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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Course Builder'?

The Course Builder is what you use to enrol on an OCA course through this website. Using the Course builder, you can enrol either by ProtX, Paypal or request to be called back by an OCA staff member to takle your payment.

If you choose the ProtX option, you are asked to enter your card details on the OCA website to make your payment. The ProtX method is safe, and all your information is encrypted and kept highly secure during the transaction

if you wish to pay by Paypal, you must already have an account already set up with Paypal. Goto www.paypal.com for more information.

Can I pay by Direct Debit through the OCA website?

No, but you can download a Direct Debit mandate and an OCA enroment form from the website and send it by post to OCA.

When will my course materials arrive?

If you are paying by credit or debit card and living in the UK, they will arrive within three working days of cleared payment. If paying by cheque, within eight working days. If some of your course materials are not in stock, there could be a short delay.

If you live outside the UK, once we have received your payment we will dispatch your materials within five working days.

Can I have my course materials sent to any address?

Yes – during the online enrolment process, you will be asked to enter your billing address and your delivery address. If you want materials sent to a Post Office, you must give us, with their permission, the full name and address of the postmaster.

Are there lower age limits?

No, but if you are still in full-time education, discuss things with your school or college before enrolling as you need to be sure your OCA course will not take time away from other studies.

Can I use email to send assignments to my tutor?

Depending on the nature of your course and your tutor’s preferences, email can be a good option. This is something you can discuss and agree with your tutor. But please note that for some courses, for example all the painting courses, email is not always a viable alternative to the post.

How much tutor time comes with my course?

All your tuition is one-to-one. If you are on a course with postal tuition, your course fee includes the time taken by your tutor to consider and comment in detail on five assignments. If you are on a course with face-to-face tuition, the fee covers ten one-to-one meetings with your tutor. You can have fewer, but longer, meetings if you wish.

Can I purchase more tuition?

Yes, you can buy vouchers which purchase extra tuition, either postal or face-to-face.

What if I need to ask a question between assignments?

The OCA website has discussion forums which are regularly monitored. This is the first place for getting answers to general questions. Your tutor will advise when and how they can be contacted between assignments.

Many students have done this, using their OCA portfolio of work. Sometimes credits you have accumulated with the OCA can be transferred to another institution. The earlier you discuss your plans with your tutor or with OCA’s Academic Services, the better. You should also contact the college or university you want to go to at an early date to check their requirements.

Can you offer help to students with disabilities or health difficulties?

Studying at home at a pace which suits you should be helpful. Your tutor and the OCA staff will help you get the best out of your course. Timetables can be extended and if standard print is hard to manage, there are large print versions of some courses. We may be able to adjust course materials to compensate. For details, contact the Academic Office.

I have started my course but personal circumstances have meant that I am unable to continue. Is it too late to withdraw from the course? Can you help?

Personal circumstances change and unexpected situations arise. We do our best to accommodate you so you can continue your course. Within 18 months of starting, you can apply to defer the course for up a year. If you are more than 18 months into the course, write to us outlining the problem and we will try to help. Each case is looked at on an individual basis.

Is it safe to buy a course from the OCA during the credit crunch?

Yes. All payments made on a credit card are protected by the card issuer (eg Mastercard). In the event that we were unable to provide tuition the credit card issuer would provide a refund as they have done recently for airlines and holiday companies who have failed. However we are on a sound financial footing so this is not something to worry about.

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