From September 2027, students will be able to enrol on a range of undergraduate degrees jointly awarded by the Royal College of Art (RCA) and Norwich University of the Arts.
This partnership sets a new standard for creative higher education collaboration in the UK. Norwich University, named Specialist University of the Year, is also rated Triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, the UK government’s national assessment of teaching quality, while the RCA has been ranked the world’s number one art and design university for 12 consecutive years (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2015–2026).
“This agreement represents a significant and forward-looking moment for undergraduate creative education in the UK — driven by a shared vision,” says Professor Ben Stopher, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University. “We are creating new UK and global opportunities for students to benefit from rigorous academic standards, practice-led learning and collaborative approaches that reflect the realities of contemporary creative practice.”
Experience jointly awarded undergraduate degrees in the arts, delivered by the top institutions in the field today. Source: Norwich University of the Arts
Introducing new model in undergraduate creative education
From September 2027, Norwich University of the Arts offers the world’s only current opportunity to study for undergraduate degrees jointly awarded by the Royal College of Art. Think fields like fashion, interior design and fine art, taught at Norwich, one of the UK’s top 10 most creative cities, with degrees jointly awarded by the world’s number one art and design university.
“The Royal College of Art is committed to a thriving UK art and design sector, both within and beyond London,” says Professor Christoph Lindner, President & Vice-Chancellor of RCA. “This means working in nationwide partnership with other specialist institutions to offer greater student choice, widen access to higher level study, and support the Government’s Industrial Strategy by providing a vital talent pipeline for the UK’s growing creative industries.”
Norwich University delivers the teaching and wider student experience, giving you access to specialist facilities such as the 3D Workshop, the Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab and the Sir John Hurt Film Studio, spread across 13 buildings in the city’s cultural quarter. It’s the kind of university where lecturers know you by name, and where you’ll work both independently and in groups to tackle global issues through practical projects. Courses are 100% coursework-based, giving you room to express yourself in whatever form suits you best.
Two creative specialists. One future-defining partnership. Source: Norwich University of the Arts
RCA — renowned worldwide for its research-and postgraduate education — will act as a joint awarding body, playing a key role in academic governance, quality assurance, and defined enhancement activity. They will participate in joint academic boards, as well as programme review and academic enhancement sessions, ensuring these degrees are of the highest quality. While courses will not be delivered at the RCA campus, students will have opportunities to participate in masterclasses, live briefs, and guidance on progression to postgraduate study delivered by the RCA, throughout their three years at Norwich.
“This exciting partnership with Norwich University of the Arts builds on our work developing progression routes and joint areas of academic endeavour with specialist providers across the country,” Professor Lindner adds. “We also hope this example of proactive collaboration will support the UK’s position as an international leader in art and design education and give young people confidence in pursuing creative futures.”
A world-leading creative education in an affordable creative city
Studying at Norwich University means spending the most important chapter of your life thus far in the best place to live in the UK. Standing out for its “historic character” and “urban buzz,” Norwich beat 71 other locations to become #1 on the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026.
Walk the streets and you’ll find everything from Gothic architecture to quirky independent shops and cafés. The world-class art museum Sainsbury Centre, the National Centre for Writing, and the Norwich Theatre are nearby. A diverse community of artists, designers, writers, performers, and creative technologists adds more character to a city long known for doing things differently.
And their presence challenges the assumption that creative talent must gravitate toward the likes of London and Manchester. Norwich is smaller than both, but much more cost-effective. Based on the Office for National Statistic’s private rental data, the average cost of rent in Norwich is approximately 50% lower than in London. Those who know the city will tell you this enhances the city’s combination of opportunity, infrastructure, and quality of life that creative people need to thrive. With the RCA partnership set to take off in 2027, the city is about to enter a new phase of creative ambition and expertise.
Passionate about the creative arts? Check out Norwich University of the Arts today.
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