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Jewellery Foundation Programme: training to shape your jewellery career

Are you aged 18 or older with a passion for working with your hands? Ready to shape your future in the world of jewellery making? The Goldsmiths' Centre's Jewellery Foundation Programme offers the perfect stepping stone to a rewarding career as a goldsmith.

Starting in September 2025, this updated course bridges workshop practice and industry knowledge, preparing you for a successful career in the precious metal industry. With a focus on jewellery, design, setting and production, you'll gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to embark on an apprenticeship or a career in this vibrant industry. 

Full-time. 1 academic year.

Course dates: Mon 8 September 2025 - Thu 2 July 2026
Location: In person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre (EC1M 5AD, London)
Course fee: Free upon successful application
Class size: 10 students 
Applications close: Mon 5 May 2025
Interview dates: Tue 3 and Wed 4 June 2025 

Like to know more? Register your interest below to be the first to hear about upcoming Open Days, know when applications open and receive exclusive updates. For more information and to talk to our team, call 020 7566 7650 or email us at applications@goldsmiths-centre.org

Throughout this full-time programme, you'll join a select group of ten students, learning directly from master craftspeople in fully equipped workshops. You'll explore a wide range of techniques, from traditional fine jewellery making and stone setting to technologies like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Manufacturing (CAM).

Whether you're a recent A or T-level graduate or seeking an entry point into the industry, our programme is tailored to help you succeed. If you're based in London or the Southeast and eager to kickstart your career in jewellery, this course is your gateway.

Take the first step towards a brilliant career in jewellery making—your future starts here!

As a maker, it all comes down to the foundation you set early on. I can attribute pretty much everything that I've been able to do for my career, from the beginning to this point, to what I've learnt and who I've met at the Goldsmiths' Centre.

Hugo Johnson, Foundation Programme alumnus and Winner of BBC 2's "All That Glitters" Series 1

FAQs

The Foundation Programme is workshop based and covers:

  • Fine jewellery
  • Gemstone setting
  • 2D design and drawing
  • CAD/CAM
  • Product development
  • Precision metalwork and quality control
  • Mettalurgy and gemmology
  • Embellishment and smallwork
  • Production and repairs
  • Personal and professional development

You’ll also get hands-on work experience with a trusted business and be able to take part in live projects and competitions. All students will have to work on a series of final projects to complete the programme.

The Foundation Programme will help you to develop a high standard of traditional and modern jewellery skills, preparing you to build a career in the jewellery industry. The skills you graduate with will open up the possibilities of an apprenticeship, employment in the industry or a further / higher education course.

Enthusiasm and Patience: To be a part of the Jewellery Foundation Programme, we’re looking for young people who are able to show us their passion for the craft. With the right enthusiasm, you’ll have the patience to spend hours concentrating on finishing a piece of fine jewellery or the detail on an ornamented silverwork.


A Portfolio: To apply, you need to prepare a portfolio of craft projects that you’re proud of. This portfolio should show us your personality, passion and creative flair, as well as your interest in the jewellery industry. We’ll consider work from any medium, so whether you are into drawing, sculptures, crochet or anything in between, include it in your portfolio to prove your crafting abilities to us.


Commitment: It’s worth noting that the Jewellery Foundation Programme is a year-long commitment, and if you’re planning to go into an apprenticeship afterwards, that is a further four-year commitment. Make sure you consider this before applying. If you are ready to commit and work hard as part of a team, then we are ready to meet you.

Who can apply?

We seek applicants who meet the following criteria. Please apply if you:

  • live in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or are able to relocate to London or the Southeast for the duration of the course. We are unable offer student visas to non-UK citizens as we are not a licensed student sponsor. Relocation expenses are not covered as part of our Support Grants.
  • can attend the Goldsmiths’ Centre from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.
  • have GSCE Grades 9-4 or above in Mathematics and English. Applications with non-standard qualifications are invited provided that you can demonstrate your abilities through sketch books or 2D/3D work in your portfolio.

Register your interest

Thank you for your interest in the Goldsmiths' Centre's Foundation Programme. Be amongst the first to hear when applications open, about our virtual Open Days and about new tutors, modules and much more. If you opt in to receive our e-newsletters, you’ll also receive links to our newest resources and hear about upcoming courses, events, exhibitions and news.