Find out everything you need to know to get started.
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Step One: Is distance learning right for you?
Distance learning is flexible and accessible, but it’s not for everyone and can present its own unique set of challenges.
Take a look at how distance learning could work for you
Step Two: Do you have the time?
Studying a part-time course with the Open College of the Arts is a great way to achieve your goals while maintaining other responsibilities, but it still requires a great deal of commitment and time.
Understand course timeframes and the study hours required
Step Three: How will you fund the course?
Spread the cost through a deposit and instalments, review our Learner Support bursary scheme, or consider Student Finance for our degree courses.
Review funding options here
Enrol
Step Four: Select your start date
You can review the start dates for the course below. When selecting your start date, consider how long it will take you to organise your funding, as you will need to have this in place before you can begin your course.
There are some exceptions to this for those intending to fund the course through the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) Part-time Fee Grant, but a deposit will still be required in these cases.
Key dates for the academic year 2023/24
Step Five: Find your course
To register for a programme of study, you need to submit an enrolment form.
If you are studying a degree course, you will need to submit an enrolment form for each unit you study.
Check out our available courses here
Step Six: Organise funding and support
Once you have decided how you will fund your course, you can begin to arrange payment or submit your funding application.
If applying for Disabled Student’s allowance, please note that applications can take 14 weeks to process.
Click here to learn more about payment methods
Engage
Step Seven: Complete your induction
The induction is an important part of your learning journey and will provide you with the information and tools you need to make your studies as fruitful as possible. Induction takes two weeks to complete and at the end of this period, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to proceed with your enrolment. At this point, you can opt to defer the start of your studies by one month if needed.
If you proceed with your enrolment, this will mark the end of your two week cancellation period which means you are liable for the full cost of the unit fee.
Step Eight: Begin course
You’ve made it! You can now begin your course and start your creative journey. You’ll be supported your tutor, Student Support Teams and your fellow students.
Have questions?
Take a look at our FAQs hereHeader Image available at Unsplash, icons available at Freepik