Northumbria University

Overview

With around 26,000 students from over 140 countries, Northumbria University is one of the UK’s largest and most successful universities. Northumbria has a rich history going back through its constituent colleges to the late nineteenth century. It was founded as Newcastle Polytechnic in 1969 and inaugurated as a university in 1992.

Offering degrees in most major subject areas, Northumbria University courses in Engineering, Computing, Sciences, Business, Law, Design, Built and Natural Environment, Arts, Social Sciences, Psychology, Sport, and Health are some of the best in the UK. Lecturers are experts in their field and passionate about teaching. Many courses carry professional accreditation, and, as well as Northumbria masters courses which require a subject-specific first degree, the University offer a range of 'conversion' masters for those who are considering a change of direction. Northumbria is the only Business School in Europe with double recognition for Accounting and Business from AACSB.

Northumbria’s consistently excellent performance in UK quality audits places it at the very top among modern universities. With over 95% of graduates in work or continuing education, Northumbria is among the most successful universities for graduate employment.

The Northumbria University acceptance rate is 65% and a key Northumbria University ranking is placing in the Top 25 in the UK for graduates in highly skilled employment.

Northumbria University London

At Northumbria’s London Campus, academic experts and professional support staff are committed to giving you an educational experience that will set you up for life. Cutting-edge courses such as MSc Business with International Management, MSc Business with Financial Management, Business with Marketing Management, BA (Hons) Business Administration, International Foundation Programme and Pre-sessional English are all offered.

Based in the centre of London’s business and finance district, the London campus is home to both international and UK students. With a strong reputation among employers thanks to the track record of its alumni, Northumbria University is on the ‘must see’ list of many employers.

Services for International Students

International students have free access to dedicated Student Advisors, as well as the Student Services department. Student Services at Northumbria also offers a meet and greet service, with pickups from Newcastle International Airport to the university. Upon arrival, students receive an orientation and an introduction to staff and students. In a recent Financial Times survey, Northumbria came top for student support.

There are a wide variety of Northumbria University scholarships available to eligible students from all backgrounds and nations.

Ranking

• 43rd in the Times University Guide 2025
• 38th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 535th in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Results from the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) show Northumbria University with the biggest rise in research power ranking of any UK university. Its research power ranking rose to 23rd, having previously risen to 50th in 2014 from 80th in 2008, making Northumbria the sector’s largest riser in research power ranking for the second time.

Other key Northumbria University rankings include:

• Top 20 in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Physics, Design, and Education
• Top 30 in Architecture, Nursing and Midwifery, Journalism, Publicity and Public Relations, Law, Building and Town, and Country Planning, Health Professions, Civil Engineering, and Criminology

Accommodation

Northumbria University guarantee accommodation for all first year students once an offer has been accepted. Over 5,000 rooms are available either self-catered or catered and all accommodation is a few minutes’ walk from main buildings or direct public transport to get you there.

Accommodation Services staff are on hand all year to offer information and advice about all aspects of student accommodation and advise on such things as landlord/tenant problems if renting privately.

Location

Newcastle is situated in the north-east of England, about four hours north of London by train. The city has a population of around 200,000 and was voted the best city for students in 2011. The famous River Tyne splits the city, with a wide variety of cultural attractions, including galleries, museums, nightlife and shopping, giving students of all types something to see and do. The Metro system which links the university and city also runs out to the sandy beaches of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.

Alumni

• Jonathan Ive (Industrial Designer, Apple)
• Sting (Musician)
• Victoria Pendleton (Olympic Cyclist)
• Duncan Lloyd (Guitarist, Maxïmo Park)