Useful information and how to book
Find out about accommodation, booking, what to bring, information for overseas students, arrivals information and more details to help you get the most out of your short course.
Find out more useful information
Book something out of the ordinary
Why not treat yourself - or a friend - to a new creative experience? Many of our short courses are inspired by the season, and you'll take home ideas, techniques and your finished artwork, or handmade item, to treasure.
Late availability - take a look at last minute places on art and craft courses in the next few weeks.
One day courses - you'll be amazed at what you can achieve in just one day.
Useful information and how to book
View all courses“The best course I have ever attended - challenging, supportive, well-structured and presented by a world class tutor. I have never learned so much in such as short space of time. ”
Caroline, Italics - basics, flourish and experimental
Arts and Craft Summer Schools
"One of the 10 best creative retreats in the UK and Europe", The Guardian, January 2019
Treat yourself to a creative retreat in the height of summer and immerse yourself in the discovery of a new skill or to develop your practice, surrounded by expert tutors and likeminded students.
Special features:
- Try out one of the other courses in a swap over session
- Evening tutor talks and displays of their work
- Yoga class, swimming pool and tennis courts to enjoy
- See inside the hisotoric State Rooms on a house tour
- Optional evening theatre trip
- End of course celebration and dinner in one of the State Rooms.
"The excellent teaching pushed us beyond expectations; individual advice was very helpful as was being in such a beautiful setting."
Kathy Attawell, Beginners watercolours
Accommodation and Dining
Make your creative experience truly immersive by staying with us during your course. As a residential student you can choose a traditional or more modern room, and wake up to the characterful charm of this period property set in acres of parkland.
Start the day with a traditional English or continental breakfast in the bright and airy dining room. For lunch and dinner, you will find a tempting new menu each day, with two seasonal hot dishes, salad bar and a range of puddings. Dinner on the first night and lunch through out your courses is included in your course price. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)
Develop your portfolio of art and design skills for entry onto a related degree programme. The FDAD includes 10 short courses during which you will create a rich and varied portfolio of work. The course will help you ensure your portfolio reflects your talents and areas of interest and focus on your future career aspirations.
Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (DACC)
The West Dean College Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts is a two year part-time programme delivered through intensive study blocks throughout the year, through attending short courses to develop skills and through independent study outside attendance at the College. The programme is focused on developing skills essential to the successful development of a sustainable studio practice, both practical and contextual.
Conservation short courses
Refresh your skills and update your knowledge of developments in
materials, techniques and current practice. Ideal for conservators,
our conservation short courses are made up of Building Conservation
Masterclasses, Object and Materials Conservation courses and
British Library courses.
Find out more about
Conservation Short Courses and Masterclasses
Foundation Diploma in Tapestry Weaving
The Foundation Diploma in Tapestry Weaving is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of the two year, part-time programme of six, three-day units, self-directed study and making, and a final 1500 word essay. It aims to offer tapestry weavers a broad insight into the technical and creative techniques of tapestry weaving, necessary for developing skills and building your own creative language. It is aimed at weavers who have completed a beginners' course at West Dean College or elsewhere, and are looking to commit to an extended and intensive programme of study.
Bursaries
If you are a potential student who wishes to develop your skills, but are unable to afford to study on a short course, you may be eligible for a bursary.
As part of our commitment to provide access to education in the creative arts we offer bursaries for short course in arts, music and textiles as well as to support study on the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts programmes.
Read more about short course bursaries
Gift vouchers
Give the gift of creativity with a West Dean College gift voucher
Treat a creative friend or a loved one to a gift voucher. Give the gift of creativity and the chance to learn a new skill while making something to wear, use or display proudly in the home or garden.
You can buy £10, £25, £50 or £100 vouchers, which can be used for full or part payment of a course.
Buy your vouchers from bookingsoffice@westdean.org.uk
or 01243 818300. You can also
request vouchers from Reception.
Events and Talks
Escape the everyday
Listen to a concert or recital, pick up some top tips at a garden talk or enjoy a day out for the whole family.
Upcoming events
- The Chilingirian Quartet Concert
- Saturday 18 April, 8pm
- Fine Art Talk - Coco Crampton
- Wednesday 29 April, 5:30-7pm
School of Arts
Short courses are part of the School of Arts, which also offers full-time programmes in Visual Arts from Foundation to Postgraduate Diplomas, MA and MFA. Within this rich, immersive environment the vision of founder and Surrealist patron Edward James connects today's students with a rich heritage of art.
Learn more about the School of Arts
School of Conservation
The School of Conservation offers a dynamic, internationally connected and respected learning environment. Our conservation graduates are amongst the most sought-after in their field. Continue your studies with our conservation CPD courses.
Learn more about the School of Conservation