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The results of the UK-wide assessment of university research, the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), have been published today.rnThe REF provides a unique analysis of research across UK universities and shows where their research stands in terms of its quality and impact on the domestic and global stage.
Carl Rowe
We are pleased to report that 71% of Norwich University of the Arts’ (NUA) research, assessed within the Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory unit of assessment, has been rated as ‘world leading or internationally excellent’, the highest two ratings identified in the REF audit. This is up from 55% since the last time research was assessed in the 2014 REF. The University submitted research from 18 staff, an increase of 143% from 2014.
“We will build on this success as we embark on our new five-year University Strategy and as our commitment to critical creative practice, research and knowledge exchange moves further to the core of our mission”
Three distinct elements of research have been assessed: the quality of outputs (e.g. creative practice, publications, performances and exhibitions) in terms of originality, significance and rigour, their impact beyond academia and the university environment that supports research. 69% of the University’s outputs were assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent, 75% of Research Impact and 70% of Research Environment were assessed as ‘world-leading or internationally excellent’.
NUA Vice-Chancellor Professor Ofield-Kerr said: “These are excellent results for the University. We have more than doubled the size of our research community and significantly increased our research quality since 2014. We will build on this success as we embark on our new five-year University Strategy and as our commitment to critical creative practice, research and knowledge exchange moves further to the core of our mission’
75% of NUA research submitted in two impact case studies was rated as representing ‘outstanding and very considerable’ impacts in its reach and significance. The case studies focused on ‘Arts, Health and Wellbeing’ and ’Public Engagement with the Norfolk Broads’, identifying the impact of the University’s research on society, culture and the economy since 2000.
Explore ResearchAlumni •
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
Alumni •
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
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
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
International •
Gresham Global will act as the University’s official representative in India, widening access to world-class creative education.
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
Alumni •
Richard Bracewell, Lecturer for BA (Hons) Film and Moving Image Production, worked with Norwich students and graduates to produce the Fens-based comedy.
Read more about Norwich lecturer celebrates world premiere of new film Chicken Town
Alumni •
Norwich University of the Arts has been ranked among the UK's top two specialist creative arts universities — and the highest outside London — in the 2026 edition of The Complete University Guide
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts moves up 25 places in The Complete University Guide
East Gallery •
We are delighted to offer two opportunities to join the University as an East Gallery Fellow – Creative Practice, for twelve months from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026
Institution •
The UK games industry is now worth a staggering £7.82 billion, with East Anglia poised to become the next major growth cluster
Research •
Norwich University of the Arts presents a series of live performances and immersive video installations as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts at Norfolk and Norwich Festival
Winners announced in two age categories 11-15 and 16-19, and two theme categories ‘Responsible Production and Consumption’ and ‘Gender Equality’.
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is making a bold and exciting move toward a more sustainable future.
Read more about The big switch on: Norwich University of the Arts powers up with solar energy
BA (Hons) Illustration •
Gabriella discusses how her creative practice and wider University experience has helped to manage and communicate topics around mental health.
Read more about In conversation with Gabriella Mason, BA (Hons) Illustration
Research •
Norwich University of the Arts recently hosted a collaborative event showcasing projects funded by AHRC's Creative Research Capability fund, at its cutting-edge Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab (IVSL).
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