Norwich University of the Arts was founded more than 175 years ago, and today provides students with excellent teaching that leads to industry-relevant qualifications across a wide range of creative subjects, including design, media, architecture, creative science and technology.
As a specialist university covering creative courses, Norwich University of the Arts has adopted a contemporary and forward-thinking approach to teaching the arts. Norwich is a place where the future of creativity is shaped in a fast-changing world. The university understands that creative practitioners play an essential role in this process by understanding and interpreting what is happening and developing better ways of living in the future. A student body of around 2,800 learners has access to cutting-edge facilities at Norwich, equipped with established and emerging technologies and strong support in their chosen field.
Norwich University of the Arts has a well-earned reputation for creating successful designers and artists, with many graduates seeing recognition for their work around the world. Alongside well-established courses ranging from games art and design, graphic design and fashion, students can choose to study newer courses like creative computing and creative technology.
The university’s remarkable city centre campus is at the heart of the creative quarter of Norwich, offering students excellent facilities within easy walking distance. Norwich is a safe and student-friendly city with plenty of live entertainment venues, independent restaurants and shops, an annual international festival and other social activities to enjoy.
There are a wide variety of courses available for study at Norwich including fashion, film, game development and design, creative computing, interior design, photography and acting.
Courses are practical and project based, structured so that the students can develop their own creative styles amongst the teaching frameworks. The university recognises that there is no single right path to success, and students are encouraged to debate, develop, experiment, reflect on ideas and make. This includes both individual and group collaboration projects, where peer feedback is valued.
All courses are taught by experts including practising artists, media producers and designers. They understand how students need to develop for success in their industries and ensure that courses are tailored to balance practical instruction, theory and industry-relevant skills.
The teaching faculty at Norwich are widely experienced and can communicate their skills and knowledge to students from all walks of life. They are dedicated to the success of their students and encourage them to fulfil their potential.
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSThe entry requirements for undergraduate courses at Norwich University of the Arts vary, but most will require three A-levels with a minimum grading of BBB or equivalent BTEC Level 3 qualification. Of those A-levels, at least one should be in a relevant arts, design or media subject for the student’s chosen degree.
BSc degrees will require at least one A-level to be in a science/technical subject or equivalent BTEC qualification.
There may be other requirements as part of the application process, including the provision of a development portfolio of prior work, in-person audition or an optional portfolio review. Students will be advised on this element of the process when they apply for their course.
Students should check the information on the university’s website for their chosen course to see their specific requirements. Undergraduate mature students who are not applying direct from A-level study can contact the university to find out more about alternative eligibility requirements that they may fulfil.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONUndergraduates who choose to study at Norwich University of the Arts have several options for accommodation.
All Saints Green and the new Duke Street Riverside are high-spec halls of residence owned by the university, while Beechcroft’s halls are a short bus journey from the campus and are close to important amenities. These options are prioritised for first-year students. Typically, students live in single en-suite bedroom arranged in shared flats of between 5 and 11 rooms, with communal lounge and kitchen facilities. Individual studio flats are also available, although limited in number.
Alternatively, private accommodation is available. Students can find their own place to stay or choose to live in the new Crown Place or Benedict’s Gate developments, which the university works closely with. If students choose to find their own lodgings, the university’s Accommodation Office can help advise students on various important topics including how to find a suitable landlord for students, shared housing options that are close to campus, and keeping costs low.
Norwich University of the Arts’s campus consists of 12 buildings in the heart of Norwich’s cultural quarter. Each of these buildings has been renovated to be suitable as a modern teaching space, with the latest tech and studios providing state-of-the-art facilities without compromising the classic architecture.
Norwich also has a specialist arts, design and media library. With over 38,000 books, a wide range of subscriptions and online academic sources available for students, it is the largest specialist arts library in eastern England.
Each course has specific media labs and creative spaces to ensure that each student has the best tools to help them succeed, whether studying performance-based arts, technical-based design or creative production. Essential facilities for student living, including shops and sports facilities are catered for within the city.
The university has a gallery of its own, East Gallery, which showcases the best modern and contemporary art from creators around the world.
Find out more about the accommodations and facilities in person at the uni.
BOOK OPEN DAYWhat's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 1240 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWM Monika Reviewed 08 Feb 23 Games Art & Design BA (Hons) The general location of the university is good as it gives plenty of opportunity for employment, being known as the city of students. Overall the University offers many educational opportunities and lecturers go out of their way to help... READ FULL REVIEW
O Oliver Reviewed 08 Feb 23 Games Art & Design (including Year 0) BA (Hons) A great institution and city to study in with plenty to do for students. All of the campus is located right in the heart of the city with lots of student accommodation nearby, and the city itself is very student friendly to live... READ FULL REVIEW
The Norwich University of the Arts has a number of dedicated support services to help students with any issues around mental health and wellbeing, disability, finance and accommodation. These include a counselling service that is free and run by The Norwich Centre, an independent organisation in the city.
The students’ union offers a range of services, including representations for minority groups, while the Careers Centre is on-hand to aid students with employability. The university’s team of student union representatives are friendly and approachable, and often the first point of contact for students experiencing personal issues.
Norwich University of the Arts also has a dedicated Disability and Dyslexia Service that is aimed at helping any students requiring additional support due to a physical or mental disability, or those who are neurodiverse.
Students’ applications are considered on a purely academic basis. However, students are advised to disclose disabilities to ensure that adequate support is provided should they need it.
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEAs a specialist university, Norwich University of the Arts offers a more limited selection of courses than some larger institutions. The result is that its courses have excellent support, superb quality course material and curriculum development, so students can feel confident they’re getting the best education possible that is tailored to their field.
On top of that, students can expect exceptional tuition in the best environment possible from true leaders in their field, and a high number of contact hours which give a more personalised learning experience with plenty of targeted feedback.
Norwich University of the Arts is known for its approach to teaching, which includes more vocational arts courses with a heavy weighting towards practical, hands-on learning. The result is that students are able to develop their ideas in their own way, creating or honing their signature style which they can then carry forward into their career to future successes.
The students’ union is independent from the main university and exists to support and represent students throughout their time of study. All students should feel that their experience is exciting and rewarding, which is something the SU advocates for.
All enrolled students gain automatic membership of the SU, and there are various student representatives to offer advice and guidance and works with the senior management of Norwich University of the Arts to make sure that core issues are dealt with quickly and fairly. It prioritises student perspectives, working to ensure they are properly represented in key decisions.
The students’ union also arranges various events to help students feel like part of a community during their time at Norwich. The main SU office is in St Andrews House, which is also the home of a student lounge and cafe and serves as a meeting point for students during the day alongside a teaching facility.
The Norwich University of the Arts Students’ Union runs a wide range of clubs and societies for students to partake in during their studies at the university. Despite being a specialist arts university, the clubs are much more diverse, covering everything from dance to football and Harry Potter.
All students are welcome to start their own clubs too, if they have an interest that isn’t catered for by the union, and this presents a great opportunity to contribute to the student life of the university while taking on responsibilities and developing management skills.
The university has a range of sporting facility partners locally and the SU will provide organisational support in finding suitable facilities nearby, providing students meet the requirements to start their society.
Students with an interest in journalism can also join the team that creates Storehouse, the official magazine of the Norwich University of the Arts Students’ Union. Two issues are released each year and students are given the opportunity to learn a variety of skills in putting the magazine together.
The city of Norwich is popular with arts and design students as a city that is vibrant and packed with culture. It’s also one of the safest cities in the UK where students are always welcome.
Despite being a smaller city, Norwich has a wealth of interesting things for students to see and do during their time at university. There are six theatres, three cinemas and two shopping malls along with many pubs, bars, restaurants and markets.
Norwich’s job market is varied, although Norwich University of the Arts students will especially benefit from the thriving creative industry there. The city is home to one of the UK’s most concentrated creative industry clusters.
Further afield, the city is surrounded by miles upon miles of beautiful countryside and natural fenland, and the Norfolk Broads provide some wonderful scenery for day trips. Norwich is well connected by rail and is only a relatively short distance to London, making it easy for students to visit the capital.
See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.
BOOK OPEN DAYNorwich graduates go on to lead highly successful careers in their chosen field of the arts. Students are encouraged to build a distinctive portfolio that will set them apart from other graduates competing for jobs.
Students will be able to use tools such as Profile, an innovative card game with a digital platform, which helps students to match their skills and experience to real-world workplace scenarios, and work with the university’s Business & Employability Team who offers students specialist advice and expert support on employability in creative fields.
Alongside these tools, every undergraduate course incorporates some form of professional skill development focus as well as the practice and theory of the study matter. All courses at Norwich University of the Arts are tailored to help students gain experience relevant to the working world, making them significantly more attractive to employers.
There are a range of opportunities for students to exhibit or screen their work to a wider audience including both public and industry professionals, whether it’s the online graduate showcase or external showcase events.
From 2023, Norwich University of the Arts also offers a Level 5 Diploma in Creative Professional Development, an additional year focused on employability for students entering their third year.
Students seeking to make their university study more affordable may be able to qualify for a scholarship, bursary or financial award. These are awarded for both merit-based and means-tested criteria, and there are various options available at Norwich University of the Arts which prospective students can explore while making an application. Depending on the specific award students will need to either prove their financial need or demonstrate how they meet the individual requirements in order to apply.
Scholarships and bursaries are in high demand and so not every applicant will be successful, even if they meet the requirements. Students should give the best account of themselves and submit any applications in a timely manner to have the best chance of success.
Scholarships, bursaries and financial awards are usually payments that don’t need to be paid back. They may be made directly to the student, or to the university to partially cover tuition or accommodation costs.
The university charges tuition fees annually to students, with different rates for UK and international students:
UK nationality
International
Students who wish to study at Norwich University of the Arts and originate from an EU country, but do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be required to pay the international fees.
UK students will be able to apply for a tuition fee loan which will cover the full cost of their tuition fees for the duration of their qualification, which is paid directly to the university at the start of each year. This loan will become repayable once the student reaches a minimum earning salary upon graduation. Other loans are also available to help with living costs, and these are means-tested. International finance options will vary.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTION
You'll be shocked by the number of clubs and societies on offer at Norwich University of the Arts. There's something for everyone! As well as being able to pick different clubs and societies, most courses let you choose modules at different points through your degree.
As well as personalising your course through optional modules, you may have the chance to do a work placement during your studies. Developing your professional skills through work placements is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employability.
If you want a job you love (and who doesn't?), getting a job in a field you're passionate about is a great place to start. By studying a subject you really enjoy, you'll be qualified for a range of jobs relating to that subject, which you'll hopefully love.
For those who aren't ready to give up on education after an undergraduate degree, you'll have the opportunity to progress to postgraduate study such as a master's or even a PhD.
Norwich University of the Arts's accommodation is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. All your bills are included in your rent, you'll have free WiFi and your rent also includes security and maintenance.
You'll have access to communal areas like kitchen and dining facilities, where you can socialise with other students you're living with. Disabled students will find several rooms adapted in accessible halls to suit a range of access requirements.
