Newcastle University

Newcastle University is a world-leading university renowned for the high quality of its teaching and research. It is recognised internationally for innovative collaborations with strategic industry partners, which push groundbreaking solutions to economic and social problems all around the world. Committed to creating a better society for all, the university has nurtured generations of students to make real world change at a global level.

Newcastle University is a prestigious founding member of the Russell Group association of research-intensive universities in the UK. Established in 1834, it enjoys an outstanding reputation as an institution at which leading academics and students creatively tackle important global issues through their research. The university’s specialist research areas include subjects such as ageing and health, culture and creative arts, energy, and data.

Postgraduate students leave Newcastle University and its world-class facilities prepared for future career success in both academia and industry. The boundary pushing research carried out by the university has enabled it to attract funding for various global research projects, and it is home to key national centres for study and innovation.

Newcastle University boasts an excellent student employability record, with its 280,000 global alumni going on to conduct important work in a diverse range of fields. The university has taught some of the leading academics and researchers in the country, as well as three T.S. Eliot Prize winners, Turner Prize nominees, and the Scottish national poet Jackie Kay.

Newcastle University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The university is a fantastic place to study.”

“Newcastle uni is a welcoming and kind place to work with plenty space and facilities.”

“Newcastle University is fantastic when it comes to academics, student life, and the facilities.”

Postgraduate

Newcastle University offers a range of 300 innovative postgraduate courses that are led by world-leading academics. Qualifications available at postgraduate level include master’s degrees, PhDs, and professional certificates. On all postgraduate courses, students benefit from world-class teaching and guidance, in addition to access to state-of-the-art resources.

Students can choose from both taught and research postgraduate courses at Newcastle University. There are a range of master’s degrees, certificates and PhDs available, and all courses are facilitated by expert lecturers with specialist backgrounds in research and industry. There are over 190 taught courses and 110 research-led qualifications available at the university across a broad range of subject areas.

Courses at Newcastle University are organised across the university’s three faculties. These are:

• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering

Each faculty at Newcastle consists of groups of dedicated academic schools, specialist research centres and groundbreaking research institutes. In recognition of the high quality of its research, Newcastle University was ranked 16th in the UK for research power in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

During their time at Newcastle, students benefit from the university's dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff, who bring a wealth of academic and industry experience to their roles. A total of 23 academics at Newcastle University have received the prestigious National Teaching Fellowship for their outstanding contributions to enhancing student outcomes and delivering teaching excellence.

Newcastle University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The course curriculum is designed well to lay the foundations of various subjects in 1st semester, and we apply those learnings during our assignments and in the 2nd semester. It is more practical learning with hands-on approach on group projects and industry collaborations in the 2nd semester.”

“Some courses are very practical and help develop critical thinking skills for a better understanding of the business world and for future work opportunities.”

“Really friendly and helpful staff.”

Entry requirements for postgraduate courses at Newcastle University vary on a course-by-course basis.

Typically, prospective students are required to possess an undergraduate degree relevant to their chosen field of study for taught postgraduate courses. However, the university accepts applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree if they can provide relevant and demonstrable prior experience in their chosen field.

For PhDs, applicants generally require a merit master's degree and a minimum 2:1 honour’s degree, or an international equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the research project.

Course specific academic and English language requirements for UK, EU and international students can be found attached to individual course profiles.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the university’s helpful postgraduate admissions service directly to discuss the application process in further detail. The postgraduate admissions service can advise students on potential entry routes to postgraduate study at Newcastle University and help them with any obstacles they may face during the application process.

Newcastle University is internationally recognised for its world-leading faculty, who guide and instruct students as they address global issues in new and creative ways. The university’s specialist fields include (but are not limited to) the following areas:

Ageing in Health

Newcastle University’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing brings together healthcare professionals and scientists to explore new ways to improve the quality of life for older people, producing world-leading research in the field.

Data

Newcastle is home to a state-of-the-art £30 million National Innovation Centre for Data, which has attracted over £100 million of external funding over the course of the last decade. The university’s School of Computing consistently rated highly for its research impact in the 2014 and 2021 Research Excellence Framework  Assessments.

Energy

Newcastle University collaborates with key partners to shape the future of urban development and energy usage. At the university’s National Centre for Low Carbon Energy Storage, the £20 million National Centre for Energy Systems Integration, and the £5 million Supergen Energy Networks Hub, crucial research and practical work is being undertaken in collaboration with utility companies to tackle pressing issues around energy systems and emissions.

Newcastle University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“In Data Science and AI, the exposure to cutting-edge research, practical projects, and experienced faculty is a huge highlight.”

“The Computer Science curriculum is cutting-edge, covering a wide range of topics from foundational theories to practical applications, such as blockchain technology and Web3—fields that align perfectly with my career aspirations.”

“The university’s facilities, such as the Urban Sciences Building, are world-class and equipped with the latest technology, providing students with a hands-on learning experience that bridges theory and practice.”

There are over 1,500 employers posting over 100 new vacancies via Newcastle University’s careers service each week, totalling over 5,000 advertised vacancies each year. Students also have access to a wide range of work experience and placement opportunities while undertaking postgraduate courses at the university. These have been specially designed to enhance students’ professional skillsets and help them build their CV.

The university’s careers service is one of the best, largest, and most innovative careers services in the UK. No matter what an individual’s career, learning, work, or life goals are, Newcastle’s award-winning team of professional careers advisers can help students plan for future careers by providing them with a range of in-person and online support. Postgraduate students can book guidance appointments, CV writing appointments, and attend workshops on networking, interviewing, work placements and graduate schemes through the university’s careers service.

Newcastle University’s careers service also facilitates opportunities for students to meet future employers face-to-face, learn more about a particular profession, and find information on the skills and experiences they need to succeed in specialist fields. Each year international, national, and local employers visit the campus to deliver presentations, hold interviews and attend recruitment fairs to attract talented students.

Newcastle University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“One of the standout aspects is the strong emphasis on industry engagement, with opportunities to attend networking events, guest lectures, and conferences that help build connections beyond academia.”

“Useful training programs and workshops that enhance research skills and professional development.”

“Networking events, career fairs, and a globally recognized degree have opened up great prospects.”

Student union

Newcastle University’ Students’ Union (NUSU) is at the heart of student life, organising a wide range of social events and campaigns throughout the academic year.

NUSU is run by a group of six full-time elected officers, in addition to part-time officers, who represent the voices, opinions, and concerns of students at the university. 

Clubs and societies

Newcastle University is home to over 200 clubs and societies. Societies at Newcastle range from the cheese and wine society to the creative writing society. Sports clubs at the university, meanwhile, include fencing, cycling and ice hockey, as well as football, rugby, and tennis, to name but a few.

City life

The city of Newcastle is home to numerous shops, art galleries, and international music and comedy venues, in addition to a diverse range of bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. With excellent transport links, including the city’s own Metro system, the surrounding coast and countryside of the North East are all within easy reach of the centrally located university campus. Students are perfectly positioned to experience the diverse culture the city has to offer, and Newcastle’s international airport is just a short metro ride away from campus.

Newcastle University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The university is situated near the city centre and so it is in a very good location. People in the town are very kind.”

“Newcastle is a vibrant city, full of life, with great student activities and access to scenic places like the Quayside.”

“Newcastle upon Tyne is a lively, student-friendly city with a low cost of living compared to other UK cities.”

Accommodation

Postgraduate students who firmly accept their offer of a place at Newcastle University are guaranteed a place in university halls of residence for their first year of studying. Various accommodation options are available, including en-suite rooms and communal flats with shared bathrooms. Students who wish to live as a couple or with their family are also catered for.

Almost all accommodation is a short walk to campus. The university’s accommodation service can also help students find private accommodation with a suitable accredited landlord.

Facilities

Newcastle University provides state-of-the-art facilities for all its postgraduate students. In addition to award-winning libraries and modern online learning services, the university’s specialist facilities include a working farm, media studios, anatomy labs, clinic skills suites, dance and music studios, and an art gallery. There is also a groundbreaking £34 million learning and resource centre located on campus.

The university has recently invested £30 million into its on-campus sports centre to provide students with specialist facilities for over 1,500 regular exercise classes and more than 65 sports clubs.

A range of eating and drinking facilities are also available across campus to suit all budgets and dietary requirements.

Newcastle University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The location is centre to the university, parks, and high street. The accommodation is maintained well and very low cost in comparison to private accommodations.”

“I love the location of my accommodation, it is 5 minutes from university, so I can easily and quickly attend my lectures/seminars.”

“Highly modern facilities with serene environment for learning.”

Newcastle University prioritises the inclusion and wellbeing of its diverse learning community by providing a comprehensive range of support services that are available to all students. The university’s low drop-out rates are testament to the pastoral support students receive from its dedicated student wellbeing team when faced with difficulties or adversity during their studies.

Newcastle has a dedicated student services building at the heart of its campus and there is also an impartial student support and advice hub located within its students’ union.

Students at Newcastle University have access to a free and confidential counselling service, in addition to financial, housing, and childcare support services. There is specialist support available for students with medical conditions or disabilities, and Newcastle’s student wellbeing team can help postgraduate students register for local GP and dental practices while at the university. Moreover, students can receive guidance on their careers, including help preparing for interviews or writing a CV, via the university’s dedicated careers service. There are also additional services in place to support parents, carers, mature students, care leavers, and asylum seekers throughout the course of their studies.

Newcastle University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Student Support, especially the Health and Wellbeing support, has been incredible for me.”

“The student support is great. There are a lot of resources available to get help from when you are facing difficulties with your academics or personal life. There is a ton of flexibility and alternative arrangements for assessments and exams.”

“Student support in my experience has been great.”

Newcastle University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate students. These funding opportunities and financial awards are designed to help make tuition more accessible to those from low-income backgrounds and for those who have demonstrated exceptional academic talent.

Master’s scholarships at Newcastle University can be either fully or partially funded. They are typically based on specific eligibility criteria such as the course being applied for, a student’s academic merit, or the nationality of an applicant.

There are also a number of funded PhD studentships available at Newcastle University that can include a stipend to cover living costs as well as tuition fees.

Students can find out more about the funding offered for taught and research postgraduate courses at Newcastle by visiting the university’s postgraduate funding database or checking the ‘fees and funding’ section of each course profile.

Taught

Newcastle University offers a wide range of postgraduate taught courses. There are over 190 taught postgraduate courses available, including master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and postgraduate certificates. Students can view the full range of taught postgraduate programmes available at Newcastle via the university’s postgraduate course finder.

Research

With over 120 research programmes available, Newcastle University offers a diverse range of study options for students who are pursuing academic research. Available qualifications include LLM (by research), MLitt, MMus, MPhil, MRes and a selection of doctoral awards including PhDs, integrated PhDs, and professional doctorates.

Students who choose the doctoral path are guided by a team of experienced researchers and academics who help them plan their research project and support them via supervisions throughout the entirety of their research.

Distance learning

Students who are unable to attend classes in person may be able to undertake a distance learning qualification through Newcastle University’s virtual classroom. The university’s virtual classroom allows all learning and assessments to take place online, enabling students to balance their education around other professional and personal commitments.

Distance learning postgraduate courses at Newcastle University are currently offered in subject areas that include:

• Clinical and Health Sciences
• Clinical Research
• Oncology, Cancer Studies and Palliative Care