Application Process

Application forms are available from the Academic office or can be downloaded from the website. Interviews can be conducted throughout the year. An admissions panel, including a programme tutor, will consider your application. If you have the necessary experience and qualifications, you will be invited to West Dean College for an interview and practical test. You will be expected to provide a portfolio of work that reflects a substantial commitment to your chosen practice. The selection, admissions and induction process will ensure equitable consideration of all applicants. Students with disabilities should contact the Diploma Admissions Office and visit the College to discuss whether their needs can be met satisfactorily.

If you fulfil the entry requirements, we will arrange an interview with the programme tutor and another senior member of academic staff. Depending on the programme applied for, students also undertake a practical test to assess the 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. We strongly recommend that students visit West Dean, experience the environment, explore the facilities and meet staff and other students.

There are several levels of diploma and MA study at West Dean and our programme tutors are best placed to advise you on which is the most appropriate for you. Generally, for postgraduate study a good first degree in a relevant arts subject and related practical experience is required. More information on entry requirements. If you have any queries, or would like to discuss options with a tutor, please contact the Admissions Office on +44 (0)1243 818208 or email diplomas@westdean.org.uk.

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 are 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.

The Edward James Foundation is committed to ensuring that staff, students and volunteers are recruited, selected, trained, assessed, promoted and otherwise treated solely on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. The Edward James Foundation supports that 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.