University FAQs
Qualifications
Undergraduate – A university student who is undertaking a Bachelor's degree- usually their first degree.
Postgraduate – A university student who has completed a Bachelor's degree and is studying at a more advanced level. For example, a Masters or PhD.
An Undergraduate degree is often someone’s first degree at university. It can be your next step in education after school or college. Receiving an Undergraduate degree can then mean you are qualified to study a Postgraduate degree.
A Bachelor’s degree is an Undergraduate degree usually with 3 – 4 years of full-time study to complete.
While the term 'Undergraduate' refers to first-degree students studying for a Bachelors degree, 'Postgraduate' is used to describe graduate students studying a second-cycle qualification, typically a Masters, Postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or diploma (PGDip). The term 'Postgraduate' is also used to describe those studying PhDs.
The Master of Science, more commonly known as the MSc, is the standard Masters qualification for taught courses in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.
While an MSc concerns itself primarily with STEM subjects and social sciences, the Master of Arts (MA) courses span a range of subjects from history and design to languages, media and performance.
A Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) is an academic qualification. You can get this through teacher training. You do not need one to be a qualified teacher in England, but it can help you develop your teaching skills and knowledge.
You need English qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in maintained primary, secondary and special schools in England. These are schools funded by local authorities. Some schools can employ teachers without QTS for example, private schools and academy schools, but most still prefer teachers to have it. You do not need QTS to teach in further education or work in early years education.
Finance
Northumbria University is committed to supporting the best students with outstanding academic ability. We offer a number of support packages for students depending on academic achievement or personal financial circumstances.
Financial support opportunities have associated eligibility conditions, therefore it is essential applicants consider all requirements and observe the application process and deadlines carefully.
For Undergraduate students the amount you get differs based on your income or your families, for more information visit the Student Finance website.
A Postgraduate Masters Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a Postgraduate Masters course. The funding amounts differ; however, it’s not based on your income or your families.
Continuing or returning students to Northumbria can get up to 20% off their tuition fees* with our Alumni Discount scheme!
*Terms and Conditions apply
Application
Undergraduate: For UK students, you'll typically be applying through UCAS, while international students can also apply directly via our website. You can find detailed information on how and when to apply in our Application Guide.
Postgraduate: Explore our guide on applying for a step-by-step breakdown of the process. From meeting entry requirements to crafting the perfect personal statement, we’ve got everything you need!
If you're a UK student you will likely be applying for University through UCAS. International students can apply directly through our website.
You can see more about how and when to apply in our Application Guide
Check out our guide on applying to university for comprehensive insights into each stage. From understanding entry requirements to perfecting your personal statement, we’ve got you covered!
Northumbria University Masters applications for September entry, open mid-October of the previous year. Our programmes have capacity limits so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, as the courses may close earlier if they reach capacity.
As a current Northumbria student, you can easily apply for a Masters in under a minute (UK students only). If your course isn’t listed, and you are applying as a current Northumbria student, we’ve created this handy guide to make the process easier.
You also don't want to wait until the last moment to apply, as you’ll also need time to sort out your finances, accommodation, travel arrangements and possibly your visa if you’re an international student.
A personal statement should focus on explaining why you're interested in the course and what makes you a suitable candidate. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, and show your passion for the subject. Keep it structured, clear, and within the character limits. Be honest and ensure it reflects your true motivations.
For more detailed advice on writing an impactful personal statement, visit our personal statement guide and be sure to check out your course page for any course specific advice or structure requirements.
Your reference should ideally come from a teacher or academic who knows you well and can comment on your academic abilities, achievements, and suitability for university. You can find out more about how to add a reference and who is suitable by visiting our guide to application or UCAS’s guide to references.
For some of our courses, you may be asked to attend an interview. You can find out if your chosen course requires an interview by checking the entry requirements section on the course webpage.
For advice on preparing for an interview visit our interview page.
Entry Requirements
At Northumbria, we understand that everyone’s journey to higher education is different, which is why we offer flexible admissions options. This means that we look at more than just your grades — we consider your full story, your circumstances, and everything you’ve achieved.
We have a range of different flexible offer schemes to help people like you to get into higher education. Our current options include:
- Contextual Offers: We look at both your academic performance and your personal circumstances when assessing your UCAS application.
- Aspirational Offers: Encouraging those currently studying to aim for the best results you can achieve by making standard offers to students, even if you're predicted to be slightly below our standard entry requirements.
- Dual Offers: These include a reserved place on an extended degree with foundation year, just in case you don't quite meet the points required for a standard degree.
- Alternative programmes: We might offer you an alternative degree if you don't quite meet the standard criteria for an offer
These options are open to lots of people from different backgrounds, so it’s worth checking if you will be eligible.
If you have any questions about your application, chat to us on our live chat or get in touch with our applicant services team.
We offer different types of support and a range of flexible admissions options for applicants who may feel unsure about meeting the entry requirements. You can find out more and see what you may be eligible for on our Entry Requirements page.
For courses that have additional entry requirements and processes, our guide on entry requirements for your chosen course/area will help you understand any non-academic requirements. For applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but possess substantial, relevant work experience at an appropriate level, we may still be able to consider your application. In this case, we recommend that you attach an up-to-date CV detailing your work experience and include contact information for your employer referee in your applications. Should you require further assistance, please get in touch with us.
Support at Northumbria
We know that university can be a big investment, so our financial support page provides lots of information about how to fund your studies. We also offer a range of scholarships that you may be eligible to apply for. For information on what it is like to be a student at Northumbria, including tips and tricks on budgeting, see our Money Matters and Managing Your Money webpages.
Feeling apprehensive and nervous is completely normal when starting something new, such as university. To learn more about the mental health and wellbeing support we offer see our counselling and mental health support webpage.
There are a range of financial support schemes which can help you with childcare. To read more about them and find out if you’re eligible, visit our student parents webpage.
There is dedicated support available for carers, including supported entry schemes, financial help and more. Visit our student carers webpage to find out more.
If you have accessibility needs, our friendly team is here to offer advice, guidance, and support to help you overcome any barriers and reach your full potential while studying at Northumbria. Find out more on our accessibility support webpage.
Uni Experience
Destination Northumbria is a programme which provides valuable resources, guidance and a strong support network to help you develop the skills and knowledge to prepare for undergraduate study. You will receive information and advice supporting your transition to university, alongside the opportunity to enjoy a range of social activities and networking events, to experience a taste of student life. NU Discover then provides students who have come through Destination Northumbria, with on-going, student-led support over the first few weeks of university
Check out our socials, and the Students Union, to see the various activities you can get involved in at Northumbria. We understand that starting Uni on your own, and perhaps moving to a new city, can be scary so check out the ways you can get involved and meet new people during your Welcome Week.
As a city-centre university, we're easily accessible. If you're considering living at home, you'll find plenty of information on how to travel to campus on our travel page. You can also visit the Student Union page to learn more about how you can still engage in student life and enjoy the city, even if you're living at home.
Working whilst studying can be a great way to build your CV and bank account. Whilst you are studying, we recommend that you work no more than 15 hours per week. Check out some of students’ tips for finding a part time job and writing a cover letter and CV. For Postgraduate students we also offer some flexible learning options, you can see more on our Flexible Learning page.
Freshers’ Week, or Welcome Week, is hosted by our Students’ Union. It is an opportunity for new and returning students to take part in lots of exciting activities for the purpose of finding likeminded people and experiencing new things. Find out more about our Students’ Union.
Masters is a definite step-up from a Bachelor's and comes with its own set of challenges. The course itself is condensed (in the UK it usually lasts one year full-time to two years part-time, but in other countries it can be two years standard) and ends with a research project in the form of a dissertation.
You may also find that there aren’t as many contact hours (lectures and tutorials) as an Undergraduate degree, and you’ll be spending significantly more time self-studying
The research project can seem daunting at a Masters level, especially if your previous studies were structured differently, however, Northumbria University academics offer plenty of help with modules on research methods.
A mature student can be someone who is looking to join university after taking time away from education.
This is typically someone who begins their course after the age of 21 (Undergraduate) or after the age of 25 (Postgraduate).
The start and end date of your course will depend on what you’re studying and where. For information on term dates, please refer to our academic calendars page.
An Undergraduate degree is typically 3 years. If you choose to take a sandwich/placement year, this will be 4 years in total. It is best to check course web pages for more specific information.
For information on term and vacation dates, please refer to our academic calendars page.
A lecture delivers information to all students in the course/module. Seminars, on the other hand, involve smaller groups designed for detailed discussions, workshops, and support from both peers and the tutor.
Universities typically work in ‘semesters’ rather than ‘terms’. There are typically 3 semesters in an academic year. For information on semester dates, please refer to our academic calendars page.
Results and Graduation
Degrees are assessed and graded in lots of different ways, depending on the degree you are studying. For specific information, please refer to module guides on blackboard and/or your student portal or speak to your personal tutor.
Degree results will be released at different times, depending on the degree you are studying. For specific information, please refer to module guides on blackboard and/or your student portal or speak to your personal tutor.
Graduations, often referred to as congregations, typically last around 70 minutes. For more detailed information, please refer to our congregations web page.
