Northumbria University

Why study at the Northumbria University?

Northumbria University was founded in 1969, initially as the ‘Newcastle Polytechnic’, following the amalgamation of three regional colleges which had supported the development of local post-school education needs since the early 19th century. It was awarded university status in 1992 and, since then, has established itself as the largest university in the North East of England.

Teaching Quality

Northumbria University offers a wide variety of subject choices and is committed to providing a high quality experience for its students.

• Teaching and research activities are managed across four faculties: Arts, Design and Social Sciences; Engineering and Environment; Business and Law; and Health and Life Sciences.
• The highest standards have been maintained, with an excellent result in a recent Institutional Audit by the Quality Assurance Agency. The professional standing of Northumbria programmes has been endorsed with accreditation from over 30 professional bodies.
• The University has been awarded five National Teaching Fellowships in recognition of excellent teaching.
• Programmes are generally made up of a number of compulsory and optional modules which broaden study and personal development.
• Options may be programme-specific, from another area or, occasionally, from another School. This allows students to study a subject which expands on their main course or one which is of particular interest.
• Many programmes offer opportunities for student placements or sandwich years, allowing students to gain industry experience.

Research Quality

Northumbria University is proud to offer students not only high quality teaching but also access to world-leading research.

• In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, 11 out of 12 subject areas submitted were judged to be of a ‘world-leading’ standard.
• This research informs the teaching which takes place at the University, maintaining teaching quality at high levels.
• Northumbria University is the largest research and teaching university in the North East of England. Both research-engaged and business focused, it has become one of the most deeply embedded of all the North East universities in the industrial, professional and commercial sectors and in civic life.
• The University today performs a leading role in promoting and sustaining the Region’s economic, cultural, sporting and social wellbeing, with growing recognition nationally and internationally.
• Northumbria has a commitment to increasing the volume and improving the quality of research, consultancy and scholarly activity as a basis for high quality teaching and learning.
• Northumbria is investing £17m in new research active staff.

International

As a progressive and diverse institution, Northumbria has a great deal to offer international students. All students are given a warm welcome and the opportunity to make valuable connections that will last a lifetime.

• Northumbria is the largest university in the North East of England with 35,000 students and the most international students.
• The University is the UK’s largest provider of Higher Education in Hong Kong, and has substantial operations in Malaysia, North Africa and the Caribbean.
• There are a number of scholarships, bursaries and alumni discounts available to international students.
• All international students can take advantage of a ‘meet and greet’ service on arrival.
• There is a vibrant student community on campus and numerous clubs and societies for students to join.

Student Satisfaction

Northumbria actively listens to what its students want and strives to keep improving the student experience.

• The University is recognised as having some of the UK’s top sporting facilities. In 2010, Northumbria opened a state-of-the-art £30 million sport facility: Sport Central. This stunning landmark is located right in heart of Newcastle.
• Coach Lane Campus boasts its own sporting facilities, including modern indoor and outdoor courts.
• The Northumbria Students Union was named as the UK's ‘Union of the Year’ by the National Union of Students 2011 (NUS). The award came after a major campaign to increase involvement in student societies and community engagement and a multimillion pound refurbishment of the Students' Union building.
• In the 2011 National Student Survey, 83% of students said they were satisfied overall with the quality of their course.
• Northumbria Design, the Northumbria Law School and the Newcastle Business School are housed in a futuristic £135m development, which was described as, "one of the most exciting new estate developments in the sector" by the Times Higher Education Supplement.
• The development has won numerous awards for its design and construction, including being named North East Landmark of The Year in 2007.

Employable Graduates

Northumbria University proactively engages in improving its student’s future employment prospects.

• The University has impressive links with industry and professional bodies and enjoys great reputation with employers.
• As a result, many employers engage with students directly on campus which means that students have access to valuable resources and the opportunity to access additional information about employment prospects.
• The University has very high graduate employment rates and approximately 94% of students will get a job or go on to further training or study within six months of graduating.
• After three years, 91% of graduates are employed in graduate-level jobs.
• Students have the opportunity to take part in placement programmes and practical training in the course of their degree.
• Northumbria offers all students access to its career service and also run seminars and workshops to helps students fine-tune their interview skills and CV’s.