Virtual tour
Take a virtual tour of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and see what makes it such a unique place to study with an international reputation.
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Excellence in conservation and arts education
School of Conservation
The School of Conservation offers you a dynamic, internationally connected and respected learning environment and our students benefit from the unique opportunity to study in a working historic house.
Students have access to and work in well-equipped professional workshops and studios. The analytical laboratory and science equipment was significantly expanded in 2019, and the facilities have been developed for materials commonly treated in the School of Conservation.
The College has active links with the heritage sector worldwide and College alumni have gone on to work all over the world. Conservation graduates from West Dean College of Arts and Conservation are amongst the most sought-after in their field.
School of ConservationSchool of Conservation Programmes
MA Conservation Studies
1 calendar year (46 weeks), full-time
Specialisms include; Books and Library Materials, Ceramics and Related Materials, Clocks and Related Objects, Furniture and Related Objects, and Metalwork.
MA Collections Care and Conservation Management
2 years, part-time
Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies
1 academic year, full-time, specialising in:
- Books and Library Materials,
- Ceramics,
- Furniture and Related Objects,
- Horology. Clocks and Related Objects, or
- Metalwork.
Professional Development Diploma in Horology
1 academic year (36 weeks) full time
Professional Development Diploma: Historic Building Conservation and Repair
Part time completed in a maximum of five years
School of Arts
Explore and expand your work in a uniquely immersive environment with its own connections to art history.
School of Arts students enjoy exceptional studio and exhibition space. There are specialist spaces dedicated to painting and drawing, sculpture and tapestry and textile-based work.
Students have the opportunity to engage with site-specific subjects, benefitting from the heritage of founder and Surrealist patron, Edward James.
School of ArtsSchool of Arts Programmes
Master of Fine Art (MFA)
2 academic years, full-time
MA Creative Writing and Publishing
2 academic years, part-time
Graduate Diploma Fine Art
One academic year, full-time
Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (DACC)
10 three-day intensive blocks of study taken over two academic years
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)
10 short courses taken over two years, part-time
NEW Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design
One year, part-time, eight modules (two self-study courses supported by two live study days)
Foundation Diploma in Tapestry Weaving
Two years, part-time course - Awarded by West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
Foundation Degree Arts
Two academic years, full-time, in:
Certificate in Crime Writing
One year, part-time course (three weekends) - Awarded by West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
"The study is intense with small class group numbers and great tutors that have a deep understanding of what art is. There are opportunities to learn new techniques, try different mediums and have your own studio space. One of the best aspects of the course so far has been the opportunity to work with professionals in mediums such as stone carving and ceramics that I had not considered before."
Agata Bogacka, MFA Student
Applying and entry
As there are limited places available on each course, we encourage you to apply early and to explore your funding options early. Full entry requirements are detailed on each specific programme page.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for UK, EU and international students are indicated on each programme page.
How you fund your study is an important consideration. A number of scholarships and bursary funds are administered by the College and students can also approach other organisations directly. Approximately 60% of our students receive some level of funding.
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Student Information
Find out more about admissions, scholarships and bursaries, accommodation, student life and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation alumni
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International Students
We welcome students from around the globe on all our programmes and courses.
Find out more"West Dean's practice-based learning has enabled me to fine-tune my hand skills while giving me a strong foundation in ethics, science and research to feel confident about the decisions I make for each object."
Tamsen Dippel, Postgraduate Diploma/MA Conservation Studies
