Northumbria rated best in the North East for student experience

Northumbria University, Newcastle, has been rated the best in the North East for student experience by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.

The Guide, which is published on Sunday 23 September, provides the most comprehensive overview of higher education in the UK.

Northumbria was ranked the best in the region for student experience following a significant £52 million investment in its estate and facilities in recent years. This has included the development of new buildings for students on computing, information sciences and architecture courses, and the transformation of its library facilities, which house more than 1.3 million print and e-books.

Over the last two years, the University has also made major changes to the way students access its various support services. The creation of Student Central has provided a one-stop-shop for students to ask staff for help and advice with issues such as visas, financial support, careers and counselling.

New facilities available for students from this month will include a new and improved Blackboard elearning portal; a new Student Skills Centre to provide training and support in areas such as information literacy and CV workshops; and a new 24/7 open access IT hub with more than 100 high-spec PCs and Macs in the heart of the city campus.

Northumbria has also moved up five places in the table and has been praised by the Guide for its international focus and for its reputation for graduate employability.

The Guide states that “the biggest university in northeast England… is making its presence known overseas, partnering with the Maltese government to run a nursing degree. In addition, there is a new agreement with Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, where a programme in international business will be open to all undergraduates to enrich their degree.”

It adds that Northumbria “continues to lead the way in degree apprenticeships and plans a significant expansion [of these courses] in 2019. It is also among the leading universities for graduate start-ups.”

Last month the results of the 2018 National Student Survey were released. The University achieved a score of 85% on overall satisfaction, ahead of the sector average of 83%. It also performed above the sector in the areas of academic support, IT and library resources, learning opportunities and learning community.

Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: "We are pleased to see the strength of Northumbria’s student experience recognised. In recent years we have brought a strong focus to the quality of the student experience placing the student at the heart of our strategy and thinking. As the UK higher education sector becomes increasingly competitive it is pleasing to see the impact of this approach recognised.”

Anyone interested in studying at Northumbria University can register to attend its forthcoming Open Days. The days provide potential students and parents with the opportunity to meet with academic staff and current students, find out more about courses, and see the University’s state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, leisure and living.

The next Open Day is Saturday 29 September, with others following on Saturdays 27 October and 24 November. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/openday to find out more or to book a place.