London Metropolitan University

MA in Jewellery and Silversmithing

Why study this course?

Are you fascinated by distinct materials and the objects they form, both decorative and functional? Are you drawn in by the effect of items that ‘just sit’? Challenge yourself to think harder about your work and where it belongs in the wider world.

This course will train you to harness more sophisticated design and research skills, which will serve as a starting point for you to develop your design language and truly engage with meaning and context. You’ll find that experimentation and radical thinking are central to learning at this level. Live projects will drive your ambitions and you’ll deepen and strengthen your practice with social and collaborative interactions.

Benefitting from a teaching and learning strategy centred around set projects, you’ll learn experientially through active learning principles. In order to gain the most out of the course you’ll be encouraged to situate your practice in a global professional context whilst also being challenged and guided by academic tutors to develop your own distinct style as a designer and maker. Discourse about the nature, practice and problems of design will mean you reflect on your own process and engage with the industry as well as the research community of jewellery and silversmithing.

The course focuses closely on developing practice in relation to what is required for commercial success, whilst also framing this in the broader context of positive social impact. You’ll graduate a flexible and resilient jeweller or silversmith (or a designer in a similar field), ready to define your unique place in the industry. You’ll also be supported to apply your skills across broader design arenas.

Studying with a core team of academic teaching staff who have strong links to industry, along with high-profile visiting lecturers who are active at the forefront of their practice, you’ll grow your understanding of professionalism in your sphere. Motivated by ‘real-world’ projects, there are opportunities to rehearse design processes and strategies for client briefs provided by our partners. Ideas will develop through feedback from leading industry practitioners. Studio practice is supported by the formal delivery of supporting theory and research methods in dedicated modules which serve to enrich and add depth to your work.

As a student of our School of Art, Architecture and Design, you’ll become a member of a vibrant community that nurtures intellectual and creative skills. At the heart of the School’s open culture is its embracing of cross-disciplinary ways of thinking and working. The course runs from London Met’s Aldgate campus, situated in a true hub of London’s creative community. Along with the University’s own fantastic workshops and opportunities to learn from other disciplines, you’ll discover culture and inspiration on your doorstep, with easy access to East London’s many galleries, studios and thriving design culture. Our facilities are excellent: with fine metals workshops and access to tools for larger-scale metals, wood, ceramics and textiles, you’ll have every opportunity at your fingertips.

Your master’s course will culminate in an exhibition and further opportunities to promote your work.