Stay inside. Stay inspired.
The Open College of the Arts is a distance learning arts university, making us ideally placed to support your creative ambitions through the Covid-19 lockdown. Our tutors, student community, course materials and infrastructure are all in place – and you can enrol on any of our courses today to start straight away. Explore our lockdown hub to find out more about our Short Courses, Open Foundations and Personal Development options.
Start your journey...Study with the Open College of the Arts
The OCA is a non-profit educational charity whose charitable purpose is to widen participation in arts education.
Distance learning
The OCA is a non-profit educational charity whose charitable purpose is to widen participation in arts education through open and flexible distance learning.
More about remote learning
Innovative courses
We have an exceptional range of part-time courses in painting, drawing, photography, graphic design and more, with an award-winning online MA Fine Art course.
Our subject areas
Speedy enrolment
Enrol anytime on our BA (Hons) degree programmes and Foundations courses – there's no need to wait for the next start date! You can start whenever you like.
Course timelines
Course fees
Our fees are around a third of the cost of traditional university study, and there are plenty of options for support with your course fees if you need it.
Fees and funding
UCA Open degree
OCA is the distance learning arm of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) - the Times' Good University Guide's Modern University of the Year.
Studying with us
One-to-one tutor support
All OCA students benefit from learning resources and one-to-one support from a professional tutor who will guide you through your studies.
Our tutors
Study at times to suit you
We are not tied by fixed term times, so students can study whenever it suits them. Many OCA students combine studies with work and other responsibilities.
Student work
Global community
The OCA has a vibrant student community from around the world. Upon enrolment, you will become part of that thriving UK and international student community.
#WeAreOCAOn top of the flexible self-paced schedule and peer group support, the most valuable aspect for me was the relationship I built with my tutors. I was guided through personal growth and exploration.
Dewald Both - Photography student
Student showcaseVisit the college blog
#weareoca
Visit the Open College of the Arts' blog - #weareoca to find out what our tutors and students have been up to lately
Have a look