Call for MFA applications for 2020

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programme at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is set within a uniquely stimulating environment supporting students in developing individual practices that are creatively ambitious and focused on making, as well as critically and professionally informed. The college provides an inspirational setting for study, set in the former home of founder, Edward James, renowned as a patron of 20th century art, particularly Surrealism. All Fine Art students have the opportunity to engage with this unique history through access to West Dean House, Collection, Archive and Estate, with support from highly skilled technical staff and a range of specialist facilities. The MFA programme is validated by The University of Sussex, giving students the advantages of a specialist arts college with the assurance of a university qualification.

The two-year full-time Master of Fine Arts programme offers students generous individual studio space, access to a variety of production workshops, year-round exhibition opportunities, and access to hundreds of specialist short courses. The programme encourages skill-based making and interdisciplinary practice, particularly across the areas of painting, drawing, sculpture, tapestry and textiles. MFA students are provided with weekly tutorial support, as well as the chance to engage with seminars and group critiques informed by an exceptional programme of Visiting Tutors and Artists-in-Residence. Fine Art alumni include prize-winning practitioners who have undertaken residencies and exhibit their work locally, nationally and internationally.

Previous Visiting Artists / Tutors have included Eva Rothschild, Renee So, Tamara Henderson, Rebecca Salter RA, Lothar Götz, Caroline Achaintre, Florence Peake, Yelena Popova, Andrew Sabine, Stuart Whipps, Dr. Hope Wolf, Fiona Curran, Rosie Cooper, Ross Taylor, Laura Ford, Eilis O’Connell and Gabriele Beveridge.

Find out more about the MFA. 
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Funding
A high proportion of our students receive funding assistance and fees are the same for both UK and International students. Find out about your funding options.

Open days: Friday, December 6, 2019, Saturday, February 8, 2020. Register here.