Northumbria University
A Newcastle city-centre university built on learning by doing, from a live Student Law Office to a top-5 physio course.
- Students
- 25,815
- International
- 30%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 17.1:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- £19,850
- From · 2027-28
- Founded
- 1877
About Northumbria
Northumbria University traces its roots to 1877, when Dr John Hunter Rutherford founded a School of Science and Art in Newcastle to offer education to all sections of society. It became Newcastle Polytechnic in 1969 and Northumbria University in 1992. Today it is based mainly on a city-centre campus in Newcastle upon Tyne, with Coach Lane Campus for health and education courses and a separate campus in London.
The university has grown into a research-active institution: it ranked 23rd in the UK for research power in REF 2021 after the largest rise of any UK university, and it was named Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2022. Teaching is organised in three faculties: Society and Culture; Science and Environment; and Health and Wellbeing.
Northumbria is best known for learning by doing. Law students advise real clients in the Student Law Office, which won a Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2013, and business students work with companies through the Business Clinic. Typical offers sit between 96 and 120 UCAS points, making it a realistic option for students who want a big-city university with strong professional courses in law, design, health and sport.
Aetas discendi
“A lifetime of learning” — university motto
Why students choose Northumbria
The Student Law Office, founded in 1991, has worked with over 2,200 clients and won a Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2013.
Physiotherapy is ranked 5th in the UK in the Times Good University Guide 2027.
New full-time undergraduates are guaranteed a room in university-owned or university-commissioned residences.
Northumbria was rated Gold for student outcomes (Silver overall) in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Admissions
2027 entry
Selectivity
Northumbria does not publish an overall offer rate. Offers are stated as UCAS tariff ranges, typically 96-112 or 104-120 points for 2027 entry, and the university says it takes a flexible approach based on individual circumstances.
Typical entry requirements
| UCAS tariff (A-levels, BTEC, IB and others) | 2027 entry: 96-112 points (Psychology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering), 104-120 points (Law LLB, Architecture BA, Physiotherapy); GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C |
|---|---|
| Subject requirements | None for many courses; Mechanical Engineering needs A-level Mathematics plus an analytical science; Physiotherapy needs a grade C in an A-level science or health-related subject |
| IB Diploma | Accepted and converted to UCAS tariff points against the course's points range |
| English language | IELTS 6 Course-specific IELTS Academic: 6.0 with 5.5 in each component for most courses (e.g. Psychology, Computer Science, Architecture); 6.5 with 5.5 for Law; 7.0 with 6.5 for Physiotherapy; 5.5 for Mechanical Engineering. TOEFL iBT (test centre only), Duolingo and other tests are accepted as equivalents. |
Deadlines
- UCAS equal consideration deadline Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
Deadline for equal consideration for all Northumbria courses.
- UCAS last date before Clearing Non-binding In ~9 months30 June 2027, 18:00 UK time
Applications received after this are entered into Clearing, which opens on 2 July 2027; places depend on availability.
UCAS dates for 2027 entry.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS with a personal statement and reference. Architecture and some design courses require an online portfolio; Physiotherapy and other health courses require an interview, an enhanced DBS check and a health check. International applicants pay a £5,500 deposit to secure a place and receive a CAS.
What admissions looks for
- Grades within the course's UCAS tariff range; Northumbria says it assesses individual circumstances and potential and has a range of alternative offers.
- GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C (plus a science for Physiotherapy).
- Required subjects for technical courses, such as A-level Mathematics and an analytical science for Mechanical Engineering.
- A portfolio for Architecture, and for Physiotherapy a successful interview and suitability for Health and Care Professions Council registration.
Tips for applying to Northumbria
- 1 Use the scholarship search on Northumbria's fees pages with your country of domicile: international scholarships are awarded by country.
- 2 If you are applying for Architecture, prepare your online portfolio before you submit your UCAS application.
- 3 Physiotherapy applicants need IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component, much higher than most courses.
- 4 Consider a placement or study-abroad year: they cost £1,955 and £1,465 respectively in 2026/27, far less than a normal year.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in GBP
Northumbria offers international scholarships awarded by country of domicile, sport scholarships, and US Federal Direct Loans for American students. Home students can access NU Belong support for carers, care leavers and estranged students, and eligible health, education and social work students can receive government funding. Graduates returning for further study get a 20% alumni discount.
- £5,500 (non-refundable)
- International deposit
- From about £121 to £194 a week
- University residences
- 20% off tuition for Northumbria graduates
- Alumni discount
Academics
Law (LLB)
Students can advise real clients in the Student Law Office, based in the £70 million City Campus East building.
Physiotherapy (BSc)
Ranked 5th in the UK (Times Good University Guide 2027), with a £4 million investment in physio facilities.
Architecture (BA)
Design-led studio course with real-world projects; applicants submit an online portfolio.
Fashion (BA)
Students build their own specialist creative practice in fashion design for real-world applications, in the school where Jony Ive studied design.
Computer Science (BSc)
Taught in a £7 million Computer and Information Sciences building opened in 2018.
Psychology (BSc)
Option to leave with a specialist award or the general degree, with no specific subject requirements.
Research
- Ranked 23rd in the UK for research power in REF 2021, the largest rise in research power of any UK university.
- In 2024 the university announced new UKRI Centres for AI and Renewable Energy.
- Northumbria works on space research and has signed a Master Research Agreement with Lockheed Martin Space UK.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Society and Culture
- Faculty of Science and Environment
- Faculty of Health and Wellbeing
- Newcastle Business School
- Northumbria Law School
Northumbria says it is ranked in the UK's top 25 for graduate employment and is a top UK institution for graduate start-ups; it was rated Gold for student outcomes in TEF 2023.
Student life
Most of Northumbria's residences are within walking distance of the city-centre campus, and every new full-time undergraduate is guaranteed a room in university-owned or university-commissioned accommodation, living only with other Northumbria students. The Students' Union is on City Campus, and sport scholarships support student athletes. Practical projects, from the Student Law Office to the Business Clinic, mean many students work with real clients before they graduate, and many courses offer an optional placement or study-abroad year.
- Accommodation guarantee for new full-time undergraduates.
- Student Law Office and Business Clinic for hands-on professional experience.
- Sport scholarships for student athletes.
- Students from 137 countries.
Housing. New full-time undergraduates are guaranteed a room in university-owned or university-commissioned residences, priced from about £121 to £194 a week.
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne is a compact, lively city in north-east England on the River Tyne, known for its nightlife, football and friendly atmosphere. Northumbria's main campus is in the city centre, so most students walk to lectures, and the university describes Newcastle as one of the UK's most affordable student cities.
Nearest airport: Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
Notable alumni
- SJ Sir Jony IveFormer chief design officer at Apple; studied industrial design at Newcastle Polytechnic
- S StingMusician, lead singer of the Police; trained as a teacher at Northern Counties College of Education, now part of Northumbria
- VP Victoria PendletonOlympic champion track cyclist; sports science degree
- LC Lol CrawleyOscar-winning cinematographer (The Brutalist); studied film and media production
- SC Sir Chris WhittyChief Medical Officer for England; LLM in medical law from Northumbria (2005)
- SA Sir Alan CampbellLeader of the House of Commons; MA in history from Newcastle Polytechnic
Frequently asked questions
What are Northumbria's entry requirements for 2027?
Most courses ask for 96-112 or 104-120 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C. Some courses add subject requirements, a portfolio or an interview.
How much are Northumbria's fees for international students?
International fees for 2027/28 have not been confirmed. In 2026/27 they were £19,850 or £21,500 a year depending on the course, and international students pay a £5,500 deposit.
Does Northumbria guarantee accommodation?
Yes. New full-time undergraduates are guaranteed a room in university-owned or university-commissioned residences.
What is the application deadline for Northumbria?
Apply through UCAS by 13 January 2027 for equal consideration. Later applications are possible until 30 June 2027 if places remain, then through Clearing.
What IELTS score does Northumbria need?
Usually IELTS Academic 6.0 with 5.5 in each component, but Law needs 6.5 and Physiotherapy 7.0 with 6.5 in each component.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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