Meet the students and organisations taking part in our innovative new Level 5 Diploma in Creative Professional Development, as they reflect on their first industry placement experience.
This year, a group of Norwich University of the Arts students have taken the opportunity to further develop their employability skills and professional experience, by embarking on a Level 5 Diploma in Creative Professional Development.
The diploma is open to students on most undergraduate degree courses and is taken as an optional additional year of study between Year 2 and Year 3. It’s designed to introduce them to a wide range of creative roles and expand their understanding of what it means to work in the Creative Industries.
Monika Swiat working on her placement with the Broads Authority
Students take part in both a six week and twelve week placement within a creative team during the one year diploma. Each host organisation works with the University to refine the role they can offer. These roles are then matched with students based on their learning outcomes and areas of interest. Students are assigned a mentor within their workplace, with touch points throughout the placement to ensure both student and host are supported in achieving their goals.
“These placements offer local organisations a valuable opportunity to engage with emerging creative professionals, and to improve their understanding of how best to foster junior talent. The support we provide to both the students and the host organisations goes much further than the usual internship or placement scheme.”
BA (Hons) Photography student Monika Swiat worked with the communications team at the Broads Authority. She was presented with the challenge of working with the archive of naturalist Ted Ellis, to assemble a narrative of his work on social media. By sharing insights from Ted’s life’s work, the project aimed to encourage viewers to take part in rediscovering the wilderness around them.
“Working with the Broads Authority was a great learning experience, the communications team were more than welcoming, and they helped me along the journey. I am grateful to have been with such multi-skilled and kind colleagues.”
Ted Ellis Journals Instagram profile
Video production company, Lambda Films, hosted a BA (Hons) Animation student who worked alongside the Animation Director on a variety of projects. Their founder, Ryan Stone, saw the placement as an opportunity to inject new thinking and ideas into their company, gaining insight into how younger audiences perceive and consume video content.
“We were impressed by the confidence and personality of our student placement. They quickly made friends with our entire staff, and added a new dynamic to the team and how we work. Our student was not afraid to try, and quickly grasped the complexities of client relationships, agency communication and individual responsibilities.”
Research •
A groundbreaking new exhibition, Shape Shift: Reflections on Art in Mental Health Settings, created in partnership with Norwich University of the Arts, will open at The Fitzrovia Chapel on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Read more about Shape Shift: Reflections on Art in Mental Health Settings
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication •
Cassie Muskett has been selected for the Chaos Design Bursary Award. She secured a two-week paid internship, along with a generous £800 bursary. We spoke to Cassie about her internship experience.
Read more about In conversation with Cassie Muskett, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
Institution •
After dedicating his career to higher education in the creative arts, Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, has announced his decision to retire in 12 months time.
Read more about Retirement Announcement: Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr
BA Animation and Visual Effects •
Staff and graduates’ work features in two-part special exploring the secrets of the Ice Age.
Read more about Norwich graduates’ work to premiere in new Channel 5 series Ice Age: Apocalypse
BA (Hons) Textile Design student shares her journey of incorporating AI into her creative process
Read more about Embracing AI in Textile Design: A journey of creativity and collaboration
Professor Hilary Carlisle recently took part in the ELIA Biennial Conference 2024 in Milan
Read more about Norwich joins global conversation on creativity at ELIA Biennial 2024
BA Games Art and Design •
Norwich University of the Arts students had another successful year at Sync The City 2024
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts Students Shine at Sync The City 2024
BA (Hons) Illustration •
Alice reflects on her recent residency at Moosey Art Gallery
Read more about In conversation with: Alice Lee, BA (Hons) Illustration lecturer
Alumni •
Two graduates have been named winners in Arts Thread Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024.
Read more about Norwich Graduates announced winners in Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024
BA Architecture •
The prestigious event will take place at our Duke Street Riverside and Duke Street buildings.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts to Host AHRA 21st International Conference in 2024
Institution •
The conference centred on the theme "New Dimensions: Imagining Beyond Horizon"
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts Strengthens Global Ties at ICADE 2024
Norwich University of the Arts is excited to present Mechanism, a site-specific kinetic installation
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts Unveils ‘Mechanism’
BA (Hons) Animation •
Lucien talks to us about her practice, influences and advice for future students at Norwich.
Read more about In conversation with: Lucien Kelman, BA (Hons) Animation
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication •
Sam discusses what it's like to study BA (Hons) Graphic Communication at Norwich.
Read more about In conversation with: Sam Butler, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
Institution •
We are delighted to announce a new partnership with the London School of Design and Marketing (LSDM)
BA (Hons) Architecture •
Tracey Lin talks to us about what it's like to study BA (Hons) Architecture at Norwich
Read more about In conversation with: Tracey Lin, BA (Hons) Architecture student