Teaching and learning
Sustainability in the curriculum
Education for Sustainable Development is fully embedded within our Creative Learning Strategy. For example, the ‘Positive Change’ theme highlights how creativity shapes a more ecologically and socially secure future by manifesting new possibilities for an equitable world. Read the full Creative Learning Strategy PDF.
Every unit of study includes Learning Outcomes that focus on students’ understanding and application of sustainable practices. Additionally, at least one project brief per unit explicitly addresses sustainability challenges to deepen community awareness and engagement.
Sustainability Awards
Sustainability Awards at Gradfest
In July 2025, the Sustainability Working Group presented the inaugural Sustainability Awards at Gradfest, celebrating graduating students who demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainable and ethical practice. Winners from Textile Design, Graphic Communication, Architecture, and Interior Design were recognised for embedding sustainability at the heart of their creative work.
Find out more about our award-winning student work
Architecture and Interior Design Industry-Sponsored Awards
Alongside the university-wide awards, Architecture and Interior Design students are recognised annually through industry-sponsored prizes at Gradfest. These awards celebrate excellence in sustainable design, focusing on adaptive reuse, wellbeing, inclusivity, and low-impact materials. They encourage future-focused practice, strengthen industry connections, and support graduates in building sustainability-led portfolios.
Events
Sustainable Fashion Week
This September, Norwich University of the Arts proudly hosts the Norwich Hub for Sustainable Fashion Week 2025. Led by staff, students, and the Sustainability Working Group, the hub will showcase creative, ethical, and regenerative approaches to fashion. The programme includes workshops, talks, and community collaborations highlighting fashion as a force for positive change. With sustainability embedded across our courses and a campus rooted in Norwich’s textile heritage, we are excited to champion thoughtful, future-focused fashion in the heart of the city.
Student work
Explore examples of student projects engaging with sustainability: Creative Conscience Awards 2024.
Recent projects include:
- The Hospital Rooms Project
- Fibrebroads
- Fashion Zombies in collaboration with Jeremy Hutchison
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Sustainability in campus and operations at Norwich
Learn more about the sustainability of our campus and operations, including energy and carbon management, and ethical banking and investment. -
Sustainability in our community at Norwich
Learn about community sustainability initiatives at Norwich. We believe creative education plays a vital role in tackling global challenges. -
Sustainability in research at Norwich
At Norwich University of the Arts, sustainability is integral to our research culture. Through creative practices, our researchers explore how we can live more sustainably and adapt to the rapidly changing world around us.
Latest News
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Institution •Norwich Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Jilin University of the Arts
Norwich University of the Arts has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jilin University of the Arts, marking the start of a new international partnership between students and staff at both institutions. -
BA Architecture •Norwich University announces winners of 2026 Undergraduate Sustainability Awards
Students from BA (Hons) Architecture, BA (Hons) Fashion, BA (Hons) Illustration and BA (Hons) Interior Design were all recognised in this year’s awards, for their commitment to sustainable and ethical practice. -
BA Fashion •Norwich students win at Graduate Fashion Week 2026
This year’s Graduate Fashion Week has seen awards success for Norwich University of the Arts students. -
East Gallery •In Memoriam: Tess Jaray
In Memoriam: Tess Jaray -
BA Illustration •Stories of Home: Norwich Illustration students explore culture, identity and memory
Students from our BA (Hons) Illustration course have produced a striking exhibition of work, exploring community heritage and visual storytelling. -
MA Textile Design •In conversation with: Caroline Mayers, MA Textile Design
We caught up with Caroline to discuss her creative practice, her experience of studying MA Textile Design at Norwich, and what it meant to win a Sustainability Award at our annual Grad Fest event. -
Institution •Norwich University of the Arts and Donghua University Strengthen International Partnership
Norwich University of the Arts has signed a partnership with Donghua University in Shanghai to deliver a new MA in Interaction Design. -
Norwich University of the Arts Ranked UK’s Top Specialist Creative Arts University in National Student Awards
Norwich University of the Arts is the UK’s highest-ranked specialist creative arts university in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2026, placing 14th overall among universities across the UK. -
BA Textile Design •In conversation with: Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux UK and Ireland
We caught up with Marianne, Dulux’s Creative Director, to discuss her work with Norwich's Textile Design students and her advice for breaking into the industry. -
Institution •Norwich hosts visit from the Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom
Norwich University of the Arts welcomed Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki to tour the university’s creative technology facilities and explore ongoing research projects. -
MA Illustration •In conversation with: Rebecca Osborne, MA Illustration
Rebecca shares what life on our MA Illustration course is like and how she's building on her career as a live illustrator. -
East Gallery •‘A museum show with Francis Bacon? It is a dream come true!’ In conversation with: artist Olivia Sterling
Contemporary painter Olivia Sterling discusses her recent exhibition, Pity the Meat!, at Norwich University’s East Gallery – and shares her advice for students and future artists. -
BA Photography •In conversation with: Joe Coleman, BA (Hons) Photography graduate
Joe tells us about his current work and how the skills he learned at Norwich have helped shape his practice in computer generated imagery. -
Alumni •In conversation with: Carrie Clarke, MA Fine Art Graduate
MA Fine Art graduate Carrie Clarke reflects on her experience at Norwich University of the Arts, from exploring new materials to building confidence in her practice as a sculptor. -
BA Animation •Success for Norwich Graduates at Royal Television Society East Student Awards
Norwich students were nominated across seven categories, with Henry Schwind, a graduate from BA (Hons) Film and Moving Image Production, winning the Craft – Camerawork category. -
East Gallery •Culture in Norwich: East Gallery
Claire Allerton, East Gallery Curator, discusses everything our city-centre art space has to offer – and why a visit to Olivia Sterling’s Pity the Meat! exhibition is a must this spring.
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