OCA offers open access courses, meaning you can start studying something you may have been interested in for years but haven't been able to pursue.
While you don’t need specific subject qualifications to study with us, meeting our minimum requirements ensures you have the right tools to get started. It’s our way of making sure you have the day-to-day essentials—like a reliable internet connection and basic digital skills—so you can easily connect with your tutors, access your course, and feel right at home in our creative community.
Checking the entry requirements now means you can confidently set up your workspace, confirm your language readiness, and gather any course materials ahead of your start date. Getting a handle on these details early helps ensure you feel equipped and ready to study from day one.
View our admissions policies here.-
To successfully engage with our distance learning model, you must have regular access to the necessary digital tools and a basic level of IT literacy.
- Essential Equipment: Access to a desktop computer or laptop and a reliable internet connection.
- Study Commitment: You must be able to log in and check your student email at least once a week.*
- IT Literacy: You should be confident using basic functions to gather information online, engage in student forums, manage a learning blog, and troubleshoot basic platform issues.
*not applicable if you have been awarded a deferral or interruption.
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You need a reasonable standard of English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) to understand study materials and communicate effectively with tutors and peers.
Students whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of English language competency as part of the enrolment process. OCA has a set standard of English Language ability set against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
If your nationality features on the UK government’s list of majority English-speaking countries, you only need to provide a copy of your passport as evidence.
New to academic study? We recommend checking out these free Open University preparatory courses:
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- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- The British Overseas Territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America
Only countries on this official list are recognised as majority English-speaking for OCA entry requirements.
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- International qualifications require an equivalency certificate from UK NARIC / ENIC, or confirmation from the awarding institution that it equals UK A-Levels or higher.
- The above list is not exhaustive and other evidence can be accepted providing it is clear the evidence equates to Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In all cases, acceptance is at the discretion of Open College of the Arts.
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While we provide all essential texts digitally, you will source your own physical materials as you progress – such as paints, fabric, software, or camera film – determined by your course and creative practice.
Please check your specific course requirements through the Course Information Page to view the exact equipment list needed to get started.
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Enrolling in BA (Hons) Music requires ABRSM Grade 5 Theory or equivalent. If you do not hold this certificate, please choose one of the following options:
- Submit your experience: Email your music theory background and exam history to studentadvice@oca.ac.uk for a knowledge assessment.
- Bridge the gap: Consider starting with our Foundations in Music course to build the required skills for Higher Education.
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If you have previously studied at the Higher Education level or have extensive professional experience in a related field, you may be able to skip certain units through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
You must apply for and secure your credit exemptions before enrolling. Once you begin your course, RPL applications cannot be accepted.
Types of Exemption
- RPCL: Transferring credits from another university course.
- RPEL: Claiming credit based on industry/creative experience.
If you do not apply for credit exemption, you must start your undergraduate course from the beginning.
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Are you under 16-17 years of age and ready to start your creative learning journey?
Open College of the Arts offers a range of short courses and personal development programmes designed to help you explore your interests and develop new skills.
Students must be 18 years of age at the start of their course for undergraduate programmes.