College of Arts, Design, Craft and Conservation

Making makes the difference.

Our schools of arts, design and conservation offer a uniquely broad range of world-leading courses. At the heart of all we do, is our belief that 'making' makes our lives better. We celebrate the intrinsic value of work that has been hand-made by artists and artisans, and challenge the assumption that mass-produced must be the only way because, across the world, the maker movement is growing.

From online courses to postgraduate degrees, our student cohorts reflect the interests, backgrounds and aspirations of a global community. Guided by experts, who are often leaders in their field, our students are encouraged to develop their practice and reach their true potential.

Our London and Sussex campuses connect our students to the city and countryside, providing inspiring study environments and state-of-the-art studios across all our disciplines, helping to forge collaborations and discover their creative voice.

Whether you are conserving or crafting, discovering or designing, make your mark at West Dean.

Find your course

West Dean Gardens

Discover one of the finest restored gardens open to the public. Open year-round, our gardens invite you to explore a rich blend of creative heritage and natural beauty.

Highlights include the beautifully restored Victorian Glasshouses, the sculptural artwork in the vibrant Spring Garden, the Walled Kitchen Garden bursting with seasonal produce and the stunning 100-metre Edwardian pergola. Plan your visit today.

Plan Your Visit

Open days. For open minds.

Curious about our degree and diploma courses? Our virtual and campus Open Days are a chance to talk directly with tutors and current students, get into the details of scholarships and bursaries, and explore our full range of art, design and conservation pathways.

Register your place today at one of our upcoming virtual or campus Open Days and make your day.

Register now
West Dean and KLC School of Design Open Days 2023
Interior Design Courses West Dean

Events & Articles

Solstice Walk to Devils Jumps

Sunday, 21 June 2026, 3:30-9:30pm at

Celebrate the eve of the Summer Solstice with an immersive 6-mile guided walk from the historic West Dean House to the Devil's Jumps.
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11th June 2026

Life after graduation: Foundation Degree in Clocks with Takumi

Foundation Degree in Clocks graduate Takumi Hamano shares how studying at West Dean led to museum conservation projects and a career restoring historic clocks in London.

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West Dean clocks student, Takumi

Make it happen. Apply for funding.

Discover funding options for our degree and diploma courses

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Funding for degree and diploma courses in art, conservation and interior design

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