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Accessibility & LanguageGemmology (Diploma)
Diploma in Gemmology
Course Overview
This Diploma in Scientific Studies (Gemmology) provides an introduction to the science of gemmology for people with a general interest in gemstones, as well as for those working in the jewellery and related trades. The course aims to provide the student with a broad introduction to the study of gemstones. It teaches a range of laboratory–based techniques used to identify gemstones and provides the student with hands-on experience in identification protocols using a comprehensive collection of gemstones. The course also includes studies of typical geological settings of gemstones during lectures.
The following modules can be taken in 2025/26 as a micro-credential:
Applications and Selections
Applications open from 1st April 2025.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
All modules in the Diploma are individually assessed. Assessment is by examination (written and practical) at the end of each semester and by continuous assessment. This is a two-year, part-time course. Classes and learning material will be delivered online with practical workshops to be carried out at University of Galway on a monthly basis.
As this course is delivered via Blended learning most of the material is delivered online, please visit to our Online Learning webpage for further details on what is required to participate in a blended learning course.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.).
There are no specific entry requirements for the Diploma in Gemmology.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
2 years, part-time
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
16
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
7
Mode of study
Blended Learning
ECTS weighting
30
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
The course consists of lectures, laboratory demonstrations and practicals including tuition on good practice in the identification of gemstones from the course’s teaching collection which comprises in excess of 1000 cut stones. The course also focuses on the examination of these gemstones using a range of laboratory instruments including binocular microscope, refractometer, spectroscope, polariscope and conoscope. The option of attending a 1-day Diamond Grading course at the headquarters of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain in London will also be available to 2nd year students.
The course includes the following topics:
- The Dynamic Earth
- Earth History
- Earth Materials
- The Formation and Geological Settings of Gemstones
- Global Distribution of Gemstones
- The Crystallography and Mineralogy of Gemstones
- The Optical Properties of Crystals Gemstone
- Properties and Instrumentation
- Recording Gemstone Properties/Identification
- Protocols
- Fashioning of Gemstones
- Synthetic Gemstones (Enhancements and Imitations)
- Systematic Recording of the Physical and Optical
- Properties of Gemstones
NB: The following module can be taken in 2025/26 as a micro-credential:
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Students of this course find employment in gemmological work (quality control, authentification) and jewellery (retail and design) trades. Students may also find work as valuators for the insurance industry.
Who’s Suited to This Course
The course is open to everyone and is designed for those with no previous training in gemmology. It is suitable as an introductory course for people with a general interest in gemstones, as well as for those working in the jewellery and related trades.
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€1,285 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€1,250 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€35 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Non EU
€1,785 p.a. 2025/26
NB: EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Levy.
A fee scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. For more information download the 2025_26 Fees Scholarship Form
Find out More
Dr. Alessandra Costanzo
Earth and Ocean Sciences
School of Natural Sciences
University of Galway
Tel: 091 492087
Fax: 091 494533
Email: alessandra.costanzo@universityofgalway.ie
What Our Students Say
Bernie Colhoun | Student
I’ve always had a love of gemstones since working in Jewellers years ago to now working as a Visual Artist. Undertaking the Gemmology course has reaffirmed my fascination in precious minerals and the amazing stories behind them. The content of the course was comprehensive, from learning about geological origins to commercial markets. I particularly enjoyed our training in observation and identification using specialist equipment. The in-person lab classes were excellent and the online classes were great, topics can be complex at times but Dr Constanzo was always available to assist with further questions often posting great extra content to our student portal. The highlights of the course for me were the gem related trips we went on and the guest lecturers. I’ve got to meet incredible people, fellow students and lecturers alike whose passion for gemstones was contagious. The course has expanded my scientific knowledge and deepened my appreciation for the subject and I’m certain it will continue to influence my artwork and renewed connection to the gemstone world. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in gaining a rich and meaningful understanding of gemstones.
Josquin San Luis | Current Student
I had always appreciated the goldsmith heritage in my father’s family and wished that I could join the “circle of jewellers” in my home country. Life sent me on a different career path but I maintained a keen parallel interest in jewellery design and manufacture. In buying semi-precious stones and designing them for commercial purposes, I felt that something of significance was yet lacking in my knowledge of the world of precious and semi-precious stones. The leap of faith involved in deciding to apply for a place on this course at NUI Galway in 2021 has proven to be hugely rewarding. The understanding, appreciation and insights into the grading and valuation of these magnificent gems I have now gained has provided me with the “missing piece of the puzzle.” Despite the long commute from my home each week to attend lectures, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to gain and apply my newly acquired knowledge in a potential new career in the future. I’m also very grateful to the lecturers who put a lot of time and effort in making the learning process interesting.
