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.