Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

This two-year programme at Plumpton College offers a specialist jewellery-making pathway within the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication. It is designed for students who want to develop both their technical jewellery-making skills and creative design practice in preparation for progression into higher education, employment or self-employment in the creative industries.

This specialist jewellery pathway is ideal for students who want to explore the full creative process, from research and design to making and marketing original jewellery pieces. You’ll develop fine jewellery bench skills alongside broader art and design thinking, supported by expert tutors and access to a dedicated jewellery workshop.

The programme runs over two years:

• Year 1: UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice
• Year 2: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice

Across both years, you will explore a broad range of skills and concepts, including:

• Researching historical and contemporary jewellery design and cultural influences
• Drawing and modelling designs, including technical drawings and prototypes
• Creating finished pieces using core jewellery-making techniques
• Sawing, soldering, filing, texturing, polishing, casting and stone setting
• Working with precious and semi-precious metals
• Documenting your creative process in sketchbooks and digital portfolios
• Planning how to market and develop your ideas into a creative business

You’ll also benefit from individual feedback, practical demonstrations and collaborative critiques, all designed to help you grow as a confident, independent maker.

You’ll work in a purpose-built jewellery studio, fully equipped with specialist tools and equipment, supported by experienced tutors with industry knowledge and connections.

Each year follows the same assessment structure:

Two portfolio-based jewellery briefs, marked pass or fail

One Final Major Project (FMP), graded fail, pass, merit or distinction

These projects are designed to reflect industry briefs while fostering personal creativity, technical skills and professional practice. They prepare you for progression to university, further training or employment in the creative industries.

4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4

Employment, self-employment or higher education in jewellery or the creative arts.