Open Day - The Open College of the Arts | Distance Learning Degrees and Courses

Discover flexible distance learning, explore a wide range of creative courses, and see how OCA can help you achieve your goals.

Virtual Open Days

Discover how flexible, distance learning works at the Open College of the Arts. Whether you are returning to study after a break, looking to change careers, or exploring a creative passion for the first time, our Open Day events are designed to show you the paths available to you.

Join live sessions to meet our tutors, learn about our open-access enrolment, and hear from our student community. Explore the schedule below to find the sessions that match your interests and register your interest to receive useful information on studying with OCA.

Download our Welcome Pack Here

Upcoming Virtual Open Day Events

Film and Media Cert HE Webinar

Join us for our Film and Media Production Cert HE Open Webinar on Wednesday 15 July at 6PM.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or someone who simply loves the magic of cinema, this course will introduce you to the dynamic world of film and media production.

Wednesday 15 July 2026, 6PM – 7PM (BST)

Register Here

How to have idea workshop with Robyn Wilson-Owen. Monday 20th July, 3PM TO 4PM.

How to Have Ideas

We will be exploring a range of thinking techniques that can help you have many creative ideas on demand. We will then look at ways to manipulate, develop and evaluate our ideas.

This workshop is for anyone who wants to understand creativity as a process and how to make it happen on demand, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.

You may have a brief or project that you want to think about, or you can use example briefs provided during the session to explore the techniques.

All you need in order to take part is a pen and paper and a device you can use to join us for the googlemeet.

Robyn is an illustrator and lecturer who previously worked as a theatre designer. Her research into creativity through constraints has led to work with a variety of businesses and creatives to develop their creative problem solving skills and processes.

Monday 20 July 2026, 3PM – 4PM (BST)

Register Here

Film and Media Cert HE Webinar

Join us for our second Film and Media Production Cert HE Open Webinar on Thursday 30th July at 6PM.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or someone who simply loves the magic of cinema, this course will introduce you to the dynamic world of film and media production.

Thursday 30 July 2026, 6PM – 7PM (BST)

Register Here

Explore Our Resources

To help you prepare for your studies, we have gathered key information regarding our admissions process, the support we provide, and the creative tools you will have at your fingertips.

An image of a student sat at a table mid conversation.

Admissions & Enrolment

Learn more about our open-access policy, review our step-by-step enrolment guide, find details on upcoming intake dates, and explore flexible payment options including Student Finance and instalment plans.

Support & Accessibility

Explore our guidance on Studying with Disabilities, which includes information on support plans, alternative formats, and DSA Guidance.

An image of Richard Cleverley stood next to a bookcase holding books.

OCA Library Services

As an OCA student, you will have access to an extensive range of digital resources. Our library services are designed for distance learners

An acrylic painting on canvas of a cartoon person with large eyes by Vallee Tourangeau.

Student Stories

Hear from our community about their creative journeys, the support they received, and where their studies have taken them

Virtual Open Day Webinars

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Student Panels

Hear from our students about their experiences of studying with OCA.

Drawing and Painting Student Panel

Photography, Creative Writing and Place Student Panel

A collection of over 600 hand-shaped clay birds hanging from a tree.

BA (Hons) Creative Arts Webinar

BA (Hons) Fine Art Webinar

BA (Hons) Music Webinar

This black and white photograph captures a handstand on a chimney with the Old City of Jerusalem in the background.

BA (Hons) Creative Writing Webinar

BA (Hons) Photography Webinar

A painting of a mother and son sat at a keyboard playing together.

BA (Hons) Illustration Webinar

BA (Hons) Graphic Design Webinar

BA (Hons) Visual Communications Webinar

This is a textile artwork by student Annette Holtkamp featuring raw fibrous texture.

BA (Hons) Interior Design Webinar

BA (Hons) Textiles Webinar

A stylised, colorful landscape painting set in the desert.

BA (Hons) Drawing Webinar

BA (Hons) Painting Webinar

An image of Richard Cleverley stood in front of a bookcase holding a couple of books.

Research and Resources Webinar

Hear from our BA (Hons) Textiles students as they share insights into their studies at OCA.

Register Your Interest

Register your interest today and be the first to hear about OCA’s upcoming Virtual Open Days!

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