OCA Creative Arts: Alumni Interview with Kuch (Kuljit) Bhogal

Kuch graduated from the Open College of the Arts in 2024 with a BA in Creative Arts. He is currently studying for a MSc in Creative Technologies at Winchester School of Arts. Trine Wade, our Creative Arts student rep, caught up with Kuch for an update on life after distance learning with the OCA. 

Why did you choose to study with the OCA?

First and foremost it was the inclusiveness in their approach. I didn’t have an art background, but the inclusive approach at the OCA allowed me to enter their degree programme without this art knowledge. I was drawn to the interdisciplinary course structure, and the flexible part-time schedule suited my lifestyle. 

What has been the main benefit of distance learning?

The independence and self-motivation you develop while studying by yourself has been hugely beneficial. This has helped me to stay motivated beyond any ongoing project and unit deadlines. These skills really help me to sustain my practice and to finish what I have started. These skills became really useful at stage 3 where we get to develop our own projects. I really appreciated how we were encouraged to deepen both our academic and material knowledge through research and practical work.

Was there a specific highlight in your OCA degree?

Finishing! I don’t mean that in a flippant way, but rather as a reflection of how the whole learning journey is encapsulated within this degree certificate. The years at OCA made me a rounder artist and I developed more extended skills than I think I’d done had I completed the degree in 3 years at a physical university. 

Benefits of Groupwork when studying online

I found the Stage 3 monthly sharing sessions particularly useful. Meeting up with people on a regular basis created a supportive community.  My work is very personal and there was a vulnerability in sharing work that felt quite private. But the process was managed really carefully by the tutor, and we all gradually developed the skills needed to speak about our work. 

Are there any similarities between University study online and in person?

Yes – Blogs! It turned out that my course requires us to post all our work on a WordPress blog. My OCA experience has been great in this regard. Not only did I feel confident presenting my work on a digital platform, I knew how to write about it and present it to others. I hadn’t expected to develop these soft skills while doing my Creative Arts degree, so I have had a bit of a head start compared to many of my fellow MSc students.

Tell us a bit about what you are doing as part of your MSc

I’ve always wanted to learn how to code, and used the final project for my Creative Arts BA to learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The MSc in Creative Technologies has been a great opportunity to develop both my coding and my creativity. It’s been really interesting to learn about AI, robotics, and to explore critical theories about technology and the increasing role it plays in our lives. I’ve also enjoyed learning about game design and last semester managed to make a micro game about masculinity, trains, and desire which really pushed my interdisciplinary practice.

You’ll finish your MSc in September. Have you made any plans for life after that?

I have no concrete plans at this stage, but will keep an eye out for relevant jobs while also maintaining my artistic practice. For the next few months however, I’ll be busy completing my major project. 

Visit Kuch’s website here.