Conservation Scholarships 

All scholars are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.

Please note: To ensure you are eligible to apply for the scholarship you are interested in please review the information on the application form in conjunction with the scholarship and bursary information on the website. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed here.

The Leche Trust Bursary
Value: £7,500
Deadline: 13 June 2022

The Leche Trust may provide a bursary towards the costs of studying the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms at West Dean College for one student who is in financial need. Students should show the potential and ability to learn, demonstrate a need for financial assistance, and be intending to use their training to enter the field of conservation/craftwork on completion of their studies.

Application: Use the Leche Trust Bursary Application Form 2022-23

Terms: If successful, the award will be for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College in three instalments. The recipient agrees to provide personal progress reports at the end of each term. The recipient agrees to inform the Leche Trust on his/her employment status and on any particular successes in his/her field one year after the completion of the course for which the recipient receives financial support from the Leche Trust. A recipient of a Leche Trust bursary award who withdraws from study without a valid reason as accepted by West Dean College, may be liable to reimburse the full value of the bursary.

The BASET Endeavour Award

Value: £10,000 match funded with the Edward James Foundation to be divided between two students. Where only one student, the award will be £5,000 match funded.
Deadline: 1 August 2022

This will be awarded to an Australian national wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms

BASET (The Britain Australia Society Education Trust) 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."

Application: Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, on the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms, are invited to apply for this award. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development. Preference will be given to applicants intending to return to Australia after study. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicant such as name, course, work experience, education and personal statement will be sent to BASET for its approval before the award is made. BASET’s decision is final.

Terms: The award is for one academic year 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 through its Helping Hands alumni network https://www.britain-australia.org.uk/baset.

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship

Value: £1,000
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 studying on either the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Metalwork, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies - Metalwork or the MA Conservation Studies - 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.

The South Square Trust Scholarship

Value: Up to £12,000 to be divided between two students as follows:

• £7,000 to one student on the GD or MA Conservation Studies Metalwork
• £5,000 to one student on the FdA Metalwork

Deadline: 1 August 2022

The South Square Trust Scholarship will be awarded to two students, one to be on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Metalwork and one to be on either the Graduate Diploma (GD) or MA Conservation Studies Metalwork, who hold UK Nationality or those who have been mainly educated in the UK and who demonstrate a clear financial need and excellence.

Application: Applicants to study Metalwork at West Dean College can apply for this award and must meet the above criteria. Applicants must submit a completed West Dean College Scholarship Bursary Application Form to West Dean College alongside their CV, a brief summary of their financial circumstances, and where applicable, examples of their work.

The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to the Trustees of the South Square Trust for approval before individuals are informed.

Terms: The scholarship is for the academic year 2022-23 and will be paid directly to West Dean College in three termly instalments towards tuition fees. Scholars must produce a progress report at the end of each term and an end of year report. If there are no suitable candidates in a year, the Scholarship will not be paid and cannot be carried forward to the next year.

West Dean College Scholarship

Value: One award of a 50% contribution towards tuition fees & 50% contribution towards accommodation fees (on campus accommodation only, meals not included) 
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support to students from underrepresented groups in Higher Education as set out in the College’s Access and Participation Strategy Statement.

Candidates who have accepted their place on a Diploma or Degree Programme and paid their deposit can apply for The West Dean College Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation’s Grants Committee.  All bursary and scholarship offers are subject to Terms and Conditions. Students who are offered a scholarship will be asked to sign an acceptance form. 

BADA

Value: Up to £6,000 given at the discretion of the BADA Cultural & Education Trust to help supplement other funding.
Deadline: 1 August 2022

The BADA Scholarship will be awarded to a student studying the Graduate Degree or MA Conservation Studies - Ceramics, Metalwork, Clocks or Furniture. Preference will be given to a student who will go into the antiques trade after graduation and who is intending to work in Britain. Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need for whom the remainder of the funding can be met from elsewhere.

Application: 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 British Antique Dealers Association for approval.

Terms: The award will be given at the discretion of the BADA Cultural & Education Trust to help supplement other funding and will be for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The scholar will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.

See further details on the application form below.

Conservation Bursaries 

All bursary-funded students are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.

Please note: To ensure you are eligible to apply for the bursary you are interested in please review the information on the application form in conjunction with the scholarship and bursary information on the website. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the bursaries listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund

Value: Grants are given based on individual need.
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2022

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. 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 Harriet's Trust Bursary

Value: Up to £20,000 (likely to be split between two or more students)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

Available to students studying on one of the Clocks programmes within the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development.

Application: Individuals studying on one of the Clocks programmes within the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made to the funder of bursary.

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

The George Daniels Educational Trust Horology Bursary

Value: up to £20,000 (may be distributed up to two students)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The George Daniels Horology Bursary is supported by The George Daniels Educational Trust (GDET), 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.

Application: Individuals studying on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Clocks, Professional Development Diploma, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – Clocks specialisms, are invited to apply for this award. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to The George Daniels Educational Trust for their records.

Terms: The bursary is for one year and can be used to pay for tuition fees and/or living expenses.

The Behrens Foundation

Value: £10,000 (to be distributed to two students)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

Available to students studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Conservation Studies (all specialisms) or the Foundation Degree Arts, FdA, (all pathways). Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need. In order to offer maximum impact from the award, students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply. 

Applications: Individuals studying on a relevant programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to the The Behrens Foundation for their records.

Students are required to complete an end of year report on completion of the academic year in which they receive bursary support.

The Alan Whitaker Bursary

Value: £5,000 to be awarded each year within the clocks department to be divided amongst one or several students
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The Alan Whitaker Bursary will be awarded each year to one or several students applying for a second or third year of study on the Clocks programme all pathways: Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks, progression to the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies - Horology, Clocks and Related Objects, progression to the Professional Development Diploma in Horology.

Application: To be eligible to apply students must be going into the second or third year of study on the Clocks programme all pathways (as above), must show ability, diligence, and application in their studies while at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for either their fees or their living expenses. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to funder for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset fees or living expenses. The successful applicant will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.

The Stationers' Foundation Bursary

Value: £6,000 (to one student)
Deadline: Friday 20 May 2022

The Worshipful Company of Stationers provide bursary support for students studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Conservation Studies, specialising in Books and Library Materials at West Dean College. Applicants should be resident in the UK and classified as paying UK tuition fees, preferably aged under 25 on 1 September 2022; though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered. Please discuss your application with the relevant Course Director and Administrator. Shortlisted applicants must be available for interview at Stationers’ Hall in London on the 23 June 2022 please note that the date may be subject to change and the interview may be virtual. Applicants should demonstrate financial need, a clear sense of career direction and give a sense of how their association with the Stationers’ Company would help them. The Bursary is awarded on the basis of the Stationers’ Company interviewing candidates selected by West Dean College’s Grants Committee at Stationers’ Hall. The Grants Committee will draw a shortlist of up to three candidates.

Application: Individuals who have accepted a place to study on one the Books programmes can apply for the award. Applications are considered by West Dean College’s Grants Committee, and nominees are asked to attend an interview at Stationers’ Hall in London on 23 June 2022. It is essential that applicants are available for these interviews. Each relevant course director will be part of the interview panel. A copy of the application form and guidelines can be downloaded here. 

The application form must be supported by two referees, one academic and one personal from someone of standing who can support the financial statement made in the application. Applicants from West Dean College should send their applications direct to Charlotte Pede at admissions@westdean.ac.uk or charlotte.pede@westdean.ac.uk by the deadline Friday 20 May 2022.

The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars West Dean Accommodation Bursary

Value: £9,000 to one student
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork pathway or the Graduate Diploma (GD) Conservation Studies Books, Ceramics, Clocks or Furniture specialism. Preference will be given to a student who holds UK Nationality or who has been mainly educated in the UK, who is aged under 25 on 1 September 2022 (though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered). Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need, whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for living expenses.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to The Arts Scholars Company for approval.

Terms: The award is for one academic year, paid directly to West Dean College to cover the living expenses of full board accommodation at West Dean College. The award will be given at the discretion of The Arts Scholars Company and paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The successful student must produce an end of year report in the final term for publication or summary in the Arts Scholars’ Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion. The successful student may be invited to an Arts Scholars event such as its Awards lunch or similar, and consents to their photograph being reproduced in the Arts Scholars Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion.

The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bursary

Value: up to £5,000 to be shared between a maximum of three students
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bursary, value up to £5,000 to be awarded each year, will be shared between a maximum of three students applying for a second or third year of study on the Clocks programme all pathways: Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks, progression to the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies - Horology, Clocks and Related Objects, progression to the Professional Development Diploma in Horology. Students must demonstrate ability, diligence, and application in their studies while at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for their fees.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and nominations accompanied by completed application forms and tutor reports will be made to the Company. Please note that nominees are asked to attend an interview at The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers’ Office in London in the week commencing 6th June 2022. It is essential that applicants are available for these interviews.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset fees. The successful applicant(s) will be expected to provide a report to the Company at the end of each term.

(Information last updated 17 March 2022)

1. Any recipient of an Edward James Foundation scholarship or bursary award who is deemed to be in breach of the Student Code of Conduct and attendance, or who withdraws from study without a valid reason as accepted by the College, or who fails to meet the report submission deadlines may be liable to reimburse the full value of the scholarship or bursary, and/or have their funding withdrawn.
2. The recipient must accept the scholarship or bursary offer by returning a signed copy of the Scholarship/Bursary Acceptance Form as indicated in the offer letter.
3. The recipient agrees to keep the Edward James Foundation bursary award confidential from fellow students. Failure to do so may lead to its withdrawal. This condition does not apply to the Scholarship awards.
4. The recipient agrees to inform the College immediately should he/she receive any additional tuition fee funding from other sources, including any provisional offers.
5. In the event that the recipient is successful in achieving tuition fee funding from other sources, the Grants Committee reserves the right to adjust the bursary if the total amount achieved exceeds the full tuition fees.
6. The recipient agrees to write a thank you letter and any progress reports for donors, using an existing template and to agreed deadlines, as required. The recipient will be informed by the College in writing of the report requirements and deadlines. Failure to meet a deadline may result in the withdrawal of funding.
7. The recipient agrees to support the College in reasonable promotional and/or marketing purposes or any other events where the recipient can make a positive contribution towards College life during the academic year including, for example, participation in a maximum of three College or external promotional events, providing quotations for marketing and promotional purposes and assistance with recruiting prospective students. Any activities will be discussed and mutually agreed between the recipient and the College at the beginning of the academic year or when the need for student support arises.
8. The recipient agrees to take part in promotional activities supporting the diploma and degree programmes for two years after completion of the course. The College may ask recipients to feature in press stories or to give up to a maximum of two talks or presentations in their home country. The costs for any promotional activities initiated by the College will be covered by the College.
9. The recipient agrees to submit two progress reports to the College annually by December and June on his/her employment status and on any particular successes in his/her field for the duration of two years after completion of the course. These reports will be shared with the funders.
10. The College will deduct awarded scholarships(*) and bursaries from the tuition fees and will specify in the offer letter the amount that will be deducted from the Summer term, Spring term and/or Autumn term fees. Scholarships and Bursaries will ordinarily be deducted from the Summer term tuition fees, with any remaining funds to be subsequently deducted from the Spring term and finally the Autumn term if applicable.
11. By accepting this award the recipient declares that he/she has provided all relevant information to the College. Such information includes details of any criminal conviction or ongoing legal proceedings, or particular matters that may harm the reputation of the College and which would cause the College to reconsider the offer. The recipient also declares that no other application has been refused by another educational institution on such grounds.
12. The College reserves the right to amend the above terms and conditions at any time.

(*) Different conditions apply for the Leche Trust Scholarship and the Skinners’ Atwell Bursary.