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

Events & Articles

West Dean House Tour and Cream Tea

House Tour & Cream Tea

Various dates throughout 2025-2026 at West Dean House

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tourĀ of the West Dean Collections andĀ Archive and discover some of the hidden histories of West Dean. Various dates October 2025-2026.
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Short Courses Blog 3rd October 2025

Finding beauty in the imperfect with Sophie Bowen

We caught up with short course tutor Sophie Bowen ahead of her Pigment Week slow marks course in February. Here she tells us about her creative journey, finding beauty in the imperfect, and using creativity as a catalyst for discovery.

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Sophie Bowen in the studio. Anna Clark photography
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.

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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