Short courses in Melbourne, update

It’s been a while since I last wrote about courses available in Melbourne for Gold & Silversmithing (ie. jewellery and objects) – so I thought an update was in order and perfect timing for those thinking about what they’ll do this year.

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With respect to full-time degree study (while I won’t go into too much detail here) the schools in Melbourne are:

• RMIT : 3yr FT Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art), specialising in Object Based Practice; I’ve mentioned before that this course is brilliant for conceptual development; see my previous post on the degree changes that means this degree is now differently structured from the one I went through
• NMIT : 3yr PT Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery stream), 2yr FT Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery stream); 3yr apprenticeship Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture; Ive mentioned before that NMIT is exceptionally well-regarded (with reason) for technical skill development
• Box Hill Tafe : 1.5 year FT Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design [link]
• as I’ve written before, Monash is no longer offering a Jewellery specific degree, there is still the Fine Arts degree

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Now, short courses for jewellery and silversmithing, in Melbourne.

• NMIT : there are five short courses currently on their website; I’m SUPER excited that Silversmithing is being offered as a short course; I did the Leisure Jewellery course (basically studio access) a few years ago and I thought the facilities were very good for jewellery; while I was there I witnessed the Intro course and thought it was well-structured (there is also an Intermediate course); I intend to undertake the Gem Setting course over the next year or two
• Northcity4 : a new entry into the offerings for those wanting to learn how to make jewellery (I’m an unashamed huge supporter of NC4!); there is a Beginners course, and specific shorter courses for Earrings, Rings and Pendants; there is also an Intermediate course later in the year for those continuing; there are also regular Workshops and Seminars to take part in – amazings!
• CAE : there are so many courses offered under ‘jewellery’ and ‘silversmithing’ at CAE; the courses range from bone carving to pearl stringing, casting and pendant in an evening ; it looks like some of these are connected with Box Hill Tafe; my experience at CAE wasn’t fabulous, but it was some years ago now, and I wonder if the facilities have changed – if you’ve attended one of their courses recently, please do comment and tell me of your experience
• RMIT : usually runs a master class in Jan/Feb each year, but this is only for experience artisans; this year is a week intensive with ‘Making It … Object Design for Jewellers’ with Julie Blyfield (oh how I WISH I could attend this!)

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I’d really like to create a listing of the best short courses in Melbourne for jewellery making – can you recommend where you’ve been or heard is good?

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Update [6th February]: I’ve only just discovered that Victoria Mason is also holding classes for beginners!

Update [12th February]: I’ve also been told about classes at Redox Jewellery Studio in Geelong (no, it’s not Melbourne, but pretty close! actually, it’s a pretty easy drive…)

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