Student Support Strategy
We will build a visible student support service that is integrated across the University and proactively engages with the student community to improve their health and wellbeing, from the moment they consider joining us and throughout their time here.
By doing so, we aim to:
- Build a strong community that fosters friendships and a sense of belonging.
- Increase students’ preparedness and awareness of resources for managing their health and wellbeing.
- Address accessibility issues early on.
- Provide tailored support for international students to help them integrate into the University and local community.
- Build students’ confidence and resilience, supporting their academic and personal growth.
This strategy aims to reduce acute welfare cases by improving overall mental health and wellbeing. Enhancing Student Support services will support the University’s ambition for growth and using our existing data, we will ensure that we can identify students at risk so we can proactively intervene to provide support. Our strategy and operational plan revolve around three main themes:
- Improving Wellbeing
- Intervention
- Integration
These themes align with other University strategies, such as the Creative Learning strategy, ensuring a cohesive approach to student support.
Defining the Journey
Student Support at Norwich University of the Arts has traditionally had a strong track record of providing support for students who sought help or were referred to the service. Our new strategy shifts to a proactive model, aiming to anticipate and mitigate issues before they arise. This anticipatory approach is crucial given the significant increase in students presenting with poor mental health and wellbeing — a 176% increase in student support appointments over five years. Our strategy is data-informed and aligns with the University’s growth plans, focusing on both domestic and international student needs.
- About us
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- Our Chancellor
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- Vice-Chancellor and Senior Team
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- Policies and key information
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- Freedom of Information
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Theme One: Improving Wellbeing
Aim
We aim to maximize student engagement and wellbeing, preventing the causes of poor mental health by fostering a sense of belonging, providing a range of wellbeing interventions alongside traditional therapies, embedding wellbeing in the curriculum, and targeting support for different social groups.
Deliverables
- Belonging
- Social Prescribing
- Wellbeing in the Curriculum
- Study Skills
- Student Campaigns
- Accommodation
- Supporting Free Speech and Debate
- Removing Barriers to Engagement
Theme Two: Intervention
Aim
To identify students in need of support and intervene proactively, preventing issues from escalating, through the coordinated use of data available from a range of sources.
Deliverables
- Learning Analytics
- Case Management
- Integrated Systems
Theme Three: Integration
A Shared Responsibility
Aim
Adopt a whole-university approach to student support, ensuring all staff are aligned and equipped to contribute to the strategic mission. We believe that supporting students is everybody’s business!
Deliverables
- Staff Training
- Anticipatory Approach
- Accessibility
- Reasonable Adjustments
- Championing Diversity
- Effective Communication
Latest news
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Norwich University of the Arts Makes Historic Debut in Main Guardian University Guide
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts has marked a historic milestone, with its first-ever appearance in the Guardian University Guide’s national rankings.
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Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School
BA Animation •
Norwich University of the Arts has been named as a Rookies Certified School.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School
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Norwich University of the Arts acquires Mechanism by artist Andrew Kearney
Institution •
The kinetic installation, which transforms the sounds of Norwich into a daily light sequence, was commissioned in 2024 as a temporary intervention for the University’s historic Bank Plain building.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts acquires Mechanism by artist Andrew Kearney
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Cost of living Support Package 2025-26
Cost of living support •
We are proud of the measures we introduced over the last few years and want to continue many of them in 2025/26 to ensure this support remains in place.
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Spatial Ecologies Summer Course launches
Student news •
Open to Norwich students, the course will explore ecological approaches to design through hands-on learning and immersive study in nature.
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Norwich Secures CIM Accreditation for new Marketing Degree
BA Marketing •
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world’s leading professional body for marketing, has awarded Accredited Degree status to Norwich University of the Arts' newly launched BA (Hons) Marketing course.
Read more about Norwich Secures CIM Accreditation for new Marketing Degree
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In Memory of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE, a valued member of the University’s Governing Body since 2018 and a distinguished leader in design research, innovation, and policy.
Read more about In Memory of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE
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Norwich University of the Arts opens Phase Two of landmark Bank Plain building
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts has officially opened Phase Two of its ambitious redevelopment at 20 Bank Plain — a landmark Grade II listed building in the heart of Norwich.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts opens Phase Two of landmark Bank Plain building
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Norwich University of the Arts announces five new Honorary Professors
Graduation •
Five leading figures from the fields of design, fashion, games and the visual arts will be awarded Honorary Professorships at the University’s graduation ceremonies next week.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts announces five new Honorary Professors
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Toby Hills Wins Prestigious Papin Prize at HETS 2025
Alumni •
Toby Hills, Senior Technician – Immersive & Virtual Production at Norwich University of the Arts, has been named Best Newcomer and awarded a prestigious Papin Prize during the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) 2025 held this week.
Read more about Toby Hills Wins Prestigious Papin Prize at HETS 2025
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Professor Ben Stopher appointed next Vice-Chancellor
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Ben Stopher as its next Vice-Chancellor.
Read more about Professor Ben Stopher appointed next Vice-Chancellor
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Celebrating award-winning student work at our Undergrad Festival – and beyond
BA Animation •
This summer saw the launch of the University’s new Sustainability Awards, alongside nominations for Norwich students for a range of high-profile industry awards.
Read more about Celebrating award-winning student work at our Undergrad Festival – and beyond
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Norwich students win at D&AD New Blood Awards 2025
BA Graphic Communication •
Norwich students were awarded a total of five pencils at this year’s D&AD New Blood Awards, which showcase recent graduate work across design, advertising and craft.
Read more about Norwich students win at D&AD New Blood Awards 2025
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Norwich University of the Arts announces new international partnership with Gresham Global
International •
Gresham Global will act as the University’s official representative in India, widening access to world-class creative education.
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Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors
Institution •
Dr Ellie Nixon and Dr Kirk Woolford have been recognised for their significant contributions to knowledge and high levels of academic achievement.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors
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Norwich lecturer celebrates world premiere of new film Chicken Town
Alumni •
Read more about Norwich lecturer celebrates world premiere of new film Chicken Town
Talk to us
The Student Support office is open all year round for appointments and to take telephone and email enquiries. We run a drop-in service, dates and times are available on our Intranet.
Get in touch via OurNorwichUni or:
Student Support 01603 977977
+44 (0) 1603 977977