About Us
Norwich University of the Arts emerged in the 19th century from a thriving tradition of craft and artistic activity in the city of Norwich.
Today, that flame of creative exchange burns brighter than ever. We are engaged in the dynamic debate about the nature and future of creativity through different practices and disciplines, established and emerging art forms, research, and experimentation.
This debate is vital because the world around us is changing. Creative practitioners play an essential role by questioning, interpreting and responding, activating change to pave the way to a better, more sustainable future. Through joy and enterprise, great thought and great action, our radical culture and diverse community encourage us to understand what is, imagine what could be.
With a renowned reputation for teaching quality and student experience, the University was in the Top 10 for Teaching Quality in the 2022 Sunday Times Good University Guide. We were the highest climber in the Complete University Guide 2023 — the highest-ranked specialist creative arts university outside London. We have been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) with the highest possible rating. We are the only creative arts and design university with a triple gold TEF rating.
We empower our staff and students in their intellectual and personal growth, by equipping them with confidence, resilience and creative thinking. We believe that diversity in all its forms is at the heart of creative endeavour, ensuring we see the world differently and give form and voice to new possibilities. Our commitment is to offer practice-based courses highly prized by the creative industries that afford students space to develop their skills and pursue their passion
Situated in the historic city of Norwich — the City of Stories, with an impressive estate encompassing historic buildings and brand-new state-of-the-art facilities, the University is a vibrant community that forms the beating heart of the city and region’s arts and cultural worlds.
At the heart of it all are our students. Artists, designers, performers, makers and creators. Bringing diverse interests and unique perspectives, they share a desire to be challenged and inspired. To learn from the past and shape the world.
Study at NUA
You will explore your idea, collaborate with fellow students, and develop your own creative approach at Norwich University of the Arts. Our specialist and supportive creative community is a place where everyone is encouraged to imagine, design and make, taking a bold first step towards a creative career.
Practical and project-based courses
Our courses are practical, project-based and run through studios, media labs and workshops where you will experiment with different techniques and test different formats.
Our curriculum is carefully-constructed so each unit builds on what you have learned in the last.
Every term your portfolio will grow in quality, complexity and professionalism.
Creative assessment not exams
You will be assessed by the quality of work you produce on the course, not by sitting exams.
You will need to hit deadlines just like in the workplace – and we expect you to be passionate about your creative field, with a distinctive portfolio of work that will set you apart from other graduates competing for jobs.
Work at NUA
Join a thriving academic and professional community at a university that’s renowned for outstanding teaching quality, industry-standard facilities and high rates of satisfaction among the 2,000+ students currently studying a wide range of arts, design, architecture and media subjects. Find out more and take a look at our latest vacancies here.
