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Find out about funding opportunities
Student Funding
We know it's not easy funding your studies, and we work hard to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to apply for additional support when you're accepted to study for a degree or diploma here.
There are four ways to apply for support:
- Apply for a scholarship or bursary that West Dean College awards on behalf of a third party funder. These each have different criteria which are set by the funder so you will need to check if you are eligible using the guidance in the tables below. You should not approach these organisations directly.
- Apply to a fund which encourages students to apply directly. Find those you are eligible to apply to, and follow the links to their website to submit your application.
- Apply to The Edward James Bursary Fund. This fund is open to anyone who is offered a place to study at West Dean College.
- Apply for the West Dean College Scholarship. This is to enable students from underrepresented groups to access Degree and Diploma courses.
There are also additional funding opportunities for international students.
Please note: Many of the scholarship and bursary deadlines have now passed.
"I know that I couldn't have achieved all I have in my time here
without the fantastic support I have received from the funding team
and the organisations that have helped fund my studies. To have
been awarded a scholarship from the Sidney Sanders Charitable Trust
has taken the financial stress away from studying and has allowed
me to make the most of my time at West Dean College."
Dale Sardeson, MA Conservation Studies, specialising in
Clocks
Conservation scholarships and bursaries
| Scholarships 2021-22 | Books | Ceramics | Clocks | Furniture | Metalwork | CCCM | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | GD | MA | GD | MA | GD | MA | GD | MA | GD | MA | MA | ||
|
West Dean College Scholarship |
50% tuition fees + 50% accommodation costs |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| BASET Endeavour Award | £10,000 per academic year | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers Scholarship | £1,000 | ✓ | |||||||||||
| The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship | £500 | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Bursaries 2021-22 | Books | Ceramics | Clocks | Furniture | Metalwork | CCCM | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | GD | MA | GD | MA | GD | MA | GD | MA | GD | MA | MA | |
|
The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund |
Based on individual need |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| The Horology Bursary | Up to £20,000
(likely to be split between two or more students) |
✓ | ✓ | |||||||||
| The Skinners' Company, Lawrence Atwell's Charity Awards for Excellence | £15,000 (split between up to three students) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Read the full conservation scholarship and bursary information
Conservation Scholarships
All scholars are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.
Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed here.
The BASET Endeavour Award
This will be awarded to an Australian national wishing to study on those qualifying programmes listed in West Dean's School of Conservation programme or on a Historic Craft Practices course (within the School of Arts).
The Britain Australia Society Education Trust (BASET) offers financial support to talented and deserving young people with skills and a passion in the applied creative industries. BASET supports these people to study and train on the other side of the world in order to increase those skills and to share knowledge and ideas - ultimately taking those skills home to continue their work while building valuable links between Britain and Australia.
"We are two great nations with strong connections and a bilateral desire to promote, maintain, preserve and conserve historical objects, artefacts and creative trades. BASET provides financial sponsorship where it "makes the difference" to support talented young people, both for the benefit of themselves and society as a whole."
Value: £10,000 per academic year
Application: Australian nationals wishing to study on any programme within qualifying School of Conservation Programmes or on a Historic Craft Practices course, are invited to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicant will be sent to BASET for its approval before the award is made. BASET's decision is final.
Terms: The award is for one or two academic years depending on course duration, and will be paid directly to West Dean College. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources may be required and that transport, visa and living costs are the responsibility of the applicant. The successful applicant must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. They will be invited to be a part of the BASET community during their time in the UK.
Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers Scholarship
Value: £1,000
This will be awarded to a student on the Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Conservation of Metalwork programme, who is able to demonstrate excellent potential and a commitment to a future career in their chosen field. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated an interest and ability in conservation of arms and armour during their Graduate Diploma year.
Application: Metalwork students applying for the Postgraduate Diploma or MA Conservation programmes are invited to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominee will be sent to The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers for their records.
Terms: The award is for one academic year and the will be paid directly to West Dean College. The scholar will be expected to produce an interim report during their second term and an end of year report in their final term.
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship
Value: £500
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 studying on either the FdA Historic Craft Practices in Metalwork, the Graduate Diploma in Conservation of Metalwork or the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation of Metalwork.
Application: Metalwork students applying to any of the above programmes are welcome to apply for this Scholarship. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to the Worshipful Company of Cutlers for approval.
Terms: The award is for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Scholars are invited to attend the annual Scholars and Prize-winners Reception hosted by the Company, usually held in October. The scholar will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.
Conservation Bursaries
All bursary-funded students are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.
The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund
If you need assistance to fund your studies, you can apply for a bursary from The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund once you have accepted a place to study at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The Fund is financed by donations both from The Edward James Foundation itself as part of its charitable objectives and by other organisations and individuals who have made generous donations or bequests to support students.
Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need and preference will be given to students who show that they are pursuing all possible avenues for raising the funds they will need, including applications to other grant-making trusts, part-time or holiday work and/or student loans. Preference will also be shown to students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to their chosen field.
Grants are given based on individual need. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can finance any remaining accommodation and tuition fees not covered by their bursary award. The Grants Committee cannot consider an application without this information.
The Horology Bursary
Value: up to £20,000
The Horology Bursary will be awarded to a student studying on one of the Clocks programmes, the FdA, Graduate Diploma or MA. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development.
Application: Individuals studying on a Clocks programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made on to the funder of The Horology Bursary.
Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce an end of year report.
Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the bursaries listed below.
The Skinners' Company, Lawrence Atwell's Charity Awards for Excellence
Value: £15,000 between up to three students
The Skinners' Company award bursaries towards the cost of studying at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation for up to three students studying on a MA on any Conservation programme. They will also consider students studying for a Graduate Diploma. Applicants should be aged 28 or under, from low income households and be able to demonstrate exceptional potential in their chosen field. Previous scholars are encouraged to reapply for the duration of their studies.
Application: Individuals who have submitted an application to study on one of the programmes outlined above can apply for the award. Applications are considered by the Grants Committee, and a recommendation is made to the Skinners' Company for approval.
Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce an end of year report.
(Information last updated 20 November 2020)
Arts scholarships and bursaries
| Scholarships 2021-22 | Historic Craft Practices | FDAD | DACC | Fine Art | Creative Writing and Publishing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clocks | Furniture | Metalwork | Musical Instruments | |||||||
| Value | FdA | FdA | FdA | FdA | GD | MA | MA | |||
| West Dean College Scholarship | 50% tuition fees + 50% accommodation costs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| BASET Endeavour Award | £10,000 per academic year | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship | £500 | ✓ | ||||||||
| Bursaries 2021-22 | Historic Craft Practices | FDAD | DACC | Fine Art | Creative Writing and Publishing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clocks | Furniture | Metalwork | Musical Instruments | |||||||
| Value | FdA | FdA | FdA | FdA | GD | MA | MA | |||
|
The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund |
Based on individual need |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Bursary | Up to £2,000 | ✓ | ||||||||
| The Frances Lowe Bursary |
Up to £5,000 (likely to be split between two or more students) |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| The Horology Bursary | Up to £20,000
(likely to be split between two or more students) |
✓ | ||||||||
| The George Daniels Horology Bursary | Up to £20,000
(likely to be split between two or more students) |
✓ | ||||||||
| Derek Hill Foundation Bursary | £3,000 | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
READ THE FULL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY INFORMATION
Arts Scholarships
All scholars are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.
Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed here.
The BASET Endeavour Award
This will be awarded to an Australian national wishing to study on those qualifying programmes listed in West Dean's School of Conservation programme or on a Historic Craft Practices course (within the School of Arts).
The Britain Australia Society Education Trust (BASET) offers financial support to talented and deserving young people with skills and a passion in the applied creative industries. BASET supports these people to study and train on the other side of the world in order to increase those skills and to share knowledge and ideas - ultimately taking those skills home to continue their work while building valuable links between Britain and Australia.
"We are two great nations with strong connections and a bilateral desire to promote, maintain, preserve and conserve historical objects, artefacts and creative trades. BASET provides financial sponsorship where it "makes the difference" to support talented young people, both for the benefit of themselves and society as a whole."
Value: £10,000 per academic year
Application: Australian nationals wishing to study on any programme within qualifying School of Conservation Programmes or on a Historic Craft Practices course, are invited to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicant will be sent to BASET for its approval before the award is made. BASET's decision is final.
Terms: The award is for one or two academic years depending on course duration, and will be paid directly to West Dean College. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources may be required and that transport, visa and living costs are the responsibility of the applicant. The successful applicant must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. They will be invited to be a part of the BASET community during their time in the UK.
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship
Value: £500
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 studying on either the FdA Historic Craft Practices in Metalwork, the Graduate Diploma in Conservation of Metalwork or the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation of Metalwork.
Application: Metalwork students applying to any of the above programmes are welcome to apply for this Scholarship. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to the Worshipful Company of Cutlers for approval.
Terms: The award is for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean College. Scholars are invited to attend the annual Scholars and Prize-winners Reception hosted by the Company, usually held in October. The scholar will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.
Arts Bursaries
All bursary-funded students are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.
The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund
If you need assistance to fund your studies, you can apply for a bursary from The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund once you have accepted a place to study at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The Fund is financed by donations both from The Edward James Foundation itself as part of its charitable objectives and by other organisations and individuals who have made generous donations or bequests to support students.
Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need and preference will be given to students who show that they are pursuing all possible avenues for raising the funds they will need, including applications to other grant-making trusts, part-time or holiday work and/or student loans. Preference will also be shown to students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to their chosen field.
Grants are given based on individual need. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can finance any remaining accommodation and tuition fees not covered by their bursary award. The Grants Committee cannot consider an application without this information.
Bursary for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)
Value: up to £2,000
Bursaries are available for talented students aged 18-30 who are unable to pay the full fees.
Application: Applicants who have accepted a place to study on the FDAD programme can apply for a bursary. Applications are considered by the Grants Committee and can be submitted at any time of year.
Terms: Successful students must produce a report detailing the courses they have undertaken as a result of the bursary funding.
The Frances Lowe Bursary
Value: £2,500
Available to students studying arts on the FDAD and DACC programmes, Graduate Diploma and MA students studying Fine Art will also be considered. Applicants should demonstrate talent and a commitment to their future career development. Applications are particularly encouraged from younger students (18-30) but all applicants will be considered.
Application: Individuals studying on a relevant art programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and recommendations are made to the funders for a final decision.
The Horology Bursary
Value: up to £20,000
The Horology Bursary will be awarded to a student studying on one of the Clocks programmes, the FdA, Graduate Diploma or MA. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development.
Application: Individuals studying on a Clocks are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made on to the funder of The Horology Bursary.
Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the bursaries listed below.
Derek Hill Foundation Bursary
Value: £3,000
The Derek Hill Foundation Bursary will be given to a student studying Fine Arts, focussing on painting or drawing or sculpture or interdisciplinary mix of the two. This is not available to students practising tapestry or textile art. Students must demonstrate financial need.
Application: Students on the Fine Arts programme specialising in painting, drawing or sculpture or an interdisciplinary mix of the two are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominee will be sent to The Derek Hill Foundation for their records.
Terms: This bursary is for one academic year. The successful student must produce a report in the final term.
(Information last updated 20 Novemeber 2020)
Short Course Bursaries
If you would like to develop your creative skills on a short course but are unable to afford the full fees, bursary opportunities are available. These include bursaries for specialist conservation short courses, music summer schools, textiles courses, and the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, and special groups including teachers and young people.
Find out more about short course bursariesOther Sources of Funding
There are a number of further funders who share our passion for conservation and creativity. Students should apply to these funders directly.
Read more about other sources of funding
School of Conservation
The Anna Plowden Trust offers bursaries towards the fees for attending a full-time UK training course in the conservation of the movable heritage, such as paintings, textiles, archaeological objects. It also offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Grants to enable practising conservators to take advantage of CPD opportunities by contributing towards the cost of short courses and attending conferences. The Trust does not offer bursaries or grants for courses on the conservation of the built heritage.
Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme is open to any candidates aged 18 or over, with no upper age limit. The Trust’s Bursary Committee will consider funding the costs of one course for an individual studying on the Professional Development Diploma in Historic Building Conservation and Repair or an individual studying on a short course relating to construction, conservation and architectural heritage.
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) funds the education of talented craftspeople through traditional college courses, apprenticeships or one-on-one training with masters.
The Furniture Makers's Company provide bursaries to MA students on a furniture related course. For more information, email grantsandeducation@furnituremakers.org.uk
The George Daniels' Educational Trust aims to encourage and financially assist students with grants and bursaries for training in all aspects of horology.
The Printing Charity offers an annual Print Futures Award, supporting UK residents aged 18 to 30 who are starting out or already working in the print, paper, publishing, packaging, and graphic arts sector.
York Foundation for Conservation and Craftsmanship bursaries are available to craftspeople and conservators who would like assistance to further their skills and knowledge as well as to organisations who would like to take on trainees.
The Zibby Garnett Travel Fellowship is a charity giving financial help to individual students and apprentices to broaden their understanding of conservation worldwide. The students travel to relevant countries of interest, studying regional heritage craft and conservation techniques, and bring these skills back to the UK.
School of Arts
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) as above, makes awards to craftsmen and women of all ages to help them further their careers.
The Eaton Fund provides funding for artists (not performing) e.g. painters, potters, sculptors and photographers. Funding given for materials and equipment.
The Printing Charity as above, offers an annual Print Futures Award, supporting UK residents aged 18 to 30 who are starting out or already working in the print, paper, publishing, packaging, and graphic arts sector.
RAB Trust (Rowan Armour-Brown) offers a number of annual awards to students of violin making at UK Colleges. Their financial grants typically help to fund the purchase of woods or tools, or underwrite the cost of a specific project. The Trust does not cover tuition fees or normal living expenses.
The Terence Pamplin Award is made every other year to encourage excellence in research in organology (the science and history of the development and construction of all acoustic musical instruments and their use) and musicology as it links to acoustic music instrument technology. It consists of a cheque and certificate confirming the award. The next Award will be made in 2021.
The Textile Society is committed to supporting and developing the study of textiles in the UK and awards bursaries supporting internships or apprenticeships and BA or MA final year projects or dissertations. Students undertaking any UK educational textile/fashion or related course are eligible.
The following websites may also be useful when searching for funding:
Yorkshire Ladies Council of Education offers education awards to women.
Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services (ELCAS) is the MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC), an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is an approved supplier (ELC no. 3280). Up to £2,000 per ELC claim available.
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary (worth £500) - The closing date for all entries for postgraduate courses starting in Autumn 2021 or January 2022 is 14 September 2021.
Student Cashpoint has information and advice about budgeting and applying for funding.
Turn 2 Us provides information and advice about grants and benefits.
Funding for International Students
If you are looking to find help with funding your studies in the UK, it is a good idea to send out funding applications as soon as possible. It may be more difficult to make arrangements for financial support once you have left your own country.
If you are applying from Australia, note the BASET Endeavour Award in the tables above.
You can also enquire with your own Ministry or Department of Education, as they may have details of scholarship opportunities for students wishing to study overseas.
The British Council can provide you with a basic guide for possible sources of funding for international students who want to study in the UK.
Council for International Student Affairs guides international students looking for loans, welfare benefits and scholarships.
See also:
Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund
The Elizabeth Greenshields Award
Britain Australia Society Education Trust
Student Loans
If you are a UK/EU student applying for the Foundation Degree or a Graduate Diploma you may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan (tuition fees and/or maintenance loans) from the Student Loans Company as long as you haven't previously received a Student Loan. Visit GOV.UK Student Loans Company.
Postgraduate loans: If you are a UK/EU student you may be able to get a postgraduate loan of up to £11,222 to help with postgraduate course fees and living costs. Visit GOV.UK What You'll Get.
Please note that the availability of all student funding is subject to annual approval in line with the conditions for course designation set by the Department for Education.
Helpful tips for applying for funding
- Identify a list of potential funders who are interested in your area of work and whose criteria you meet. Funds are competitive so you should apply to as many of them as possible.
- Read the guidelines carefully and provide all the information they require. Submit your application in good time before any deadline.
- Where requested, provide clear information about your financial need. Most funders want to be sure that you need their support and to see what effort you have made to raise at least part of the cost of your fees yourself. This underlines your commitment to your studies.
- Make it easy for the funder to get to know you in your personal statement. It's you they will be investing in, so let them get to know about you, your passions and your goals and ambitions.
- Your application must be typed, the Grants Committee cannot accept handwritten forms.
- Always proof-read and spell-check your application!
Apply for funding at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation by downloading the application form/s. Once completed, send to Charlotte Pede, Admissions Officer, e-mail admissions@westdean.org.uk.
Student Experiences
"Studying a second year at West Dean would not have been possible without the funding I have received, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my funders […] the backing you provide makes a real impact. Being able to study conservation full time for two years before working means that knowledge and skills which may be very time-intensive to acquire, can be learnt and honed without the worry of also trying to make sure they are being practised profitably at the same time."
Kate (MA Conservation Studies)
"The funding that has [been] provided has been such an extraordinary gift. To help enable someone to study, and practise something that they love, [is] lighting the way to […] a future career that couldn't be seen before."
Jane (Fine Art)
Virtual Open Days
Register your place on one of our virtual open days to find out more about studying here and the courses we offer. Learn more about funding opportunities in our Q&A session and chat to current students about student life on campus.
Register today