Jewellery Making: Metal Forming

Build on your basic jewellery-making skills by discovering the exciting world of metal forming.

You'll explore three key techniques: press forming, fold forming, and basic raising and learn how each can transform flat sheet metal into three-dimensional forms. After gaining confidence across all three, you'll choose one to develop into a finished sculptural or jewellery object, showcasing your creative vision.

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here.

Please do not purchase any materials until the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Demonstrate how metal can be manipulated using different metal-forming techniques through samples and experiments
• Use techniques learnt in class such as press forming, fold forming and chasing to create a finished piece of jewellery or silversmithing from sheet metal  
• Apply problem-solving and critical reflection skills to your jewellery practice, managing time and materials effectively, and adapting to technical or creative challenges.

T his course is suitable for learners with some previous jewellery-making experience who are looking to develop their metal forming skills.

Learners with an enthusiasm for creative exploration or have a natural appreciation for colour, texture and form may find this course particularly rewarding. A willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support.  

This course is for those with some previous jewellery-making experience, for example, completion of an introductory jewellery-making course.

This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and enthusiasm for creative exploration. This hands-on course requires no formal background in art or design.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.