OCAD has a signed progression agreement with Falmouth University, a specialist, creative university with over 120 years of creative heritage. This agreement gives eligible OCAD learners a recognised progression route into selected Falmouth University online degrees – supported by both institutions.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing emerging talent and widening access to arts education, ensuring students transition seamlessly from foundation to degree-level study.”
— Falmouth University, Partnership Announcement
You don’t just apply as a standard applicant – as an OCAD learner you can benefit from enhanced access, support and opportunities for streamlined admissions.
Benefits as a Distinction-level applicant:
In recognition of the talent of OCAD leaners, Falmouth University is offering streamlined admissions processes for eligible applicants from OCAD who are predicted a distinction.
If you’re predicted a Distinction in your OCAD Foundation diploma and apply to an eligible Falmouth University online degree, you can benefit from:
- A guaranteed conditional offer for an eligible course (subject to standard requirements and achieving a Distinction in your OCAD programme)
- No interview required
- No portfolio check required – though you are welcome to share these with Falmouth’s academic team for personalised feedback if you’d like!
- …Which all result in a smoother, faster admissions decision
How it works:
- You study with OCAD and work towards Distinction level
- OCAD confirms your predicted grade through the usual admissions process
- If you’re on track for Distinction, Falmouth issues a direct offer route without interview or portfolio stages
Every eligible OCAD student is recognised
All eligible OCAD students benefit from recognition under the agreement. Applicants receive more support than standard applicants, including special arrangements to talk through admissions with Falmouth tutors, plus guided preparation for any required portfolio or interview stages.
Support includes:
- Admissions guidance tailored to your course goals
- Direct conversations with Falmouth tutors (partner arrangements)
- Portfolio and interview preparation support (where applicable)
- OCAD support to strengthen your application
To access the progression opportunities available through our signed progression agreement with Falmouth University, students must enrol on one of OCAD’s Level 3 Foundation Diploma programmes and be applying to an eligible Falmouth University online degree.
Apply now and start your journey with a recognised university progression route, extra admissions support and the possibility of a guaranteed, conditional offer with less uncertainty and more support.
DEGREE PATHWAY – Foundation Diploma Illustration
100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification.. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to directly to Falmouth University to study BA (Hons) Illustration (Online).
DEGREE PATHWAY – Foundation Diploma Photography
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to directly to Falmouth University to study BA (Hons) Photography (Online).
DEGREE PATHWAY – Foundation Diploma Interior Design
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to directly to Falmouth University to study BA (Hons) Interior Design (Online).
DEGREE PATHWAY –Foundation Diploma Visual Communication
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to directly to Falmouth University to study BA (Hons) Visual Communication (Online).
Across all pathways, students:
- Develop a strong, degree-ready portfolio
- Build creative confidence across disciplines
- Learn how to work to briefs, present ideas, and reflect on practice
- Are supported by tutors who understand university admissions expectations
This is why Falmouth University recognises all pathways within these programmes for progression.
OCAD will support you to:
- Explore different creative disciplines during your foundation year
- Align your work with potential degree routes
Your pathway choice should reflect your interests and creative strengths, not restrict your future options.
Meet the university before you apply
This partnership is active – not just a signed document. Each year, Falmouth tutors:
- Run taster sessions for OCAD learners
- Join selected OCAD online sessions to meet students
- Deliver workshops and guidance on what university study is like
- Share insight into Falmouth programmes and creative expectations
This means you can explore degree-level study early, ask questions, and apply with confidence.
Progression destinations at Falmouth University
OCAD students can progress onto selected online undergraduate degrees through this agreement – although all learners can apply to any Falmouth programme following the typical application admissions process (online and on campus degrees). Our agreement has creative progression routes including these online undergraduate degrees:
- BA (Hons) Illustration
- BA (Hons) Visual Communication
- BA (Hons) Interior Design
- BA (Hons) Photography
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing
- BSc (Hons) Business & Marketing
What you need to progress
Progression is based on completing the relevant OCAD qualification and meeting Falmouth’s entry criteria. Depending on the degree, this may include:
- Your achieved or predicted grade (Distinction fast-track where applicable)
- Any relevant application information required by the university
- Right to study (where applicable)
OCAD will support you throughout, including helping you prepare and submit strong applications.
Why students choose OCAD for university progression
- Learn online with expert creative tutors
- Build a portfolio with progression in mind
- Gain a recognised pathway into university study
- Access extra guidance, tasters, and partner tutor sessions
- Distinction students can unlock a fast-track route
OCAD will support you throughout, including helping you prepare and submit strong applications.
“By aligning high-quality online learning with Falmouth’s creative vision and academic standards, this partnership ensures students transition seamlessly from foundation to degree-level study.”
— Falmouth University
Your Progression. Your Choice
OCAD’s partnerships are designed to open doors, not close them.
While our signed progression agreement with Falmouth University provides a clear, supported progression route, students are never restricted to a single university or outcome.
We actively support learners to:
- Explore multiple universities and courses
- Apply to institutions in the UK and internationally
- Choose the route that best aligns with their goals, interests, and circumstances
What is the Falmouth Pathway Award?
The Falmouth Pathway Award offers a £2,000 tuition fee credit for eligible international fee-status students who progress directly from a recognised partner institution such as OCAD into a full-time undergraduate degree at Falmouth.
Key benefits:
- £2,000 tuition fee credit
- Automatically applied once eligibility is confirmed
- No separate scholarship application required
- Recognises progression through an approved academic partner
This award sits alongside your articulation agreement progression route, making the transition to university even more accessible.
How This Works for OCAD Students
If you:
- Complete an eligible OCAD qualification
- Progress directly to a full-time undergraduate degree at Falmouth
- Are classed as an international fee-status student
You may be automatically considered for the Falmouth Pathway Award
OCAD admissions advisors will help you understand how progression, offers, and funding opportunities align, so you can plan with confidence.
Your University Progression Starts Here
You don’t need to wait until the end of your course to think about university – your progression pathway starts the moment you enrol at OCAD.
With our signed articulation agreement with Falmouth University, your time at OCAD is designed to:
- Build a recognised qualification
- Prepare you for degree-level creative study
- Give you direct access to university insight and support
- Unlock a fast-track admissions route if you achieve a Distinction
This is a clearer, smarter way to reach university
Apply now and start your journey with a signed university progression route, extra admissions support and the possibility of a direct, fast-track offer, with less uncertainty and more support.
Places are limited. Early enrolment gives you the strongest opportunity to benefit from partner progression routes and fast-track admissions.
FAQS
Yes. OCAD has a signed progression agreement with Falmouth University. OCAD is a recognised academic partner, and OCAD qualifications are formally accepted for progression into selected Falmouth University degree programmes.
If you are predicted to achieve a Distinction, and are applying to an eligible Falmouth University degree, you can benefit from a streamlined admissions route.
This means:
- You bypass some of the standard admissions process
- No portfolio review (unless you want one!)
- No interview
- You receive a confirmed offer (subject to standard conditions, including achieving your Distinction)
- This is one of the strongest advantages of studying at OCAD.
All OCAD Level 3 Foundation Diplomas are recognised under the progression agreement and can benefit from enhanced applicant support from OCAD and Falmouth University.
This can include webinars, talks and support of a Course Advisor during your application.
Falmouth University recognises the high quality of OCAD’s teaching, and this will be taken into consideration when OCAD learners apply to the University’s programmes.
The difference is in how direct the admissions route is:
Distinction students applying to eligible Falmouth University online degrees -> guaranteed conditional offer, no interview or portfolio
Other students -> supported admissions with enhanced access to Falmouth University academics through scheduled inputs throughout the year.
Either way, your OCAD qualification offers a valuable progression route to the University.
Yes. As part of the partnership:
- Falmouth academics deliver taster sessions
- Academics visit OCAD online sessions each year
- Students can meet, ask questions, and receive guidance directly from Falmouth staff.
No. You are never locked into a single route.
OCAD actively encourages students to explore all progression options during their programme. The progression agreement with Falmouth University provides a strong opportunity, not a restriction.
You are free to:
- Apply to other universities in the UK or internationally
- Apply to other Falmouth University courses not listed in the agreement, though please note that streamlined admissions are only available through eligible online Falmouth University programmes
- Keep multiple progression options open at the same time – you don’t have to make a decision until you accept your place on a course
- Your place under the progression agreement is not jeopardised by exploring other options.
Yes – and you are encouraged to do so if it’s right for you.
OCAD supports students to:
- Explore different universities and courses
- Compare teaching styles, locations, and learning formats
- Make informed decisions based on personal goals
- Our role is to help you find the best progression route for you, not to limit your choices.
Absolutely.
A conditional offer gives you security and certainty, while still allowing you the freedom to:
- Explore other degree options
- Attend open days or tasters elsewhere
- Decide what feels right for your future
Many students find reassurance in having a confirmed route, even while they consider alternatives.
That’s completely fine.
OCAD students are welcome to apply to any Falmouth University course via the standard admissions route. The progression agreement applies to selected programmes, but does not limit access to other courses.
You’ll still benefit from:
- OCAD portfolio preparation
- Admissions guidance
- Strong academic references and predicted grades
OCAD is student-centred at every stage.
We believe:
- Progression should be personal, flexible, and informed
- No single route suits everyone
- Students should feel empowered, not pressured
The Falmouth University progression agreement is a powerful opportunity to embrace, but your progression journey is always your choice.