Overview

Northumbria University is a renowned research-intensive institution that has gained a global reputation for academic excellence. Recently, it was recognised as the UK University of the Year 2022 by the Times Higher Education Awards. Situated in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, a city that is consistently voted as the best place to study in the UK, Northumbria University offers students an exceptional experience through its extensive range of programs and excellent teaching facilities.

　　Founded in 1880 as Rutherford College, the university has evolved into a renowned institution, focusing on putting students at the centre of an outstanding experience, supported by world-class research and award-winning partnerships. Northumbria University attracts students from all over the world, who choose the pathway program for academic excellence, career advancement opportunities, and meeting like-minded peers.

　　The pathway programmes offered by Northumbria University are designed to bridge the gap between a student's current academic and English language level and their chosen progression degree. These programs cover a wide range of subjects, including art, business and law, computing, engineering, humanities, and sciences. There are several entry points available, depending on the student's existing qualifications and English language level.

　　Northumbria University offers a variety of pathway programs, including the International Foundation Programme, International Year One, and Pre-Masters. These programs provide students with a route to over 105 degree options.

　　Prospective students can learn more about the full range of courses and pathway programs available, at the university's website.

　　

What's new

Northumbria University has been recognised for the calibre of its education, as well as the quality of its teaching, graduate prospects, and student satisfaction rating, by being awarded University of the Year 2022 at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

　　This recent accolade recognises exceptional performance, as well as bold, imaginative, and innovative initiatives that have advanced a Higher Education institution's reputation during the academic year 2020/21. Northumbria University continues to improve and enhance their curriculum and educational programming, creating life-changing opportunities for their students while tackling some of tomorrow's most significant challenges head on. The university aims to produce future-ready graduates who have the skills and confidence to progress into their chosen career pathways with success.

　　

Achievements include:

　　Top 30 for sport in the UK (British Universities & Colleges Sport, 2021-22)

　　Top 50 UK university (Time Good University Guide, Guardian University Guide and Complete University League Tables 2023)

　　

Teaching quality

Pathway programmes are delivered by staff with extensive experience in supporting international students. The programmes themselves are tailored to help students develop their academic English skills and learn how to succeed within UK academia before they even start their degree.

　　

Northumbria's pathway academics will help students to:

　　Build their core English language (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and academic abilities Gain industry-relevant knowledge of their chosen subject area Progress on to a chosen degree after passing their pathway programme Become part of a welcoming, collaborative environment with other international students Access careers and employment support

　　Upon successful completion of their pathway programme, students can progress on to a variety of undergraduate degrees in subjects such as:

　　Art, design and media Business and law Computing and information technology Engineering Humanities and social sciences Science

　　

Department structure

Northumbria University Pathway is a partnership between the university and QA Higher Education. Programmes are designed specifically to help international students prepare for studying a degree in the UK. Students are taught by QA academic staff, who specialise in teaching and supporting students from overseas.

　　Throughout their student journey, students are provided with all the specialist support they need to succeed in enhancing their English language and academic skills. When students have successfully passed their pathway programme, achieving at least 40 percent, they will be guaranteed a place on their progression degree.

　　

Classes

Northumbria Pathway students can expect to spend approximately 16–18 hours per week in classroom-based study. In addition to timetabled classes, students meet with tutors on a one-to-one basis. Depending on the pathway programme, class sizes can range from 12-20 students.

　　Students will also be expected to spend around 15–22 hours per week on independent-study, which may include:

　　Reading for seminars Researching for assessments Preparing for presentations Writing tasks

　　The above can vary depending on the student's chosen course.

　　

Entry requirements

International Foundation Programmes

　　

Entry requirements

　　5 GCSE/iGCSE passes at grade A-C, or equivalent Minimum age to study with us: 16 years old 4.5 with no single sub score below 4.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 12-month programme 5.0 with no single sub score below 4.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 9-month programme 5.5 with no single sub score below 5.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 6-month programme Students intending to progress onto Law must achieve IELTS 5.5 with no single element below 5.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre

　　

Progress on to degrees in:

　　Art, design and media Business and law Computing Engineering Humanities and social science Sciences

　　

International Business Year One

　　

Entry requirements

　　Good high school grades, or equivalent

　　Minimum age to study with us: 17 years old

　　IELTS 5.5 with no element less than 5.5, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre

　　

Progress on to degrees in:

　　Business

　　

Pre-Masters

　　

Entry requirements

　　Third class, pass or ordinary degree from a UK university, or equivalent 5.5 with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent, will study the 2-semester Graduate Diploma 6.0 with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent, will study the 1-semester Graduate Certificate

　　

Progress onto degrees in:

　　Business Computing Engineering

　　Prospective students can explore courses further and discover the range of progression degrees through the university website.

　　

Facilities

Students study in a world-class campus that adds to an exceptional experience. Since 2005, the university has invested almost GBP 300 million in their Student Central and City Campus Library, a Computer and Information Sciences Building, new Architecture Studios in Sutherland Building, a 24/7 computer hub in Northumberland Building and the refurbishment of the University Gallery. Some of the university's latest building developments can be viewed online, here.

　　There are a wide range of facilities for students to enjoy. In addition to modernised classrooms, clinics, labs and studios, there is a wide array of learning spaces available, where students can meet, study and collaborate:

　　The university library, is a state-of-the-art facility which houses around half a million print books, over 900,000 e-books and around 85,000 e-journals There are plenty of study spaces, digital hubs and touch down spaces across the campus – including the Digital Commons On-site catering and retail outlets serve hot and cold food which can even be pre-ordered via an app Northumbria's sports facility, Sport Central, has facilities for gym and swimming, and students can enjoy a wide range of online workouts from the comfort of their accommodation The student's union is also on campus and includes bars, entertainment venues, coffee shops, workspaces, chill-out zones and meeting rooms

　　Student accommodation

　　Students are offered a wide range of options when choosing accommodation, including en-suite rooms and catered accommodation. Students are given the opportunity to select the exact building, flat and room they would like to live in when applying for accommodation based on real-time availability. Once they've found the perfect room, they can confirm their booking online within minutes.

　　All residences are within walking distance of the campus and are easily accessible through local transport links. Prospective students can browse all accommodation options and find their perfect home.

　　Northumbria University was ranked 10th for student facilities in the UK in 2017 (The Student Experience survey). With GBP 200 million recently invested into developing its academic facilities and social spaces, the university ensures a high-quality environment in which students are able to thrive.

　　Top class amenities and a lively campus atmosphere help international students feel at home in no time. The Newcastle campus has everything needed for students from all backgrounds to thrive as a Northumbria student, both in and out of the classroom. Facilities provided include:

　　Sports facilities Food vendors Libraries Accommodation Laboratories Support servicesThe campus is also home to an award-winning Students' Union and more than 130 societies which are available for all students to join.

　　

Scholarships & funding

The university offers scholarships and bursaries to help students with the decision of coming to study in Northumbria. These financial awards create many more opportunities for students from around the world to achieve an undergraduate education from a UK based university, and support is given for the duration of the course of study. The amount that students receive is dependent upon both the programme that they are interested in, their nationality and their academic qualifications. It should be noted that only the programme or country bursary/scholarship will apply students will receive whichever is greater.

　　Students can check their eligibility by getting in contact with the university, where one of the team will be able to help.

　　Tuition payments can be made via Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card or online via TransferMate.

　　For more information on payments or to contact the finance team, students can visit the university's finance page.