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Our Students

Two thousand students enrol with us each year. They are of all ages and from all walks of life – from baristas to barristers. Our oldest student is 92.

Since the OCA was founded in 1987, we have enrolled and supported over 50,000 students worldwide. Most are from the UK. Five per cent are from the EU or overseas.

The nature of distance learning means that you do not have to be a UK resident to enrol. And if you are a UK resident but move abroad, or if your work takes you abroad, your course travels with you.

Many of our students are studying for a degree. Others want to boost their career and work prospects. Some are studying as a leisure activity. Some of our students already have a portfolio of work behind them and enrol because they want to explore a new discipline or top up existing qualifications. However, many people who study with us are beginners new to the creative arts. They are starting out on an exciting journey of discovery in which they will uncover unsuspected skills and insights.

The one thing they all have in common is the desire to explore and practise one or more of the creative arts.

The OCA is very proud of the progress and achievements of its students. OCA students have provided (unless otherwise indicated) all the images used as illustrations in this Guide. Fine Art, Photography and Textile courses will have examples of work done by students on the particular courses, whereas the images used to illustrate the Art History, Interior and Garden Design, Creative Writing and Composing Music course are taken from students across the college.