Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023

Norwich University of the Arts Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023

Introduction by theVice-Chancellor

Our Strategic Plan identifies the core values, vision and commitments for the University as a Higher Education institution and creative academic community. It is written at a time of unprecedented challenge not only to UK Universities but also to our society, faced as we are with the Covid pandemic. Hence it is written for a shorter period of time than would usually be the case, to allow the University to review and respond as needed and to acknowledge that the period of the new plan will also see the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor, following my retirement.

The Strategic Plan 2014-2019 laid out a number of targets and it is pleasing to report that these have largely been delivered, despite this being a challenging period for UK Universities. During this time, we have seen a demographic downturn in 18-year olds leaving school that is only now starting to recover. There has additionally been a stronger negative narrative about the value of university education in society generally and about education in the creative arts more specifically, with crude measures around value for money replacing notions of social value, student choice and the wider benefits of the arts to our society.

Notwithstanding the operating context outlined above, NUA achieved a Gold designation in the first Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and the University and its estate has grown and evolved steadily over the past years in line with its previous Strategic Plan (a rise of over 35% in students and an associated increase in turnover of c35%).

However, there remains much still to achieve and this new Strategic Plan identifies not only our new priorities and targets but also reminds us of the need to be vigilant in maintaining our work in delivering high quality creative arts education and improving equality of opportunity.

Implicit in everything we do will be a recognition of the need for improving opportunities for non-traditional entrants to UK arts Higher Education, improving the employability opportunities of our graduates and a continuing focus on delivering the highest quality student experience, in the context of decreasing public funding for Higher Education.

The operating context for UK Higher Education remains challenging and, in some senses, unknown. We do not yet know how long we will need to operate with new teaching and learning approaches under Covid, nor do we fully understand the impact of the new relationship we will have with Europe. Further, the Augar Report observations on differential fees may yet be introduced into policy discussions, with implications for the level of fees for arts and humanities subjects. However, the current demand for NUA courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, from Home, EU and overseas remains strong and rising, even this year.

Whilst we must not be complacent, I am confident that NUA will remain a high-quality specialist university. Whatever the context, we will not compromise on quality in either the student or the staff experience; we will measure ourselves routinely and regularly against credible, rigorous external benchmarks; we will maintain our staff awareness of the operating environment, and, in so doing, we will continue to develop our capacity to manage change.

We enter the period of this new Strategic Plan – and one that will see us celebrate our 175th anniversary - excited by this challenge.

Professor John Last, OBEVice-Chancellor and CEO

Norwich University of the Arts Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023

Our Strategic PlanNorwich University of the Arts is an inclusive community transforming lives and creating sustainable futures.

Our MissionTo inspire creativity and originality, encourage ethical thinking and sustainable practice, and develop skills and expertise valued by industry today and tomorrow.

Our Vision• To be the UK’s leading university for creative thinkers,

makers and designers.

• To be the industry’s first choice for innovation.

• To be a leading advocate for ethical thinking and sustainable creative practice.

We Value:• Creativity in all its forms

• Our community and everyone’s contribution

• Honesty and integrity, and take an ethical approach in dealing with others

• Diversity, equality and inclusion

• Ambition in our staff and students

• Innovation, challenging established ideas and practices

Norwich University of the Arts Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023

We are champions for the creative arts; empowering our students to be valued and productive members of society, with ambitions to change the world.

We use the creative arts as a vehicle to challenge and influence society.

We are dedicated to excellence in creative arts teaching as the foundation of a transformative student experience.

1. Be a leading advocate for the social, cultural and economic benefit of the arts

2. Provide an intellectually challenging portfolio of courses that shapes the future needs of industry

3. Enable students to build the resilience, ambition and flexibility to flourish in their studies and future careers

4. Equip students with the social and cultural capital that will allow them to confidently grasp graduate-level opportunities and challenges

5. Embed transferable skills throughout the curriculum and ensure students understand their value and when to deploy them

6. Deliver a forward-focused student experience which integrates digital and physical teaching

7. Place technological and digital innovation at the heart of our research

8. Engage in knowledge exchange to positively impact our students, staff and society

Transforming Lives

What we will do:

Norwich University of the Arts Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023

We are committed to sustainability in all its forms: environmental, social and economic.

We recognise the global climate crisis and are committed to embedding environmental sustainability through everything we do.

We value the quality of life and wellbeing of NUA staff and students and seek to make a positive contribution to the welfare of society more generally.

We are dedicated to ensuring the financial sustainability of the university.

Sustainable Futures

1. Embed environmental sustainability throughout the curriculum of every course and encourage students to practice their craft in an environmentally friendly way

2. Positively impact on the environment in terms of energy, waste and earth’s resources

3. Support and develop the wellbeing of our staff (in their professional development and physical and mental health, families, personal success)

4. Support students with developing their life skills and wellbeing

5. Enrich the cultural, social and economic value of our city and our region

6. Safeguard our financial future through sound financial management and by attracting high quality students and investment

What we will do:

Norwich University of the Arts Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023

We are committed to being an inclusive community that offers equality of opportunity and enables our staff and students to flourish and succeed, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded in everything that we do.

We celebrate the diversity of our backgrounds, cultures and actions, promoting art and design as a catalyst of social change.

We foster community cohesion and belonging within the university, creative sector and beyond.

Inclusive Community

1. Challenge racism, harassment and bullying with a zero tolerance approach

2. Provide a curriculum and broader educational offer which reflects our diverse society

3. Use innovation in learning and teaching to promote an inclusive learning environment

4. Bring diverse voices into our student experience

5. Ensure the support we give our students is culturally competent

6. Increase the diversity of academic and professional services staff at all levels within the university

7. Reduce any gaps in access, continuation, attainment and progression

8. Provide opportunities for students, graduates and staff from all backgrounds to achieve their best potential

9. Promote the benefits of diversity to support the ambitions of the City and Region

What we will do: