Our Region

Newcastle is a vibrant and friendly city, home to the famous ‘quayside’ and just a short journey to the beautiful coast.  Our region is home to many World Heritage Sites, seaside towns and castles – and it's all within easy reach of Newcastle.

Whether it's following a path laid down by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, visiting the castle where Harry Potter was filmed or unwinding on award-winning sandy beaches, the North East is an amazing and beautiful part of the United Kingdom!

The Coast

The award-winning Blue Flag beaches of North Tyneside are a short journey from the city centre. The seaside towns of Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay are all popular spots with independent cafes, bars and restaurants.

Further north you will find the stunning beach at Bamburgh, with the imposing castle looming over the dunes from above and the secret hideaway that is Low Newton, which feels a million miles away from the buzz of the city.

The Countryside

Nature loving students will enjoy exploring the beautiful countryside that surrounds the bustling city. The ingenious Roman structure, Hadrian's Wall, spreads across to Carlisle from the west of the city, and the Northumberland National Park sits to the north.

The Castles

Northumberland is home to more castles than any other English county - a legacy from its turbulent past! From Newcastle’s own castle in the city centre to the remote and ruined Dunstanburgh Castle on the eastern coast, the castles in the North East are a sight to behold!

Study Abroad students particularly enjoy a visit to famous Alnwick Castle to see where the first two Harry Potter movies were filmed. You can even take a broomstick flying class in the castle’s grounds!

Arts and Culture

There's plenty of culture on campus to get immersed in. The Great North Museum, which is adjacent to campus, has a planetarium and an interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall among other collections. The recently refurbished Hatton Gallery – based in the Fine Art Building – is home to Kurt Schwitters’ Merz Barn Wall and exhibits the work of our Fine Art students in the summer. 

In the town centre, you will find many galleries and museums, showcasing collections of natural history, scientific landmarks and art from the 18th-century through to the modern day. The Baltic – a converted flour mill on the Gateshead Quays – is where to head to for modern art, while there's also the Biscuit Factory and the Laing Art Gallery, which display traditional art and contemporary exhibits.

Nightlife

Newcastle is well known for its fantastic nightlife and this is one of the reasons the city is always voted as one of the UK's greatest student hubs. There's a great mix of bars, pubs and clubs across the city, as well as boutique bowling alleys, live music venues, theatres and cinemas, late-night cafes and restaurants to suit every budget.

You’ll also discover world-famous acts performing at the Utilita Arena, the Sage Gateshead and the O2 Academy, and visit smaller venues like The Cluny, the Cumberland Arms and the Tyne Bar who champion up-and-coming and local musicians.

Watch more videos and read more about Life in Newcastle.

What is an Open Badge?

Open badges are digital badges which show a range of learning achievements. You can share them on social media and employability websites such as LinkedIn. Metadata held within the badge will tell prospective employers about the criteria that you have met to achieve the badge and demonstrate that you gained the badge from Newcastle University.

What is the Newcastle University Open Badge in Global and Cultural Awareness?

The Newcastle University Open Badge in Global and Cultural Awareness will demonstrate that you have taken part, and reflected on this activity, which has supported you in order to develop global and cultural awareness.

How do I get the Open Badge?

1. Sign up to, and complete the Canvas module (2-3 hours)
2. Submit a 500-750 word reflective essay, either before 19th June 2023 or 2nd October 2023.

Deadlines and awarding periods:

• You can submit on June 19th at 5pm to be awarded the badge in June/July
• You can submit on October 2nd at 5pm to be awarded the badge in November

What are the benefits of a badge?

• Validated & credible achievement
• Highlight your skills & competencies to employers
• Publicise your achievements, add to your email signature, employability websites (LinkedIn), or social media (Twitter).
• Demonstrate your knowledge is up to date and relevant
• Can be done in your own time

Who can get the badge?

In order to complete the module you must take part in activity/ events that support you to develop your global and cultural awareness.
The activities may include:

• Participation in a global study/exchange/internship/work experience programme
• Participation in University’s Study Abroad Buddies Scheme or assisting at International Welcome Week
• Attending extracurricular language classes (at NU or recognised partner institution)
• Participation in a global virtual exchange or engagement programme or event
• Volunteering for an organisation with an international/ cultural focus in the UK or overseas (see NUSU Go Volunteer pages Links to an external site.for inspiration)
• Engagement with NUSU club or society Links to an external site.with an international/cultural focus (for instance: International Society, Model United Nations, Students for Global Health, or one of the many country or cultural societies)
• Participation in a project or events (academic/non-academic) which focus on cross-cultural or global issues
• Participating in a Career Service programme that focuses on international careers

If you are not sure whether your activity is relevant to the badge, or would be considered sufficient to gain the badge, or if you would like some advice on how to find such activities we can help!

Students can enrol directly on Canvas here: https://ncl.instructure.com/enroll/KR8LTD

Any questions please contact global.opportunities@ncl.ac.uk with the subject 'Open Badge'.

The University can trace its origins back to the School of Medicine and Surgery, established in 1834, and Armstrong College, founded in 1871. Take a look at our interactive timeline to discover more of our historical moment.

Our Campus is alive with activity all year round, from Welcome Week through to Summer Conferences, there's always something to see and do around campus. From high-tech study facilities to sports, societies and shops, being a student at Newcastle University is never boring!

Libraries

Boasting over a 1 million printed books, 2 million e-books and extensive study space, our four main libraries offer an award-winning customer service to make sure you can access the resources you need - including 24 hour access to our main library, the Philip Robinson Library, and daytime access to the Marjorie Robinson Library - our digital library with collaborative and private study space and on-site cafe.

The Students' Union

Our amazing Students' Union (NUSU) plays a major part in shaping the Newcastle experience - not least through the 160+ student societies! Located in the heart of campus, take advantage of the many services and facilities operating from inside – a large grocery store, coffee shops, concert space, bar, study space, takeout restaurants, an advice centre, and more.

I volunteered with N.E.S.T., a program that helps integrate refugees and asylum-seekers in the U.K. through English lessons and planned trips [...] I was very humbled to take part in a great opportunity to work with people from an array of different ethnic backgrounds

- Francesca, Study Abroad 2020

Sport

Through a recent £30 million investment in our facilities, the university offers exceptional environments for all your sporting needs. With a top-10 ranking in the British Universities and Colleges Sport league for three consecutive years, Newcastle is one of the best places to study when it comes to taking part in sport. On top of that, there's more than 65 sports clubs to choose from.

And loads more...

Access loads more information and videos on our Libraries, IT facilities, Study Support, Sports and Students' Union on Our Campus.

Take a virtual tour around our campus, accommodation or academic facilities.

Please find out if you need a visa or entry clearance to study in the UK, and what to do when you arrive, on the University's Visa Support webpage.

We understand that coming to live in a foreign country can be a daunting experience and provide a wide range of support and advice to help you while you're here.

Our Support and Services page has further information about Arrival, Accommodation, your wellbeing, financial information and detailed information on our campus facilities.

Please take a look at our Contact Us page to contact the Global Opportunities team directly with any questions you may have.