Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) is a leading UK university offering three year undergraduate and one year graduate programmes in art, design and media disciplines. For 170 years NUA has offered studio-based, practice-led learning that prepares graduates for success in the creative industries.
A specialist education
A specialist art and design education is focused entirely on the development of creative skills through practice. It’s about learning through making to a professional standard. Throughout their studies, students explore and master practical techniques and approaches relevant to their discipline. They develop a reliable creative process through critique, critical reflection, research, collaborative working and real-world work experience. Process and practice go hand in hand for graduate success.
Instead of formal classrooms, specialist students are at home in studios and workshops. The academic and technical staff are themselves artists, designers and accomplished researchers in their field. Students are assessed not through exams, but the work they generate. Most importantly, from the moment students walk in the door through to graduation they are preparing for success after graduation by making: honing practical skills, learning lessons from mistakes and successes, engaging challenging ideas and making up their own minds, discovering the stories they want to tell, working for real clients and building a portfolio to kick-start their career.
A huge range of projects are undertaken during the course of an NUA degree programme, though the curriculum is not made of different modules. It is carefully constructed of units that build on each other so that every year advances the quality, complexity and professionalism demonstrated in the student’s portfolio. This means students complete their studies on time, without the worry of missing out on work placements or travel abroad.
Course length
3-year undergraduate degree courses are standard in English universities, so all undergraduate degrees are three years in length. NUA also offers a 4-year degree option in some subjects. Students on this pathway enrol on what the University calls Year 0 courses, which are one year in length and provide foundation-level instruction. Successful completion of Year 0 leads directly onto the first year of a normal BA degree. Upon graduation, students are awarded their Bachelor Degree with Honours. UK Masters degrees are 1 year for international students. They run September to September each academic year.
A vibrant British cultural hub
Norwich is a vibrant and charming city on the east coast of the UK. The cost of living is much lower than elsewhere in the UK, despite boasting a high standard of living. Historical landmarks dominate the city centre, though they feel part of everyday life. Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral – both over 900 years old – are still used every day. While celebrating its rich cultural heritage, Norwich is a progressive and forward-looking city. It's home to a thriving contemporary art scene, dozens of annual festivals and a rich pub and cafe culture.
Admissions procedures
To secure a place on an NUA course, candidates must first submit an application, which includes a personal statement, academic history, and a reference. Next, applicants will be asked to submit a digital portfolio of creative work and an academic essay or research paper. We offer guidance on what is expected for each course and can advise candidates on their individual portfolios. Applicants will then have the opportunity to arrange a Skype interview with a member of the relevant course team. If candidates are in the UK or wish to travel to the UK, live interviews can be arranged. Applicants are told of the decision within a week of interviewing.
At Norwich University of the Arts, you can study a range of creative degree programmes across the visual art and design disciplines. Full course listings and details are available on the University website.