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

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

West Dean House Tour - Edward James and Surrealism

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with Collections Manager Hugh Morrison and Archivist Simon Coleman to explore the life and work of Edward James and how his creative partnerships with prominent Surrealists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Leonora Carrington led to his involvement with some of the most iconic works, including the Mae West Lips Sofa and Lobster Telephone.

Running on various dates between October and March.

Book tickets

West Dean Professional Knowledge Network

An exciting new programme of cutting-edge talks by industry-leading experts on the key topics that are shaping the future of arts, design and conservation

Series one: The Sustainable Designer, will explore how designers can meet the challenges around sustainability and its complex relationship between the pressures of our social, cultural, economic, and environmental contexts.

Series two: Leadership in Design, explores aspects of leadership in relation to design. From the leadership role in developing ourselves and our teams, to ensuring inclusivity, and becoming a visionary leader, we will explore the topic through different lenses.

Find out more
West Dean Professional Knowledge Network

Events & Articles

Virtual Open Day - Professional Development Diploma Historic Building Conservation and Repair

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 - 5-6pm at Online via Zoom

Join us for a live, online Open Day session and find out more about our course in Historic Building Conservation and Repair, student life, funding and how to apply.
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17th July 2024

Graduation Highlights 2024

Celebrations of our student's hard work and achievements at our School of Arts, School of Conservation and KLC School of Design graduation ceremonies.

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West Dean College Study Art, Conservation and Interior Design

Make the most of our spaces

A house and gardens on the edge of the South Downs, provides magic and inspiration for all.

Inspired by our Founder Edward James, our community of artists, designers and craftspeople gather to collaborate and create - and to seek out and celebrate originality.

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Make it happen. Apply for funding.

Applications now open for Degree & Diploma funding for 2024

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

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