Skip to main content
A cartoon chef with green skin sits in an armchair, holding a martini and a book. A red, snarling cat and a glowing sun clock are in the background. The scene has a quirky, surreal vibe with bold pink and teal colors.
A charming house with a red roof sits atop a grassy hill by the sea, surrounded by blooming flowers, trees, a white picket fence, and stone steps leading to the front door under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A menacing, shadowy Xenomorph with an exposed, glistening jaw appears on a dark poster for "Alien: Progenesis." Red light highlights the creature. Text below announces the film is coming summer 2025.

Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School

Norwich has been identified as one of the very best universities for a creative media education.

Published:

Norwich University of the Arts is delighted to announce becoming a Rookies Certified School. The certification is assessed and supported by industry experts, and recognises Norwich as one of the best institutions for preparing artists for a career in the creative industries.

The Rookies is a community designed to provide platforms and support for early practitioners in fields including film, games and animation. It connects students and recent graduates with leading professionals in relevant sectors, encouraging the next generation of artists to take their first steps in their careers.

In response to the news Associate Professor Mark Wickham, Director of Computer Arts and Technology at Norwich University of the Arts, said:

“We’re delighted that Norwich University of the Arts has achieved Rookies Certification. This recognition highlights the enthusiasm and ambition of our students as they begin their careers in the games, animation, and visual effects industries, with many using the platform as a launchpad to secure that all-important first role. It also acknowledges the collective efforts of our staff and industry partners in shaping the next generation of creatives. Rookies Certification is an international stamp of approval from leading voices in the industry – those who continue to pave the way for emerging talent.”

White circular emblem on a black background featuring a stylized "R" in the center, a crown above it, surrounded by laurel branches, stars, and the text "CERTIFIED SCHOOL THE ROOKIES.

The news follows other recent success from The Rookies, with five Norwich graduates being named in the Rookie Awards 2025. Students were recognised across four categories, representing courses including BA (Hons) Games Art and Design, BA (Hons) Animation and BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects.

Mae Garwood, Sam Bennet and Catherine Barritt were all announced as finalists, and Daniel Copeman and Diego Lamattina won the People’s Choice award in the category ‘Film of the Year Visual Effects’.

Recognition at the Rookie Awards is a huge achievement and an important industry commendation for burgeoning talents in the animation, visual effects and games sectors. The competition is judged by some of the most influential names in the creative industries and finalists will have their work seen, graded and shared by noted professionals.

See below for the full list of awards for Norwich graduates.

Daniel Copeman and Diego Lamattina – BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects

ALIEN: PROGENESIS

Winner – People’s Choice Award, Film of the Year: Visual Effects

 

Mae Garwood – BA (Hons) Animation

Date Night

Finalist – Film of the Year: 2D Animation

A cartoon chef with green skin sits in an armchair, holding a martini and a book. A red, snarling cat and a glowing sun clock are in the background. The scene has a quirky, surreal vibe with bold pink and teal colors.

 

Sam Bennet – BA (Hons) Games Art and Design

Village (3D Environment)

Finalist – Career Opportunities: Remedy Entertainment

A medieval village at night under a bright full moon, split into three diagonal sections showing cottages, a windmill, and a misty field, all illuminated by moonlight and stars.

 

Catherine Barritt – BA (Hons) Games Art and Design

On the Cliff by the Sea (3D Environment)

Finalist – Career Opportunities: Fortiche Productions

A charming house with a red roof sits atop a grassy hill by the sea, surrounded by blooming flowers, trees, a white picket fence, and stone steps leading to the front door under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Tags:

Share this article

Related news

View all news
View all courses

Need help? Chat to our friendly recruitment team

To book a place on an Open Day, or to find out more about how to apply for a course at Norwich University of the Arts, email us or give us a call.

Email Call us on +44 (0) 1603 751485