BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies Bachelor's degree at Birmingham City University
BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies at BCU was founded in 1971 and is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, meaning your qualification will be nationally recognised.
About this course
BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies provides the highest level of professionally-recognised gemmological skills. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at BCU, based in City Centre Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Materials and technology graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for General Studies, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 5 modules
- Earth Processes and Mineral PropertiesCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to gemmological theory, and the earth processes that create minerals and organic gemstones. You will study the underlying geology of gemstone formations and handle rough gem crystals, whilst learning how to explain the physical and optical properties of a wide range of different gem materials.
- Introduction to Gemstone & Diamond PracticalCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the skills and techniques of practical gemmology where you will develop stone testing experience through the use of a range of standard gemmological instruments, and gain familiarity with a representative suite of gem materials, utilising the learning which you gain in the gemmology theory module.
- History and Culture of JewelleryCore20 credits
Module details
History and Culture of Jewellery stimulates enquiry around the influences that have shaped attitudes to jewellery around the world from a historical and cultural perspective. It allows you to identify your own personal interest in sectors of the market by exploring material preferences, considering the social context and values, and discovering the global distinctions.
- Synthetic, Simulant and Treated GemstonesCore20 credits
Module details
This module develops the learning from the Semester 1 theoretical module, and introduces synthetic, simulant and treated gemstones. You will learn the different production methods for a variety of synthetic gem materials, and how to identify these from natural stones.
- Practical GemmologyCore40 credits
Module details
This module builds on the practical skills that you gained in the Semester 1 introductory module, and further develops your techniques in coloured gemstone testing and identification. You will learn to identify a range of synthetic materials, common simulants, and treated gemstones using a variety of methods. You will also have the opportunity to test gemstones set into jewellery, and to develop your diamond grading skills to produce accurate plotting diagrams.
Year two 5 modules
- Applied GemmologyCore40 credits
Module details
This module is designed to build on the Level 4 modules to further expand your knowledge and skill in gemstone testing, and to increase the range of gemstones and equipment that you are familiar with. On completion of the module, you will have developed your basic gem testing abilities so that you can undertake critical analysis of testing techniques on a wide variety of organic, non-organic, ornamental, natural, artificial and treated stones, in rough and fashioned forms, both loose and mounted
- Light, Optics and ColourCore20 credits
Module details
On completion of the module, you will be able to describe a wide range of gemstone phenomena and characteristics and explain more advanced gemmological concepts and theories, particularly in the areas of light, optics and causes of colour. You will learn how these apply to determination of gemstone locality, and will be able to explain a wide variety of mechanisms that cause colour in gemstones. This module will also build on the concepts explored in GEM4011 by further exploring defects in diamo
- OrganicsCore20 credits
Module details
Organic materials are amongst some of the earliest gem materials used by man. This module is designed to develop your specialist knowledge of a range of organic gem materials (pearls, coral, shell, jet, tortoiseshell, ivory, horn, and amber), to learn methods of identification, treatments, simulants, and methods of pearl culturing. Additionally, you will explore and debate the ethics surrounding the use of various materials, protection of endangered species, and restrictions in dealing and shipp
- JadeCore20 credits
Module details
Jade is a gem material with huge commercial and cultural importance. Its history stretches back for thousands of years, and has not only been used in jewellery, but for ornamental purposes, religious artefacts, and even weaponry. This module is designed to enable you to explore jadeite and nephrite in greater depth, their history, geological origins, treatments, and common simulants, and to analyse and understand the cultural significance of these unique gem materials.
- Industry StudiesCore20 credits
Module details
This module invites you to reflect on your intended position within the industry post-graduation, and to engage in a cycle of experiential learning to ensure that you capitalise on the opportunities available once you have left the programme.
Year three 3 modules
- Advanced Gemmology and Analytical TechniquesCore40 credits
Module details
This module is designed to equip you with both the theory, intellectual context and application of the 'state of the art' scientific testing techniques utilised in both the gem and diamond industries. It will also provide you with the intellectual skills and confidence required to tackle challenges you will encounter in your future career. The module is designed to encourage you to explore, investigate and research as inherent aspects of the learning process, and also to develop the transferable
- Valuation ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
In commerce value is an intrinsic and fundamentally important aspect, therefore the skills and knowledge you gain within this module can find useful application in many aspects of the industry. This module builds on your knowledge of the concepts of valuation covered in modules from level 4 and 5 of the degree Your knowledge and understanding of gemstones, jewellery, metals and their relative valuations introduced at levels 4 and 5 will be enhanced in both breadth and sophistication. Through thi
- Major Project: GemmologyCore60 credits
Module details
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome will take the form of a written dissertation. At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will re
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in gemmology, jewellery design, materials science or heritage conservation. Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications; among recent cohorts, 80% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent. The typical UCAS tariff band for accepted students was 128–143 points. You'll study in English and should check the university's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships available to you.
Careers & job market
Across General Studies courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 65% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically range from £24,000 to £30,000, rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years. These are national figures for the field, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention stands at 85% across the sector.
University & format
This is a 3-year, full-time Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) taught in English at Birmingham City University, a public university located at its City Centre Campus. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body and is nationally recognised. Birmingham City University holds a Silver award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Professional placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at BCU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What General Studies graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,000 | £24,000 – £31,500 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £19,000 – £27,500 | 20 |
| 5 years after | £23,000 | £19,500 – £30,500 | 20 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in general studies · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs General Studies nationally
National figures for General Studies graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with General Studies courses at the same study level.
Compared with 207 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How General Studies graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where General Studies graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Employers across sectors
- Public sector
- Corporates & charities
- Startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit General Studies graduates.
General PractitionerMatchMedicsGeneral ManagerParkside RecruitmentGeneral ManagerThe Management Recruitment Group (MRG)General ManagerBite TalentGeneral ForemanCONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITEDGeneral PractitionerFlexzo AiIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 90.3% · in work or study 90% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Birmingham City University
Combined and general studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around City Centre Campus
4,178 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is General Studies right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to BCU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,970 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check BCU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BCU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at BCU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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