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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 are amongst the most sought-after in their field.

Learn about our School of Conservation

School 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.

Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies
1 academic year, full-time, specialising in:

Graduate Diploma Conservation Care and Management for Collections
1 academic year, 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.

Learn about our School of Arts

School of Arts Programmes

Master of Fine Art (MFA)
2 academic years, full-time

Master of Fine Art (MFA) - Blended delivery
Two academic years - on-site, online and independent study

MA Creative Writing and Publishing
Two academic years, part-time

NEW Graduate Diploma Creative Writing (subject to validation)
One year, part-time

Graduate Diploma Fine Art
One academic year, full-time

NEW BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place
Six academic years, part-time

NEW BA (Hons) Craft Practices
(specialising in Clocks, Furniture, Metals, Musical Instruments, Books and Bindings)
One academic year, full-time

NEW MFA Craft Practices (subject to validation)
Two academic years, full time

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)
10 short courses taken over two years, part-time

NEW Online Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
One year, part-time (self-directed study, live study days and a student community hub)

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

NEW Foundation Diploma in Ceramics
Two years, part-time course - Awarded by West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Foundation Degree Arts (FdA)
Two academic years, full-time, in:

Certificate in Crime Writing
One year, part-time course (three weekends) - Awarded by West Dean

Certificate in Fiction Writing
One year, part-time course (three weekends) - Awarded by West Dean

Certificate in Life Writing
One year, part-time course (three weekends) - Awarded by West Dean

KLC School of Design

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation merged with the KLC School of Design on 31 July 2021. Students will be offered greater choice in their studies going forward, with a wider range of courses in complementary subjects.

The design school was founded specifically to meet the need for industry relevant training and this spirit of innovation has thoroughly instilled itself into all of our course developments. Our close working relationship with the design industry and our access to practising professionals is a unique feature of our courses and something which all of our students benefit from throughout their studies.

Learn about our KLC School of Design

School of Design Programmes

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.

Find out more about applying
Agata Bogacka MFA Student at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
Virtual tour of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Virtual tour

Take a virtual tour of our campus and see what makes us such a unique place to study with an international reputation.
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Library facilities at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Student Information

Find out more about admissions, scholarships and bursaries, accommodation and campus life.
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West Dean College International Student Information

International Students

We welcome students from around the globe on all our programmes and courses.
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Make it happen. Apply for funding.

Applications now open for Degree & Diploma funding for 2023

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Funding for degree and diploma courses in art, conservation and interior design

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