Internationally recognised for excellence in conservation, arts and design education.
Exhibition opportunities for art students
Make Time to Make with 300+ short courses
Training tomorrow's conservators
Specialist arts college with Artists-in-Residence programme
Explore your study options from short courses to Foundation, Diploma and Masters degrees. Students achieve ground-breaking work in arts or craft or apply their skills to the conservation of our national and international cultural heritage. Find out more at one of our upcoming Q&A sessions.
Degrees and Diplomas - excellence in arts and conservation
Studying for your degree or diploma could be life-changing. Students can expect a creative environment with a forward thinking approach, professional connections and strong focus on craft techniques in a variety of subject specialisms. Benefit from exceptional facilities, talented tutors and small class sizes. Many past students work with collections and museums of international significance or pursue their creative practice. The College is the former home of Edward James; poet, artist, designer, and patron of the Surrealist Movement, and is an inspirational setting for creativity.
See all degree and diploma courses
Nourish your mind on a short course
It’s been shown that getting creative can work wonders for your mental health. Join us to paint, sew, sculpt, forge and express yourself on one of 300+ short courses.
Learn new skills or develop existing talents, with courses from beginner to advanced with expert tutors, from 1-5 days in length. Learn a new skill from home with our online arts and craft courses.
See the latest information on coronavirus here.
See all short courses
Our School of Design
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation has merged with the KLC School of Design on 31 July 2021. Combining our strengths, we are in a better position to meet the fast-changing needs of students, the industries we serve and the rapidly changing world beyond.
Students will also be offered greater choice in their studies going forward, with a wider range of courses in complementary subjects. The focus will remain firmly on fostering creative excellence and innovation, providing the ideal setting for students to acquire and apply the skills needed for successful careers in the arts, conservation and design industries.
Visit Our School of Design
Degrees and Diplomas
Learn more about our accredited arts and conservation courses to start or progress your career
Short Courses
Make time to make - Choose from 500+ new arts and craft courses available to book online now
Online Hub
Find digital resources to connect with the College and tutors, including our online Short Courses
School of Arts Blog
Writer-In-Residence Salena Godden
Award-winning author Salena Godden reflects on her Writer's Residency experience at West Dean College.
School of Conservation Blog
Making a suit of 17th century cuirassier armour
MA Conservation Studies student Andrew discusses the progress of a suit of 17th century cuirassier armour he began making in 2021. Now half finished, Andrew reflects on the process to date, his inspiration and what's next for the project.
Apply now for Degree and Diploma study
Applications open for 2022 entry
Choose your subject and find out how to apply.
Find out about funding opportunities