Norwich University of the Arts is a forward-thinking specialist university offering an innovative and diverse portfolio of postgraduate degrees across art, architecture, technology, design, media, and advertising. With over 180 years of experience educating creative practitioners, the university has a longstanding reputation for innovation, collaboration, and excellence in arts and design. To this day, it continues to foster a vibrant, ambitious, and future-focused postgraduate community.
With students from around the world, Norwich University of the Arts offers a truly global outlook. Students build connections that reach far beyond the classroom, creating a professional network that spans the globe.
Recognised for its exceptionally high standards in student experience, teaching, and outcomes, Norwich University of the Arts is the only specialist creative arts university in the UK to have been awarded a triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).
Its city-centre campus, located in Norwich offers access to a dynamic community of peers and industry partners.
At Norwich University of the Arts, courses are tailored to help students shape their own path, offering a focused and creative environment across a range of disciplines that allow them to find their distinct voice and direction.
Academics are at the forefront of their fields, combining cutting-edge research with hands-on expertise. Their work shapes the curriculum, introducing new ways of thinking and learning that will inspire and push the boundaries of creative practice.
Collaboration is key to the postgraduate experience at Norwich. Through shared briefs, exhibitions and workshops, students engage with peers across different creative disciplines, expanding perspectives and enriching practices in a supportive, interdisciplinary community.
The university's award-winning, well-equipped campus in the heart of Norwich provides the perfect base for postgraduate study. Cutting-edge technology and traditional techniques combine to create a springboard for creativity.
The PG Hub is the heart of the postgraduate community. It is open to all postgraduate students at Norwich, both taught and research, and has a range of facilities both for study and social interaction.
Housed within the Havers Road complex, the Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab (IVSL) is a landmark hub for innovation in the UK's creative industries, supporting work in climate futures, virtual heritage, spatial computing, applied games, virtual production, and technology innovation. And the university's new virtual production studio is an exciting space for filmmaking and interactive media production.
Norwich is one of the safest cities in the UK and offers an abundance of high-quality, affordable housing near the city centre. The accommodation office provides advice and support in finding suitable accommodation. They can supply a list of letting agencies and properties and review contracts if necessary.
Norwich University of the Arts also offers some university-managed accommodation directly to postgraduate students. Students should contact the university's accommodation team for more information on postgraduate options.
Entrants should normally have achieved a BA (Hons) / BSc degree of 2:1 or above (or its equivalent) in a subject related to their proposed course of study.
Applicants who hold a degree in another discipline may also be considered, subject to the submission of a satisfactory portfolio of art, design, or media-related work in support of their application.
Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed.
For MArch courses, applicants will need a qualification or academic completion equivalent to a UK ARB/RIBA Part I degree, with a 2:1 Hons or above.
Applicants wishing to study a research degree at Norwich University of the Arts are expected to have at least a 2:1 (upper second) undergraduate degree in a related subject.
Applicants should be aware that meeting the university's minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission. These requirements are only one factor in the decision-making process; relevant experience, references, and the availability of suitable supervisors and resources are also taken into account. Successful applicants are invited to interview, either online or in person.
Norwich University of the Arts has a number of scholarships and bursaries that postgraduate students can apply for.
Most of the courses also offer a £1,500 discount on fees for home students who are already alumni of the university, typically from an undergraduate degree.
Postgraduate students studying fine art, illustration, textile design, and fashion at Norwich University of the Arts may be eligible for the Dubery and Brogden Scholarships, worth £2,500. These scholarships recognise emerging talent and respond to financial need, providing significant support throughout students' degrees. Scholars are also awarded membership of EAAF, offering networking opportunities and peer support.
For a full list of scholarships, bursaries, prizes, alumni discounts, and doctoral research funding opportunities currently available, prospective postgraduate students should visit the university's dedicated scholarships and bursaries information page.
UK students enrolling on a full-time taught postgraduate degree in 2026/27 can expect to pay fees of between £ 10,400 and £11,000 per year, while UK students enrolling on the full-time taught MArch Architecture degree in 2026/27 pay fees of £9,790 per year (over two years). UK students enrolling on a full-time research degree in 2026/27, meanwhile, can expect to pay fees of £6,000 per year.
Norwich University of the Arts offers two distinct types of master's courses designed to suit a range of learning styles and career ambitions, along with separate and distinct MArch Architecture and MA Creative Education programmes.
Taught Intensive master's courses focus on skills, knowledge acquisition and building critical perspectives through formal teaching, advanced practice and project-centred learning. Taught sessions include lectures, seminars and workshops and support students to further specialise at master's level.
Studio master's courses focus on supervised self-negotiated study and advanced practice supplemented by taught sessions exploring practice contexts, creative project design and collaborative interdisciplinary projects. Taught sessions include workshops, reviews and symposia.
Most postgraduate courses can be studied full-time, with a selection also offering part-time options. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to explore new ideas, develop distinctive practical skills and deepen their understanding of their chosen discipline.
Courses are developed and delivered by lecturers with extensive academic and industry experience, ensuring teaching is both current and professionally relevant.
Students also benefit from regular engagement with visiting lecturers and industry professionals. Recent guests have included acclaimed architects, filmmakers, textile designers and video game designers.
Taught postgraduate courses at Norwich University of the Arts are delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and both individual and group tutorials. As well as the guidance from expert tutors, students will also collaborate with industry professionals to work on projects that develop the real-world skills needed for their future career.
Research is fundamental to the university's master's programme and essential to postgraduate study.
Colleagues and students come together in the university's research to find solutions to make a difference for communities and to shape the world. 71% of the university's research has been deemed to be world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) according to REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021.
Norwich has two research institutes:
Institute of Creative Technology brings together artists, designers, scientists, engineers, academics and wider industry collaborators to explore the dynamic interface between creative practice, science, technological development and human experience.
Institute for Sustainable Worlds connects and applies experimental creative thinking and design process to cutting-edge biological, environmental and agricultural science with the potential for global impact.
The university's master's degree programmes are all studied and taught on campus, where students can access the impressive range of facilities to facilitate their learning. Distance learning is not an option.
Norwich University of the Arts achieved the highest recognition, a triple Gold rating, in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. It is the only specialist creative arts and design university in the UK to earn this prestigious triple Gold rating.
In addition, the university was awarded a 5-star QS Stars Excellence rating for Teaching in 2026, highlighting outstanding performance in its first submission to the internationally recognised QS Stars assessment framework. The university is also ranked as the UK's top creative arts university outside London in the Complete University Guide 2027.
In 2020, the university was ranked second in the world in the ‘Design Education Institution' category at the World Brand Design Society Awards for its high standards of design teaching. Norwich University of the Arts students has also won prestigious awards such as the RSA Howarth Award.
Norwich University of the Arts is recognised internationally for its digital media training, and the university has been identified as a Rookies Certified School, meaning it is noted for being adept at training students for their future careers across creative industries. Norwich University of the Arts was also named Best Educational Institution at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023.
Norwich is a vibrant and student-friendly city, offering a perfect blend of historic charm and modern energy. With its stunning architecture, renowned museums and lively cafes and bars, Norwich is an exceptional city for students to live, learn and thrive.
Postgraduate students can immerse themselves in a dynamic city known for its rich history and thriving creative scene. From cutting-edge research and technology to a flourishing arts and cultural landscape, Norwich offers inspiration at every turn.
Norwich is conveniently located with good transport links, making exploring the rest of the UK easy. Whether students want to head home, visit London or visit nearby cities like Cambridge or Ipswich, they can hop on a train or bus and reach their destination in no time.
There are many societies and clubs at the university covering a range of sports, hobbies and special interests. Postgraduate students are encouraged to join.
Norwich University of the Arts Students' Union (SU) is an independent organisation that operates in partnership with the university. It acts as independent student representation whilst also offering support services and managing clubs, societies and other social events.
Life as a postgraduate student can sometimes feel stressful. That's why the university offers outstanding support services, from a personal tutor system and learning development team to welfare support – if students need help, there's a team on hand.
The student support team is available to offer help with educational, practical, personal and financial matters, ensuring every student can make the most of their university experience. In addition, an external counselling service is accessible to all students.
For students who have disabilities, specific learning differences or conditions that may affect their studies, there's a dedicated disability support team. Students are advised to contact the university to discuss their situation before submitting a formal application.
As a Norwich graduate, students will be able to access ongoing professional development support. Wherever they live, students can benefit from Norwich's award-winning employability service for guidance on launching their career, securing their next job, going freelance or starting their own business.
The university takes pride in its industry connections, providing students with the opportunity to build a valuable network while studying at Norwich. Upon graduation, students will have the chance to engage with a growing alumni community and benefit from their insights and experiences.
All postgraduate courses at Norwich University of the Arts are designed with employability at their core. The university works closely with industry partners to ensure courses reflect current professional practice, equipping students with the transferable skills, knowledge, and experience needed for successful careers in the creative industries. Industry professionals regularly engage with students throughout the academic year, offering insight, feedback, and guidance on future career pathways.
In addition to support from academic staff and visiting practitioners, postgraduate students benefit from a comprehensive range of services provided by the university's business and employability team. This includes one-to-one advice on career planning, job applications, freelancing, and starting a business. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the university's PROFILE scheme, which supports the development of professional skills through structured, career-focused activities.
Graduates of Norwich University of the Arts go on to work across a wide range of sectors, including museums, galleries, design and branding agencies, games studios, technology companies, film and animation studios, and the fashion industry. Many alumni have achieved recognition at the highest levels of their fields, including awards and nominations such as BAFTAs and Academy Awards. Notable alumni include Turner Prize nominee Glenn Brown, comic artist Brian Bolland, and writer and musician Neil Innes.
