West Dean provides a diverse range of study programs. The content on this page is for anyone looking at applying for one of our Degree or Diploma programs. If you are interested in applying for one of our short courses, please head to our Short course page for futher information.
1 Choose your course
All the information you need can be found on our course pages.
2 Check the entry requirements
Specific entry requirements can be found on each course page.
3 Check the how to apply section
The application process varies from course to course. Check the details in this section on how to make your application, including any links to application forms.
4 Check the application deadines
If you are applying to one of our MFA, MA, BA, GD or FdA courses, the main application deadline for these is the UCAS equal consideration deadline (29 January 2025, 6pm). However, we do accept late applications if there are places available. You can email [email protected] for more information.
5 Explore the funding options
Head to our Scholarships and Bursaries page for detailed information on the funding opportunities that may be available to help with your study costs.
6 After you apply
The Admissions team will confirm receipt of your application form by email within five working days. The acknowledgement provides information on the next stage of the application process. For any enquiries regarding your application once submitted, please email [email protected].
When you apply, you will be required to fill out the following information on the application form:
You will need to supply the following documents with the completed application form:
*Please check if this is required on the document checklist on the application form
You can find out more information about the interview process and offers in the Admissions Policy and Procedure document.
Do you need to submit a portfolio to apply for one of our courses? Read our portfolio advice to learn about the general requirements, what we look for in a good portfolio, and what it should reflect.
West Dean has in place arrangements for students wishing to transfer to another course, transfer from another provider to the College or transfer from the College to another provider. Please see our Transfer Arrangements Document for more information.
2025/26 Accommodation and living costs for courses held at our Sussex campus
Full board - full time - 46 weeks
£14,400 per academic year
Full board - full time - 36 weeks
£11,300 per academic year
Room only - full time - 46 weeks
£8,900 per academic year
Room only - full time - 36 weeks
£6,900 per academic year
Lunch - Monday to Friday, full time, day and room only students
£2,630 per academic year (46 weeks)
£2,060 per academic year (36 weeks)
Accommodation and lunch only fees for part-time students are available on request
All fees are payable termly in advance and are reviewed annually.
Read our top tips for budgeting as a student
Induction Week
London courses – Monday 23 September to Wednesday 25 September, 2024
West Dean courses – Wednesday 25 September to Friday 27 September, 2024
Autumn Term
Monday 30 September to Friday 20 December, 2024
Two week Christmas break
Spring Term
Monday 6 January to Friday 28 March, 2025
Three-week Easter break
Summer Term
Tuesday 22 April to Friday 11 July, 2025
West Dean Graduation Day
Saturday 12 July, 2025
London Graduation Day
Friday 11 July, 2025
Term four (MA Conservation Studies students only)
Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September, 2025
Induction week
Week commencing Monday 22 September, 2025
Autumn Term
Monday 29 September to Friday 19 December, 2025
Two week Christmas break
Spring Term
Monday 5 January to Friday 27 March, 2026
Three-week Easter break
Summer Term
Monday 20 April to Friday 10 July, 2026
West Dean Graduation Day
Saturday 11 July, 2026
London Graduation Day
Friday 10 July, 2026
Term four (MA Conservation Studies students only)
Monday 13 July to Friday 18 September, 2026
The information published on this page shows:
It also shows these numbers by reference to:
It is important to note that the data presented has not been contextualised. This means, for example, that you will not be able to see from this data how many of those applying to courses met the entry criteria. It is also the case that universities and colleges will often receive many more applications than they have spaces on courses and so offer rates will necessarily be lower than application rates in those circumstances.
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is committed to widening access and increasing participation in education in the creative and applied arts in accordance with the original charitable purpose of the College as defined by the College's founder Edward James.
The 1964 deed of trust sets out the charitable purpose of the Foundation as follows, "an educational foundation where creative talents can be discovered and developed, and where one can spread culture through the teaching of crafts and the preservation of knowledge that might otherwise be destroyed or forgotten".
To this day, the Foundation continues Edward James' tradition of supporting emerging artists and crafts people where ever they are from.
Our current vision statement states the following aim,
"To inspire learning in the creative and applied arts through West Dean College - an international centre of teaching excellence, promoting creativity and innovation, and the focus of an extended community of practice in the arts."
Through an improved and developing focus on alumni, employability and a wider advocacy role in relation to the creative and applied arts, the College seeks to maximise its impact. The College actively seeks to recruit students from a range of non-traditional backgrounds into its higher education provision and is committed to developing strategies to support this.
For more information, please see the College's Access and Participation Strategy Statement.
If you have any question about the Transparency Information please contact the Academic Registry [email protected]