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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Apply to The Edward James Bursary Fund. This fund is open to anyone who is offered a place to study at West Dean College.
  4. 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               

 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓  
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 George Daniels 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) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓  
The Stationers Foundation Bursary £6,000 ✓ ✓                  

 

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.

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 George Daniels Horology Bursary

Value: up to £20,000

This award is given by The George Daniels Educational Trust, established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist and instrument maker and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, It both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists.

It will be awarded to a student studying on any Clocks programme where the applicant demonstrates excellent potential, commitment to study, and a clear aim for career development in the horology sector.

Application: Individuals studying on a Clocks programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and make an award on behalf of The Goerge Daniels Educational Trust.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce a report at each of the two asessment points during the year.

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.

The Stationers Foundation Bursary

Value: £6,000

The Worshipful Company of Stationers provide bursary support for students studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Books and Library Materials.

The criteria to apply for this bursary are as follows: Applicants should be resident in the UK, applicants should demonstrate financial need, applicants should indicate clear career direction and show commitment to their future career development.

Applications: Further information about this bursary and how to apply for 2021-22 will become available here in due course.  

Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce an end of year report.

(Information last updated 2nd September 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 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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 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.

The George Daniels Horology Bursary

Value: up to £20,000

This award is given by The George Daniels Educational Trust, established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist and instrument maker and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, It both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists.

It will be awarded to a student studying on any Clocks programme where the applicant demonstrates excellent potential, commitment to study, and a clear aim for career development in the horology sector.

Application: Individuals studying on a Clocks programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and make an award on behalf of The Goerge Daniels Educational Trust.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce a report at each of the two asessment points during the year.

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 2nd September 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 bursaries

Other 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 2020 or January 2021 is 14 September 2020.

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:

The Anglo-Danish Society 

Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Elizabeth Greenshields Award

Britain Australia Society Education Trust

The Ian Potter Cultural Trust Scholarship

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship

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)

Application Forms and Terms and Conditions