Newcastle University

Established in 1834, Newcastle University ranks in the top 140 universities globally (QS World University Rankings, 2026). Located in England's North East, the university is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, with an international reputation for excellence.

World experts and leading academics deliver a future-focused curriculum. Five-star teaching (QS Stars, 2025) blends academic theory and practice, preparing students for future careers in the global workplace. In the Research Excellence Framework (2021), 42 per cent of the university's research was rated as world leading.

More than 145 undergraduate and over 300 postgraduate programmes are shaped by the university's research specialisms in ageing and health, data, cities and place, one planet, culture and creative arts. Across all subject areas, students benefit from meaningful connections and partnerships with national and multinational industries.

Over 28,000 students form an inclusive international community representing more than 130 global nationalities. The university offers more than 1,000 international scholarships alongside visa support and English language programmes to assist international students in reaching their full potential. Support also includes personalised careers guidance available for up to three years after graduation.

Campus life is multicultural, vibrant, safe and secure, with students enjoying access to trained support staff, secure high-tech facilities and 24/7 assistance. Self-catering accommodation is located close by, with options to suit all budgets.

Newcastle is affordable and welcoming, ranking in the top 50 student cities globally (QS Best Student Cities, 2026). Entertainment options include a vibrant nightlife, culture and history, music and sporting venues and plenty of places to eat and drink. It is also a gateway to the beautiful countryside and coastline of the North East.

Newcastle University has an educational heritage of more than 190 years. It offers an impressive curriculum, both in the breadth and quality of its degree programmes. In the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), a UK government assessment, the university was given a silver award for its high-quality teaching and learning outcomes.

Newcastle University ranks highly in a number of national and international rankings. In the The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, it ranks within the top 30 in the UK, with 11 subjects featuring in the top 10, including anatomy and physiology, art and design, dentistry, communication and media studies.

The university holds the QAA Quality Mark, which represents a nationally recognised standard of learning and tuition. In particular, the QAA praised the wide range of methods that Newcastle uses to develop the employability of its students.

The teaching faculty includes National Teaching Fellows recognised for their teaching excellence and highly qualified academics, many of whom have international experience and significant industry insights, as well as members of prestigious learned societies and academies.

Academic teams include a course director, subject lecturers, professional and technical staff. Each student is also assigned a personal tutor or supervisor who can advise on academic issues and support students to get the most from their experience.

Newcastle University offers over 445 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for more than 28,000 students to choose from. Its academic structure comprises three core faculties:

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: with a global reputation as a centre for research, education and engagement across the creative arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering: dating back to 1871 and now one of the largest science and engineering faculties in the UK.

Faculty of Medical Sciences: one of the UK's largest and most successful centres for research-led medical education.

These faculties organise and carry out research and teaching throughout the university. They are made up of academic schools, research institutes and research centres. Each faculty is directed by a Pro-Vice Chancellor and team of deans with specific roles and responsibilities, each taking on a distinct academic direction and ethos.

Newcastle University aims to admit highly motivated and enthusiastic students of all ages, from all backgrounds. Academic entry requirements vary according to the subject being applied for and the level of study, so applicants should check their chosen degree before applying.

For undergraduate entry, the typical minimum requirement is ABB at A Level or an international equivalent. Some degrees have extra requirements, such as work experience or a portfolio. Others require applicants to have studied specific subjects at a certain level prior to entry.

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency. The level varies between courses. At undergraduate level, a common requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with no lower than 5.5 in any band), or equivalent. Applicants who don't meet the English language or academic requirements for their chosen degree might be able to take a course at International Study Centre Newcastle University to reach the required level. Discover more about international pathway courses available.

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications and experience. Applications are considered on an individual basis, and the university works hard to ensure the application process is fair and accessible to all students.

Scholarships & Funding

Newcastle University invests millions of pounds in financial support for students, with scholarships, bursaries and financial awards open to both domestic and international students. These awards can help students with tuition fee costs as well as general study and living expenses. Awards can be full or partial, as well as subject specific. External funding opportunities are also available.

The university supports a diverse and truly global community of students, and makes sure to provide over 1,000 scholarships specifically for international and EU students.

The university also offers a dedicated postgraduate funding database. Updated weekly, prospective students can filter their search by country, qualification, course type, faculty and school to pinpoint funding sources.

Cost of Living

Living costs in Newcastle are around 37.5 percent lower than in London – meaning a student budget stretches much further. Rent is 61.8 percent cheaper, and even groceries cost 8.9 percent less than in the UK capital (Numbeo, May 2025).

Newcastle University's facilities are five-star (QS Stars, 2025) and cutting edge, creating a first-class student and research environment.

The 50-acre city-centre campus combines historic red brick buildings with contemporary architecture. State-of-the-art teaching and study spaces include:

• Medical School and Dental School – one of the UK's largest integrated teaching and hospital complexes
• World-class engineering hub
• Centre for architecture and urban design
• Some of the UK's best-equipped teaching facilities for pharmacy
• Fine art studios including specialist multi-media workshops
• On-campus art gallery, theatre, and museum
• Centre for digital media and film practice with industry-standard editing and production facilities
• Dedicated music and rehearsal studios
• Specialist spaces for sport and exercise science with facilities ranging from a physiology lab and gait track to a food sensory suite
• High-specification labs and clinical skills suites
• Smart grid lab and energy storage test bed
• Translation and interpreting suites
• Two commercially run farms, a coastal research and teaching laboratory, and a GBP 1 million research vessel are available off campus

Libraries offer a variety of study spaces, including silent, vibrant collaborative, and social learning spaces. The main library is open 24/7 during peak times of the academic year.

Sports facilities include a high-tech gym, sports hall, glass-backed squash courts and high-performance strength and conditioning rooms. Outdoor facilities and pitches are available at easy-to-access locations around the city.

Newcastle University is also a partner in the GBP 350 million Newcastle Helix, a global centre for science, technology, research and education. The university hosts three national innovation centres in ageing, data and rural enterprises, and is home to an Urban Observatory, the largest open platform of urban sensing data in the UK.

Castle Leazes Student Accommodation Redevelopment

Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the university's Castle Leazes student accommodation. This project is a joint venture between Newcastle University and Unite Students.

The redevelopment will transform the site into a vibrant student village designed to meet the evolving needs of the student community. It will deliver 2,000 bedrooms and is scheduled to open in time for the 2028/29 academic year.

Features include:

• a modern, sustainable architectural design
• enhanced communal spaces

Student Services

The newly redeveloped King's Gate building brings student services together.

It features:

• Student-centred spaces: designed for connection and productivity.

• Help Desk: the first point of contact for any student queries or support needs.

• King's Gate Event Space: a dynamic and interactive venue hosting a variety of workshops and events.

• Appointment Areas: private meeting spaces where students can access tailored one-to-one support.

• START UP Space: a dedicated hub for entrepreneurial students.

• King's Gate Pop-Up Shop: a platform for students to showcase their products, creations, and businesses to the community.

Stephenson Building Redevelopment

The Stephenson Building is an engineering hub for the next generation of engineers, researchers, designers, and visionaries.

Students work alongside experts in their field, tackling major global challenges. Research informed teaching and courses prepares them for their careers in the industry, as they gain practical experience, engaging with industry professionals.

The site features:

• Inclusive, interdisciplinary education spaces

• Digital learning spaces with areas for flexible working

• Multi-purpose teaching laboratories

• Conference and exhibition space for over 500 delegates

• Research hubs in digital manufacturing, biomedical engineering and sustainable propulsion