Your Path to a Recognised Art Qualification
Kwassie Art Studio is now an official OCAD Centre, part of a partnership with the Online College of Art & Design (OCAD), a UK-based, Ofqual-regulated art and design college. This means you can now combine our hands-on, in-person workshops with an accredited UK qualification, studied at your own pace and supported in person at our studio in Vienna.
What is OCAD?
OCAD is an established UK online art college. Students study the same government-regulated (Ofqual) qualifications you’d find at any UK college or school, just delivered online. Courses are self-paced, with a personal tutor providing feedback and support throughout, and there’s no requirement for prior formal qualifications to get started.
As an OCAD Centre, Kwassie now offers the in-person side of that experience: a studio space, materials and an experienced practitioner to guide your practical work, alongside the structure and certification of the OCAD course.
Level 2: Art & Design Certificate
Who it’s for: Anyone starting their creative education formally, with no prior qualification needed. Comparable to a GCSE/BTEC-level qualification in the UK system.
What it involves: A structured but flexible course covering core art and design skills, assessed through a portfolio of practical work rather than written exams.
Good fit if: You want a recognised first step into formal art education, whether as an adult returning to study, a teenager exploring the subject outside school, or someone building a portfolio for further study.
Level 3: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
Who it’s for: Students aged 16 and over. This is a pre-degree, further-education level qualification, equivalent to roughly 2–3 A Levels, and it carries UCAS points for university entry in the UK and other countries that recognise British qualifications.
What it involves: A deeper, portfolio-based course structured in three stages, developing both technical skill and independent creative direction, typically over one to two years depending on pace.
Good fit if: You’re aiming for a degree in art, design, photography or a related creative field, or want a qualification that reflects a serious, sustained body of work.
How the online and in-person parts fit together
- The course itself (curriculum, assignments, tutor feedback, and the accredited certificate) is delivered by OCAD online.
- Kwassie’s role is to give you a real studio to work in, materials and in-person guidance from an experienced practitioner as you move through your coursework. You’re not learning alone at a desk. You have a place and people to bring your questions to.
- You can schedule your in-person studio time around your own life. There’s no fixed timetable to keep.
How to sign up
- Apply through OCAD, quoting Kwassie Art Studio as your centre, or get in touch with us directly and we’ll guide you through registration.
- Choose your level and course based on your goals. If you are unsure, get in touch with OCAD and they will assist you with choosing the right program.
- Start your online coursework with your OCAD tutor.
- Book your studio time with us to work on your practical assignments in person, with materials and support on hand.