Truro and Penwith College

FdA Silversmithing and Jewellery

UCAS course code W721
Institution code T85
Duration

2 years

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Study location Truro and Penwith College
Rated Ofsted Outstanding (2016), Truro and Penwith College provides a range of quality degree courses with employer needs in mind. All students benefit from an excellent support network that helps to put them on the best footing for a successful future after graduating. Finding themselves at home in purpose-built buildings with expert lecturers and access to industry-standard equipment, students can study a quality university course right here in Cornwall.
A variety of people enter higher education with an assortment of experiences and commitments, but with the flexibility at the heart of our programmes, the College offers a compressed timetable and small class sizes to allow students to study in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whatever your background, studying University courses at Truro and Penwith College means an opportunity to study locally, the chance to fit home or part-time work around your lectures and the one thing all our students have in common – the shared experiences of a quality education right here in Cornwall.
For more information visit the Truro and Penwith College website.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    TRUR1232
    Observation and Interpretation

    Students will investigate drawing systems, materials, formats, and subject matter to enable them to undertake and record visual research within a Silversmithing and Jewellery context. Drawings and reference material will be discussed and progressed in the workshops in preparation for 3D interpretations.

    TRUR1233
    Craftsmanship (Materials, Skills and Technologies)

    Students will be introduced to the properties of materials and appropriate techniques for working with them through a series of demonstrations and practical investigations.

    TRUR1234
    Silversmithing

    Students will explore the craft of silversmithing in depth, through demonstrations and practical investigations of the specialist processes and techniques. They will use this experience of the challenging skills to develop a personal response of innovative ideas within a silversmithing context

    TRUR1235
    Jewellery

    Students will explore the craft of jewellery in depth, through demonstrations and practical investigations of the specialist processes and techniques. They will use this experience of the challenging skills to develop a personal response of innovative ideas within a jewellery context.

    TRUR1236
    Personal Project

    The student will develop work of a self-initiated personal nature, building on the skills and ideas that they have gained through their previous practical work. Each student will prepare a written statement of intent after consultation with staff. The work that they will present at the end of the module, including a technique and design journal, will be assessed against this statement.

    TRUR1237
    Critical and Contextual Studies

    The module introduces students to design theories drawn from historical and contemporary contexts and their influence on design and craft production. The development of study skills of research, analysis and presentation are important aspects of the module.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    TRUR2226
    Critical and Contextual Studies (Personal Investigation)

    Students will undertake an individual research project, negotiated with the module leader, which involves critical analysis of an aspect of professional design in society. They will use appropriate research strategies and time management to achieve a greater understanding of how cultural, financial and environmental considerations influence the professional designer and the relationship to wider design issues.

    TRUR2227
    Professional Studies

    Students will learn basic organisational and business skills: There will be an emphasis on the development of appropriate presentation skills in an employment context. Health and safety issues and legislation will be discussed, and good commercial working practices established.

    TRUR2228
    Advanced Craftsmanship

    This module provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop specialist skills, techniques and processes. After a period of experimentation, a set brief will lead students on to develop design work utilising acquired techniques and skills.

    TRUR2229
    Batch Production

    Theoretical and practical research into techniques and processes of batch production. Using the technical research to design and produce an item suitable for batch production. This practical outcome could be a complete form or identical components that could link to produce a more complex structure.

    TRUR2230
    Design, Research Project

    Using other sources develop ideas and designs for practical outcomes which relate to the commercial context of a specific retail outlet, craft gallery or exhibition.

    TRUR2231
    Personal Project

    Using previously completed designs, produce practical outcomes which fit the commercial context of a specific retail outlet, craft gallery or exhibition.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Our partnership with Truro and Penwith College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Truro and Penwith College

We’re one of the leading colleges in the country, delivering teaching and learning to the highest level. With three modern campuses at Truro, Penwith (at Penzance) and Tregye, we provide you with a unique university experience.
Plymouth students working on a group project