Welcome to our online Degree Show Showcase 23/24 where we are celebrating a number of our graduates from across seven of our degree programmes.
We are the Open College of the Arts. You’ll also find a selection of work from 20/21, 21/22 and 22/23 Degree Showcase participants. You are welcome to peruse our Alumni sites however we unfortunately cannot guarantee their links remain live.
OCA is 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 degree, 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 two 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. Download our 23/24 exhibition catalogue and visit our website www.oca.ac.uk to find out more about our courses. Follow us on Instagram #WeAreOCA