Norwich University of the Arts

Norwich University of the Arts dates from 1845, when artists associated with the Norwich School of Painters set up the Norwich School of Design to train designers for local industry. Known from 1994 as Norwich School of Art and Design, the institution gained a new name in 2008, Norwich University College of the Arts, together with the power to award degrees as far as master's level. The Privy Council conferred university title in 2012. Its compact campus consists of around a dozen buildings in the cultural quarter of central Norwich, among them the Duke Street Riverside building, which opened in 2021. The great majority of its roughly 3,000 students are undergraduates.

Learning is project-led and based in the studio, with assessment made through creative output instead of examinations. Architecture, animation, film, games, fashion, fine art, photography, illustration, graphic design and performance make up the core subject range, which now also extends to marketing, psychology, business and computing. At postgraduate level the university offers master's degrees and research up to doctorate. Keith Chapman, who created Bob the Builder, and the painter Sir Alfred Munnings are among its alumni.

Information for International Students

Overseas applicants are advised by the International Recruitment team. Undergraduates may apply via UCAS or straight to the university, whereas postgraduates always apply directly. A portfolio is central to most applications, but it is not required for certain programmes, such as games development, computer science and business management. In general, applicants need IELTS for UKVI at 6.0 overall and no skill below 5.5, and successful completion of an approved pre-sessional course, such as Oxford International's online programme, also meets the requirement. Many degrees offer an integrated foundation year.

After firmly accepting an offer, students may apply for housing and start the CAS process for their Student visa, with webinars offering help in getting ready to move to the UK. New undergraduates are guaranteed accommodation if they select Norwich as their firm choice on UCAS and submit a housing application ahead of the priority deadline. During Welcome Week, activities help newcomers settle into a student community drawn from over 40 countries. International scholarships come in a broad range of values, and graduates meeting the eligibility criteria can apply for the Graduate Route.