Application Process
Admissions Process
Application forms can be downloaded hereor are available from the Communications Office. An admissions panel, including a programme tutor, will consider your application and if you fulfil the entry requirements you will be invited to visit West Dean for an interview with the programme tutor and another senior member of academic staff.
Interviews and practical tests can be conducted throughout the year. At your interview, you will be expected to provide a portfolio of work that reflects a substantial commitment to your chosen practice. Depending on the programme applied for, students also undertake a practical test to assess their standard of practical skills - for example, students applying for the furniture programme will be required to demonstrate their woodworking experience by completing a number of exercises including making joints; visual arts students will be asked to present and discuss their portfolio.
In cases where it is impossible for the applicant to attend an interview at West Dean, we can sometimes arrange for a distance test to be supervised by a professional colleague at an institution in the applicant’s own country, and an interview will be conducted over the telephone. However, we strongly recommend that students visit West Dean, experience the environment, explore the facilities and meet staff and other students.
The selection, admissions and induction processes will ensure equitable consideration of all applicants. Students with disabilities should contact the Communications Office and visit the College to discuss whether their needs can be met satisfactorily.
We encourage a personal visit to West Dean College; this will be an ideal opportunity for you to see the College in action and to discuss all aspects of the programme with the tutor. If you would like to arrange a visit or have any other questions, please contact Communications on +44(0)1243 818208, ordiplomas@westdean.org.uk.
Entry Requirements
There are several levels of diploma and masters degrees at West Dean and generally, for postgraduate study a good first degree in a relevant subject and related practical experience is required. Specific entry requirements are listed under each subject area. If you have any queries, our programme tutors are best placed to advise you on which are the most appropriate for you. Please contact the Communications Office for more information.
International Students
Over half of our students are from outside the UK, from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, USA , Canada, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, Spain, Holland, Germany, Iceland and the West Indies, making a culturally diverse community. Alumni are usually happy to offer advice and personal impressions to potential students from their country, and most European languages are represented among the staff and students. Our Academic team is experienced in helping students with applying for visas, opening bank accounts, applying for funding and all other arrangements necessary when you are studying away from home. Iinformation about applying for a visa can be found on via the following website www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php
Equal Opportunities
The Edward James Foundation is committed to ensuring that staff, students and volunteers are recruited, selected, trained, assessed, promoted and otherwise e treated solely on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. The Edward James Foundation supports the principle of equal opportunities and therefore no student or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of disability, religion, race, colour, nationality ethnic or national origins, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender or marital status.
