production techniques for advanced articles of jewellery using a range of techniques, materials and processes.
VPAU204 – Design and product a limited series product range - (80 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to fully develop a limited series production run of jewellery, metalsmithing or other 3D objects.
VPAU205 – Design and produce jewellery and 3d objects to a client brief - (120 hours)
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to design & produce pieces of jewellery & 3D objects to a client brief. This includes designing & producing jewellery for exhibition.