Distance learning doesn’t means learning alone. Explore the support of academic and operational teams that will help you develop your creative practice, master digital library tools, overcome unexpected study disruptions, engage with enterprise opportunities, and utilise the wellbeing resources available to you at Open College of the Arts. You will interact with these resources directly through OCA Learn and our partner portals, keeping you fully informed and empowered at every milestone of your creative student journey.
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At OCA, distance learning doesn’t mean learning alone. You will be supported by an extensive network of creative professionals who are dedicated to helping you refine your craft, improve your work, and reach your academic potential.
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You will receive dedicated guidance from an expert tutor for each course or unit of study, easily reachable via email. We have around a hundred tutors based throughout the UK who—just like you—work from their own homes, studios, and creative workplaces. All of our tutors are practicing artists, photographers, designers, writers, or composers, as well as experienced higher education teachers.
Your tutor is there to help develop your skills, offer constructive feedback, and guide your practice—think of them as a critical friend. Throughout your studies, you will work with a variety of different tutors, allowing you to benefit from a wide range of industry expertise.
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For every assignment submission, you will receive comprehensive written and video feedback to help you develop your practice. This happens at set intervals throughout each unit—usually five or six times for Undergraduate and Foundation students. For Undergraduate students, this ongoing guidance means you can make changes and improvements to your work before it is formally assessed.
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Beyond your regular coursework, you can connect with the broader academic team in your department space to engage in live webinars, workshops, and assessment support.
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Mastering the tools of research is a key part of your creative development. Whether you are learning how to cite your sources, searching for industry journals, or looking for that perfect reference book, our Library Services team is here to ensure you have everything you need to succeed in a distance learning environment.
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Depending on your course type, you can seamlessly search the comprehensive Open University Library (for undergraduate students) or the dedicated OCA Library (for personal development learners).
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At the earlier levels of your study, you will have online access to subject-relevant e-magazines. As you progress through your studies you will find the journals invaluable as you increase your contextual research and knowledge.
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We provide guidance to help you sharpen your skills in Harvard referencing, presentation techniques, critical thinking, and academic writing.
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Even though you are studying at a distance, you are never left to figure it out alone. You can reach out directly to our specialist librarian for one-to-one assistance with:
- finding and evaluating research sources
- accessing online resources
- using the Library catalogue
- suggesting books/resources for the Library to buy
- how to search the web effectively
- how to reference and compile bibliographies
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We have varied support teams on hand to guide you through your creative journey with us. Whether you need a little help navigating OCA Learn, some assistance progressing to your next unit, or support with a reasonable adjustment, we’ve got you covered.
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As a student, supporting your health and wellbeing is important to ensure that you are able to study effectively. Through OCA you can access support services when you need them.
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OCAWellbeing is our app to support your mental wellbeing whilst studying at OCA. This free resource is designed to support you by developing your resilience and other study skills. Packed full of tips and tricks, podcasts that teach you new techniques, and challenges that assist you in creating new positive habits, this app is a great sidekick to your studies.
This is available to all OCA students. Accessible through the Google Play and iTunes App Stores, to register and use the app all you need is your oca.ac.uk email address. When you sign in, you will be asked to confirm your email address and click on the link in the subsequent email to get up and running.
Our app is built on the principle of five steps to mental health set out by the NHS:
- Connect with others
- Be active
- Learn new things
- Giving
- Mindfulness
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OCA is a proud partner with the mental health charity SANE. They are one of the leading charities supporting mental health in the UK conducting research into mental health, self-harm, and suicide.
SANE operate SANEline, an out of hours support line offering emotional support, guidance, and information. Open 4:30 – 10:30 pm every day of the year, there’s someone available to help you.
We also support SANE in the running of their Creative Awards Scheme. This scheme, available to OCA students, aims to support the creative potential of people with mental health problems and their carers. Awards of £75-300 can be made to contribute to the cost of materials, training, educational courses, or relief cover for carers.
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As a student of OCA you are automatically eligible for support from Student Minds, the student mental health charity. Student Minds represent and campaign on behalf of students to ensure access to appropriate mental health support services. In addition, they also provide wellbeing tips and resources, and access to support via text, phone, web-chat, and email.
Student Minds also run the University Mental Health Charter. This is a set of principles to encourage universities to make appropriate provision to support the wellbeing of students. OCA took part in the shape and set up of the charter, and we have a commitment to supporting our students.
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The Enterprise initiative aims to develop post-study skills and facilitate networking opportunities among students, alumni, and businesses. Our goal is to support students in launching their own projects. The Enterprise Enhancement Scheme awards funding to eligible students that assist with entrepreneurial activities.
I chose to study with OCA because it is a place that treats diversity and inclusion like a background process on your laptop: You only notice it when it’s not running, and it’s almost always there. This makes it a very welcoming place.
Alix Brown, BA (Hons) Creative Arts Student
Read Alix's story here.Ask a question.
Contact us here.