OCA preloader logo
Creative Courses | Open College of the Arts | Distance Learning

To find out more details about the transfer to The Open University see A New Chapter for OCA.

Our Courses

An art course qualification can open you up to a world of creative opportunities and personal fulfilment.

OCA offers a range of online creative courses in arts subjects, giving you the ability to study at a level you’d like, at a pace that suits you, anywhere in the world.

Degree-level study is the beginning of an in-depth look at a specific discipline. You’ll learn to research, experiment and think around the subject, questioning your own thoughts and those of others. Most importantly, you’ll develop your own style and method of working, so that you can create something that is unique to you.

A Masters degree is highly specialised and focuses on a particular subject area. This enables you to become an expert in your chosen field.

Creative skills are highly regarded in today’s market and host a variety of employment opportunities. Holding a creative arts degree can open many more doors for your personal and career development. Maximise what’s available to you and join on an OCA course today.

Foundation

Foundation courses are designed for students who want to develop their understanding before starting a degree. These highly creative courses offer an excellent entry level introduction to a wide range of artistic disciplines, with both broader and highly specialised course programmes offered.

Ideal for those who are wanting to progress to higher education in the coming years, or are new to a creative discipline or are looking to get back into study. These courses develop your knowledge and skills, both practical and academic, providing a steppingstone to degree study. They are also popular as courses in their own right for artists and hobbyists alike!

Browse Foundation Courses

Degree-Level

We offer 14 undergraduate and two postgraduate degrees, in a range of subject disciplines across both the arts and design. A number of these courses are the only of their kind available for distance learning and online study in the world. OCA degrees will be awarded by The Open University for students registering for the first time with OCA from August 2022. OCA students who registered before August 2022 can choose to be awarded by The Open University, or by the University for the Creative Arts (up to January 2024).

A Bachelor’s (BA) degree is the beginning of an in-depth look at a specific discipline. You’ll learn to research, experiment and think around the subject, questioning your own thoughts and those of others. Most importantly, you’ll develop your own style and method of working, so that you can create something that is unique to you.

A Master’s (MA) degree is highly specialised and focuses on a particular subject area. This enables you to become an expert in your chosen field. Fine Art and Graphic Design are currently available for Master’s-level study with OCA.

Browse Degree-Level Courses

Why choose a distance learning art course?

With one-to-one support from a practising artist to guide you along the way, at a third of the cost of attending a campus university, studying at OCA will change your thinking of what going to university is like.
Online study isn’t restricted by term dates, either – you can start at any time in the year, and stretch your studies over a longer period to suit your life, your work, and your family.

Learn more about distance learning

“On 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 Botha - Photography student

Student showcase