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)