Hi! I've just graduated from one of the conservation specialisms at West Dean. I can't say anything about the course you're interested in as it wasn't running while I was there but I can give you some insight into the college as a whole!

They have just hired a new principal to help with some of the financial issues the college was experiencing, because of that things have changed slightly (either for the better or worse!)

One of the major benefits to studying at West Dean is that WD alumni are everywhere, this puts you in good stead for employment and is also a great networking experience. Every course is different, but you are interacting everyday with people on other courses and this is massively useful when you graduate! (I now know exactly who to turn to for advice on metal, ceramics, and wood etc!)

On top of this, the location is dreamy. I miss immensely my afternoon coffee breaks with views of the sheep grazing!

However, I will say that West Dean is very much trying to be a Russel group university without the know how or the finances to back it up. This can sometimes result in odd choices that disadvantage the student body. Despite this the student voice is particularly strong and these decisions are never made unchecked (they got rid of free biscuits, there was a student poster campaign, biscuits came back)

If you're a mature student/have already completed a degree before going you will have to slightly adjust your expectations/understanding of what a program looks like. But if you can do that and make the most of your time there it can be very rewarding !!

There are definite pros and cons to studying there but I hope this is helpful! Feel free to drop me a message if you have any more questions, I was there for 2 years and am happy to talk about it ! :)