Internationally recognised for excellence in conservation and creative arts education.

Explore your study options from creative short courses and professional development through to Foundation, Diploma and Masters degrees. Students achieve ground-breaking work in visual arts or deploy their skills in the conservation of our national and international cultural heritage.

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Study at West Dean College

You can expect a creative environment with a forward thinking approach, professional connections and a rich heritage of creativity.

Small classes, talented tutors, exceptional studios and facilities offer a rich study experience. Our degrees and diplomas, including Foundation and Masters, are awarded by the University of Sussex.

The College is set in West Dean House in Sussex, former home of Edward James, poet, artist, designer and patron of the Surrealist Movement. It offers an inspirational setting for focused study, creativity and innovation. The Edward James Foundation is the registered charity behind the College, also our Gardens and West Dean Tapestry Studio.

Studying at West Dean College, whether on a short course or full-time, can be life-changing. Alumni can be found in prestigious heritage organisations worldwide or pursuing their creative practice.

Explore your study options

College Blog

Critical Paths - West Dean College Visual Arts Summer Shows 2017

Posted on 4th July 2017

Critical Paths showcases the exciting creative talent of the College's Visual Arts students in the expansive Edward James Studios at West Dean, then at the Espacio Gallery in London. Exhibiting students present work developed over a year of intensive study, providing visitors with the opportunity to view original work by a group of emerging artists.

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School of Conservation Blog

Learning Through the Treatment of a Tobacco Leaf Dish

Posted on 28th June 2017

My first and most enduring project since joining the West Dean College Ceramics Conservation Department has been the tobacco leaf platter. It is through this object that I have learnt most of the skills that I will take away at the end of my graduate diploma year.

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