When you study with NEC you will be able to claim 10% off your first level at the Open College of the Arts.

The Open College of the Arts (OCA) and The National Extension College (NEC) are working together to make progression from FE (further education) to HE (higher education) a lot more affordable.

Our shared history

Both NEC and the OCA were founded by Michael Young, the visionary social entrepreneur, who was committed to opening up opportunities for education for adults who ‘did not have the education they would when they were younger and are not getting it now’. NEC was established in 1963 and the OCA in 1987 but the need for second chance education is probably even greater today than it was then.

“The Open College of the Arts is a unique and very special online college. At a time when the arts and creativity is being marginalised, the OCA, a non-profit-making educational charity, is committed to developing their students’ artistic abilities through textiles, creative arts, illustration, graphic design, interior design and garden design, painting, drawing, music, sculpture and creative writing. They offer an alternative pathway to higher education and many OCA students have moved on to professional careers in the arts. 

It is particularly appropriate that the OCA are offering an exclusive benefit of a 10% reduction on their first level fees to NEC students who wish to take a degree pathway through OCA.” – NEC CEO Dr Ros Morpeth OBE

“The National Extension College and Open College of the Arts share a unique history in providing open access distance learning, indeed the NEC has 55 years’ experience in providing life-changing learning which we already witness through NEC students who choose to go on and study with OCA. It is appropriate that we now look to facilitate pathways to success for adult learners who wish to progress onto higher education creative arts study. My ambition is to make this an opportunity to develop pathways into growth disciplines and to stimulate vocational and economic growth, giving everyone the opportunity to achieve a professional career in the creative arts.”- OCA Principal and CEO, Will Woods

What is the offer?

Current NEC students or alumni within three years of progressing their studies with NEC, will be eligible to claim a 10% discount on all Open College of the Arts Level 1 undergraduate courses, over £400 in savings across the level.

Online learning can open the doors to students of all ages and backgrounds, providing the flexibility and framework to achieve academic success.

More than 40% of NEC students plan on going onto university. This is a fantastic opportunity for all those students who appreciate the flexibility of distance learning and wish to continue their studies into higher education; whether it’s to pursue a career goal or simply just to study the subject you love. 

How to receive 10% off your OCA course

When you apply to the Open College of the Arts to study any Level 1 undergraduate distance learning course, NEC students and alumni need to provide their NEC student reference number as well as any further evidence of having studied with NEC that is requested by the OCA; such as a copy of the confirmation of enrolment email you first received when you enrolled with NEC. NEC students and alumni must have completed a course within the last 3 years. This discount is subject to the OCA’s normal terms and conditions.  

Find out key dates and information on applying to the Open College of the Arts here: https://www.oca.ac.uk/