Norwich University of the Arts

Scores

• What do these scores mean?

History

• Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has an 165-year reputation for excellence.
• NUA is an independent, specialist arts, design and media institution within the University sector with full responsibility for all course content.
• Established in 1845 as the Norwich School of Design, NUA was granted Degree Awarding powers in 2008.

Location and transport

• Under two hours from London, the contemporary city of Norwich combines a rich sense of history, including the stunning 900-year-old cathedral, with ultramodern developments such as The Forum.
• The campus is in the heart of the city centre in Norwich’s cultural quarter, just a ten minute walk from the railway station
• Within minutes by car or train, or a little longer by bike, you can be out of the city into the beautiful surrounding landscape – including the lakes and rivers of the Norfolk Broads.
• The coast and some of the most spectacular beaches in the UK are just 30 minutes from the campus.

Entry standards

• The key focus of your application process is on your portfolio but all courses have minimum entry requirements. Visit the website for more information.
• Candidates for all courses must apply online through the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Application is online via the UCAS website, or call UCAS customer services on 0870 1122 211.

Student mix

• NUA is a creative community of 2,000 students.
• Male students 43%, female students 57%.
• Part time students 7%.
• International students 4%.

Course flexibility

• NUA encourages independent learning as a fundamental of self-development.
• Agreements with tutors focus on personal study and help students negotiate individual pathways through their courses.
• Most courses include units of self-managed learning and exploration that allow students to concentrate on areas of particular interest.

Teaching standards

• 85% of graduates felt ready for work on graduation. (Creative Futures Creative Graduates Survey, 2009/10)
• 90% graduate employment rate: 9 out of 10 graduates surveyed found employment or went on to further study within the first year of graduating. (DHLE 2010)
• Top rated learning resources – our specialist facilities include the world-class new media lab, industry standard digital design, editing and sound facilities, print and etching studios, a foundry and wood and metal workshops.

Research standards

• 100% of staff research is highly rated: all our staff research – which informs tuition – is designated as nationally recognised and 35% is world leading or internationally excellent. (2008 Research Assessment Exercise)

Academic strengths

• Our specialist provision and sole focus on arts, design and media ensures a world-class educational experience.
• The quality of our academic resources is recognised nationally and internationally.

Student facilities, including library and computing

• NUA facilities (including studios, workshops, exhibition and learning spaces) are well equipped and rated highly by staff and students.
• The onsite public art gallery enables students to showcase their work and gain curating and exhibition organising experience.
• The library houses the largest specialist art, design and media collection in the eastern region, including 34,000 books, subscriptions to over 400 journals, over 800 DVDs and an extensive bank of electronic resources.
• Norwich was the UK's first city to experiment with free wi-fi. NUA continues to offer broadband wireless connectivity on campus.
• NUA has its own art materials shop, open daily, which sells a wide range of basic and specialist art supplies at discounted prices.

Disability services

• As well as representing students' rights, the union entitles members to discounts in and around the country and overseas.
• The union takes a positive role in NUA's activities from both an academic and a social point of view.
• The union facilities at the centre of the campus regularly host events including performance, film nights, DJs and exhibitions.

Sport

• Norwich is home to Sportspark, owned by the University of East Anglia but open to everyone. It houses an Olympic-sized swimming pool, climbing walls, martial arts clubs and classes, badminton, squash and tennis courts and a running track.
• The city is host to the Premiership team Norwich City FC. 

Recent/prospective new builds

• A multi-million pound investment in the new Media Lab ensures students have access to all the latest industry standard software and equipment within an enviable place to work and study.
• Renovation during summer 2011 will lead to the opening of the new photography studio in September 2011, with all the facilities necessary for contemporary photography education housed in 13th-century monastic remains.
• The new fashion studio gives students an open-plan, riverside space in which to innovate and create.
• The Duke Street library and lecture theatre are located in a fully refurbished 19th-century building.
• Investment continues in the estate to ensure that students have access to the best possible contemporary facilities and resources to support their creative potential.

Notable alumni

• The University has a 165 year reputation for excellence having been founded in 1845 as the Norwich School of Design. Former tutors include Lucian Freud, Michael Andrews and Lesley Davenport. This distinguished history means the University has always had a significant and respected voice within the British and international creative industries.
• NUA graduates continue to be at the forefront of creative endeavour with graduates holding key positions at leading arts, design and media companies throughout the world. Many have also had considerable success as creative entrepreneurs and often support the next generation of NUA graduates through providing internships and employment.
• Former students are NUA’s greatest ambassadors. Upon graduation you automatically become a member of the alumni network and continue your relationship with NUA through networking events, careers workshops, mentoring support and the regular printed magazine Beyond.

Notable alumni include

• Adam AdlerCartoonist/Illustrator – The Times.
• Akin AkinsikuFormer Head of Graphics – Nickelodeon Children’s BAFTA winner 2007.
• Gordon Beckett – Design Editor and visiting NUA Professor, The Sunday Times.
• Brian Bolland – DC Comic Illustrator, including Batman comic The Killing Joke.
• Glenn Brown – Artist, Turner Prize nominee 2000.
• Phil Carterand Phil Wong – Founders Carter Wong Design.
• Keith Chapman –  Founder Chapman Entertainment, creator of Bob the Builder and Roary the Racing Car.
• Stuart Craig OBE – Art Director, three times Oscar winner and production designer on all eight Harry Potter films.
• Ben Farrin – Founder and Managing Director, The Student Pocket Guide Ltd, Barclays £50,000 Enterprise competition winner 2011.
• Sophia George, Kristian Francis, Rosie Ball – BAFTA nominees 2012 British Academy Video Games Awards in Ones to Watch category.
• Susan Gunn – Artist, winner of the Sovereign European Art Prize 2006.
• Bernard Meadows – British modernist sculptor, former Professor of Sculpture at the Royal College of Art.
• Tim Stoner – Artist, Becks Future Prize winner 2001.
• Genevieve Webster – Author and illustrator, co-creator of Rastamouse.

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