Overview

Northumbria University, Newcastle is a research-intensive university that unlocks potential for all. It changes lives regionally, nationally, and internationally, providing a cost-effective education for its students. Ranked top 40 in the UK for graduate prospects (The Times Good University Guide 2023), and with expertise in career support services, 91 percent of graduates are in professional employment or further study within 18 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2019/20).

　　Named ‘University of the Year' in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2022, Northumbria has invested almost GBP 300 million in its Newcastle campus since 2005 to provide students with a world-class experience during their time with the university. This includes state-of-the-art facilities to complement the 24-hour service of the library, Student Central, the students' union and the university sports centre, Sport Central.

　　Newcastle is well-known as a friendly and safe city situated in the North-East of England, about two and half hours north of London by train. The city has a population of around 300,000 and is consistently voted as one of the best UK cities for student life.

　　Just outside the vibrant city, students can also benefit from the beautiful coastal towns of Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, all with cafes, bars, and restaurants, just a 20-minute metro ride away from the city centre campus location.

　　Northumberland is also home to more castles than any other English county, a legacy from its historic past. From the Newcastle Castle in the city centre to Alnwick Castle, most famously known as Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter films. All of which makes Northumbria an excellent choice for students.

　　With around 37,000 students from 125 countries, Northumbria University is one of the UK's largest and most successful universities. Each year it welcomes thousands of students from all over the world, enabling them to offer a truly multicultural campus.

　　

What's new

A true recognition of the quality of the institution, Northumbria University has been named as the University of the Year 2022 in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. These awards are highly regarded, and the win for Northumbria is evidence of the fantastic achievement of all faculty in providing an exciting educational experience, as well as recognising the innovative ideas and projects that continue to set the university apart.

　　Northumbria University has also invested more than GBP 250 million in its campus facilities over the past decade. This includes a recent GBP 52 million funding of two brand new facilities for the Architecture and Built Environment and Computing and Information Sciences departments, respectively. Each facility is equipped with state-of-the-art learning materials and equipment.

　　

Statistics

4th best university in UK according to Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022 Top 40 University in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024) Top 50 University in the UK (Guardian 2023) Top 50 University in the UK (Times Higher Education 2022) UK top 40 for graduate prospects (Times University Guide 2023) 91 percent of graduates in professional employment or further study 18 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2019/20) Ranked 5th in the UK for the number of graduate start-up businesses, based on estimated turnover (HEBCIS Survey 2020/21)

　　

Teaching quality

The university provides students with an education experience, which aims to set them up for life. It offers courses that are highly rated, with many programmes accredited by professional bodies. The university's innovative courses are at the forefront of real-world current knowledge and practice, and are informed by global perspectives and research to shape and enrich teaching. The university is ranked top 25 in the UK for research power, the biggest climber in the UK for the second time (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

　　At Northumbria University students will be able to learn from tutors who are not only experts in their subject but who are passionate about teaching, and who are up to date with the latest global research in their field.

　　To further ensure that students get the best educational experience possible, all staff have committed to working closely with external organisations, ensuring course materials are relevant to the ever-changing job market and that there is a truly collaborative feel to all study programmes.

　　

Department structure

At Northumbria, students can choose from a wide range of programmes taught by genuine experts in their field. All courses utilise the very latest in research and knowledge, ensuring that Northumbria's programmes are all cutting edge. Upon completion, students will be ready to step into their chosen career. Several programmes are offered at Northumbria University across various academic departments including:

　　Applied Sciences – covering biology, chemistry, forensic and nutritional sciences Architecture and Built Environment – highly ranked in national league tables Arts – with subjects including animation, theatre, television and arts management Computer and Information Sciences – with work in AI, digital forensics, games, and cyber security Geography and Environmental Sciences – with projects in over 30 countries Humanities – covering English, history and American studies Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering – with a wide number of specialities available Mechanical and Construction Engineering – ranked 21st in the UK for civil engineering (Guardian University Guide 2022) Newcastle Business School – with a global reputation for excellence Northumbria Law School – one of the largest and best law schools in the UK Northumbria School of Design – including industrial, fashion, communication, and innovation design Nursing, Midwifery & Health – running events approved by the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) and Health Professional Council (HPC) Psychology – offering placement opportunities in over 40 local organisations Social Sciences – including criminology, sociology, and international relations and development Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing – ranked in the top 20 for education in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024) Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation – with a top 10 UK physiotherapy programme (Complete University Guide 2024)

　　

Entry requirements

Students applying to Northumbria University normally require a English language test to prove proficiency, such as IELTS, Pearson or other equivalents. Entry requirements for academic courses vary from one to another and therefore students should check individual course requirements.

　　Students failing to meet requirements can attend a range of pre-sessional English and study skills programmes provided by the university throughout the year, or a large summer school which provides a warm, friendly, and supportive environment. They aim to prepare international students for study at Northumbria or elsewhere in the UK, whether it's undergraduate or postgraduate study.

　　English and study skills programmes give students language and other academic skills necessary to benefit as much as possible from their future academic courses and involve a content-based approach. Participants will also develop the ideas and concepts they need to participate in the global academic community.

　　The quality of education provided is paramount to Northumbria University, and as a result it welcomes gifted students from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures including the UK and Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast and East Asia, Latin-America, and the Indian subcontinent.

　　

Scholarships & funding

Northumbria University knows that university is an important financial decision for students, and so is dedicated to supporting them. Tuition fees vary depending on the chosen course and the domestic status of the applicant, but there is a support team at the university who can advise on funding options. International students may need to provide proof of their ability to pay their tuition fees as part of any visa application for study.

　　There are several packages of financial support available through the university in the form of scholarships. These reward the best students academically, as well as those with personal financial circumstances that may have otherwise prevented them from applying for a university degree.

　　All support opportunities have certain eligibility criteria that must be met. Students are advised to read these in detail and to make sure they complete their application in full and by any applicable deadlines so that they don't miss out.

　　

Facilities

Northumbria University provides students with access to outstanding facilities for both study, research, and leisure. The huge levels of investment in recent years have created state-of-the-art facilities in a picturesque setting in Newcastle's vibrant city environment.

　　Students can access modern laboratories, workshops, CAD suites, media labs and contemporary classrooms with all the necessary IT facilities to support students with the tools they need to achieve the best education possible. Furthermore, a 24/7 library provides access to learning facilities at any time of the day, with the award-winning building holding the UK Customer Service Excellence (CSE) standard since 2010.

　　Away from the classroom, there is modern city centre accommodation with various choices for students. The university's world class sport facilities, focused on Sport Central, offer something for everyone, with squash courts, a sprint track, swimming pool and several high-quality outdoor pitches located across the campus. The Sport Central arena can hold up to 3,000 spectators.