Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up for a course?
Follow the online booking process to sign up for a course. If you haven't already done so, you will need to register and create an account.
(Please note, this account is different from the account created if you have booked an on-site short course via westdean.ac.uk.)
(Please note, this account is different from the account created if you have booked an on-site short course via westdean.ac.uk.)
How do I access my course?
You will receive your login details by email, typically within minutes.
How long will I have access to my course?
Access to the course commences when your user account is generated and will be available for the duration set out in course overview.
What skill level do I need to take a course?
Our online courses are each given a level of study to ensure you pick the right course for you;
Suitable for: Everyone. A subject focused course to suit any level of experience, from beginner to advanced.
Suitable for: Beginners. For those with little or no experience looking for an introduction.
Suitable for: Developing skills. Anyone who has taken a related course or who has some existing skills.
Suitable for: Creative development. For the more experienced looking to expand on skills and develop practise.
What format does the course take?
The minimum time required to watch and respond to
the video content and complete the tasks is usually between 6 and 12
hours. You course includes the following:
- Virtual Learning Environment with course content
- A series of instructional videos
- Practical tasks to complete
- Materials and equipment list
Is the course taught live?
No, the course is self-paced and designed so that you can study it at the time you choose. This means you can dip in and out of the course as often as you wish during your access allowance (the access duration for each course is stated in the course description).
What technologies are used to deliver the course?
We use an online course platform for all your course content, delivering learning via the Internet. It offers you flexible access to all the course content, which is available to you for the duration of the course.
Do the course videos have subtitles?
Yes, all of our course videos have the option to display closed captions in English.
Will I receive any printed material for the tasks set?
All instructions are on course pages online. The tutor will take you through each task so that by the end of the course, you can complete the whole project.
What computer setup will I need to access a course?
You can purchase and access all the course resources on most computers and devices.
Mac, PC, Mobile and Tablet
With an Internet connection and a modern Internet browser. For PC users – the most recent versions of Firefox, Chrome or Edge are recommended. Internet Explorer 11 (or older) is not supported. For Mac users - Safari and Firefox are recommended.
We do not recommend using any Internet service provider's proprietary browser, as certain functions may be restricted. Our platform regularly updates to add new features and improve the quality of your experience. Please be sure to keep your browser updated. If you need to upgrade your browser, go to your browser manufacturer's website and download the most recent version.
Mac, PC, Mobile and Tablet
With an Internet connection and a modern Internet browser. For PC users – the most recent versions of Firefox, Chrome or Edge are recommended. Internet Explorer 11 (or older) is not supported. For Mac users - Safari and Firefox are recommended.
We do not recommend using any Internet service provider's proprietary browser, as certain functions may be restricted. Our platform regularly updates to add new features and improve the quality of your experience. Please be sure to keep your browser updated. If you need to upgrade your browser, go to your browser manufacturer's website and download the most recent version.
Phones and tablets
All courses are built on a responsive platform, allowing for access on most smartphones and tablets
All courses are built on a responsive platform, allowing for access on most smartphones and tablets
In addition, you will need an email account to sign up for a course and receive login details and course access. Some course resources are presented as PDF files, requiring a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader.
CAD and 3D software specifications (Certificate in Residential Interior Design)
We cannot give you a specific specification for CAD and 3D application software, as the software requirements for these change depending on the version you are using. We recommend that you visit the website of the software vendor to check the minimum specification they recommend.
CAD and 3D software specifications (Certificate in Residential Interior Design)
We cannot give you a specific specification for CAD and 3D application software, as the software requirements for these change depending on the version you are using. We recommend that you visit the website of the software vendor to check the minimum specification they recommend.
What do I do if I experience technical issues?
If you have checked the technical requirements above and are using a suitable browser and the problem persists, email online@westdean.ac.uk with the details of your problem (including a screenshot and link to the page where possible).
I’ve lost my login details. What do I do?
Follow the prompts to reset your password on the login page.
I've changed my mind and no longer want to do this course. What can I do?
Please contact bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk immediately if you have changed your mind within 14 days of the day you receive course access and without having accessed the course content. Please also refer to our Terms and Conditions when booking.
For any other queries about online courses, please contact bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk. Please note that we are unable to offer refunds on gift vouchers.
Can I do this course if I live overseas?
Yes, our online courses are available worldwide.
Can I buy a course on behalf of a group?
No, each of the courses has been designed as a one-to-one lesson, allowing you to view it closely on your own screen and go back and forward through the lesson content, working on each section at your own pace. For this reason, courses are only available on an individual basis. You are given access to a course via a designated email address. Sharing the course either simultaneously or by sharing login details with others is an infringement of our copyright.
Can I buy an online course for as a gift for someone?
Yes, you can buy gift vouchers for most of our online courses. All eligible courses have a 'Buy as a gift' button on the course page. Please see more about our gift vouchers below.
Gift vouchers
Can I buy an online course for as a gift for someone?
Yes, you can buy gift vouchers for most of our online courses. All eligible courses have a 'Buy as a gift' button on the course page.
How do gift vouchers work?
Gift vouchers are available to purchase for most of our online courses. If a course is eligible for gifting, there will be a 'Buy as a gift' button shown on the course page. After purchasing a gift voucher, you will receive an email with the gift voucher and instructions on how to redeem the voucher. The voucher can be shared with the gift recipient by forwarding the email or printing out the voucher to gift in person.
Which courses are not redeemable with gift vouchers?
Gift vouchers are not currently redeemable against the following online courses: all Masterclasses, all Sessions, Tapestry weaving - learn the basics and Mixed media painting - making connections with your environment.
Online gift vouchers are not redeemable against onsite campus courses.
Online gift vouchers are not redeemable against onsite campus courses.
Gift voucher terms & conditions
Gift vouchers are not redeemable against the following courses: all Masterclasses, all Sessions and Tapestry weaving - learn the basics. Gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from date of issue. Vouchers can not be used in part payment and no cash alternative is offered. Vouchers are non transferrable and are not redeemable against onsite campus courses. Full terms & conditions of sale apply.
