We know it's not easy funding your studies, and we work hard to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to apply for additional support when you're accepted to study for a degree or diploma at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation.

With this in mind, our Student Funding team have shared their top tips to help you secure funding:

Step 1: Check out the dedicated funding page on our website here to see if your chosen course of study is funded.

Step 2: Use google to search for other sources of funding. We recommend using search terms such as ‘bursaries for heritage conservation studies’, ‘UK based scholarships and bursaries’, ‘higher education funding’ as a starting point. Then compile a list of potential funders who are interested in your area of work and whose criteria you meet. Funds are competitive so you should apply to as many of them as possible and in good time of any closing dates and deadlines.

Note: There is a difference between a scholarship and a bursary:
A bursary is a financial award granted to a student on the basis of the student's financial neediness.
A scholarship is a financial award granted to a student on the basis of the students' academic excellence.

Step 3: Once you have identified who you would like to apply for funding from and you meet their criteria (note: you can apply for as many funding opportunities as you are eligible for!), start thinking about your application.

Things to consider:

• What is the deadline to apply? Have you left yourself enough time to apply?
• Do you have other forms of funding available in case you are unsuccessful?
• Do you need to fill in an application form? If so, does the application need to be emailed or posted to the funder?
• Will you need to write a letter?
• Does the application require referees? If so, can you easily get in contact with your referees and ask them to support you in your application?
• What information will you need to hand before starting your application? Above all, read the guidelines carefully and provide all the information they require.

Step 4: Make a note of closing dates to plan out when you will prepare each application; leaving yourself enough time to create a succinct application.

Step 5: Collate every piece of information the funder asks for and in so doing, prepare yourself to make the application – set aside time to commit to your application.

Step 6: Draft your application. Step away. Then come back and fine tune it, re-read through it, take out anything that’s not going to positively impact your application or that the funder hasn’t asked for.

Step 7: Where requested, provide clear information about your financial need. Most funders want to be sure that you need their support and to see what effort you have made to raise at least part of the cost of your fees yourself. This underlines your commitment to your studies.

Step 8: Have you answered all of their questions? The funder has asked questions for a reason so do not be tempted to skip any.

Step 9: Do you know when a decision is likely? This will typically be on the application form or funder’s web page.

Step 10:  If you have any questions about funding listed on our website here, please contact [email protected]. In all other cases, get in contact with the funder you are intending to apply to directly and ask them questions.