BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies
About this course
BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies is an undergraduate degree exploring gemstone identification, practical testing methods, and the historical context of adornment. Core topics include Research Methods and Project Management. The course includes an optional placement year. The first year covers foundational practices through Introduction to Gemstone & Diamond Practical, History and Culture of Jewellery, Synthetic, Simulant and Treated Gemstones, and Practical Gemmology, focusing on standard testing instruments and material characteristics. The second year examines advanced optical theory and specific materials through Light, Optics and Colour, Organics, Jade, and Industry Studies. The final year involves advanced commercial and investigative work through Valuation Science and Major Project: Gemmology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate . Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course; see interview arrangements below. This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Merit overall All subjects accepted but Science preferred. Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Science subjects preferred but other subjects also considered. OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC) Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Distinction overall
What students say
Based on about 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Gained a higher qualification: 5%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 35%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 20 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- West Midlands: 75%
- London: 5%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 15%
- Wales: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 65%
- A degree: 15%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Gemstone & Diamond Practical
- History and Culture of Jewellery
- Synthetic, Simulant and Treated Gemstones
- Practical Gemmology
- Light, Optics and Colour
- Organics
- Jade
- Industry Studies
- Valuation Science
- Major Project: Gemmology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £23,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,500. The £23,000 median after five years is £13,500 less than the UK median for Minerals technology.
What do graduates of BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at Birmingham City University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at Birmingham City University?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 110 UCAS points.
Does BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at Birmingham City University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.