Frequently asked questions
Is it compulsory to attend for an interview?
No. But it is a good idea to request an interview because there are a high number of applicants for the course and a limited number of places.
If you are unable to come to Wagga for a face-to-face interview in November or December, we can arrange a telephone interview from anywhere in Australia or overseas as time-zone differences allow. The interview is intended as an opportunity for you to interview us as much as it is for us to interview you! We use the interview to give you as much information as possible about the course and what the experience as a student in the BA (Jewellery) program will be. There will be current student representatives on the interview panel to answer your questions about the program and applicants are given a guided tour of the studios with the student reps to answer any queries they may have one-to-one.
What is expected in the folio and what does a Folio include?
A folio can take many forms but basically it should include a variety of examples of art and/or design that you have produced over the past few years. These can be photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures, 2D or 3D object design or objects that you have made from someone else’s plans. You should endeavour to include design development drawings or sketches of ideas in a visual diary or visual journal as an important part of your folio. A visual diary is usually ‘researched’ over several months with examples of ‘things’ that appeal to you from magazines; newspapers, web sites and design journals from your school or local library. These images or articles should indicate the kind of works that interest you. They don’t have to necessarily be things that you would make – more like things that have interesting colour, form, pattern, history, style or function. You do not need a specific reason to have included them and the things you’ve collected can be extremely varied. They don’t necessarily need to include work by contemporary Jewellers. It may be architecture or art works that appeal to you; costume or fashion design; web design and animation; comic books; other forms of contemporary design or object design – lights; furniture and functional objects; just about anything. You might even include flyers or information about exhibitions that you have seen or newspaper reviews of exhibitions you would like to have seen. Your folio does not need to include examples of jewellery. We do not expect you to have any skills in jewellery at all. This is not a pre-requisite. If you are unsure as to what a folio should contain, it would be good if you could attend a folio preparation course of one or 2 days. These are often available through local TAFE’s as weekend programs or night classes. If you can ‘catch’ the Design and Technology folios that do the rounds of city and regional centres they can also be a useful way of getting to see examples of good visual journals and design research. Alternatively, we run short jewellery courses for students who are able to come to Wagga and this can include a folio preparation component as demand requires. (see the short-course information on this web-site or contact the course coordinator)
How much does the course cost?
How much does the course cost? All first years commencing the program have to purchase a tool kit of basic tools and equipment. This costs approximately $900 but the tools will last a lifetime if they are looked after. Students then add to this tool kit as they require and on average would spend approx another $100-200 per semester on additional tools and materials. It depends on individual needs and budgets. There are only a few basic text books for the course in addition to these costs and a few software programs as the course progresses. In comparison with the costs of texts and software of most degree programs, the course is relatively inexpensive.
How many hours per week are students expected to attend University?
Each student takes 2 Jewellery Studio classes each week between 3and 4 hours each face-to-face contact time which includes demonstrations and lectures as well as individual consultations with the Lecturer. Outside of this 4 hours students are expected to be in the studio for another 4 hours to consolidate their skills and understanding of Assignment work. A full-time load includes 4 subjects (4+4 x 4= 32) so students will need to invest a total of 32 hours per week to their study.
When is the SVPA-CSU Jewellery Department Open Day?
You are welcome to email or ring Sabine Pagan, the Course Coordinator any time to make an appointment to visit the studios any week day. She can be contacted via tel: 02 69332076 or email : spagan@csu.edu.au The best time to visit is during semester when classes are on and there are students here who can also answer your questions about the course. Of course if you wish to visit during non-contact time between semesters the Lecturers are more than happy to show you around the Department and to arrange for a tour for you of the University. Campus tours can be arranged by contacting 1800 334 733
How many students are there in the Program?
There are approximately 50 students in total in the Jewellery undergraduate and post-graduate programs from all over Australia and Overseas. We accept both exit-year 12 students and mature age students (a mature age student is anyone who is more than one-year out of School) and the gender balance is currently tipped toward more females than males although this is changing year by year! ALL applications must be made through the NSW UAC system.
How do I apply through UAC?
In August each year the UAC handbook will appear in newsagents across NSW. It contains all the information you will need to apply for the course. On-time applications usually close around Late September but late applications can be made until January for that year. The telephone number for UAC is (02) 9752 0200 or go to www.uac.edu.au