Craft Practices
The Foundation Degree (FdA) Metalwork at West Dean is a technical and design skills-building programme, which will introduce you to the creation of the widest range of hand-crafted and small scale batch produced metal artefacts; from silversmithing to blacksmithing, from jewellery to bronze-casting, from bike frames to light fittings and from door handles to padlocks. Ranging massively in scale and context these objects are all linked by the common skillset that you will develop, covering making, designing and problem-solving. Through professional practice modules, you will enhance your prospects as an independent designer maker. Projects will become increasingly challenging, and more self-led as the course progresses. You will be encouraged to understand the history of craft practice as well as the concerns of the contemporary craft sector, in order to place your own work in a broader context. You will take part in a number of national competitions and gain a keen understanding of the time and effort needed to create a piece of work in a creative, workshop and studio environment.
On successful completion of this course graduates can go directly into the workplace or set up as freelance makers. Alternatively, there are a range of further study options open to you either through the BA (Hons) Craft Practices, an additional year for makers, or the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies for those interested in a career in materials and objects conservation.
Learning environment
Excellent tutor: student ratio
Extremely well-equipped metals workshops with access from 8.30am to 9pm, seven days a week*
Interdisciplinary environment
Visits from practising crafts people and artists
Visits to museums and galleries
Work placements and work-related projects
You can expect
To develop excellent practical making and design skills
To learn how material properties influence practice and making
To learn historic and contemporary making techniques in a modern context
To learn from dedicated and experienced tutors who are practising professionals and well- connected in the sector
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 metalwork
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.
2025/26 Course Fees - UK & International Students
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.
We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.
Funding
You may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan to cover course fees and/or maintenance; more information can be found on the Government Student Finance website.
Scholarships and Bursaries are also available based on individual need.
The Artist-in-Residence programme sees a series of professional artists living and working onsite, amongst the students. They enrich the creative learning environment by offering tutorial sessions with students as well as public presentations on the work produced during the residency and their wider practice.
Do you need help creating a portfolio to apply for one of our FdA courses? Read our portfolio advice to learn about the general requirements, what we look for in a good portfolio, and what it should reflect.
UCAS - If you are applying for more than one institution, all applications must be made through UCAS
Direct - If you only wish to apply to West Dean, applications for this course can be made by submitting a completed application form and emailing it to [email protected].
The Foundation Degree Arts is a Level 5 qualification and equivalent to the first two years of a BA Hons programme. Students who complete the foundation degree have an automatic right to progress into our BA (Hons) Craft Practices top up year.
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. 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 Practices, one year top up course and MFA Craft Practices, if you wished to pursue a career in making, or the Graduate Diploma and MA in Conservation Studies if you wish to pursue a career in Conservation.
Need more information? Have a question? Speak to our course advisors
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 01243 818 300 and select option 1
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."
We caught up with artist Luca Indraccolo on the final day of his week long oil painting short course to discuss his career path, his process and the place of creativity in the modern world.
Could you introduce yourself and the name of the course that you've been teaching this week?
I'm Luca Indraccolo, I'm a professional painter, I'm classically trained and I...
Today marks 40 years since the death of Edward James, our founder, poet and patron of the arts.To honour his life and legacy, West Dean College’s Collections Team collaborated with MA Book Conservation students to create a special display showcasing James’s extraordinary body of work. As part of this celebration, the students prepared and mounted a selection of his books for exhibit...
We sat down with Sarah Burns after her 3 day course on block printing with natural dyes to her learn about her practice, her obsession with pattern and the importance of exploration.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name's Sarah Burns, I'm a pattern maker and I’ve just been teaching a short course on block printing with natural dyes here at West Dean. Find out more
- By Diploma HE Applied Interior Design graduate, Rebecca Leivars
I am the Founder and Creative Director of LEIVARS Interiors Studio, I started the studio in 2007 following my one year Diploma in Interior Design course at KLC School of Design in 2006/2007. Prior to this I was in HR Management, a role that I left as I wanted to do something that I was passionate a...
- By the collections team, Simon Coleman and Hugh Morrison
Today, 23rd November 2024, the Edward James Foundation celebrates its 60th anniversary. Created in 1964 by Edward James’s bequest of most of his West Dean Estate, the Foundation established West Dean College as an institution for teaching and preserving traditional arts and crafts. At this point in its life, the Fou...
- By diploma interior design student, Mira Kjöller
My name is Mira, and last year, I decided to finally pursue my dream of becoming an interior designer. After completing my BA in International Communication Management and working in marketing for several years, I realized that interior design was my true passion.
I first heard about KLC Schoo...