Craft Practices
The Foundation Degree in Arts, specialising in furniture, is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to set up as a professional self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector.
Furniture making projects become more challenging as the course progresses and may incorporate your own designs. In the second year, students may choose to continue to develop their furniture making and finishing proficiency to support progression into the BA in Craft practices or the Conservation studies programs.
Learning Environment
You can expect
Interdisciplinary study
Students are encouraged to collaborate with other College departments, making the most of the wide range of specialist knowledge, materials and equipment that is available.
Read more about studying Furniture
Graduates have gone on to work in the sector, both as employees and self-employed, to pursue their studies in higher education, and some have established a high profile for their own designs and craftsmanship. In 2018, 75% of students were in work or study six months after graduation.
“During my two years at West Dean studying Furniture, I dedicated most of my time starting my company and preparing to work for myself after graduation.”
Harry T Morris, FdA Furniture
Explore and expand your work in a uniquely immersive environment with its own connections to art history. Our School of Arts students enjoy specialist studio spaces dedicated to painting and drawing, sculpture and tapestry and textile-based work as well as exceptional exhibition space.
Course fees are the same for UK and international students
£4,760 per term (£14,280 per academic year)
Lunch, accommodation and other living expenses are additional. Find out more
A £250 course fee and £200 accommodation deposit (if residential) is required to secure your place. Details will be provided to you in your offer. Fees are billed termly in advance. Please see the Terms and Conditions for further information.
Funding
Scholarships and bursaries are available from £500 to £10,000.
If you are a UK/EU student, you may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan (tuition fees and/or maintenance loans) from the Student Loans Company.
If you only wish to apply to West Dean, please contact [email protected] for an application form. If you are applying for more than one institution, please apply through UCAS.
Any questions?
Email [email protected]; call us on: (01243) 818 300 and select option 1, or read more about our Admissions processes.
The Foundation Degree Arts is a Level 5 qualification and equivalent to the first 2 years of our BA (Hons) in Craft Practices.
Students need to prepare a digital portfolio to evidence their manual dexterity and their interest in the area of craft practice they have chosen. It could include sketches, images of finished work, videos of them working with their hands. Read more tips on preparing a digital portfolio.
If applicants cannot provide a portfolio, we will ask you to complete a practical exercise to assess mental agility and dexterity and suitability for this skills-based programme. Assessments take place onsite at the college workshops or remotely when it is not possible to come into college.
This course is designed to give you well-rounded theory and craft skills. You can set up as a self-employed maker or find employment in this or a creative industry sector. The Foundation degree is also an excellent first step before progressing to the BA (Hons) Craft Practises if you wished to pursue a career in making, or the Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies if you wish to pursue a career in Conservation.
Commendations from the University of Sussex include:
"The high quality student experience and strength of student representation within the College."
"The introduction of a “maker-in-residence” scheme to the FdA."
"Responding to employer and student feedback in extending the work placement from 2 weeks to 4 weeks to support employability after graduation."
"The range of tailored study trips to suit different student cohorts."
Short course tutor Dan Lobb recently visited The Regis School to deliver Sculpture in the Landscape workshops to Years 9 and 10 as part of their Super Curricular day. Pupils were off-timetable for the day, participating in creative activities they wouldn’t normally have the chance to do. In his introduction, Dan explained that this session was about using materials found naturall...
By Jo Boddy, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design alumna 2021
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation recently welcomed 30 budding Year 10 artists from St Philip Howard Catholic School for a life drawing lesson delivered by artist and tutor, Chris Gilvan-Cartwright.
As well as learning new techniques with paints and charcoal and experiencing the freedom of large scale drawing, pupils commented on how they enjoyed taking risks and being brave ...
By Tiffany Robinson, Programme Coordinator and Tutor - Foundation Diploma Art and Design & Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design
As the long summer days begin to recede comes the autumn light that gives rich intensity at the start or end of the day, I have put together tips focusing on experiencing the light, and the land to make more visceral responses in...
Part of the entry requirement for the Foundation Degree Arts programmes is that applicants provide a digital portfolio. This is a selection of your work that we can look at online, ahead of inviting you for interview. The idea is it demonstrates your interest, your current knowledge and ability in the subject area and sometimes it can show your creativity. There is no single layout or correc...
By Finn Banwell, Foundation Degree Arts - Metalwork student I first became interested in metalwork when I visited a Japanese silversmith’s workshop. Whilst exploring Kyoto, I found “Artsmith”, a local shop selling a variety of craft pieces and very detailed, intricate examples of metalwork. Also, in this shop, was a workshop, where the Craftsman and owner of ...
Subject Leader, Furniture (and Related objects)
Daniel designs and makes furniture to commission inspired by the principles of the arts and crafts movement which had a profound influence whilst serving his apprenticeship at the Edward Barnsley Workshop in Hampshire. He has an affinity for using hand tools and how they creatively contribute to the making process.
Program Advisors
Christopher Claxton Stevens: Decorative Arts Scholar and Consultant
Richard Coles: Antique Furniture Dealer
Kate Gill: Textile Conservator