Short Course Bursaries and criteria 

Before applying for a short course bursary to help you with the costs of your study, please read the below information. Please note, that we are unable to offer more than one short course bursary to a student within two years. Those in receipt of the Joyce Mary Harding Textile Bursary may only be awarded one bursary from this fund. 

All bursary funded students are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.

To apply for a bursary please download and complete a bursary application form where applicable. (Separate application forms are indicated.) 

Please email your completed application form to [email protected]. Digital emailed applications are preferred, however if you are unable to send via email please post to Academic Registry, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ. For more information call 01243 818291 or email [email protected].

The Edward James Foundation Bursary, including Creative bursaries for arts graduates 
If you need assistance to help fund your studies, you can apply for a bursary from The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund. The Fund is financed by The Edward James Foundation itself as part of its charitable objectives. 

This bursary is for any subject except conservation short courses.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need and a clear illustration of why they have selected the specific courses. You can do this by answering the questions on the Short Course Bursary Application Form. 

Grants are given based on individual need. In some cases, we may not be able to fund the full amount and the remaining fees will need to be covered by the applicant. 

Awards will be determined by the following criteria:

1. Educational status for Creative Bursaries: the full-time course the applicant is or was enrolled on. What stage of the education/career are they at the time of the application.
2. The relevance to their course of the Short Course they have applied for a bursary.
3. Age – preference will be given to those at the early stage of their career.
4. Amount of bursary requesting – the cost of the course and accommodation if requesting funds for this. Cost of travel for student.
5. The importance of the course to the West Dean portfolio. The number of applicants for the course both generally and from the same educational establishment.
6. Potential benefit to others if applicant has attended the course.
7. Students may only be awarded one bursary from this fund every two years.

Joyce Mary Harding Textile Bursary Fund  
For people with an interest in developing their skills in working with textiles, who would benefit from assistance with funding. 

Grants are awarded for £500 and may be shared. 

Awards will be determined by the following criteria:

1. The relevance to the development of their textile skills and practice.
2. Amount of bursary requesting – the cost of the course and accommodation if requesting funds for this.
3. The financial status of the applicant – student, un-employed, retired or on a low income.
4. The number of applicants for the course.
5. Students may only be awarded one bursary from this fund.

The Fan Making Bursary Fund 
For undergraduates and recent graduates who are interested in developing their skills and their portfolio to include fan making.  

Awards will be determined by the relevance of individuals existing practice to fan making processes, and an assessment of the student’s interest in the subject and the potential of continued engagement with fan-making. 

Preference will be given to those at the early stage of their career. Funding generously provided by The Poor Fund of The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers. Grants are awarded for £150 per student.

The Chilingirian String Ensemble Course Bursary 
To help music students, graduates or amateur quartets or ensembles attend the Chilingirian String Ensemble Course. 

Funding has generously been provided by donors and trusts, including support from The Finzi Trust. For detailed course information and application deadlines, please visit the course page.

Grants are awarded based on individual need. Please note: The Chilingirian String Ensemble Course Bursary has its own application form.

Awards will be determined by the following criteria:

1. For young music students, graduates and amateur musicians, who have played together as a quartet/ensemble for a minimum of three months and cover a substantial part of both the course fees and accommodation.
2. An assessment of each student ensemble’s potential based on previous study, work, references and/or being recommended by Levon Chilingirian or another member of the Chilingirian Quartet.
3. An assessment of the student quartet’s potential to make a lasting contribution to the field and show a lasting commitment to play together as a quartet.
4. No ensemble, or individual player may be awarded a Bursary for more than two years.

The International Classical Guitar Festival Summer School Bursary 
To help music students and young professionals (18-24) attend the International Classical Guitar Festival and Summer School. Funding has been provided by several donors. For detailed course information and the application deadlines, please visit the course page. 

Grants are awarded based on individual need. Please note: The International Classical Guitar Festival Summer School Bursary has its own application form.

Awards will be determined by the following criteria:

1. For music students (first-study classical guitar) and young professional players aged 18-24 years old or in full-time study at a UK university or music college.
2. An assessment of each student’s potential based on previous study, work, references. and current level of study (academic year).
3. An assessment of the student’s video recorded performance, submitted via DVD, YouTube or Dropbox.
4. Students may only be awarded a bursary for one summer school.

Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme  
Open to any candidates aged 18 or over, with no upper age limit. The Trust’s Bursary Committee will consider funding the costs of one course for an individual studying on the Professional Development Diploma in Historic Building Conservation and Repair or an individual studying on a short course relating to construction, conservation and architectural heritage. 

Grants are awarded for course costs and accommodation costs. Please note:  Students should apply directly to this funder Sussex Heritage Trust

Drake Trust Bursary 
The Drake Trust generously provides a number of bursaries for students attending a Building Conservation Masterclass or on the Professional Development Diploma in Historic Building Conservation and Repair. 

Students must be self-financing their Professional Development Diploma in Historic Building Conservation and Repair and Building Conservation Masterclass studies.

Grants are awarded for course costs. Please note: To apply contact [email protected]. Do not approach this funder directly.

The Frances Lowe Bursary 
Available to students studying the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD); BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making and Place; Graduate Diploma Fine Art; Master of Fine Art will also be considered.

Applicants should hold UK Nationality, demonstrate talent and a commitment to their future career development and a clear financial need. Applications are particularly encouraged from younger students (18-30). Grants are awarded for £6,000 (to be distributed normally to two students)
The award is for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. 

To apply for a bursary towards the FDAD please download and complete a bursary application form.

To apply for a bursary towards the BA(Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Materials, Making and Place; Graduate Diploma Fine Art; Master of Fine Art visit our Student Funding page Please note the deadline to apply for 2023 has been extended to 1 August’.

Awards to help study the FDAD will be determined by the following criteria:

1. The level of commitment to studying on the  Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)
2. The quality of the applicant’s work. The work brought to the interview shows evidence of both creativity and ability.
3. Amount of bursary requesting. The applicant shows a willingness to raise some of the funds themselves if possible.
4. The financial status of the applicant. The applicant has no other means of funding this course.
5. The nationality of the applicant.
6. The age of the applicant – should be between 18 - 30, but applications are particularly encouraged from younger students.
7. Demonstrates talent and a commitment to their future career development.

(Information last updated 11 May 2023)

Will the Craft Shop be open?
Yes, students are free to visit the shop whilst their course is running. Our Craft Shop is open Mon - Fri 8:30am-2pm.

Will the library be open?
Students wishing to use the library should ask at the Student Welcome desk for details.

Will the IT suite be open?
Yes, the IT suite is open and available to use for the duration of your course.

Will the Bar be open?
The Bar is open 7 days a week 5pm – 11pm Monday – Saturday and 5pm – 10:30pm on Sunday.

What should I do if I feel unwell throughout my course? 
Let our friendly Student Welcome Officers know at the front desk as soon as possible, and they will be able to assist you with the next steps. 

Can I still walk around the Gardens during my visit? 
Yes, we hope you get time to visit the Gardens during your course. 

Who can I speak to if was not entirely happy with my course?
If you weren't completely satisfied with your course and would like to raise an issue, please contact the bookings office at [email protected].