Northumbria University institutional logo

Northumbria University

Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom • Founded 1969 • World Rank #519

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Northumbria University
Acronyms: UNN
Founded: 1969
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #519
Rank in United Kingdom: #35
Motto: Aetas Discendi
Northumbria University institutional logo

Founded in 1992, the Northumbria University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Newcastle upon Tyne (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), North East England.

Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Northumbria University (UNN) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. Northumbria University (UNN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 32-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

UNN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Find Northumbria University on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.

Address: Sutherland Building
Postal Code: NE1 8ST
Other Sites: Also campus in London
Phone: +44 (191) 232 6002
Fax: +44 (191) 261 1264
Social Media:

Academic Details

Northumbria University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Academic Year: September to June (September-February; February-June)
Recognition: Privy Council
Admission Requirements: General School Certificate (GCE) with passes in 2 subjects at Advanced ('A') level with passes at Grade C or above in 3 other subjects at General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level, or passes in 3 subjects at GCE 'A' level with pass at Grade C or above in 1 other subject at GCSE level
Student Enrollment: 20
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Universities UK University Alliance

Academic Structures

Browse the academic-unit structure of Northumbria University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.

Unit 9 items
  • Graduate School
  • Newcastle Business School
  • School of Arts and Social Sciences
  • School of Built and Natural Environment
  • School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences
  • School of Design and School of Design, London
  • School of Health, Community and Education Studies
  • School of Law
  • School of Life Sciences

Degrees

The full range of degrees Northumbria University awards is grouped by level below. Awards typically map to recognised qualifications frameworks, easing credit transfer abroad.

Doctoral 11 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Architecture
  • Business Administration
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Fine Arts
  • Geography
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Privy Council.

Arts, Design and Social Sciences (Faculty) 25 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • American Studies
  • Art History
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Criminology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Dance
  • Economics
  • English
  • Fashion Design
  • Film
  • Fine Arts
  • French Studies
  • Furniture Design
  • Germanic Studies
  • Heritage Preservation
  • Interior Design
  • Linguistics
  • Modern Languages
  • Photography
  • Social Policy
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts
  • Writing

Common Career Paths

  • Designer
  • Creative Director
  • UX Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business and Law (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering and Environment (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architectural and Environmental Design
  • Architecture
  • Building Technologies
  • Computer Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Real Estate
  • Surveying and Mapping

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health and Life Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Food Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Social Work

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Search and filter Northumbria University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.

324 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Master of Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 131 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Finance
Finance, Banking & Insurance

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Degree Apprenticeship

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Computer Science
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Aerospace Satellite Engineering
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Aerospace Satellite Engineering with Advanced Practice
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics for TESOL
Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Architecture
Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence
AI & Machine Learning

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence Technology (London)
AI & Machine Learning

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 131.

Postgraduate Certificate 6 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Data Protection Law and Information Governance
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Interior Architecture
Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Law
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Mental Health Law
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Teacher Training in School PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Northumbria University

Practical steps to apply to Northumbria University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Northumbria University offers 324 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at Northumbria University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via Northumbria University's online portal at www.northumbria.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (191) 232 6002. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Northumbria University

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Northumbria University, drawn directly from institutional records.

How old is Northumbria University?

The institution opened in 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).

In which city is Northumbria University?

Northumbria University is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.

What is Northumbria University's control type?

Northumbria University is a public institution.

How many students study at Northumbria University?

Northumbria University has approximately 20,000-24,999 students.

How is Northumbria University ranked?

Northumbria University is ranked #519 globally and #35 in United Kingdom.

What programmes are available at Northumbria University?

Northumbria University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

What is Northumbria University's academic structure?

Northumbria University is organised into 9 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Northumbria University officially recognised?

Yes, Northumbria University is recognised by Privy Council.

How do I find Northumbria University online?

You can find Northumbria University online at www.northumbria.ac.uk.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom

Below: the United Kingdom's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Northumbria University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.

Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)

Membership in Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside Northumbria University in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities near Northumbria University often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at Northumbria University is narrow in your area.

Where Else to Study Business & Management

Looking for Business & Management programmes beyond Northumbria University? Other universities in the United Kingdom cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.

Universities Compared with Northumbria University

When students choose Northumbria University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.

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