Work Placements and Internships

At Norwich University of the Arts (NUA), we believe hands-on experience is essential for building a successful career in the creative industries. Our work placement program integrates real-world opportunities directly into your degree, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings. Students across disciplines like fine art, graphic design, fashion, and architecture have access to placements with leading organizations.

• Duration: Placements typically last from 4 weeks to a full academic year, depending on your course.
• Locations: Opportunities in Norwich, London, and international destinations, including collaborations with global brands.
• Examples: Internships at BBC East, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, or design studios like Pentagram.

Our dedicated placements team supports you throughout the process, from CV building to interview preparation, ensuring you gain industry-relevant skills such as project management, client collaboration, and portfolio development.

Live Projects and Industry Collaborations

NUA fosters innovation through live projects, where students work on briefs set by industry partners. These initiatives bridge the gap between education and employment, providing a platform to showcase your talent to potential employers.

Project Type	Partners Involved	Benefits for Students
Commercial Design Challenges	Adidas, IKEA, local agencies	Real client feedback and portfolio pieces
Fashion and Textile Collaborations	Burberry, local boutiques	Networking events and exhibition opportunities
Digital Media Projects	BBC, independent filmmakers	Skills in animation, VR, and app development

These projects often lead to job offers, with many graduates crediting live briefs for their first professional roles. In 2023, over 80% of participating students reported enhanced employability.

Career Services and Employability Support

NUA's Careers and Employability Service is tailored to the creative sector, offering personalized guidance from day one of your studies. We help you navigate the competitive job market with workshops on freelancing, personal branding, and grant applications.

• One-on-One Mentoring: Access to career advisors specializing in arts and design.
• Workshops and Events: Regular sessions on topics like "Pitching Your Portfolio" and "Sustainable Careers in Fashion."
• Online Resources: A dedicated portal with job listings, funding opportunities, and alumni networks.

For international students, we provide visa advice and pathways to UK-based roles, ensuring a smooth transition post-graduation.

Alumni Success and Graduate Outcomes

NUA boasts an impressive track record of alumni achievement, with graduates working at world-renowned companies and launching their own ventures. Our Graduate Outcomes Survey (2022) shows 95% of respondents in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating—above the national average for creative arts.

Key statistics highlight our impact:

• Employment Rate: 85% in graduate-level roles within the creative industries.
• Freelance Success: 40% of alumni establish independent practices, supported by NUA's entrepreneurship programs.
• Further Study: 10% pursue master's degrees at top institutions like the Royal College of Art.

Notable alumni include Grayson Perry, the acclaimed artist and Turner Prize winner, and designers contributing to brands like Liberty London. Stories like that of fashion graduate Sarah Jones, who founded her sustainable clothing line after a NUA placement, inspire current students.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Opportunities

NUA encourages entrepreneurial spirit through initiatives like the NUA Incubator, a startup hub offering mentorship, funding advice, and co-working spaces. Whether you're interested in launching a design studio or developing a tech-art app, we provide the tools to turn ideas into reality.

• Funding Access: Connections to grants from Arts Council England and Innovate UK.
• Competitions: Entry to national awards like the RSA Student Design Awards.
• Global Exchanges: Partnerships with universities in Europe and the US for cross-cultural projects.

Additionally, our annual NUA Showcase exhibition attracts recruiters from over 100 companies, providing a launchpad for your career.

In summary, Norwich University of the Arts equips you with diverse opportunities to thrive in the dynamic world of arts and design. From placements to lifelong support, we're committed to your professional growth. Explore our programs and start your journey today.