Newcastle University

A research-led redbrick university in a student city famed for its friendliness and relative affordability, Newcastle is a go-to destination for ambitious undergraduates who also value a varied social life. The beautiful Northumbrian coast is within easy reach and, more convenient still, the students’ union has its own branch of Wetherspoons.

There has been heavy investment in its city-centre campus, with the King’s Gate building now transformed into a one-stop shop for student services — including a pop-up place for student entrepreneurs to develop and showcase ideas — and a £32 million sports centre at the heart of campus.

Newcastle teams keep pace with the big hitters in university sport, ranking eighth in the latest British Universities and Colleges Sport (Bucs) points table. The School of Arts and Cultures provides a creative seam to university life from fine art to DJing.

What is Newcastle University’s reputation? 

As a founding member of the Russell Group, Newcastle's research power is internationally recognised. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 42 per cent of its work was assessed as world-leading, led by English language and literature, to rank 26= in our research quality index. It holds a strong position in the top 150 of the QS World University Rankings. However, student satisfaction has recently waned. Our analysis of the National Student Survey shows a drop in its rankings for both student experience and teaching quality. 

This is echoed in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), where the university received a silver rating overall (down from gold), with bronze for student experience. Despite this, the TEF panel highlighted Newcastle’s “very high quality academic experience for students”.

The university is also navigating financial headwinds, confirming in 2025 that it is looking to reduce staff costs by £20 million after a shortfall in international student enrolment.

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What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

From 2025, courses in ancient history and history, computing and mathematics, finance, modern languages and international relations, pharmacology MSci, and physiological sciences MSci launch, with aerospace engineering taking off in 2026. 

The university is adding an International Year One to degrees in accounting and finance, finance marketing, and marketing and management for overseas students.

What are Newcastle University’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?

Standard entry requirements are from AAA to CCC. Newcastle’s contextual offers are two grades lower than the standard requirement across all subject areas. Applications for 2024 entry rose for the third year running, at more than 36,800. More than 6,700 new students were accepted onto courses, with 11 per cent through clearing.

What are the graduate prospects?

Newcastle excels in preparing students for the world of work, ranking 26th in the UK for graduate prospects. An impressive 82.4 per cent of its graduates are in highly skilled jobs or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees.

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What is Newcastle University’s campus like?

The campus blends historic redbrick architecture with cutting-edge modern facilities. Recent developments include the upgraded Stephenson Building for engineering, featuring a “makerspace” for interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurship, and the £350 million Newcastle Helix site, which houses two national innovation centres for ageing and data. The university also boasts off-campus facilities including commercial farms and a seagoing research vessel for its marine science programmes.

Its biological field station supports a longstanding agricultural pedigree. In addition to the seagoing research vessel, the university has a coastal station and marine laboratory. Newcastle’s ambitious plans for a health innovation neighbourhood have been given consent, and will be built on the 29-acre former site of Newcastle General Hospital.

When can I visit? 

ncl.ac.uk

Everything you need to know about Newcastle University’s student life and wellbeing support

Team Newcastle is a leading force in university sport, with more than 60 competitive squads in British Universities and Colleges Sports (Bucs) fixtures, backed up with excellent facilities in the Sport and Fitness Centre on campus. The outdoor grass and all-weather pitches are a little further away, while the Newburn Water Sports Centre on the River Tyne houses Newcastle’s canoe and boat club. Beyond sport, more than 160 societies and a legendary nightlife ensure there is something for everyone. 

Student wellbeing is well-supported with a counselling service offering extended hours, a 24/7 emotional distress helpline, and a Psychological Therapies Training and Research Clinic where students can receive cognitive behavioural therapy.

What do the students say?

“There is a place for everyone at Newcastle. You’re never on your own — there’s always somebody to help you out and advocate for you. The university and students’ union are full of knowledge, expertise, culture, fun, and most importantly, people who care. ”
Leo David, MBiol zoology and union president

What about student accommodation at Newcastle University?

Newcastle guarantees accommodation to first-year students who make it their firm choice and apply by the end of June. Self-catered rooms start from an affordable £98 a week.

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How diverse and inclusive is Newcastle University?

Like most Russell Group universities, Newcastle places well outside the top 100 in our social inclusion index, at 111th of 114. About two thirds of its students are drawn from non-selective state schools but it is making progress in its efforts to widen participation from underrepresented groups.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at Newcastle University

More than a fifth of new students qualify for financial aid. This includes means-tested Opportunity Scholarships worth up to £2,000 per year for students from households with incomes up to £35,000, alongside a wide range of other awards for care leavers, student parents and academic merit.

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