You might think students at Norwich University of the Arts would be delighted after bagging a major national award.

Not so.

Apparently, they have been sobbing into their subsidised pints, gazing forlornly at their Dr Martens boots and blowing their noses dramatically on their copy of the Guardian.  

And the reason? The gong was dished out by the Daily Mail. 

The national newspaper named NUA as the top creative institution in its 2024 university guide.

And the fact the uni's bosses delivered an overwhelmingly positive response to the accolade has added further fuel to the fire of contention. 

Norwich University of the Arts was recently named the UK's best arts uni by the Daily MailNorwich University of the Arts was recently named the UK's best arts uni by the Daily Mail (Image: Newsquest) But why do they care? The Daily Mail often angers people who don't share its political leanings. It seems some students have never heard the phrase "let's agree to disagree".

"It is very peculiar for the uni to be so passionate about being named in this list," moaned Oakley Scott, a 21-year-old film production student.

News of the uni's win was shared widely on its social media pages, with vice-chancellor Simon Ofield-Kerr saying the faculty was "delighted" to have been named best. 

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When made aware of the backlash, a NUA spokeswoman said: "Our university community has responded with enthusiasm to our recent recognition of Arts University of the Year."

"We've seen overwhelmingly positive support, with more than 1,200 likes and comments across our social media platforms.

"In reviewing the criteria and rationale behind this award, we were reassured that the evaluation reflects our commitment to excellence.

"Most importantly, we have not deviated from our core values, strategy, or policies to achieve this recognition.

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"These remain firmly grounded in our principles and are readily accessible on our website and social media channels."

But alumni James Diamond believes the accolade has devalued the university.

"To celebrate this accolade is to fly in the face of all Norwich stands for," he fumed.

Alumni James Diamond has lamented the accolade Alumni James Diamond has lamented the accolade (Image: Newsquest) "The city and the university have always been cultures within themselves and done things their own way.

"I can understand why it might help from a marketing perspective but I'm very disappointed in the vice-chancellor's use of language like 'delighted' when talking about this award.

"The Daily Mail has worked hard to undermine the arts and liberalism for so long and this just feels like a stain on NUA's sterling reputation."

Founded in 1845 as Norwich School of Design, it was only awarded its full university status in 2013.

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Since then, NUA has been featured in the 2022 Sunday Times Good University Guide, the Complete University Guide 2023 and has been awarded gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) with the highest possible rating.

It is currently the only creative arts and design university with a triple gold TEF rating in the country.

NUA's spokeswoman added: "We acknowledge that not everyone within our community may share the same perspectives, however, we believe it is important to highlight our achievements and to engage with those who may be less familiar or comfortable with our work.

Vice-chancellor Simon Ofield-Kerr was delighted to be named the UK's best by the Daily MailVice-chancellor Simon Ofield-Kerr was delighted to be named the UK's best by the Daily Mail (Image: Newsquest) "In approaching this recognition, we have maintained the same level of transparency and integrity as we do with other league tables, including by The Guardian and The Times."