Norwich named top UK university for production excellence in visual effects

Norwich University of the Arts has been recognised as the UK’s top university for production excellence in visual effects in The Rookies Global School Rankings 2025.

The University was placed at number five in the Production Excellence – Visual Effects category, ahead of any other UK institution.

It also ranked in the top 15 for Production Excellence – 2D Animation and in the top 35 for Game Design and Development.

The Rookies is a creative community designed to provide platforms and support for early practitioners in fields including film, games and animation.

Their Global School Rankings are based on student art portfolios, reflecting real-world skills and potential employment prospects. Assessed by hundreds of industry professionals, the rankings provide a showcase of the very best education facilities available to students today.

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

“Recognition in The Rookies Global School Rankings 2025 for Game Design & Development, Production Excellence – 2D Animation, and Production Excellence – Visual Effects is a powerful endorsement of educational quality and industry relevance. These rankings validate the creativity, technical skill, and employability of graduates, attracting top talent and industry partnerships.

“Recognition in these categories enhances the institution’s reputation, opens doors for students to leading studios, and drives continuous improvement. It signals to the global creative community that Norwich University of the Arts is a leader in preparing students for real-world challenges in games, animation, and visual effects.”

The full 2025 The Rookies Global School Rankings for Norwich University of the Arts are:

• Production Excellence – Visual Effects – 5^th
• Production Excellence – 2D Animation – 15^th
• Game Design and Development – 31st