The University College

Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA) is an independent specialist arts, design and media University College with a 165 year reputation for excellence.

NUCA is dedicated to providing vocational, practice based courses which allow students to enter an exciting and challenging community of artists, designers and makers who share their passions and interests. Whilst the institution's history can be traced back to 1845, it is contemporary and forward thinking and became a University College in 2008 after the Privy Council granted it the powers to award its own degrees.

Mission Statement

To be a centre of excellence for creativity, learning and enterprise, fostering new talent for the creative industries and contributing to economic and social development.

History Timeline

• 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, validated by the National Council for Diplomas in Art and Design.
• Post 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, in Fine Art and Graphic Design, validated by the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA).
• 1989 - Merger with Great Yarmouth College of Art formed the Norfolk Institute of Art and Design.
• 1991 - Becomes an Associate College of the new Anglia Polytechnic with the polytechnic assuming validation responsibilities from CNAA from September 1992.
• 1993 - First MA course introduced (MA Fine Art) through agreement with Anglia Polytechnic.
• 1994 - Incorporated as a Higher Education Institution, re-named as Norwich School of Art and Design and re-launched with a new corporate identity.
• 1995 - First research degree student registered.
• 2008 - Granted the power to award degrees up to Masters level and re-named as Norwich University College of the Arts.

Today NUCA continues to thrive as an established Higher Education Institution, with a national reputation for excellence and a strong ethos as a creative academic community.