Online College of Art and Design

LizD_2

I'm looking into doing a Foundation Diploma in Art with a view to doing an art degree. It's difficult for me to do a course at a standard college, so I've been looking at online providers. Does anyone have any experience with the above college, or any others of this nature? Obviously I would make sure it's a properly accredited course, but I just wondered if they're actually for real.

Dunroamin

Do you have a link to their website?

LizD_2

Sorry, this is it.

http://www.artcoursework.com/

agrinnall

Any reason why you wouldn't put the Open University at the top of your list of places to consider for distance learning?

http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/study/index.shtml

LizD_2

Yes - OU doesn't offer practical art & design courses (which the Foundation Diploma is), otherwise they'd be my first choice.

Lokolo

Well having read through their website I am still not entirely convinced.

http://www.artcoursework.com/foundation.html

I am assuming this is the course? It has the exam board ABC Awards, I've never heard of them but their website seems genuine.

Have a try on Facebook to see if they have a group or anything, and see what people say.

Dunroamin

If you can't manage attendance for a foundation course, how will you manage for the degree?

I would contact any institutions where you might like to study for the degree and check that they would accept the course with this provider. You could also discuss your options with https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

LizD_2

Thanks for replies. I'm hoping to start the degree in 2015, when it'll be easier for me to study full-time. Having made the decision to go back to studying, I don't really want to wait another year (2016), if I can possibly avoid it.

I'm waiting to hear back from the uni I want to go to as to what they'll accept. As a mature student the requirements are more flexible, but I'll see what they say.

LizD_2

After a LOT of digging, I'm struggling to find anything much about OCAD, although the ABC qualification looks to be kosher and the 'industry standard'.

I emailed them to ask if they're eligible for the 24+ Learning Loan (they're not), but the reply I got seemed like a sales pitch - immediately they offered me £1000 off the cost 'for a limited' time.

There is another place that offers the same course, but does have a lot more web presence and even reviews on whatuni.com. Their degrees are also offered in association with the University of Hertfordshire.

http://www.idesigni.co.uk/courses/foundation-studies/art-design-media

Wyndham

I've done a bit of digging for you too, and I don't think they are accredited. There is a website called 'Naric' (which I mostly use in my work for international comparisons, but also has UK based stuff). They are not listed, so alarm bells are ringing for me....

Emilysmum

OCAD are a great college guys; I studied there last year and received my Foundation Diploma no problem. I had a great time and am now studying my degree in Photography at Northampton.

I looked at IDI and they look great too but were too expensive for me. Hope you get what you want:)