West Dean short courses in pottery, drawing, painting, tapestry, gardening, interior design and more

700+ ART & CRAFT SHORT COURSES

Whether you’re a complete beginner, an aspiring creator, a developing artist, or simply want a break in a setting which inspires creativity- explore our short courses and unleash your imagination. Benefit from expert guided tuition, small group classes and fully-equipped studio spaces.

"One of the top 10 creative breaks worldwide"
- The Times, 2023

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Studying in the South Downs

Hear from our students and tutors about what's it's like to study on a Short Course at West Dean.

Residential short courses in art. Art breaks

Creative short breaks

Turn your art or craft short course into a truly immersive experience by booking a stay at the historic West Dean House.

Set in acres of beautiful parkland and located next to our arts and crafts studios, West Dean house offers bed and breakfast accommodation for the duration of your course. With free entry to the award-winning West Dean gardens and access to the heated swimming pool in the summer months, you can turn your course into a luxurious creative escape.

Short Course Accommodation
Funding for short courses in art and craft

Funding for short courses

As part of our commitment to provide access to education in the creative arts we offer bursaries for our short courses in arts, music and textiles, as well as financial support to study for our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design programme should you wish to further your skills in the future. 

Short course funding

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Work by art and design students at West Dean College

Advance your learning

Further your skills or turn a passion into a career path with our art, craft and design programmes from foundation level to Master of Fine Art.

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)
Develop your art and design skills for entry onto a related degree programme. Create a rich and varied portfolio of work through 10 short courses, to reflect your talents, areas of interest, and focus on your future career aspirations.

Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design
Designed to fit around your day-to-day commitments, this new flexible foundation course in art and design is taught online through a mix of self-directed study, live study days and a student community hub. You will develop your skills through eight modules, two self-study courses supported by two live study days.

BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place
Six year part-time low residency programme designed for the student who is ambitious about developing their studio practice, wants to maintain a sustained engagement with an artistic community but whose life and work demands flexibility.

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Booking short art course FAQs

How to book, useful information and FAQs

Find out how to book a short course, accommodation, what to bring, FAQs and more to help you get the most out of your short course.
Find out more useful information

New Tutors

Be inspired by one of our new tutors who inspire with vast knowledge, experience and passion for their subject.
New Tutors
Art conservation short courses conservation CPD

Conservation Short Courses

Refresh your skills, update your knowledge and discover new developments in the practice of Conservation with one of our Conservation short courses. Choose from Building Conservation Masterclasses, Object and Materials Conservation courses and British Library courses.
Conservation Short Courses