MDes Jewellery and Metalwork
Four years full-time
UCAS code • W724
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Art and design
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Case studies and examples of course work - how you build your expertise
View a 360 degree tour of the metalwork and jewellery studio.
Find out about Creative Spark, our annual graduate showcase of final year students' work, and Brightest Spark, an exhibition featuring projects completed by our elite students.
View the Creative Spark image gallery, taken from the 2010 graduate showcase of final year students' work.
Find out about the Sheffield Institute of Arts (SIA) and view a 360 degree tour of the SIA gallery, where our students exhibit their work.
Our Digital Design Centre can print medium to large format high quality outputs on a range of different media. The laboratories have software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications. Find out more.
Our Printmaking Centre supports a range of processes including silk screen printing, etching, relief, cyanotype, bookmaking and letterpress. Find out more.
Our Fine Metalworking Centre contains bespoke industry standard carousels for close, intricate working with fine metals. Find out more.
All new students on this course undergo a comprehensive induction program to learn how to make the most from our workshop facilities. Find out more.
One of the most valuable resources available for you to access is our highly experienced technical support team. Find out how they can help support your development.
At a glance
This course equips you with the skills you need to pursue a career as a designer/maker, either in self-employment or as part of an established team. Our students join an established community of designer-makers and learners based in a series of well-equipped specialist workshops.
Key points
• Learn from nationally and internationally renowned practitioners with a range of professional experience.
• Develop your skills in large and well-equipped specialist and general workshops.
• Benefit from strong links with the Sheffield jewellery and metalwork industry.
• Attend field trips to galleries, exhibitions and studios in UK and Europe.
What is jewellery and metalwork?
Contemporary jewellery and metalwork embraces a wide range of creative approaches, materials and techniques. Successful creative practitioners are confident in their technical ability and understanding of materials and processes, having an open minded approach to new opportunities.
Designing and making of pieces involving key activities such as drawing, sketching, digital design (CAD/CAM), presentation skills and contextual research along with the core skills and techniques employed by jewellers and silversmiths.
This course
Through intensive project work you learn how to generate and produce original designs for a range of jewellery, tableware and personal accessories. You can create one-off highly crafted pieces to mass produced items such as cutlery.
We introduce you to fundamental processes and techniques, developing your essential skills and knowledge. Through individual and group project work you explore diverse and innovative ways of approaching the design process and producing finished pieces.
We encourage you to explore using other materials and introduce you to new and emerging technologies and processes. As the course progresses you begin to establish your own design direction and develop your skills.
In the second year, projects introduce you to commercial aspects of design, and some involve working directly with a client. We help you to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding to a professional level. You learn to communicate and realise your ideas using a variety of media and techniques.
Other projects involve you working collaboratively with students from other disciplines and working for specific audiences.
In your third year, you complete self-directed study that allows you to develop a personal area of interest. By taking increasing responsibility for the management of your work, you are preparing for life as a professional designer.
The number and content of the projects you undertake in the third year is up to you, but we help you to develop a portfolio that best supports your career aspirations. You also learn to complete thorough research and development which supports both your contextual studies and design project work.
During the course you have the opportunity to enter national design competitions, complete live projects and exhibit your work in professional shows. You can also attend field trips to galleries, exhibitions and studios in the UK and Europe.
You build your skills in large and well-equipped specialist and general workshops, located in the same building as other design and engineering facilities.
The teaching team includes nationally and internationally renowned practitioners with a range of professional experience, supported by specialist technical staff and visiting lecturers.
We have strong links with the Sheffield jewellery and metalwork industry, such as the Sheffield Assay Office, who offer support with hallmarking and research using their extensive research library.
About the MDes
MDes students complete the first and second year of the BA (Honours) Jewellery and Metalwork, then progress to a different pattern of study for the third and fourth year. You work on a major project, focusing on their specialist area through live briefs, portfolio-building and links with external partners.
The MDes involves an industrial placement, study exchange or some other form of collaborative practice with a professional body outside the University. You can negotiate a work placement or study exchange at universities such as Seoul’s Kookmin University and Escola Massana in Barcelona.
Key areas of study
As well as learning about jewellery and metalwork and how this relates to other craft and design disciplines, you learn how to specialise. The teaching team have individual specialisms and these form key areas of study on the course.
You develop a wide range of skills and knowledge across the core areas of making, thinking and professional skills.
Making skills include • measuring, marking and cutting • forming • soldering and joining • stone setting, finishing • casting and moulding • machining, spinning • etching and enamelling • drawing and sketching • CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing.
Thinking skills include • gathering and selecting research material • generating and developing ideas • modelling and testing ideas • presenting ideas and supporting views in written work.
Professional skills include • planning and project management • understanding your strengths and your audience • working collaboratively within and outside your discipline • presentation skills • intellectual property and legal frameworks • ethical issues and sustainable practice • identifying career opportunities.
The course can trace its roots to the Sheffield School of Art in 1843.
Find out more about MDes Jewellery and Metalwork
Related courses
- MA Design (Jewellery and Metalwork) (Full-time, Part-time)
- MDes Graphic Design (Full-time)
- BA (Honours) Graphic Design (Full-time)
- MDes Product Design: Furniture (Full-time)
- MDes Product Design (Full-time)
- BA (Honours) Jewellery and Metalwork (Full-time)
- MDes Fashion Design (Full-time)
- BA (Honours) Fashion Design (Full-time)
- MDes Interior Design (Full-time)
You apply for this course through UCAS.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
• coursework • exhibition at the final year show
Key Information Set 
This dramatic series was inspired by raw human emotion, beautifully made in sterling silver. Using a combination of raising, spinning and press forming, each unique vessel has a striking individual personality.
Although they were created as pristine pieces of metalwork, Jon takes an ironic stance by subverting the initial perfection.
Why are these sterling silver Pod Pots ideal for storing salt and pepper?
The Pod Pots were designed in consideration of the small pod-like reservoirs found on kelp which are plentiful on the Northumbrian coastal reaches. This kelp, which relies upon saline for its existence, seemed to be a natural salt container and therefore also for pepper.
The Pod Pots are made of sterling silver with gilder interiors to prevent corrosion from the salt. The meeting faces of the pots each have a screw plug which is removed to fill the pots but which also have holes for the dispensing of the condiments. The individual elements of the construction were raised, a process of moving silver. The plugs and their corresponding threads were turned on a lathe.
Find out why Corrinne's jewellery is inspired by dandelion seeds.
The inspiration behind pieces for this collection is the elegance and graceful nature of the dandelion seed. The elongated form of the seed has inspired the organic structure of the jewellery pieces. The pieces show a contrast between fixed structures and light materials which move with the wind.
The collection is made from domed sterling silver sheet and wire with coloured ostrich feathers. The pieces also consist of granulated and reticulated silver.
Extract from a sterling silver jewellery collection.
Development and sketch work for Hannah's collection. The jewellery frames were made from sterling silver.
Look at the detail of Jessica's vase.
Viewed from the outside, the audience can see a simple and elegant shape with a flower.
The protruding wire around the edge suggests to the audience that there is more to it than a simple vase and stimulates further investigation.
Discover how Michelle uses traditional silversmithing methods to create new compositions.
Michelle's work aimed to explore the qualities of silver and unique nature of vessels made from this metal, and is driven by the questions of what makes such vessels desirable and functional.
She experiments with traditional methods of silversmithing and vessel forms to create new compositions that remain true to their function and the heritage of silversmithing, whilst adding a new dimension to the relationship with the user. The outer vessel is hand-raised in Britannia silver, inner components partially spun and then raised.
Find out how Emma's jewellery is inspired by how medicine and spirituality can prolong life.
Emma's work is inspired by the body and the ways in which medicine and spirituality have been used to preserve and prolong life.
This collection consists of a series of silicone and silver amulets that are worn as neckpieces.
Look at the development stages of Ruth's collection.
Sketches and early work for Ruth Moore's Natural Curiosities collection.
360 degree tour of our metalwork and jewellery studio
Our metalwork and jewellery studios have recently been refurbished with the most up-to-date equipment. Supported by technicians providing guidance and support for students to use the facilities for individual projects outside timetabled classes
Spark - be creative
Subjects included are • animation • architecture • computers • creative writing • digital media production • engineering • fashion design • film and visual effects • film and media production • fine art • furniture and product design • games design • graphic design • interior design • jewellery and metalwork • performing arts • photography • product design.
Creative Spark
Creative Spark is an annual showcase of student work and celebrates the innovation, creativity and imagination of our most talented graduates. Creative Spark is hosted across four university venues • Owen • Cantor • Sheaf • Arundel Gate Court and S1 in the city centre.
For further information visit the Creative Spark website.
Brightest Spark
Brightest Spark is an exhibition housed in the SIA Gallery and Cantor building. This exhibition features the elite students in each Sheffield of Institute of Arts course as chosen by industry professionals.
For further information visit the Brightest Spark website.
Project Spark
Sheffield Hallam students have the opportunity to play a key role in the promotion of the Creative Spark and Brightest Spark exhibitions by submitting entries for Project Spark. The 2012 competitions included • concept design • branding and wayfinding • creative writing • image • brightest spark logo and branding.
For further information visit the Project Spark website.
Students' work on display at the Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery.
BA (Hons) photography students exhibited their work in the Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery.
An example of a contemporary fine art project.
Laura Hayes final year project for BA (Hons) Contemporary Fine Art.
An example of an animation modelling project.
BA (Hons) Animation modelling work on display for Thomas Lloyd's final year project entitled The Window Pianist.
An example of a metalwork and jewellery piece.
Emma Middleton's jewellery piece for BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery.
The concept behind Emma's work is based on the idea of sentimental jewellery and the burden this can become on the wearer.
An example of an animation modelling project.
BA (Hons) Animation modelling work by Luke Adams for his final year project entitled Uneasy Rider.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Graphic students work on display.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work displayed by engineering students.
Four students' workbooks on display.
BA (Hons) Interior Design student workbooks (Shamila Hussain, Faiza Khan, Naomi Nunn and Helen Genia Austin).
A collaboration between fashion and engineering students.
A collaboration between fashion and engineering students creating a wedding dress that could be dissolved after the wedding to transform it into five new fashion pieces.
This went on to achieve international acclaim.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work displayed by interior design students.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery students work on display.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
BA (Hons) Product Design work.
Students' workbooks on display.
A visitor to Creative Spark looking at students' workbooks for BA (Hons) Product Design.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work on display from the Extended degree in Design.
An example of a final year metalwork and jewellery project.
Final year project for BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery.
Gallery
Sheffield Institute of Arts
Sheffield Institute of Arts at Sheffield Hallam University is one of the oldest and most well-established centres of creative learning in Britain. Since 1843, we’ve built an excellent reputation and nurtured generations of students in a culture where anything is possible and with the resources to make it happen. To find out more about the Sheffield Institute of Art and its creative community visit the website.
Sheffield Institute of Arts gallery
The gallery offers and exciting programme of changing exhibitions of the best in art, design and creative practice. Located in the Cantor building, it hosts exhibitions throughout the year.
The Digital Design Centre
The Digital Design Centre comprises a suite of 6 IT laboratories (4 PC and 2 MAC) together with the Print Output room, an area for printing medium to large format high quality output on a range of different media. The laboratories have a wide range of software supporting 2D and 3D engineering and creative design applications.
The Digital Design Centre runs a high quality computer printing facility and has the ability to print sizes between A4 and A0 and wide format banners. A3, A2, A1, A0 and Banner photo quality printing is available on a range of papers, as well as AutoCAD type plans ( B & W ) on standard paper.
The Printmaking Centre
The Printmaking Centre supports the following processes
• silk screen printing
• etching
• relief
• cyanotype (an early photo graphic process)
• bookmaking
• letterpress
The printmaking workshop is divided into process lead areas which are outlined below.
Screen print area
In this area there is everything the student needs to get a good grounding in every aspect of silk screen,
with facilities for printing onto to paper, fabric and MDF.
Resources include
• four screen beds
• large exposure unit
• wash-out and development area
• in house photo positive facilities
Intaglio and relief area
We have all the facilities on hand to give you a broad experience of traditional printmaking techniques. We offer support in dry-point and etching as well as photo etching, relief and linocut.
• large etching press (max plate size- 1060 X 715 mm)*
• medium etching press (max plate size – 770 X 935 mm)*
• medium relief press (max plate size – 565 X 820 mm)*
• small relief press (max plate size – 285 X 410 mm)*
• horizontal etching tank (for copper only/max plate size – 300 X 600 mm)
• small exposing unit for photo-etching
Letterpress area
This area includes a printing press, cases of select fonts and smaller support equipment.
Bookbinding
Facilities for making and binding books are provided within the studio and some specialised equipment is available for students to use within the department.
Digital area
We provide a small digital suite within the printmaking workshop enabling students to make their own positives and negatives for the processes supported in the department such as silk screen, photo-etching and cyanotype. Our print facilities enable us to output a variety of different types of photographic positives in house creating an immediate bridge between digital and traditional processes. This enables you to design and make exciting print works to a high standard within one location. Resources include Two AppleMac computers with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign (CS5.5) A3 scanner, large format A0 inkjet printer, A3 b/w laser printer.
The Fine Metalworking Centre
The Fine Metalworking Centre comprises of two main student workshops with bespoke industry standard carousels for close, intricate working with fine metals.
The centre includes a
• polishing room
• soldering area
•specialist machinery
• hammer room
• fine metalworking resource centre
Specialist technical staff supporting fine metalworking can provide expert advice on materials and tool selection, as well as specialist techniques.
Workshop skills induction
These are specifically designed for all first year students that will require access to the workshop facilities as part of their course. The core essential techniques are covered and include both theory and practice.
Core techniques covered include
• using hand held power tools
• using a bandsaw and scroll saw – wood, foam and plastic
• using a pedestal drill – wood, metal and plastic
• sanding techniques – wood, plastic and foam
• metalworking techniques – cutting, shaping and grinding
• plastics manipulation – use of strip heater and vacuum forming
Technical support team
While you will find excellent facilities throughout, the most valuable resource you will have at your disposal is access to our extremely dedicated, highly experienced technical staff.
All the staff are there to support you during your time in the workshops. The technical team with its professionally qualified staff and practicing professionals, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all areas of our provision and comprises engineers, designers, silversmiths and jewellers, fine artists, media arts specialists and IT experts.
The team are committed to using their diverse range of skills and knowledge to support practical aspects of your
course work, whether solving a simple software problem, producing a complex engineering project or creating design work for an international exhibition. There are currently 50 technical staff directly supporting the Technical Resource Centres and the research institutes of the faculty.
