Bachelor of Jewellery Design + Technology

The Bachelor of Jewellery Design + Technology Programme is a thorough and comprehensive degree-level course designed for those who are looking to expand on their foundational jewellery and goldsmithing manufacturing knowledge, and for those who are eager to become industry professionals.

The programme combines workshop experience characterised by attaining master goldsmith skills through comprehensive hand-making, digital, and other manufacturing techniques required in creating fine jewellery. It will develop students into professionals who are able to manage all phases of design from initial inspiration, analysis, development, and finishing of the final product.

Students will be equipped with skills focusing on entrepreneurship, resource and material management, identifying new opportunities, and how to effectively direct their resources to appropriately respond to market opportunities.

• Attend an interview along with a portfolio of 6-12 sketches of jewellery designs
• Undertake an audition
• Meet the New Zealand, National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 entry requirements or provide evidence of achievement at an equivalent level
• Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years industry or life experience relevant to Jewellery design and creation, in addition, these applicants must undertake a supervised written assessment to demonstrate numeracy and literacy skills including an essay (500 words) followed by a task on interpreting measurements.
• International students will also be required to meet (New Zealand Qualification Framework) NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013 e.g. an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic score of 6, with no band score lower than 5.5; or the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5).

Whitecliffe College is New Zealand’s highest-ranked and most awarded institution in the private education sector. Established in 1984, it is a long-standing Category One Private Training Establishment (PTE), recognized for its excellence and innovation.

Whitecliffe stands as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s private education landscape, with a rich combined legacy of over 130 years dedicated to outstanding teaching and academic excellence across the fields of Fine Arts, Design, Fashion Design, Information Technology, and Creative Arts Therapies.

The merger of three of New Zealand’s oldest PTEs has strengthened Whitecliffe’s position as a leading force in tertiary education. Offering a comprehensive range of programmes — from certificates and undergraduate degrees to master’s qualifications (Levels 4–9) — Whitecliffe is synonymous with academic distinction and is deeply committed to shaping students into global citizens and future leaders in their chosen professions.

At Whitecliffe, we actively collaborate with industry partners to ensure work-integrated learning, deliver high-quality academic programmes, and prepare our graduates for successful, fulfilling careers.

Our graduates are innovators and trailblazers, confident in their skills and ready to lead the future.