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An image to illustrate the Creative Arts courses page
The Open University offers a broad range of qualifications and courses in the creative arts. These online courses are available through our college dedicated to the creative arts, The Open College of the Arts. Choose from online courses in graphic design, photography, painting, drawing, illustration, interior design, and textiles.
On this page:Undergraduate courses |Arts foundation courses |Short courses |Contact The Open College of the Arts
From August 2023, all Open College of the Arts honours degrees will be accredited by The Open University.
To learn more about our creative arts courses and how to apply, visit The Open College of the Arts website or click on a course link below.

Choose from our subject-specific art degrees if you have a particular discipline you’re passionate about. Alternatively, The Open College of the Arts BA (Hons) Creative Arts degree provides an exciting opportunity if you’re looking to explore two or more creative arts practices.

An image to illustrate the Certificate of Higher Education in Film and Media ProductionCertificate of Higher Education in Film and Media ProductionTransform your passion for film into practical media production skills through hands-on learning.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) Graphic DesignBA (Honours) Graphic DesignExplore the creative world around you with our graphic design degree, and develop your unique graphic design practice.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) Interior DesignBA (Honours) Interior DesignExplore how you can discover the full potential of different spaces with this online interior design degree.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) PhotographyBA (Honours) PhotographyOur highly popular online photography degree will help you advance in (or even begin!) your photographic journey.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) PaintingBA (Honours) PaintingOur online painting degree helps you develop your core skills, methods and approaches in the many practices of painting.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) DrawingBA (Honours) DrawingQuestion your ideas of what drawing can be on our online drawing degree, and discover your creative potential.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) IllustrationBA (Honours) IllustrationExplore book, editorial, commercial and graphic novel illustration – and beyond! – on our broad-ranging illustration degree.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) TextilesBA (Honours) TextilesThis online textiles degree offers a rich exploration of surface, pattern, texture and materials in many forms.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) Creative ArtsBA (Honours) Creative ArtsExplore our interdisciplinary creative arts degree to discover diverse art and design processes to develop your creative identity.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) Fine ArtBA (Honours) Fine ArtAn online fine art degree sees you acknowledge and learn from tradition while pushing forward in contemporary practice.
An image to illustrate the BA (Hons) Visual CommunicationsBA (Honours) Visual CommunicationsDevelop multidisciplinary design skills across graphics, illustration and more to solve real-world challenges.
If degree study is new to you or you are uncertain where to start, we recommend you consider getting started with one of The Open College of the Arts Art Foundation courses. These courses will provide the building blocks you will need to start on a degree pathway, help to build your confidence, and familiarise you with the study skills you need to study from home.
Foundation Creative Writing
Foundation Drawing
Foundation Drawing for Textile Art, Design and Fashion
Foundation Drawing from the Past
Foundation Interior Design
Foundation Material and Making
Foundation Music
Foundation Painting
Foundation Photography
Foundation Textiles
Focusing on a single topic, these short courses run for 8–10 weeks. Designed and led by The Open College of the Arts expert tutors, you will go deep into a topic and develop expertise in topical issues.
Creative Education
Game Designer’s Mindset
Investigating Place with Psychogeography
Photography as Language
If you have any questions about creative arts courses with The Open College of the Arts, please get in touch with our enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 (0)1226 978330
Email: enquiries@oca.ac.uk
Or via The Open College of the Arts contact page.
Level info