The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is situated in the metropolis of Johannesburg and is one of the dynamic Jewellery hubs of South Africa. The state of the art facilities combined with the expertise of the lecturing staff makes the UJ Department of Jewellery Design a premier setting to study towards a career in the Jewellery industry. The department’s aim is to cultivate broad based skills associated with Jewellery entrepreneurship. Students are encouraged to develop a range of competencies which enables them to achieve their full creative potential.
The diploma programme incorporates Jewellery Practice that includes Jewellery Design, Drawing CAD and Manufacturing Techniques. Other key areas of study include Gemmology, Technology, Contextual Studies and Design Management. The BTech programme offers more advanced levels of competencies in Jewellery Practice and Jewellery Theory that prepares students for the Jewellery Industry. The Department promotes a dual focus on commercial and high-end fine Jewellery with an emphasis on conceptual design.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities exist in the following:
- Contemporary jewellery designer / maker
- Commercial jewellery designer / manufacturer
- Jewellery retail industry
- Retail / wholesale buying
- Gemmology / diamond industry
- Jewellery workshop manager
- CAD jewellery designer
- Education / training
Admission Requirements
Diploma: Jewellery Design and Manufacture (D8JD1Q)
- Senior certificate or equivalent qualification with a minimum APS or M-score
- Attendance of an entrance assessment and submission of a portfolio once the application form has been processed
- Completion of the National Benchmarking Test (NBT) for Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
Average Point Score (APS)
A minimum APS of 18 with Mathematics or 19 with Mathematical Literacy is required to apply for the programme.
| Min APS | Languages | | Mathematics | Other requirements submission of a specified portfolio |
| 18 With Mathematics | Language of teaching and learning | Other recognised language | | |
| 19 With Maths Lit | 4 (50 – 59%) | 4 (50 – 59%) | Maths:3 (50 – 59%) OR Maths Lit:4 (60-69%) |
Selection Criteria
Selection is based on the results of the following assessment:
- A multiple choice test from notes provided by the Department
- A technical problem-solving test
- Two and three-dimensional drawing, design and hand making ability
- Submission of a portfolio of work
- An interview with staff members
Portfolio Requirements
The portfolio must contain the following:
- Basic jewellery designed and made by the applicant. However, craft work, artistic drawings, technical drawings and any other art form will be considered.
- A letter of recommendation from a jewellery manufacturer who is a member of the Jewellery Council of South Africa, stating that the applicant understands the industry requirements and that he/she has observed a piece of jewellery being designed and manufactured.
NB: Submission of a portfolio must only take place once you have officially applied to the university and have been invited by the faculty to participate in the selection process.
Contact Details
Department of Jewellery Design and Manufacture
Secretary Name: Taryn Jospeh
Telephone Number: 011 559 1125
E-mail: [email protected]
FADA Information Centre
011 559 1125/ 1098 | [email protected]