Work at NUA

Our history

Tracing its history back to 1845 and the Norwich School of Design, NUA is one of the great British art schools. We were granted university status in 2012, with the late Oscar-nominated actor, Sir John Hurt, serving as NUA’s first Chancellor.

NUA alumni have contributed to some of the most iconic companies, brands and designs of the 20th and 21st centuries. Our celebrated alumni include painter Sir Alfred Munnings, Turner Prize nominee Glenn Brown, Bob the Builder creator Keith Chapman, Oscar winning Production Designer Stuart Craig OBE, and Rastamouse creator Genevieve Webster.

Design graduates have founded some of the most successful agencies in the country, including Hat-Trick and Carter Wong. Other students have gone on to work in creative roles in major organisations such as Blitz, BBC, The Sunday Times, Pearlfisher, Design Bridge, Sony, Crytec and Tate Modern.

Former NUA teaching staff include artists Leslie Davenport, Lucian Freud and Michael Andrews.

Our campus

Take a tour of our campus and you’ll find industry-standard tools, studios and creative spaces in 10 buildings, nestled between the cafes, bars, independent galleries and shops of Norwich’s cultural quarter. You’ll discover medieval buildings with 21st century media labs, and revitalised Victorian factory buildings fitted out with contemporary technology.

NUA was one of three universities shortlisted by the 2018 Guardian University Awards for “Buildings that Inspire”.

Our city

Norwich sparks with creativity. Home to a flourishing music and cultural scene, the city’s compact centre houses six theatres, a permanent six-day market, the vintage and independent shops of the ‘Lanes’, two shopping malls and four cinemas. In 2012, UNESCO named Norwich as England’s first City of Literature, recognising a celebrated literary tradition that spans Booker and Nobel prize winners.

Our leadership structure

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Last OBE has been in post since 2009. After completing a degree in English with Philosophy, Professor Last took postgraduate awards in Education and Film Theory and was awarded a Chair in Art, Design and Media Education in 2008.

Outside NUA, his work includes board membership of the Higher Education Academy and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. In July 2013 he was elected as Vice-Chair of GuildHE, and in 2015 was elected as Chair of the United Kingdom Arts and Design Institutions Association (UKADIA).

Within the eastern region, Professor Last’s external roles include directorship of The Forum Trust and membership of the East Anglia Art Fund Executive Committee. The Vice-Chancellor is accountable to the University Council for the organisation, direction and management of NUA and leadership of the staff.

Strategic Management Group
The Strategic Management Group includes the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Angela Robson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Neil Powell, Dean of Design and Architecture Professor Hilary Carlisle, Dean of Arts and Media Professor Richard Sawdon-Smith, and the Academic Registrar Angela Tubb.

Senior Management Team
The Senior Management Team includes the members of the Strategic Management Group, Business Director Sarah Steed, Director of Human Resources Kate Secker, Director of External Relations Sarah Hamilton, and Director of Finance Stephen Belderbos.