Jewellery Art & Design Diploma

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.

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Play

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.

John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

• Two years of full-time study, or part-time for up to 5 years
• 70-90 per cent of time dedicated to hands-on, technical training
• Industry-experienced instructors
• Cohort-style classes with personalized learning
• Technical assignments
• Creative projects
• Critiques
• Lectures
• Technical assignments
• Exams
• Demonstrations
• Group projects
• Research projects
• Guest presentations
• Public showcases and exhibitions
• Field trips
• Fully equipped workshops
• Use of hand tools and torches
• Networking with industry professionals
• Award and scholarship opportunities
• Opportunity to transfer to jewellery degree programs at AUA (Calgary), or NSCAD University (Halifax)

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. 

Job prospectives

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• Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
• Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
• Dental Materials Sales Representative
• Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
• CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
• Dental Laboratory Manager
• Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

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.

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Program-specific

Admission to the Dental Technology Sciences program is on a competitive selection basis.

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
• English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
  • English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
    or
  • English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C+’ level
• Human Biology 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
• Knowledge of science and/or mathematics demonstrated through one of the following:
  • Chemistry 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Math 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Physics 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent

Selection Process

• All qualified candidates who meet the admissions requirements will submit a portfolio demonstrating their aptitude for the Dental Technology profession, per the Dental Tech portfolio submission guidelines.
• All qualified candidates whose portfolio submissions are approved by the department’s Applicant Review Panel, will then be required to take part in an interview with the department's Applicant Review Panel by means of face-to-face or videoconferencing.
• The top-ranked qualified applicants are offered seats.

Upon Acceptance

• Current Basic First Aid and CPR-Level C

General

• This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents . See program options for international students at VCC International.
• Applicants who self - identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation / completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services .
• Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school . (Some exceptions may apply . )
• Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program . Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date( except for programs with competitive admissions ) . A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre - requisites( e . g . transcripts ), any required supporting documents( e . g . language proficiency, audition video ), and the required deposit or fee payment . if you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.

Recommended Characteristics

1. Appropriate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
2. Ability to give close attention to detail for sustained periods of time.
3. Ability to work accurately and neatly, and manage time effectively.
4. High standards of personal integrity.
5. Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility.

Courses

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Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some activities may require a variance of these times to accommodate specific needs.

The program must be completed within 3.5 years.

Term 1

Term 2

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

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Application Process

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Contact us

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Program information

Program head name

janedoe@vcc.ca

Advising

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

For International students

study@vcc.ca