Industry insights: Students explore creativity in the workplace
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.”
Related News
-
BA Business Management •In conversation with Norwich’s newest lecturers in Marketing and Business Management
We joined Norwich's newest lecturers, Stephen Balmer-Walters and Laurie McAllister, to find out more about the University's Marketing and Business Management courses. -
BA Games Art and Design •East of England set to become UK’s next Games Cluster, says landmark report
A major new report is calling for the creation of a Games Cluster for the East of England — positioning the region as a national leader in creative technology and immersive media. -
BA Games Art and Design •Norwich awarded Best Education Initiative at the TIGA UK Games Industry Awards
TIGA, who represent the UK video games industry, have recognised the University’s commitment to graduate success and industry-focused learning in their 2025 awards. -
BA Animation •Cutting edge Sony Virtual Production Studio puts Norwich on the map for the future of film and gaming
Norwich University of the Arts and Sony open new landmark facility for students, creators and the community. -
BA Animation •Norwich named top UK university for production excellence in visual effects
The University has been placed in three categories in the 2025 Rookies Global School Rankings, including the top five for Production Excellence – Visual Effects. -
BA Photography •Entries open for Norwich's 2026 Beyond the Frame photography competition
Entries are now open for our annual photography competition, open to students aged 11 to 19 around the world. -
BSc Degree •Norwich University welcomes new academics to its Psychology and Computer Science courses
Lyndsey Wallace joins the University as Senior Lecturer for BSc (Hons) Psychology, with Jawwad Chattha joining as Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Computer Science. -
BA Architecture •Norwich University of the Arts presents the Peter Cook: Wonder Hub
Norwich University has launched the Peter Cook: Wonder Hub, a vibrant and interactive space for thinking, making, showcasing and debating the creative arts. -
BA Graphic Communication •Norwich students celebrate success at 2025 Creative Conscience Awards
Students from Norwich University of the Arts have been recognised across categories in this year’s awards, which showcase work focusing on social or environmental impact -
BA Games Art and Design •Norwich graduates recognised at TIGA UK Games Education Awards
Charlie O'Shea, BA (Hons) Games Art and Design has been named 'Outstanding TIGA Graduate of the Year: Designer' -
BA Film and Moving Image Production •Dear future international students – Diya Vaya, BA (Hons) Film and Moving Image Production
Diya writes about the experience of moving to Norwich from Nairobi, and her advice to future international students. -
Course •Inside Interchange Week with Stokely Howard of Trendy Grandad
Stokely Howard, Co-Founder and Creative Director of video production company Trendy Grandad, shares his reflections on Norwich’s cross-course collaboration week. -
MA Communication Design •Norwich announces Sustainability Award winners at Postgrad Festival 2025
Norwich University of the Arts' Sustainability Awards celebrate students’ commitment to sustainable and ethical practice. -
Research •Shape Shift Converse Rework: Authentic co-creation of art in mental health settings
Exploring the story, impact and legacy of the Rivers Centre Project at Hellesdon Hospital. -
Institution •Norwich University of the Arts Makes Historic Debut in Main Guardian University Guide
Norwich University of the Arts has marked a historic milestone, with its first-ever appearance in the Guardian University Guide’s national rankings. -
BA Animation •Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School
Norwich University of the Arts has been named as a Rookies Certified School.