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

Introduction to Collections Care and Conservation Management

Posted on 24th May 2017

Masterclass from Museums and Heritage show in London last week, by Shayne Rivers MA (RCA), FIIC, MA Collections Care and Conservation Management (CCCM) Subject Leader, and PhD researcher.

Shayne's masterclass explored the following questions and offered an insight into CCCM at West Dean College.

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School of Conservation Blog

Discovering a Japanese Lantern Clock

Posted on 17th May 2017

The aim of this project was to restore to safe working order a Japanese lantern clock belonging to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. The Museum's early records had classified the clock as Chinese. However, after conducting initial research it became clear that the object conformed to many stylistic features of lantern clocks from the early - mid period of Japanese clock making.

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