Northumbria University, Newcastle

Situated in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumbria University is an exciting university that has a global reputation for its research-driven approach to postgraduate learning. The university is well known for producing future leaders across a range of industries, as it encourages students to ‘Take on Tomorrow’ throughout their academic journey. Northumbria University produces outstanding and innovative research while also nurturing student talent to produce high level graduates.

Within the last 10 years, the university has undergone a huge redevelopment and regeneration programme, with £250 million invested in the facilities. The university is modern, situated in a central location in one of the UK’s best cities for students, and is home to one of the UK’s largest university libraries as well as one of the leading healthcare training centres in the country.

Northumbria University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I think that Northumbria is a really inviting place to study, with good quality teaching and lots of great social things to do.”

“Overall the city, campus and facilities are amazing to study within.”

“The location and the vibrant environment makes it a good place for all to student to explore their education. The library facilities are awesome and it really helps students to gain the knowledge they need.”

Postgraduate

There’s a selection of postgraduate study options available at Northumbria, including degrees, certificates, and diplomas. The university has extensive connections with employers on a local, national, and international level, and uses these relationships to shape and develop its study programmes to give students the best possible education and, therefore, the best chance of success in their chosen field.

The university has an excellent reputation for its excellence both in academia and in research. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021), the university once again recorded the largest rise in research standing of any UK university, putting it within the top 25 in the country.

Taught courses are led by the research of the university, meaning that students will be working with the latest information related to their field, preparing them to drive change in the world. Students, including those on taught courses, become part of a genuinely world-leading research community that will make new discoveries and help to influence actual change in the wider world.

Northumbria University offers an extensive range of taught study options at postgraduate level. This includes both MA and MSc degree options, and a selection of shorter certificates and diplomas. There are also career-specific degree options at postgrad level such as LLM, PGCE and DBA.

Some degrees at postgraduate level include a two-year advanced practice master’s option. This gives students the option to undertake a second year which incorporates either a work placement, a study placement abroad, or a consultancy project. Choosing these options can really enhance a student's CV upon graduation.

Every course, including the taught options, is influenced by the university’s globally renowned research. Not only do courses integrate the latest information and methods, but they are designed in partnership with major employers, ensuring that students are gaining the skills and knowledge required for future success. Tutors and lecturers include some of the leading academics, many of whom are still active in their fields or in research.

As well as taught options, Northumbria offers a range of doctoral study programmes and other research degrees. Students work side-by-side with university staff and industry partners on projects that will have a major impact on society, whether that’s economically, culturally, or socially.

Northumbria University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I like the nursing group I am in and I feel supported by my tutors and form tutor. I really enjoy the university and the skill sessions and facilities for nursing available.”

“The tutors are amazing. So helpful and friendly. The other students are also a great group of people.”

“It's a great place to study because of the conducive environment and brilliant tutors.”

Entry requirements vary on a course-to-course basis, and full details on entry requirements be found on individual course pages via the university’s website.

While typically students will need at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject for a taught master’s course, Northumbria prides itself on the accessibility of its postgraduate education. It understands that many prospective postgraduate students are looking to change career direction and may not have the relevant undergraduate education required. As a result, many courses are open to students with an undergraduate degree in a different subject area.

Most postgraduate courses require students to write a personal statement as part of the application process, while some will also require students to submit a portfolio of work.

For research degrees, applicants are typically expected to have an honours degree (at least 2:2) or equivalent, plus a master’s degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants without these qualifications will need to demonstrate their intellectual competence and relevant work experience to be considered for entry.

Northumbria University’s ‘Take on Tomorrow’ approach to learning has resulted in a rich body world-leading research and a reputation for inspirational teaching. Northumbria’s academics are at the forefront of tackling the world’s most pressing challenges across health, social care, science, and culture.

Examples of the highly impactful research undertaken at the university include:

• Dr Sterghios Moschos’ breakthrough in the fight against Ebola. Moschos’ development of rapid, mass screening means patients can be treated sooner, reducing the spread and severity of the disease.
• A joint UK-US research project to determine how changes in the Thwaites Glacier will affect global sea levels and cities such as Miami, London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
• Assisting with building of the £220 million DKIST telescope, the largest telescope in the world.
• Developing a new, faster, and cheaper NTM diagnostic procedure, leading to vast improvements in the treatment of lung infections in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis sufferers. This development was labelled as “paradigm-shifting”.
• Co-developing an award-winning mobile game that tests for a decline in spatial awareness and navigation, which are early signs of dementia. The research is said to have had a significant impact on public awareness of dementia.

Northumbria University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“There are so many great things about Northumbria University. They have a strong reputation for their academic programs and research, which means you'll be getting a top-notch education.”

“I have particularly been moved by how motivational some of the tutors have been. Their passion and enthusiasm really shines through in the teaching.”

Future employability potential and professional development is at the forefront of all of Northumbria’s postgraduate courses, some of which have been developed in conjunction with the UK’s leading employers (including BAE Systems, the NHS, IBM, Shell, the BBC, and Santander).

Many postgraduate courses are accredited by professional industry bodies such as the British Psychological Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

At Northumbria, postgraduate students are equipped with the specialist skills required to enter the workplace at an advanced level, gaining real-world opportunities to work with the university’s network of leading businesses on live project briefs. The university’s close links with national and international employers, professional agencies, and government bodies also provides many opportunities for students to undertake internships and professional placements.

Northumbria’s Graduate Futures is the university’s dedicated careers and employment service. Careers staff provide students with support throughout their academic journey and help them find jobs, write CVs, and create portfolios. The service also operates a graduate jobs board and runs careers fairs where students can meet professional recruiters.

Northumbria's free-to-access student and graduate enterprise service supports budding entrepreneurs and connects graduates with specialist mentors. The service regularly runs workshops and provides a dedicated business idea development space.

Northumbria University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The facilities are new and it is a research-based university. It gives you the right exposure to the industry and help you shape your career.”

“Faculty members and course contents are really good and useful to find jobs within industry.”

Student union

The Northumbria University Students’ Union (SU) supports students throughout their time at the university. The SU team offers helpful advice and guidance to all students on academic, housing, financial, and welfare issues. The SU team provides myriad volunteering opportunities for students, enabling them to contribute to student life, meet new people, and gain valuable experience for their CVs.

Clubs and societies

There are over 100 sports clubs and societies on offer for students to get involved with. Sports clubs and societies are open to all students, including postgraduate students, and membership fees are kept low.

City life

Northumbria University is located in the heart of the city of Newcastle – a vibrant and culturally diverse city. Newcastle is popular with students and has been voted the best place in the UK to study on a number of occasions. The city is one of the most affordable places to live in the UK and offers a wide variety of exciting activities and entertainment options.

For students who want to explore further afield, Newcastle is well connected by public transport. Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Edinburgh all just a few hours away via train.

Northumbria University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“ The student union is supportive in every case”

“Personally, I feel that Newcastle far better than the other boroughs of the UK, if you make comparison between Newcastle and other city of the UK you will find that Newcastle City has more advantages than others, in terms of pollution, air quality index, living cost and crime related issues and the rest.”

“It's a great place to study because it's a very happening place in the city and we can see students from every corner of the world.”

Accommodation

Northumbria offers a wide range of accommodation, located close to the city campus. Student housing is available to all students, including postgraduates.

Students can choose from a range of room options, including standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities, en-suite bedrooms, premium en-suite bedrooms, and self-contained studio apartments. Prices start from £90.90 per week and include all utility bills, basic contents insurance, and Wi-Fi.

Facilities

Over the past decade Northumbria has invested over £250 million in its campus, making sure students have a world-class learning experience.

Applied Sciences students can access cutting-edge scientific equipment worth over £1 million. Nursing and healthcare students study at the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre, which is one of the best healthcare training facilities in the country. Computer and information sciences courses are based in a fully equipped £7 million ‘Smart Building’, with industry-standard equipment.

The £30 million Sport Central building contains a fitness centre, sprint track, swimming pool, and various indoor and outdoor courts. The centre also houses various research labs and suites.

Northumbria’s library contains over 500,000 print books, 843,000 e-books, 110,000 journals, and 2,000 study spaces.

Northumbria University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Northumbria University has great facilities in-campus from work labs to coffee houses.”

“It’s an amazing university, the facilities (especially sports) are incredible!!”

“It is best because everything what you need is really close.”

Northumbria’s Ask4Help service is the first point of contact for all student enquiries. Ask4Help are on call 24/7 during term time and students can connect with them in person, via phone or through the student portal. The Ask4Help team will then refer students to one of the university’s specialised teams, for confidential, tailored support.

The student engagement team offer advice and support with all academic issues students may face, including deadline extensions, academic appeals, attendance management, and even taking a break from studying.

The disability team provide specialised advice and practical support for students with disabilities or learning difficulties, assisting with special academic or access requirements and extra financial support.

Welfare, immigration and funding advisers can offer guidance and information on a wide range of issues, including accommodation, money management, physical health, and personal security.

For students who are finding university life tough, or are struggling with mental health conditions, the university also offers a free confidential counselling and mental health support service. The university’s chaplaincy team can also provide non-judgmental cultural, spiritual, and emotional support.

Northumbria University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The university offers the comprehensive support services including counseling, career guidance, and academic assistance. Moreover, it also has modern facilities.”

“Convenient and great support”

“Student life and support from SAB team is the best.”

Northumbria offers many scholarships to UK, EU and International students who are studying at postgraduate level. 

The university also offers many funded PhD studentships, which not only cover all tuition fees but pay a stipend to cover living costs while the student completes their doctorate. Full information on the types of studentships available, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply can be found on the university’s website.

Students should note that all schemes are subject to change and they should contact the university admission department for the most up-to-date information on scholarships and bursaries.

Taught

Northumbria offers over 200 taught postgraduate courses which can be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis. Students can choose from a wide range of MA, MSc, MArch, MRes, and LLM courses.

Students are taught by experts in their field, who remain active researchers and continue to develop their own expertise through collaborations with industry professionals. Teaching is conducted through seminars, lectures, and practical sessions such as workshops and project work.

Research

Students who choose to undertake a research degree at Northumbria will be joining a community of researchers involved in tackling some of the world’s biggest and most pressing challenges.

The university currently offers a wide range of research degrees, including Master of Research (MRes), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degrees.

Research students are supervised by academics who are leaders in their field and passionate about their subject. Supervisors work with students to develop original contributions to knowledge and research skills.

Distance learning

Northumbria offers postgraduate courses that are delivered via distance learning, covering a range of core subject areas. Courses are flexibly designed to support learning at a pace that suits a busy lifestyle. Students will be taught by the same expert academic staff as students on campus.