Students at NUA will benefit from 175 years of educational excellence in the arts, with a focus on practical work and portfolio building.
Norwich University of the Arts is a specialist institution in East Anglia which delivers an innovative and creatively driven portfolio of postgraduate degree courses spanning architecture, art, design, textiles and research. Established in 1845, the University’s inclusive and diverse education platform has steadily developed a reputation for success.
Students benefit from a practical approach to tuition with a variety of opportunities to explore ideas and deepen creative practices. Creative production through independent learning underpins all Masters courses, and classes are supported by a variety of teaching and learning methods, alongside expert faculty.
Teaching staff are enthusiastic about student success and help learners develop advanced creative skills alongside meaningful independent research. Students also benefit from an impressive range of equipment and facilities, including industry-level software, powerful Mac computers, photography and film studios, and bespoke workshops.
The University’s alumni network includes Turner Prize nominee Glenn Brown, Batman comic artist Brian Bolland, Monty Python writer Neil Innes, BAFTA winners, Graduate Fashion Week winners, and D&AD Pencils.
Norwich University of the Arts has a longstanding history of innovative thinking and excellence in the arts and has developed a leading reputation for educational quality in art and design.
Postgraduate courses include:
Programmes take a vocational approach, focusing on practical projects, collaboration with peers across disciplines, and portfolio development. Partnership and engagement with industry is a common feature of postgraduate learning.
Students graduate with a professional-level portfolio and an in-depth knowledge of their field, allowing them to confidently share their ideas and skills with the world.
There are six taught postgraduate courses available to study at Norwich University of the Arts, with subjects including architecture, design, film, fine art, games and textiles. In addition to these taught courses, students can apply to complete a research degree.
Postgraduate courses can be studied full-time or part-time. During the course, students are encouraged to explore ideas and develop their practical skills using cutting-edge equipment and are challenged to push their boundaries to acquire a deeper understanding of the complexities of their chosen discipline.
Students are supported in self-directed study, conducting independent projects and exploring new knowledge and skills. This includes a masters project which culminates in a public exhibition. Students do not sit exams but instead are assessed on the quality of their work during the course.
Courses are led by passionate lecturers who are practising artists and designers with in-depth industry experience. Faculty are able to use and share their insights with students to help them achieve their goals.
Postgraduate students also have the chance to meet with visiting lecturers and industry professionals, including acclaimed architects, filmmakers, textile designers and video game designers.
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSMasters degrees
Applicants will typically need to hold a 2:1 or higher in their undergraduate qualification (or an international equivalent), in a subject related to their chosen Masters course.
Applicants who do not meet this requirement may still be accepted onto their chosen course if they can show evidence of their capability to study at Masters level through a portfolio of creative work.
For MArch, applicants require a qualification or academic completion equivalent to UK ARB/RIBA Part I degree, at 2:1 Hons or above. Post Part I professional experience is not required but may be advantageous.
Research degrees
Applicants wishing to study a research degree must have a BA (Hons)/BSc degree of 2:1, plus a Masters degree in a relevant subject area.
Applicants who cannot meet these criteria may be considered if they hold a relevant alternative qualification or professional experience. They must also demonstrate an understanding of appropriate research methodologies.
Students must also submit a 1,000-word outline of their research proposal.
English language
International students may be required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency.
At postgraduate level, the English language requirement is an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no lower than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent qualification).
Entry requirements may vary between courses, and students are advised to check the specific criteria for their programme of study.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONNorwich is affordable and safe, with a good supply of housing available for a range of budgets. The University has a selection of accommodation options for postgraduate students.
The University maintains a list of reputable rental properties in the area around the campus and offers online resources to help with finding accommodation. Students can connect via the University’s pre-enrolment online portal, or social media, to find accommodation together.
Students are advised to contact the University to understand their options.
Norwich University of the Arts boasts an award-winning campus site, with 12 distinct buildings all offering an impressive range of contemporary facilities and cutting-edge technology:
In 2022, the University acquired Bank Plain, a prominent Grade II listed building, for teaching, exhibitions, and student services. Courses regularly use the space to create exciting large-scale projects.
The University also owns the city-centre East Gallery, which displays contemporary art from across the globe.
What's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 1039 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWT Tessa Reviewed 19 Jan 24 MA Fine Art Would be really lovely to have a kiln be able to explore ceramics.... READ FULL REVIEW
J jie Reviewed 18 Jan 24 MA Fine Art great study environment, and collaboration with different course is really... READ FULL REVIEW
During their time at Norwich University of the Arts, students receive plenty of help and guidance to ensure they are happy, healthy, and able to achieve their full academic potential. The University has several dedicated student support departments covering areas such as:
Health and wellbeing
The University offers a free, unbiased, and completely confidential counselling service for students through The Norwich Centre, where students can speak to fully trained, BACP-accredited counsellors.
The Students' Union is also available to provide impartial and confidential help, support and advice on everything concerning a student’s education and general welfare.
Professional preparation
Students at the University enjoy degrees built with a focus on employability, providing all the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen career.
Students can attend networking events, industry panels and practical workshops to further hone their crafts and connect with key professionals across industry.
Careers advice at Norwich University of the Arts extends beyond graduation, meaning students and graduates alike can access employment guidance and professional insights.
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITENorwich University of the Arts’ academic excellence spans many disciplines.
Teaching Excellence
The University is the only specialist creative arts and design university to achieve the highest recognition, triple Gold rating, in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), 2023.
Digital Media
The University is a leading institution for digital media training on the international stage, with its videogame art, design, and development courses ranked in the top 30 in the world by the Rookie Awards 2023. It won TIGA Best Educational Institution at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023.
Fine Art
One of the leading providers of fine art education in the UK, students benefit from Norwich’s strong links with galleries, museums and festivals. Graduates have won awards such as the Jerwood Drawing Prize and Bloomberg New Contemporaries.
Design
A centre for design education excellence, the University was ranked second in the world in the Design Education Institution category at the World Brand Design Society awards (2020). Design students have also won coveted awards such as the RSA Howarth Award.
Textiles
Norwich has a long history of textile innovation, and the University holds particular expertise in the practical and theoretical aspects of pattern.
Graduates excel in various industries across manufacturing and design, and have won at the international awards hosted by the Society of Dyers and Colourists, the i-Dott wallpaper awards, the Bradford Textile Society Awards and The Batsford Prize.
The Students’ Union is an independent organisation that operates in partnership with the University, supporting and representing students, to make sure that their voices are heard in institutional decision-making.
It supports a variety of student societies across all sorts of activities and interests and acts as a hub for support services across personal and academic matters.
Students can choose from societies and clubs covering all sorts of interests and activities, from sports to politics to general interest, and more. Societies are inclusive of everyone, and students are encouraged to start their own.
Students can also contribute to Storehouse, the University’s official magazine, which is designed and developed by students for students. It’s a great way to get involved in the student community, build skills for later life, and helps to showcase students’ creative works.
Norwich is an affordable city and one of the safest in the UK. Students can choose from a range of museums, galleries, shops and markets to entertain themselves, in addition to a rich calendar of events and festivals.
Norwich boasts strong public transport and road connections, with easy access to international airports. Students can also enjoy nearby areas of outstanding natural beauty, like the North Norfolk coast and Norfolk Broads.
A wealth of innovative digital businesses and creative institutions means that students are well-placed to get involved in relevant industries from the day they move to Norwich.
All postgraduate courses at Norwich University of the Arts are designed with employability in mind. The University works closely with employers, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to be competitive in the job market. During their course, students are visited by specialists in their field of study who provide inspiration and advice about their future.
Alongside the experience and expertise of academic staff, who bring a wealth of industry experience to their teaching, postgraduate students also receive support from the University’s dedicated Business and Employability Team. They are on hand to support students’ career objectives, offering specialist, one-to-one advice and guidance on finding a job or starting a business.
Students can also take part in the University’s award-winning PROFILE scheme, in which students can learn specific employment-based skills valued by employers, as well as important skills for job-hunting such as CV writing and interview techniques. Students can use PLATFORM to track work experience undertaken, alongside experience gained using specific tools and equipment.
Graduates from Norwich University of the Arts have gone on to enjoy successful careers in leading museums, design agencies, game development companies, film production studios, and fashion houses across the world. Many students have been honoured at the highest level of their industries, including winning BAFTAs and being nominated for Oscars.
Scholarships & Bursaries
Norwich University of the Arts offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for both home and international students. These give opportunities for students to subsidise the cost of their degree and ensure that economically disadvantaged students have the resources needed to succeed.
BAFTA scholarships
Students applying for the MA Film course may be eligible for an award of up to £12,000 to cover their annual course fees. In addition to the financial award, students who receive this scholarship have access to an industry mentor and are invited to BAFTA events around the UK.
Dubery and Brogden scholarships
Postgraduate students studying MA Fine Art and MA Textile Design may be eligible for a scholarship worth £2,500 to cover their course fees.
Doctoral research
Doctoral research studentships and bursaries are also available.
Fees for students enrolling on a course in the 2024/2025 academic year are as follows:
Taught postgraduate degrees
MArch Architecture
Research degrees
Domestic alumni of the University are eligible for a £1,000 discount.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTIONNorwich University of the Arts offers six postgraduate courses spanning arts, design, architecture, textiles, and media. Teaching is delivered through a variety of channels including lectures and seminars, as well as individual and group tutorials.
Guided by expert tutors, students are supported in developing their knowledge and skills through group and independent projects and collaborate with industry professionals to explore innovative methods and technologies.
The University has an international reputation for research in art and design interpretation and curation, moving image, and sound. Its output was rated as world-leading and internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021).
The University welcomes applications from students wishing to undertake a written research degree in arts, design and media disciplines. All research degree opportunities are offered in partnership with the University of the Arts London, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for collaborative research between students at both universities.
Students spend most of their studies working independently on their research. However, regular seminars and training events are held in Norwich and London, where students have the chance to meet other people in the learning community.
The University’s Masters degree programmes are all studied and taught on campus, where students can access the impressive range of facilities to augment their learning.
There are currently no postgraduate open days available to book at this university.
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