Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. It is based in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, which is regularly voted the best place in the UK for students.
The University has its origins in the Rutherford College, founded in 1880. Today, by putting students at the heart of an outstanding experience, and with world-leading research and award-winning partnerships, Northumbria is a new kind of excellent university.
Northumbria is top ten in the UK for the number of graduates entering professional employment and nine out of ten of our graduates are working or studying six months after graduation. They are ranked 21st out of 111 universities in the 2014 Times Higher Education Student Satisfaction Survey.
Northumbria works with major employers, including Nike, IBM, Nissan, Proctor & Gamble, the BBC, and the NHS, while more than 560 employers and 60 professional bodies sponsor or accredit the University’s programmes. Innovative and entrepreneurial, we are also ranked fourth in the UK for graduate business start-ups.
Northumbria University offers students the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of courses, creating a graduate community that is ambitious and well-equipped to meet the challenges of a modern world. The university is top-rated globally and one of the best in the world for sustainability.
The university is made up of four campuses:
The City Campus in Newcastle comprises award-winning architecture, modern learning environments and excellent sports facilities. It sits right at the heart of a thriving city, while coastal resorts and the beauty of Northumberland are within easy reach.
The second campus in Newcastle at Coach Lane is just a few miles outside the city centre, and is home to the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. It has its own modern Students’ Union and sporting facilities as well as extensive computer and library services.
The third campus in London is just minutes from Liverpool Street Station. Students on a Business, Computing, or Technology course will be right at the heart of the capital’s financial and technology districts.
The Amsterdam campus is a partnership with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Students from both institutions can study overseas, swapping places to work on real business projects and broadening their horizons.
The university also partners with higher education institutions from 136 countries around the world.
ACCOMMODATION
Newcastle has once again been voted the UK’s best city for students as Northumbria University received the best "City Life" award in this year's WhatUni Student Choice Awards.
A world-famous city that feels like home
Newcastle upon Tyne is regularly named as the UK’s Best University City by MSN Travel Guide. It’s partly due to the city’s compactness, which makes it large enough to be vibrant and exciting while small enough to feel like home. It’s also due to the sheer number of students: one in every six people in the city is a student.
Newcastle is packed with bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs, so it’s easy to see why Northumbria is rated among the best universities for nightlife in the UK by Which? University 2016. Newcastle also features in the worldwide top ten of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
More than a great night out
Newcastle boasts a combination of friendly culture, rich history and sporting passion that can rival any city in the world. There is a thriving scene for those who enjoy theatre and cinema. Music lovers are well catered for with big names regularly appearing at the Metro Radio Arena and the O2 Academy. Newcastle is also fortunate to have The Sage Gateshead right on its doorstep; it hosts international jazz, folk, classical and pop artists as well as offering a wide range of learning and participation programmes.
The city’s arts and cultural scene has become one of its defining characteristics. The world-class BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art attracts people from far and wide. Northumbria University has partnered with BALTIC in opening a new cultural hub for art, called BALTIC 39. A number of other galleries in the city means that art-lovers will be spoilt for choice.
When it comes to shopping there is something for everyone. Outstanding shopping centres include Eldon Square, the UK’s largest city centre shopping complex, and intu Metrocentre, Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex. There is also a wide range of boutiques and quirky markets.
They also have lots to offer sports fanatics. If you like your football, there is St James’ Park stadium right at the centre of the city, with Sunderland’s Stadium of Light not far away. Beyond football, there are high-profile events such as the Great North Run and international athletics at Gateshead International Stadium.
Stunning countryside and beaches
Well-preserved sections of the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall are close to the city, set in beautiful countryside that is dotted with castles and stately homes. With only a short ride by train or bus, you can be in something close to a hiker’s heaven or an explorer’s nirvana.
Further to the north you will discover Kielder Water and Forest Park, which includes the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe as well as the largest working forest in England. Like a giant playground; by day you can enjoy mountain biking, horse riding and water sports and at night you can star gaze in the fantastic Sky Den.
Northumbria's accommodation is located with excellent proximity or transport links to both campuses, as well as Newcastle city centre, meaning that cars are unnecessary for the majority of the students. All city-based residential students are within a short walking distance of the £30m sporting facilities, the Students' Union. To top it off, you will find internationally renowned culture and the nightlife of NewcastleGateshead.
LIVING EXPENSES
In addition to your tuition fees, you should also allow enough funds to cover your living expenses for the duration of your studies. The cost of living in Newcastle is amongst the lowest in the UK. The actual amount that you will need depends on your lifestyle, but we estimate that the minimum amount required by a single student to cover basic living expenses (e.g. accommodation, heating, food) is around £1,015 per month in Newcastle and £1,265 in London.
STUDENT LIFE
Living here
- Known as one of the best and most affordable cities in the UK for students, Newcastle is a friendly city with a rich history. Filled with iconic landmarks and excellent culture, and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, Newcastle offers something for everyone.
Nightlife and culture
- Music lovers can enjoy a host of venues for live music – from the large Utilita Arena, O2 Academy, Sage Gateshead and City Hall to the more intimate Cluny and Riverside.
- Film buffs have the choice of the independent Tyneside Cinema, the multiscreen Cineworld at the Gate, and Vue cinema (with cheap deals) near Trinity Square’s accommodation.
- There's diverse nightlife in and out of town, with the popular Bigg Market, Diamond Strip, the Gate and Jesmond areas and the laid-back Ouseburn and Central Station scenes.
- The epic coastlines of Tynemouth, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay and South Shields are all less than 30 minutes by Metro. The Tynemouth and Quayside markets are a weekend treat.
- Newcastle boasts a number of sporting clubs including Newcastle United, Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Eagles, plus top-rated athletics events and the Great North Run.
Accommodation
- Northumbria guarantees accommodation for all first year and foundation students including any coming via Clearing or Adjustment.
- Students can typically browse real-time availability online and choose the exact building, flat and room they'd like.
- The booking system also displays additional information about flatmates such as age, gender, level of study and interests.
- Wide range of options, from budget-friendly halls to premium en suite rooms and studios with gym and cinema room access.
- Residents have a dedicated app which allows them to log maintenance jobs or find out more about events in their accommodation.
Accommodation costs 2021-2022
CATERED: £121- £122 per week
SELF-CATERED: £79- £176 per week
Students' Union
- Northumbria Students' Union has more than 100 societies for students to join and meet like-minded friends.
- The SU is filled with bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues, coffee shops, workspaces, chill out zones and meeting rooms.
- Northumbria is the UK's 4th most sustainable university (People & Planet, 2019) and the SU has 'Good' Green Impact accreditation.
Getting around
- Newcastle’s compact city centre is easy to explore on foot.
- All residences are within walking distance of the city centre and City Campus (2–20 minutes' walk depending on building).
- Coach Lane Campus can be reached in around 30 minutes via the number 1 bus (free travel for students) or the Metro.
- The Metro provides convenient transport to Newcastle Airport and the coast, plus students get 30% off.
- The campuses offer over 800 cycle parking spaces, a lockable cycle store, and shower facilities for cyclists.