Norwich University of the Arts
About
Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has established itself in arts, design and media education for over 170 years. But while our history can be traced back to 1845, our outlook is forward-thinking.
Introduction
About NUA
Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has established itself in arts, design and media education for over 170 years. But while our history can be traced back to 1845, our outlook is forward-thinking.
From a city centre campus that boasts cutting-edge facilities to an approach to teaching which saw us awarded Gold under the Teaching Excellence Framework and ranked number 1 in the UK for student retention by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020, our reputation for excellence is well-earned.
NUA has thrived as an established University, developing a national reputation as an innovative and creative academic community, with a firm commitment to offering vocational, practice-based courses that afford students space to develop their skills and pursue their passion.
At the heart of it all, our students. Artists, designers, makers. Bringing diverse interests and unique perspectives, they share a desire to be challenged and inspired. To learn from the past and shape the future.
Our mission statement
NUA’s mission is to be the best specialist university for arts, design, architecture and media study in Europe, producing graduates of the highest quality and inspiring students and staff to achieve excellence in the creative and cultural spheres.
History of Norwich University of the Arts
1845 | The Norwich School of Design is founded in 1845 by the artists and followers of the Norwich School of Painters, the only provincial British group to establish an international reputation for landscape painting. |
1965 | Approved to offer degree-level provision through the Diploma in Art and Design. |
1965 onwards | Twin strengths in Painting and Graphic Design emerge, under a group of exceptional practitioners and teachers, making a mark on the national art and design scene. |
1975 | First BA Honours degree courses offered validated by the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA). |
1989 | Great Yarmouth College of Art incorporated into the School. |
1993 | First MA courses introduced through an academic agreement with Anglia Polytechnic. |
1994 | Incorporated as a Higher Education Institution, re-named as Norwich School of Art and Design. |
1995 | First research degree student registered for PhD study. |
2008 | Granted the power to award degrees up to Masters level and re-named as Norwich University College of the Arts. |
2012 | Granted University title by the Privy Council, becoming Norwich University of the Arts. Appoints its first Chancellor – the actor Sir John Hurt. |
Quality Assurance Agency checks how UK universities and colleges maintain the standard of their higher education provision.
The University was established as an independent higher education institution under Section 121 of the Education Reform Act 1988 and is a recognised body with taught degree awarding powers. The University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). Information about the University’s status can be found on the OfS Register and on the list of recognised bodies published on the UK Government (GOV.UK) website. The OfS regulatory framework will come fully into force from 1 August 2019. From 1 April 2018 until 31 July 2019 the University will be subject to the OfS Transitional Arrangements.