Level 4 Advanced Certificate in Art and Design (Jewellery)

This SQA-Accredited Qualification offers an ideal pathway for intermediate students seeking to enhance their jewellery making, design, and research skills, providing a solid foundation for launching their creative careers.

Enrolment is open for Diploma courses starting September 2024. Contact us via email info@k2jewelleryacademy.london to enquire and book a studio visit or fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page.

  • Level

    Intermediate

  • Duration

    1 Year / 2 Years

  • Study Mode

    Full-time / Part-time

  • Start

    September 2024

Experimentation. Creative freedom. Pushing the boundaries.

Those principles are the hallmarks of our jewellery programs. This course combines a conceptual approach to jewellery design and making with professional technical training, laying the groundwork for a head start in your creative career.

Students work

  • 'Graphite' Necklace

    Sandra Rattenni Morris, Level 4 Graduate

  • 'Bagworm II' Ring

    Aimee Mackay, Level 4 Graduate

  • 'Border II' Ring

    Sandra Rattenni Morris, Level 4 Graduate

  • 'Dragon Scale' Bracelet

    Tue Sando, Level 4 Student

  • 'Moth' Brooch

    Aimee Mackay, Level 4 Graduate

Gallery

Date and Time

Part-time Option

2 days per week for 2 years (72 weeks)

Mon & Wed or Tues & Thur

Sept 2024 - July 2026


Full-time Option

4 days per week for 1 year (36 weeks)

Mon - Thur

Sept 2024 - July 2025

The classes take place 10am - 4pm.

 

  • Option 1- Part-time £6,950 per year (£13,900 in total)

    Option 2- Full-time £13,900 per year

    Instalment plans available upon request.

    All tools and course materials are included in the price, but students may need to buy extra metals and stones.

    Funding:

    Our courses are not eligible for Student Finance England loans. However, you may be eligible for funding from one of the organisations and charities listed here.

  • Enrolment is now open for the Diploma Courses starting in September 2024. If you are interested in studying with us, please contact us via info@k2jewelleryacademy.london or fill our the contact form below. You will be invited for a visit at our studio during which you can ask all your questions and find out if the course is suitable for you. If you are not local, we can arrange the chat online via Zoom instead (including a virtual tour of our workshop).

    At the moment we do not hold a visa sponsorship licence, so we are not able to accept foreign students who require a student visa to stay in the UK.

  • The course enrolment deadline is 1st September 2024. However, with only 8 spots available per class, availability is not guaranteed. We recommend applying early to secure your place.

  • TERM I – Autumn Term

    1st half: 16 September - 24 October 2024

    Half Term Holiday: 28 October- 3 November 2024

    2nd half: 4 November - 12 December 2024

    Christmas Holidays: 13 December 2024 - 5 January 2025

    TERM II – Spring Term

    1st half: 6 January - 13 February 2025

    Half Term Holiday: 17 - 23 February 2025

    2nd half: 24 February - 3 April 2025

    Easter Holidays: 7 - 21 April 2025

    TERM III – Summer Term

    1st half: 22 April - 22 May 2025

    Half Term Holiday: 26 May - 1 June 2025

    2nd half: 2 June - 21 July 2025

About the Program

Jewellery making is a dynamic blend of creativity and craftsmanship. In our program, you'll explore every aspect of this art form, from conceptual design to making, while working on different jewellery projects and assignments. You will develop practical skills, forming a strong foundation for your creative career.

Ideal for intermediate students seeking to advance, our Level 4 Diploma offers personalised guidance to align with your career goals. In a cosy workshop environment limited to a maximum of eight students, learners engage in a multifaceted educational experience. They benefit from technical demonstrations, hands-on production, design exercises, drawing sessions, contextual assignments, presentations, introduction to professional practice and business development, class critiques and insights from visiting professionals and lecturers. Additionally, they gain valuable exposure to the jewellery industry, providing rich opportunities for practical learning and professional growth.

Upon graduation, students will have produced their jewellery portfolio, which can be part of a graduate school or residency application, can be submitted to galleries and fairs, or serve as a demonstration of students’ skills for entry into the jewellery industry.

 

The Core Principles of Our Teaching:

  • MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES 

  • DRAWING AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT 

  • HISTORICAL & CONTEXTUAL UNDERSTANDING 

  • IDEAS & CONCEPTS 

  • VISUAL COMMUNICATION 

Course Leaders

  • Katrin Spranger

    K2 ACADEMY CO-FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR

    Katrin Spranger, an award-winning German-trained jewellery artist with a Master's degree from Sweden's Konstfack University, creates conceptual art pieces commenting on consumerism, exploring future resource scarcity. Her interdisciplinary approach spans jewellery, painting, performance, sculpture, and installation, showcased in exhibitions worldwide.

  • Kelvin Birk

    K2 ACADEMY CO-FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR

    Master jeweller trained in Germany, holds a Master's degree from the Sir John Cass Faculty of Art in London. Renowned for his avant-garde creations in silver, gold, and crushed gemstones, challenging conventional perceptions of value. His work embraces chaos, allowing materials to dictate outcomes. He exhibits globally and teaches workshops internationally.

Course outline

The course spans two years, divided into six terms (or three terms over one year for full-time students). Each term features a distinct module focusing on specific techniques and thematic research. Alongside, participants engage in drawing sessions, contextual studies, and explore topics including metallurgy, hall marking, design methodologies, marketing, professional practice, and business development. Term modules encompass a variety of topics, such as:

    • developing different types of chains

    • advanced soldering of links

    • lockets and clasps

    • experimenting with different connections in jewellery

    • sketching, drawing and experimenting with visual language 

    • developing research skills; exploring the history of arts and crafts 

    • experiment and work with non-metal e.g. wood, plastics, fabric, leather etc.

    • fixings and findings for jewellery

    • cold connections - riveting, glueing, trapping

    • design development

    • experimental projects, including time-based projects and non precious materials

    • working with fine gold wire

    • advanced soldering

    • granulation

    • repairing jewellery

    • earrings and fine findings

    • working with pre-made components

    • claw setting

    • setting a princess or baguette cut ston

    • different surface finishes - patination, oxidation, enamelling and powder coating.

    • drawing and contextual studies

    • learning advanced jewellery techniques e.g. lockets and hollow containers with hinges

    • making a hollow ring

    • constructed jewellery pieces

    • advanced soldering

    • exhibition preparation and set-up

    • analysing and evaluating methods

    • electroforming jewellery and small objects

    • deepening your skills in sand and cuttlefish casting

    • advanced wax carving

    • mould making for casting techniques

    • introduction into investment casting

    • developing your own design brief and project

    • developing a portfolio

Contextual awareness, problem solving and critical thinking are an integral part of the course and will run parallel to the other projects. 

In addition to regular classes, your learning journey will be enhanced through homework assignments and extracurricular activities. These may include guest lectures and field trips to industry-related companies, offering valuable insights and practical experiences beyond the workshop.

You are encouraged to participate in an exhibition at the end of the course. 

This diploma course is accredited by SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority).

“I was drawn to K2 because of its small classes and contemporary teaching style. Kelvin and Katrin always encouraged to push our boundaries, experiment and try new things; they frequently brought new incites and ideas to pieces with the knowledge from their vast experience”

Aimee Mackay, Level 4 Diploma graduate

Enrolment is open for Diploma courses starting September 2024. Contact us via email info@k2jewelleryacademy.london to enquire and book a studio visit or fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page.

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