Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery (SQA accredited)
This diploma course will provide you with a foundation of jewellery and design skills to develop your jewellery practice.
Enrolment for the Diploma Courses starting in September will be open soon!
Get in touch via email info@k2jewelleryacademy.london to express interest and we will notify you know when the enrolment is open.
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Level
Beginner & Intermediate
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Duration
1 Year
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Study Mode
Part-time
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Start
September 2026
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.
Date and Time
The classes take place 10am - 4pm.
2 days per week for 1 year (36 weeks)
Mon & Wed or Tues & Thur
Sept 2026 - July 2028
Tuition Fees
£7,500 per year
Instalment plans are available - see Diploma Programme Guide (page 5) for details.
All tools and course materials (such as brass, copper, pewter, gilding metal) are included in the price, but students will need to buy precious metals and stones.
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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.
Some of our students received bursaries from The Benevolent Society in the past (contact Laura Banner, laura.b.banner@gmail.com). The charity helps individuals starting or progressing their career journeys through bursaries to help with their studies.
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1.Booking an interview
Candidates must contact us via email at info@k2jewelleryacademy.london to schedule an interview, either in person at our academy or via Zoom. The interview will be an informal conversation with K2 directors and course leaders, Kelvin Birk and Katrin Spranger.
2.Completing a questionnaire
Before the interview, candidates will receive a questionnaire to complete, detailing their prior experience and interests.
3.Attending an interview
The interview, conducted either at our Central London academy or via Zoom, is an opportunity for us to learn more about the candidate, assess their suitability for the course, and answer any questions they may have. It also allows candidates to share their expectations for the programme. You will be asked to bring a sketchbook and some examples of your work to the interview, if available.
4.Application outcome
After the interview, candidates should inform us of their decision regarding enrolment as soon as they have made it. When decisions are reached, Kelvin and Katrin will contact all applicants with the outcome of their application.
5.Payment
Payment options, including instalment plans, will be discussed with successful candidates. A relevant invoice will be issued, and payments will be required via bank transfer.
Note: 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.
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TERM I – Autumn Term
1st half: 14 September – 23 October 2026
Half Term Holiday: 26 October – 1 November 2026
2nd half: 2 November – 10 December 2026
Christmas Holidays: 11 December 2026 - 3 January 2027
TERM II – Spring Term
1st half: 4 January – 11 February 2027
Half Term Holiday: 15 - 21 February 2027
2nd half: 22 February – 1 April 2027
Easter Holidays: 2 – 18 April 2027
TERM III – Summer Term
1st half: 19 April – 27 May 2027
Half Term Holiday: 31 May –6 June 2027* (TBC)
2nd half: 7 June – 15 July 2027
*this half term might shift to the previous week - TBC.
About the Program
On this entry-level course, through a series of practical projects you will be taught core jewellery making skills while developing your critical thinking and creative approach to the design process. Developing your research skills is an essential part of the course and you will be encouraged to explore a wide range of research methods. This will inform your next steps: experimenting with a variety of materials and processes, making mock-ups, learning new techniques and evaluating your work. By the end of the course you will have built a portfolio of work with a prospect of continuing your jewellery education on an advanced course (for instance the Level 4 Diploma).
This course is accredited by SQA and you will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the course.
The core principles of our teaching:
DRAWING AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
HISTORICAL & CONTEXTUAL UNDERSTANDING
MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES
IDEAS & CONCEPTS
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Progression
After this course you can join our Level 4 Diploma or Jewellery Workshop classes to progress with your education or seek apprenticeship opportunities within the jewellery industry. Additional course work might be necessary if you plan on progressing to Higher Education studies.
Course Leaders
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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.
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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 is divided into three terms spread across one year:
Term 1 - Colour and Texture
Modules include:
Exercising practical 3D skills within the given technical projects
Sketching, drawing and experimenting with visual language
Developing research skills; exploring the history of arts and crafts
Critical analysis and contextual awareness
Leaning various stone-setting techniques
Term 2 - Material Exploration
Modules include:
Deepening your technical skills
Metallurgy – advanced knowledge of metallurgical processes and terminology
Further expending your research skills
Experimental projects, including time-based projects and non precious materials
Advanced and experimental casting techniques
Starting or developing a portfolio
Term 3 - Form and Shape
Modules include:
Learning advanced jewellery techniques e.g. hollow containers, hinges
Marketing and presentation skills
Producing a personal project: designing and developing your own collection
Exhibition preparation and set-up
Analysing and evaluating methods
Business development – learning where to sell your products, progression routes, curating practice
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.
Progression route:
Level 4 Diploma
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.

