Jewellery Art and Design

Overview

Get hands-on experience in the design and fabrication of jewellery through intensive courses in metal techniques, drawing, design, history of jewellery, gemmology, digital jewellery design, and business management.

What to expect

What you will learn

• Actualize original design ideas from concept to reality
• Demonstrate technical excellence to produce jewellery to current industry standards
• Apply basic knowledge of gemmology and metallurgy to the creation of jewellery
• Design and produce jewellery using the latest digital technologies
• Communicate ideas using a variety of visual media
• Demonstrate visual awareness of craft, art, and design
• Apply knowledge of the jewellery field to establish a viable home- or studio-based business
• Communicate effectively using the language and vocabulary of the jewellery field
• Place the meanings and functions of jewellery within diverse historical and cultural contexts
• Utilize materials, tools and equipment safely, sustainably and ethically
• Recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the fields of art, craft, and design
• Identify and solve problems creatively and independently
• Demonstrate professionalism in all areas of their career and education
• Analyze and evaluate the quality of their own technique and skills development

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

There are two options for achieving a credential in this program:

1. Full-time option: Students attend classes full time for two years. Students whose studies are interrupted must complete the program within five years.
2. Part-time option: Students attend the first term full-time, and then complete the rest of the courses part-time over the course of several years up to a maximum of five years.

Students who complete all courses in Term 1 and Term 2 may choose to exit the program with a Certificate in Jewellery Art & Design. Students may return to complete the Diploma at a later date if a seat is available. All courses must be completed within a five year period to receive the Diploma. 

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

Admission to the Jewellery Art and Design program is on a competitive selection basis. Applicants must have completed Grade 12 or acceptable equivalent. In addition, an interview will be arranged with the selection committee.

Candidates should bring to the interview:

• Portfolio*
• Resumé
• Letter of Intent

A portfolio is a collection of images of showing artistic ability, technical aptitude and/or hand-eye coordination. It should be saved as a PDF and sent to the Department in advance of the interview. It should include 10-20 pieces, and could include examples of any of the following:

• Drawing and Painting
• Photography
• Collage
• Sculpture
• Jewellery
• Textile and fibre arts
• Metal and/or wood work
• Ceramics
• Any other art or craft demonstrating creativity and/or manual dexterity

Portfolios will be judged on the degree to which they show creativity and/or hand-eye coordination.

The resumé should include previous education and work experience.

The letter of intent should outline why the applicant has chosen to apply for the program, and could also include career and/or artistic goals, and other areas of interest.

A major focus of the interview is on establishing the applicant’s ability to succeed in the program with consideration given to ability and willingness to accept and grow in a learning environment, ability to interact with others, commitment to the total program, attention span, and previous art/design related training and experience. Successfully chosen candidates may be offered seats to the program.

*The Department recognizes that not all applicants will have previous experience in art, craft, or design. Applicants who do not have a portfolio are asked to bring a collection of found images of jewellery, and be prepared to discuss what makes them examples of fine craftsmanship or effective design.

Recommended Characteristics

• Open-mindedness
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Creativity
• Manual dexterity
• Strong work ethic
• Good eyesight (corrected vision is accepted)
• Patience
• Attention to detail
• Curiosity
• Enthusiasm
• Commitment
• Appreciation of fine craftsmanship and design

Program Availability

Courses

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

How to Apply

Application deadline is March 30

Document deadline is March 30

TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION:

STEP 1: Read admission requirements

STEP 2: Start your application

• Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
• Remember to submit your transcripts
• TIP: This is your basic information only. You will submit more application documents in the next steps.

STEP 3: Prepare your application documents

• Write your one-page letter of intent
• Write your resume
• Prepare your portfolio

STEP 4: Send your documents

• Send your documents to the Jewellery Department at jewellery@vcc.ca
• You must submit your documents as PDFs. Your portfolio can be multiple pages but must be saved as a single PDF. Alternatively, you can submit a physical copy for the portfolio portion only. Please arrange delivery with the jewellery office.

STEP 5: Check your email regularly

• Your application documents will be reviewed by the selection committee.
• If you are selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 20-30 minute interview/portfolio review.
• If you are not selected, you will receive an email informing you of the decision and your application ends here.
• If documents are not received, we will attempt to contact you by email twice. If we do not receive your document, your application will be closed.

STEP 6: Attend the admissions interview/portfolio review

• Attend your interview at the given date and time. Interviews that are missed are not rescheduled.

STEP 7: Check your email regularly

• After all interviews are complete, you will be notified of your standing by email (or phone).
• If you are accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you within two weeks with information about fees and deadlines. You must pay a deposit to hold your seat.
• If you are not accepted, you may apply again to the following intake.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca