Internationally recognised for excellence in conservation, arts and design education.
Craft skills to Foundation Degree level
West Dean Fine Art Summer Show 2021
Training tomorrow's conservators
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.
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 alumni work with collections and museums of international significance or pursue their creative practice.
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 creativity.
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Make time to make on a short course
Be inspired by 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. We look forward to seeing you in the workshops and studios again soon.
See the latest information on coronavirus here.
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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.
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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
Law Quilt: A response to Edward James' writing on homosexuality
MFA student Robin shares the inspiration behind the Law Quilt, seen at the West Dean Fine Art Summer Show 2021, the process of how it was made and where it can be seen next.
School of Conservation Blog
Furniture tutor, Norbert Gutowski leaves after 25 years
Having worked at West Dean College since 1996 Norbert Gutowski is leaving us at the end of the summer term 2021. His contribution to the College has been huge and he has been ever-present for a quarter of a century. He is the stuff of legends.
Apply now for Degree and Diploma study
Applications open for 2021 entry
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