Internationally recognised for excellence in arts and conservation.

800+ arts and craft short courses

Craft skills to Foundation Degree level

Study Fine Art - exceptional studios; great facilities

Highly respected Conservation programmes

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.

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Studying at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Studying here on one of our 800 short courses or 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. Many alumni work with collections and museums of international significance or pursue their creative practice. 

You can expect exceptional facilities, talented tutors and small class sizes. The College is in West Sussex in the former home of Edward James; poet, artist, designer, and patron of the Surrealist Movement, and is an inspirational setting for study, creativity and innovation.

School of Arts Blog

Crossing the line

Posted on 21st February 2020

Second Year MA Creative Writing & Publishing student Jim Green writes about his experience as an Open Day Student Ambassador, and why he chose to study at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation.

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School of Conservation Blog

Modifying a spokeshave for paring leather

Posted on 5th February 2020

MA Conservation Studies: Books and Library Materials student Emma Lau writes about learning the principles of sharpening and using basic machineries to produce an English paring knife, and how this lead her to modify a spokeshave for paring leather.

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Angel Cake graduate show 2018

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Applications open for 2020 entry

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