MArch Architecture at Norwich
Congratulations on your successful selection to the MArch course at Norwich University of the Arts.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in September.
This welcome page gives you key information about how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect when you arrive.
Welcome Week begins on Monday 15 September – this is when we will meet you on campus, introduce the course team, and show you around the studios and facilities. You will also take part in sessions that introduce university life, support services, and our wider creative community. It is a great chance to begin connecting with fellow students and to explore both the city of Norwich and the surrounding landscape.
Your first full day of teaching is Monday 22 September, when we will present to you the outline of the year structure, our activities, and the overall ambition of your course.
Your timetable will be available online when you enroll. We have ensured there is no teaching timetabled for Monday and Wednesday afternoons; this will give you time during the week for independent study, as well as for clubs, societies, and other commitments.
It would be great if you could think about the following questions before you get here:
- Identify your favourite space that you have experienced. This may be anything: your grandparents’ front room, a museum or garden you explored, a public space visited in another city/country.
- Are there things about this space that inspired you to study Architecture or Interior Design?
- How would you describe this space to someone else?
We look forward to starting this transformational journey with you in September!
Things to read and do before you start
Here are some suggestions for you to look at before you commence your studies.
- Your sketchbook. We recommend keeping a sketchbook and/or a note journal. Starting a habit of drawing each day without pressure is a great practice to keep building up.
- Visit the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art in Norwich. You can visit the Sainsbury Centre, its permanent collection and current exhibition, and the sculpture garden.
- Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the Centre’s grand hangar is an example of extraordinary museum design, and is home to a world class collection featuring art from all around the globe and from all time periods, and transcending traditional barriers between art, architecture, archaeology, and anthropology.
Learn about its architects, its design, development and construction on the Fosters and Partners website:
Information about the Architects Take a 360-degree tour of the building
- Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the Centre’s grand hangar is an example of extraordinary museum design, and is home to a world class collection featuring art from all around the globe and from all time periods, and transcending traditional barriers between art, architecture, archaeology, and anthropology.
- Curious about life at Norwich University of the Arts? Our students are here to help! Just Choose a student to chat with, ask your question and they’ll get back to you within 24 hours!
- If you are in London, visit 2025 Serpentine Pavilion.
- If you happen to be in London this summer, make sure to visit this year’s Serpentine pavilion by Marina Tabassum, with an additional smaller Play Pavilion by Peter Cook.
- Keep strong drawings, designs, and reflections in your feed:
- If you are on social media, we recommend following these pages:
- @thearchitecturalreview (IG);
- @aseriesofrooms (IG);
- @the_donnies (IG);
- @koozarch (IG);
- @dezeen (TikTok, IG)
- @archdaily_ (TikTok; IG)
- If you are on social media, we recommend following these pages:
… and our pages @norwichuni_architecture (IG) @norwichuni_interiordesign (IG)
Suggested equipment and materials
This list is a suggestion of equipment that you will need during your course.
Some of it you probably already have, but all of it you will use at some point, so read through the list to check what you will need.
When in Norwich, you may find second hand items, or use the University Shop for your equipment.
Drafting and drawing tools
- Standard writing pens
- Ball Pentel-type roller ball pen (extra fine, fine and/or medium)
- Fine liner pens (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5)
- Traditional pencils (2B, HB, 2H)
- Propelling/mechanical pencil (0.5mm with 2H leads)
- Soft eraser
- Scale ruler (metric: 1:10, 1:5/1:50, 1:10/1:100, 1:20/1:200)
- 30cm steel ruler (preferably stainless steel or aluminium)
Cutting and fixing tools
- Swann-Morton scalpel (Size 3 handle and 10A blades)
- Stanley knife (retractable, preferably with a metal handle)
- Scissors (small and large, suitable for paper cutting)
- Masking tape, sellotape, blue tack, glue stick
Paper
- A3 layout pad (80 sheets, 45–80gsm)
- A3 tracing paper pad (50 sheets, 90gsm) or A3 width tracing paper roll
- A5 or A4 notebook / sketchbook / journal
Digital & Storage
- USB memory stick or external hard drive
Many of these items can be bought at discounted rates from the University Shop or the 3D-Workshop, so consider picking them up during Welcome Week if you don’t already have them.
In town, Thorns DIY offers 10% off for Norwich students on purchases over £15.
Laptops
While studio and lab computers are available, many students find it more convenient to use their own laptop. You do not need a laptop at the start of the course.
If you are looking to purchase your laptop, you should ideally wait until starting the course, as many suppliers offer student discounts.
Your laptop should be able to run Adobe Creative Cloud apps (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), as well as architectural software like AutoCAD, Rhino, and Revit Architecture.
You do not need to purchase this software: Norwich University provides access to the required software for installation on your device, refer to the guide for details of laptop specifications.
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
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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 •
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