Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has been placed 42nd in the 2027 Guardian University Guide, entering the top 45 for the first time.
The rise marks a significant achievement for the university, which is now the highest-ranked creative arts university in the UK outside of London.
The Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) (Image: Newsquest)
The achievement follows the university’s debut in the main Guardian guide last year.
Recent milestones include a partnership with the Royal College of Art (RCA), meaning students starting undergraduate degrees from September 2027 will graduate with a jointly awarded degree.
The university also opened a Virtual Production Studio in partnership with Sony and released a major report on the potential for the East of England to lead in creative technology and gaming.
Internationally, NUA has expanded its partnerships, including launching a proposed MA in Interaction Design with Donghua University in Shanghai and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Jilin University of the Arts.
It has also been announced as the host of next year’s ELIA Academy, a major international event for the global arts education community.
Ben Stopher, vice-chancellor of NUA, said: “This is a historic moment for Norwich University of the Arts.
“To have risen so significantly in the Guardian’s rankings, in just a year, is testament to our commitment to our students, the strength of our academic community, and the transformative potential of creative education.
“The results reinforce our triple gold TEF rating, as well as other recent awards of which we’re incredibly proud.
“These include our 5-star QS Stars Excellence rating for Teaching and being recognised directly by our students in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, where we were named the UK’s highest-ranked specialist creative arts university.”
The University of East Anglia came 86th, dropping from 75th the previous year.