open college of the arts
We are the Open College of the Arts. An open access, distance learning provider
of higher education courses based in Barnsley, UK. We were created by Michael
Young in 1987, one of the founders of the Open University, to offer high quality
arts courses as a means to transform lives, with the opportunity to develop and
express creative talents under the guidance of experienced artists. An OCA
qualification, be that a degree, Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education, or
undergraduate credit, can be a huge achievement for many and opens the doors to
new careers, or new lifestyles built around the arts. Over 2000 people study
with us every year as part of a truly global community representing 67
nationalities worldwide on 13 degree programmes and one Masters. We reach people
in every walk of life, with over 20% of our students having a declared
disability, and many students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and with no
qualifications. Our students come from every walk of life imaginable, fitting
work, family, caring responsibilities and everything else alongside study and
more besides. OCA’s community consists of students, practitioners and tutors
working together, offering encouragement, creative criticism, hints, tips,
insights and ideas. A community invested time, running events, social media
groups, meet-ups in places as diverse as London and Glasgow, Newport and
Scunthorpe, you’ll feel at home as part of the OCA.
