BA (Hons) Horology

at Birmingham City University

COURSE IN DEPTH

Year one

 

During your first year, you will be introduced to a broad range of horological studies, theory and technical skills, building a sound base for further study in years two and three.

 

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
 

Introduction to Horology
20 credits

 

Horology is often described as an “Art and a Science”. This module is an introduction to the story of horology and its part in global civilisation from the pre-historic to the modern era and will help you contextualise your practice.

 

This module will provide fundamental “knowledge and understanding” of the principles of horology through a series of lectures, exercises, and assignments which will help you begin to develop your skill of critical analysis, essential for you future studies.

 

Production Techniques
40 credits

 

Professional horologists have a highly developed sense of precision and accuracy. This module is designed to develop your craft skills in design, manufacture and fabrication whilst acquiring an appreciation for the “pursuit of excellence” expected by the horological industry.

 

Through practice, investigation and evaluation you will develop your technical ability which will increase your employability. This module will also help you to develop key transferrable project management qualities ranging from personal motivation and scheduling skills to risk management and project recovery.

 

Specialist Horological Skills
40 credits

 

The purpose of this employability driven module is to develop professional attributes, and subject related skills. You will develop the practical and professional skills which you will need in your future employment. Course content will be delivered at Practice-led, knowledge-applied teaching sessions, with emphasis on the link between theory practice.

 

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

 

CAD for Bespoke Production
20 credits

 

In this module, you will learn how to use Computer Aided Design (CAD) as a tool for supporting and supplementing traditional bench skills. This module will introduce you to the very basics, quickly building up your skills and allowing you to design and develop sophisticated 3D digital models which are suitable for production through the myriad of new technologies becoming increasing available in Computer Aided Manufacture.

 

Introduction to Gemmology
20 credits

 

The science of gemmology is inextricably linked with jewellery, and an understanding of gemstones is essential for anyone involved in the manufacturing, repairing, buying or selling of fine jewellery. Today’s professional gemmologists face constant challenges as advances in synthetic gemstones and gemstone treatments become ever more sophisticated.

 

Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

 
Year two

 

During your second year, you will be introduced to further theoretical study of horological mechanisms, and advanced design and technical skills.

 

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits):

 

Commercial Servicing Skills
40 credits

 

In line with the program philosophy of pursuing excellence, this module will enable you to develop the practical & professional skills alongside the knowledge & understanding required to become a professional horologist, by practicing and mastering skill based competencies and requirements of the global industry and so enhance your employability potential.

 

Advanced Production Techniques
40 credits

 

This module will introduce you to various techniques and processes that have particular relevance to the production and/or finishing of horological components, whilst enhancing your knowledge and understanding, the module will also develop the key transferable skill of acquiring new competencies Traditional and emerging technologies will be explored through a series of exercises, enhancing workshop skill based practise and so employability.

 

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.

 

Commercial Awareness
20 credits

 

This module will introduce you to various techniques and processes that have particular relevance to the production of a Business Plan, a key planning tool both in terms of understanding or developing a business but also with relevance to day to day life skills.

 

Luxury Jewellery Branding
20 credits

 

This module allows you to start thinking about the idea of luxury and how it can be defined. You will consider the luxury sector of the market and explore the global significance of luxury jewellery brands. You will consider the significance of brand heritage and observe visual merchandising and customer behaviour associated with British luxury culture.

 

Live Project
20 credits

 

This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to an external, professional brief. The brief will be set by an external client/ agency, in consultation with your supervisor, and it could be a ‘real life’ problem to be solved, or a simulation.

 

It is an opportunity for you to engage in a professional manner with an aspect of your subject area, which contributes to the development of employability skills within the supportive infrastructure of the University. Where appropriate, the project may involve interdisciplinary collaboration with students from other courses. In this way, it reflects the collaborative, flexible nature of employment within the Creative Industries.

 

Work placement
20 credits

 

The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and ADM Careers+.

 

Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

 
Year three

 

During your final year, you will be introduced to further theoretical study of horological mechanisms, and advanced design and technical skills. Greater employability skills are developed, alongside the production of a 'masterpiece' that will summarise and demonstrate your knowledge and skills acquisition.

 

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

 

Major Project
60 credits

 

The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.

 

Employment Skills
60 credits

 

This module will enable you to further develop the practical & professional skills required to become a professional horologist, by practicing and mastering complex skill based competencies required by the global industry, and so enhance your employability potential.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
 

Award: BA (Hons) Starting: Sep 2022
Full Time 3 years £13,500 in 2022/23

Enhancing Employability skills

 

The course is not just about the acquisition of a set of specialist skills; we also develop key transferable skills, all of which will enhance your employability prospects.

 

With a degree-level qualification, you’ll be able to enter the employment market at graduate level, with essential skills in communication, presentation and problem solving.

 

The course is delivered through a variety of formats, including e-learning, formal lectures, tutorials and self- directed studies. One-to-one staff contact and group work enables the free exchange of knowledge and experience. 

 

PLACEMENTS

 

Following extensive negotiations we are delighted to state that the servicing centres run by LVMH, Cartier UK and Christopher Ward all offer opportunities for our Horology students to gain work experience.

 

Student stories - Rosie Kirk

 

Third year Horology student Rosie Kirk is specialising in clock repair. She did a summer placement at London’s British Museum and hopes to one day own her own clock restoration business.

 

"I think the inner-workings of clocks are beautiful," said Rosie. "My time at the British Museum was fascinating, I even got to help with the conservation of some of the clocks, which is such a delicate process."

 

Student stories - Andrew Law

 

Andrew Law completed a seven-week placement with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, which services TAG Heuer watches. "It was an amazing experience. They let us experience every aspect of the workshop. I found it really inspiring."

 

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

 

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.

 

Links to Industry

 

Our course was designed in close collaboration with the BHI, with the Service Centres run by Cartier UK, LVMH and through constant ongoing conversations with specialist restoration and manufacturing businesses, like Sinclair Harding, as well as the Clock Clinic in Putney, where the owner, an alumni of the University, regularly appears on ‘Antiques Roadshow’.