Craft Practices
The Foundation Degree in Arts, specialising in Books and Bindings, is designed to give you well-rounded theory and craft skills in using papers, cloths and leathers to bind books so you can set up as a maker and craftsperson, continue your studies in higher education in crafts or conservation, or find employment in the creative industry sector.
In the first year students develop bench craft skills in paper and leather. Project work focuses on using appropriate materials, processes and techniques. Core studies include materials technology, technical drawing and historical/contextual studies. During this stage of the course students begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between material, technique and meaning.
In the second year of the course, students further develop their skills and begin to explore the development of historically inspired new work and/or an introduction to the conservation of books. Core studies focus on business and professional skills such as pricing, record-keeping, tax and insurance, marketing and intellectual property. Most students will have the opportunity to complete a period of work placement.
On successful completion of this course graduates can advance into the workplace or set up as freelance makers. If however, you wish to progress further in higher education, then those who are interested in making are able to undertake an additional year to achieve a BA (Hons) Craft Practices, and potentially progress on to our MFA Crafts Practices, which has a ceramics pathway. For those interested in pursuing a career in conservation they can advance onto the Graduate Diploma and MA in Conservation Studies.
Learning environment
You can expect
Read more about studying Books
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
£4,933 per term (£14,800 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.
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.
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 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.
Need more information? Have a question? Speak to our course advisors
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 01243 818 300 and select option 1
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Can you introduce yourself?
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Subject Leader, Books and Library Materials
Victoria has worked in written heritage collections for over 25 years, mainly as a library and archive conservator and collections care adviser but latterly as a learning and engagement lead, a perfect complement to her overall collections work. In 2023 she was awarded a Fellowship of the International Institute of Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. A proud advocate for the heritage profession, she not only serves as a Trustee of the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust but also as an Arts Council Museum accreditation mentor and an Institute of Conservation accreditation assessor.
Subject Tutor, Books and Library Materials
Jonathan is a Library and Archives Conservator with over 40 years experience. Jonathan has worked for various institutions such as the National Archive, Hampshire Record Office and The University of Hull. Jonathan is an accredited member of ICON (the Institute for Conservation).
Subject Tutor, Books and Library materials
Maudie is a book and paper conservator and bookbinder. Having worked a various institutions and companies over the years, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and The National Archives, Maudie now works for herself, taking on commissions from museums, libraries, collections and private individuals. In additional to practical conservation and binding, Maudie also teaches a range of online classes in bookbinding to students all over the world.
Subject Tutor, FdA Books and Bindings
Kate Holland studied bookbinding at London College of Printing and is a multi award-winning artist bookbinder, specialising in contemporary fine bindings to commission or for exhibition. She uses traditional materials and techniques to produce a unique, modern binding that reflects the text, illustrations and typeface of the book.
Subject Tutor, FdA Books and Bindings
Mark opened his first bindery-studio in 1992 and Studio 5 Book Arts in 2003 where he continues to work and teach. His diverse work is represented in public and private collections around the world and since being elected Fellow of Designer Bookbinders he has been a regular Man Booker Binder.
Subject Tutor, FdA Books and Bindings
Nicky Oliver owns and runs the Black Fox Bindery, based in North London. She is an active member of both the Society of Bookbinders and the Designer Bookbinders, of which she is a fellow.