BA in Horology
Birmingham City University
Key Information
Campus location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* UK students: £9,250 per year | international students: £13,980 per year
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Introduction
Discover the evolution of designs and materials behind clocks and watches, alongside exploring the specialist skills required to design, make and repair these fascinating mechanisms yourself using fine hand and machining skills.
Our Horology degree, one of the only courses of its kind, will enable you to develop the practical and analytical skills to identify and resolve complex faults and utilise our traditional and cutting-edge facilities to explore a range of techniques.
You will benefit from the experience of practising professional horologists and colleagues in a shared learning environment, and have the opportunity to build a series of portfolios of clock/watch repairs and restorations as proof of your professional capabilities.
We will develop your digital design and communication skills using a range of industry-standard software, using Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) and explore rapid prototyping to experience different methods and designs. The Course will embed transferrable skills such as initiative, adaptability and time and project management during your three years with us on the degree.
Our many connections with the major brands allow opportunities for working on Live Projects and exploring employment experience in a professional setting, alongside the chance to develop lifelong connections throughout the industry.
We have a strong employability record with graduates recently taking up places with employers such as Cartier, Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Xupes. Other Alumni work with Roger Smith, look after significant collections such as at the British Museum, work in major Auction Houses like Bonhams and Fellows, and have even and have restored the Great Clock of Westminster ( AKA Big Ben!) There may well be any number of similar opportunities ahead for you.
What's covered in this course?
Our unique undergraduate Horology course will enable you to study clocks and watches, both mechanical and electronic, as well as explore the art and science of time measurement.
Combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology, this course looks at the theory of horology, as well as provides you with valuable practical skills. You’ll examine the history of timekeeping, how clocks and watches work, and how they are designed, providing you with the restoration skills that are in demand within the industry.
The course uses industry-standard software, such as the Solidworks CAD package, to teach design and technical drawing skills, as well as both traditional and modern niche skills of repair, conservation and restoration. Our workshops give you access to timing and testing equipment, as well as machine tools, including laser welding machines, 3D printing and engine turning equipment.
Our reputation and staff connections mean that our professional links are outstanding. We have unique industry partnerships with luxury goods brands, such as Richemont (UK), (who own the brands Cartier, IWC, Panerai, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Baume et Mercier and Montblanc) and with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH – Tag Heuer, Zenith, Bulgari, Hublot,), and have recently joined forces with established UK brand Christopher Ward. All these offer work placements, one-to-one mentoring and the chance to develop technical skills in a commercial environment.
You’ll study at our internationally-renowned School of Jewellery, in the heart of Birmingham’s famous working Jewellery Quarter. Our Vittoria Street building mixes the modern with the classical and includes workshops, a specialist library, an atrium gallery and exhibition space.
Professional placement year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
Why choose us?
- Our outstanding employability record with graduates working for brands such as Bremont, Cartier, Rolex, Swatch, Tag Heuer, and Christopher Ward; or with unique makers/restorers such as Roger Smith and Richard Higgins Conservation; and for others such as Bonhams and the British Museum.
- You will be supported by experienced staff and visiting tutors, who inspire through example and share their expertise in practice, research and design techniques.
- Our partnerships with industry give you the chance to undertake placements, receive mentoring and develop technical expertise in a commercial setting.
- You will have the opportunity to gain professional accreditation from the British Horological Institute.
- We have a strong employability record, with all of our students getting offers of work often within days of graduating.
- Founded in 1890, our internationally-renowned School of Jewellery is the largest in Europe, located in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter.
Gallery
Curriculum
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
- Production Techniques
- Specialist Horological Skills
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
- Introduction to Gemmology
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 the 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
- Advanced Production Techniques
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of optional modules.
- Commercial Awareness
- Luxury Jewellery Branding
- Live Project
- Work placement
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 the 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: Horology
- Employment Skills
Career Opportunities
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 the 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 enable 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."
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, alumni of the University, regularly appears on ‘Antiques Roadshow’.