About NUA

Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has established itself in arts, design and media education for more than 175 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 10th in the UK for teaching quality by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, 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. Our commitment is to offer practice-based courses highly-prized by the creative industries that afford students space to develop their skills and pursue their passion.

At the heart of it all, our students. Artists, designers, makers and creators. Bringing diverse interests and unique perspectives, they share a desire to be challenged and inspired. To learn from the past and shape the future.

Never Underestimate Art.

Find Norwich University of the Arts

Norwich University of the Arts
Francis House
3-7 Redwell Street
Norwich
NR2 4SN

History of Norwich University of the Arts

Year
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	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.
2016	NUA hosts British Art Show 8.
2019	NUA appoints its second Chancellor — BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and director Amma Asante MBE.
2021	NUA celebrates its 175^th anniversary and opens Duke Street Riverside, the latest purpose-built teaching and accommodation building on the award-winning campus.

Quality Assurance Agency checks how UK universities and colleges maintain the standard of their higher education provision. Read NUA’s latest review.

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.