Northumbria University is a leading higher education institution in the UK. This modern university is a research-focused community of students and academics, known for its academic excellence and international influence. Originally founded in 1880 as the Rutherford College, it became a university in 1992.
The university was recently rated 52nd in the UK, according to the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. It also placed 36th in the country according to the Complete University Guide's 2024 league tables, reflecting its performance across teaching, research and student support.
Northumbria University is located in Newcastle, spread across two campus sites. The Newcastle City Campus is in the heart of the city, while the Coach Lane campus is just several miles away. As a result, students are never far from their classroom, lab, students' union or everything that the city has to offer. The university also maintains a campus in Amsterdam, opening up exciting international opportunities for its students.
Newcastle is the biggest city in the North East of England, and offers students an excellent mix of nightlife, culture and affordable living. The city is known for its welcoming local population, and proximity to landscapes such as the stunning coastlines and national park of Northumberland, as well as the North Pennines. The Scottish border is just a short way north, while Durham and Leeds are easily accessed to the south.
Postgraduate students who have secured an offer of study at Northumbria University will be able to the browse the university's wide selection of accommodation to find their perfect living arrangements.
Students will be able to browse the full range of accommodation online and specifically select their preferred room, apartment and block. Shared bathroom and en-suite rooms are available across a wide range of residences, in addition to studio apartments and accommodation suitable for couples and families.
Some of the university's halls of residence include:
Many postgraduate students choose to live elsewhere in Newcastle, making use of the private student accommodation options available to rent around the city. Newcastle is a vibrant, multicultural city and offers students a lively lifestyle, supported by its many bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs, while providing easy access to the beautiful coastal landscapes and mountains that the region is known for.
Northumbria University maintains a generous range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate students, ranging from taught master's students to doctoral researchers. These awards are designed to help students cover the cost of their studies, reducing barriers to entry and support enhanced academic achievement.
Available awards include:
The availability of different scholarships, their eligibility criteria and application deadlines can vary over time, so students should consult the university's website for the most up to date information.
Northumbria University recognises the various ways in which a postgraduate programme can be transformative for students of all backgrounds and ambitions. Whether it's diving deeper into a subject and shaping its progression, driving a change in focus or enhancing an existing career, the university offers a wide range of courses across many subjects.
Students can select from a variety of master's level study options, ranging from shorter courses like PGCert and PGDip qualifications to full master's degrees. MSc, MA, LLM and PGCE are available. It's also possible to pursue a research master's, perfect for students who want to build their research experience and prepare for doctorate level study.
Other postgraduate research qualifications available include the shorter MPhil qualification, as well as PhDs. Students will join more than 900 other postgraduate researchers at Northumbria. Students can also complete professional doctorates in areas like Health, Education and Society.
The university maintains a broad programme of flexible or remote learning options, including short courses to full master's across everything from construction to computing. Remote learners still benefit from expert staff and access to cutting-edge online resources and technology, as well as access to campus for hybrid courses.
Northumbria University develops and maintains its postgraduate study options with employability at its core. The university seeks to maximise its postgraduate students' graduate opportunities through various means.
Postgraduate courses at the university are designed to contain applied project work, placement opportunities and curriculum input from leading employers and industry experts. As a result, students can build an in-demand set of skills, cultivate relevant and valuable sector knowledge and build their confidence in securing work after they graduate.
The university also invests in a specialist Careers Support Team, which work exclusively to enhance the employment prospects of Northumbria University students. Students can access support in a flexible manner, with career advice appointments and useful resources available online, by video or in person.
Other services available to postgraduate students include professional skill modules embedded into courses, jobs fairs and networking events, and help with key employability skills such as application writing and interviewing.
Students not only benefit from careers support during their studies, but for up to five years after they leave Northumbria.
