For each degree it is possible to exit part way through with either a Certificate of Higher Education or a Diploma of Higher Education (see below for details)

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How many HE credits are awarded for courses (by level)?

All OCA courses are fully integrated with the HE CATS scheme (Credits Accumulation and Transfer Scheme – see HERE). This makes transfer of credits to or from the OCA more straightforward than it would be otherwise.

OCA Courses at Level 1 (which equates to HE Level 4) attract 40 CATS credits. OCA Courses at Levels 2 and 3 (which equate to HE Levels 5 and 6 respectively) attract 60 CATS credits.

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How many credits do I need for each qualification?

The Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) requires 120 credits at Level 1 (HE Level 4). Thus a student completing three Level 1 courses – and being successfully assessed - would qualify for a Cert HE, if they completed their studies at that stage. Please note that credits can only be awarded once for each module completed.

The Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE) requires 240 credits. Typically this would comprise 120 credits at Level 1 (HE Level 4) and 120 credits at Level 2 (HE Level 5). 120 credits at Level 2 (HE Level 5) are usually obtained through completing – and being successfully assessed in - two courses (60 credits each). Please note that credits can only be awarded once for each module completed.

The five BA (Hons) degrees all require 360 credits. This would comprise 120 credits at Level 1 (HE Level 4), 120 credits at Level 2 (HE Level 5) and 120 credits at Level 3 (HE Level 6). 120 credits at Level 3 (HE Level 6) are usually obtained by completing – and being successfully assessed in - two courses (60 credits each). Please note that credits can only be awarded once for each module completed.

There are some rules as to which courses need to be studied at each level in order to obtain the qualifications so it would be important to seek advice from the Operations Team (0800 731 2116) prior to enrolment.

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What happens if I miss out on just one Level 3 (HE6) course?

If students have obtained 120 credits at Level 1 (HE4), 120 credits at Level 2 (HE5) - but only 60 credits at Level 3 (HE6) - and are unable to continue their studies for the remaining credits for the BA Hons Degree, then by request to the Registrar they can apply to exit with a BA Ordinary degree which only requires 300 credits. This is not a route we would normally recommend but it does provide a safety net for those with unforeseen difficulties near the end of their degree studies.

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Can I obtain credits for qualifications and/or experience I already have?

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is the generic term for recognising and awarding students with Higher Education credit points from demonstrated previous academic learning. There are two ways in which you can be awarded credit for APL. The process you should use depends whether your previous learning is a direct result of a formal Higher Education qualification (or part of) or has been indirectly gained from work, interests / hobbies and life skills. If your application is successful you will not have to repeat learning and will have a reduced number of modules to complete in order to obtain a BA Hons Degree. This will save you time and money.

There are 2 forms of APL. These are:

Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL)
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

Click HERE to download the APL booklet.

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What are the main pathways towards the BA degree (i.e. which courses to take at which level)?

For each degree, students need to ensure they obtain 120 credits At Level 1 (HE4) before progressing and obtaining a further 120 credits at Level 2 (HE5) then finally progressing to Level 3 (HE6) and obtaining the final 120 credits.

The BA Hons Creative Arts offers students the ability to ‘mix and match' across different subject areas. Courses at Level 2 (HE5) and Level 3 (HE6) do have pre-requisite conditions attached to them (i.e. the same subject must have been studied at the lower level).

The BA Hons Photography (click HERE) BA Hons Painting (click HERE) BA Hons Textiles (click HERE) and BA Hons Creative Writing (click HERE) all require subject specific study only.

Please click on the links to take you to the handbook for each of the degrees. Here you will find information about which modules to select for each level plus details of any pre-requisite conditions.

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VALIDATING UNIVERSITY

Are OCA courses externally validated?

Yes, they are. This ensures that OCA students obtain qualifications which are fully recognised in the UK HE sector and abroad.

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Which universities validate OCA courses?

Currently (since 2007/8), all OCA undergraduate courses are validated by Buckinghamshire New University (Bucks) – see HERE

Prior to the current arrangements (in the period from 2001 to 2007/8), all OCA courses were validated by the University of Glamorgan; and, prior to this, by Thames Valley University.

The MA in Fine Art launched in 2011, is validated by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA)– see HERE

Are there any benefits to students from being a part of Bucks and/or UCA?

Yes, the most significant is that you will have online access to the university's library.

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MODES OF STUDY

How does distance learning work in practice?

Doing a course via distance learning means working at your own pace, in your own time, and wherever you choose to study. It demands self motivation and discipline because you study course books and web based material on your own but you are supported by a tutor who gives individual tips and advice, normally via email or telephone. On OCA courses there are five points in each course where students get detailed feedback from their tutor.

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Can I meet with my tutor to get some face to face feedback?

For the vast majority of students, contact with their tutor is by email and/or telephone.

However, we recognise that some students prefer to receive feedback face to face (e.g. because it's easier to raise follow up questions then and there). We do offer a limited face to face service in certain subjects (e.g. Painting and Sculpture) – but not all (e.g. not in Photography and Creative Writing). However, please bear in mind that we don't have tutors based in every location so it may not be possible to organise – unless you are willing to travel long distances.

If receiving some face to face feedback is important to you please speak to one of our advisers at an early stage to check out whether it's going to be feasible. There is a small additional payment made for face to face feedback (currently £50 above the advertised price of the course).

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Can I buy additional face to face sessions?

Yes. Additional sessions are currently charged at £25 per half hour. Please note that face to face sessions are focused on feedback on work already undertaken: they are not designed to offer tuition as such. Whether you are studying on a distance learning basis (as the vast majority of our students do) or on a face to face basis, the assumption is that students are going through the course materials and carrying out the projects and assignments in their own time.

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If I opt for face to face tuition, do I still receive any written feedback?

Yes. However bear in mind that you are paying primarily for the tutor's time in giving you the feedback and discussing next steps. The written summary you will receive will be simply that: a few pointers to remind you of the key points. Students choosing the distance learning mode receive more detailed written feedback (normally by email).

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DURATION

How long does each course take?

Our learning model is very flexible indeed! We have no fixed entry points and no fixed cut off dates for submission of assignments. However both tutors and students find it helpful to pencil in some target dates for assignments. This helps to keep up the momentum.

We normally say that students should plan to put in between 8 to 10 hours a week in order to complete the course in a year or so. It is possible to complete a course in a shorter elapsed time if you can put in more time during the week.

We set a maximum period of two years to complete each course. For most students this is more than enough time. However, after 24 months tutorial support will end (unless you have negotiated an extension – see next FAQ).

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Can I get an extension if I run out of time?

For most students 24 months gives plenty of time to complete the assignments and prepare for the assessment; typically students complete in 10 to 15 months.

However we recognise that sometimes circumstances arise which make it difficult to keep up the pace (e.g. illness, family difficulties, change in employment). In these circumstances we will award an extension on request. It's important to stress that extensions will only be given if there is evidence that the student has been taking the course seriously. So, for example, when students apply for an extension but it's clear they have only done one assignment in 24 months, they are likely to be turned down, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The key piece of advice here is keep us in the picture and talk to us as soon as you can see there will be problems. We will be much more likely to award an extension if the student has been in touch, explained the position and agreed a revised timetable.

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How long are extensions for?

When extensions are given, they are for a defined period (typically 6 months). Extensions are not open ended. Thus, if it appeared that the student would never be able to pick up the pieces, there would be little point in setting a new deadline.

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How do I apply for an extension?

Extensions can be agreed over the phone in most instances (e.g. extended illness). If the situation is less clear, the academic services adviser may ask you to send an email (or letter), setting out the situation in more detail. This will then be reviewed by a manager at head office and you will be given a decision within 5 days.

The key piece of advice is to keep us in the picture and talk to us as soon as you can see there will be problems. We will be much more likely to award an extension if you have been in touch early and explained the position before the 24 months has elapsed.

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Can I appeal if my request for an extension is turned down?

If you are unhappy with the decision, please write in to the Operations Manager at head office, setting out the reasons why you need an extension and why you think the original decision is unfair. She will respond within 10 days and her decision will be final.

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TUTORS

What sort of people become OCA tutors?

OCA tutors are experienced educators and practising artists, writers and musicians who are specialists in their field. They are based all round the country and work from their own homes/studios/offices.

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How can I find out more about OCA tutors?

The profiles of all our tutors can be viewed on the OCA website OCA Tutor Profiles. Profiles may include links to the tutor's own website, where you can view their work.

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Do I have any choice as to who is to be my tutor?

At Levels 1 and 2 (HE 4 and 5), you will be allocated a tutor with relevant expertise.

At Level 3 (HE6) you do have a choice. You are encouraged to review the profiles of the Level 3 tutors, and select the one whose work and expertise most closely matches your own interests and ambitions. We will make every endeavour to allocate you your first choice, with the following provisos:

There are times when a particular tutor is not available, due to a heavy workload, ill health etc.
Sometimes students want to stay with a tutor who has tutored them on a number of previous courses. It is not desirable to have only one tutor’s input and you will be advised to choose a different tutor who can offer a different perspective.

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LISTENING AND LEARNING LOGS

Why are learning logs important?

Learning logs are tools to help you reflect on your learning and record the processes you have been through as you have developed your knowledge and practice on a subject. Their role is to coax you to review and stand back from your work and learn to be self critical. They are also the main repository for you to remind yourself what inspirations you have had, in the form of visiting places, exhibitions, seeing images, reading, surfing the internet and so on; they are also essential records for an assessor marking your work to see.

Assessors look specifically for the breadth of the research, reflection, learning and development represented in your log.

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What sort of things should I record in my learning log?

Record your learning experiences, the challenges you have had on different projects, and how you have resolved them. Note down what you have achieved, and what you might have done better. Also note web links to your favourite writers and artists, and paste in images to remind yourself whose work influences you. Add lists of places you have visited, exhibition leaflets, and make notes on how these things have influenced you and how it has changed and developed your work.

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Are learning logs part of the assessment process?

Yes, learning logs are a critical component of the assessment process and without the log being present alongside your other work the assessor will not mark your work. The learning log is a significant part of your submission and working on it should be taken seriously.

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OCA ONLINE COMMUNITY

How do I register for the OCA web forums?

OCA students do not need to register themselves on the OCA Student website, as was previously the case. New OCA students are now registered by OCA within 5 working days of your payment for a course being accepted. If you have not received your username and password by the end of 5 working days, please send an email containing your student number and full name to help[at]oca-uk.com and we will ensure that your details are promptly issued to you by email.

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How can I participate in online discussions?

You must first login using your username and password (see above). Then click on the Forums button in the navigation bar and then enter one of the forum folders. From that page you can then start a new topic or read and comment on existing topics. For more details on how to use the forums and other website facilities, download the website guide, HERE.

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Where can I find resources relevant to my course?

The resources section of the OCA Student website contains links to useful websites relevant to individual courses. You will notice that there are both Key Resources and Communal Resources. Communal Resources are selected by students and tutors of OCA, Key Resources are placed there by OCA staff.

To add a resource...
Once logged in to oca-student.com, click on 'Create Content' and select 'Communal Resource' and enter the relevant information into the form, depending on the type of resource you are adding (Video, a document, or a link).

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STUDENT DISCOUNTS

Will I qualify for student discounts?

Once you are enrolled on an OCA course you will receive an OCA Student Card. This card may be accepted by retailers and organisations that offer student discount.

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How will I know which suppliers will give me a discount?

Most retailers and other organisations advertise that they offer student discounts. If in doubt, ask!

If you have an NUS Extra card a full list of participating organisations can be found: HERE

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Will I receive a student union card?

The OCA is registered as an educational provider with the National Union of Students. Membership of the NUS is optional. UK Students who register with the NUS will be entitled to purchase the NUS Extra Card. The NUS Extra Card is the definitive student discount card issued by the NUS, but can be also used to show membership when required.

With an NUS Extra Card you can take advantage of a range of exclusive discounts, offers and competitions designed to make student life more exciting, more memorable and more rewarding. To register with NUS and to purchase the NUS Extra Card please go to http://www.nus.org.uk/en/