IMPACT REPORT
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S FOREWORD
Thank you to our donors and graduates who have made a life-changing difference to our students this year.
Your generous support has enabled us to expand our outreach work, scholarship offer, hardship support, mental health & wellbeing services and enterprise & research programmes.
Our graduates, as always, have been an inspiration, giving time and expertise to help our students develop leadership skills and business ideas, discover their passions and strengths and gain the confidence and knowledge to make a difference in their future careers.
Our University Strategy sets out a bold and ambitious statement for our future. Our students are at the heart. We work with them to drive social mobility, enabling them to succeed after they graduate, empowered by education tailored to their needs; we power an inclusive economy by giving them experiential learning in highly skilled professions; and we create knowledge through our worldleading impactful research, which enriches their taught programmes.
Our Higher Education Without Barriers Fund directly supports our strategy, providing financial and support services to students from all backgrounds, ensuring that they can study and succeed during their time at university and look to their future with confidence and ambition.
Thank you for supporting our students.
Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive
Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
DRIVING EMPLOYABILITY THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Every student should have the opportunity to realise their ambitions, no matter their background.
At Northumbria, we are committed to equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills and talent they need to thrive. Our immersive, hands-on educational programmes provide students with real-life experiences, which we develop working closely with industry partners.
BUILDING PATHWAYS INTO PUBLISHING: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
Our MA in Publishing is a one-year programme designed and delivered in collaboration with Hachette UK, the UK’s second largest publishing group, and New Writing North, a leading regional charity dedicated to supporting the development of creative writing and reading in the North of England.
The programme gives students the opportunity to take part in a work placement so that they can apply their learning in a real-life context, gain valuable work experience and enhance their knowledge of publishing and the wider writing industries.
Since 2012, we have been working with New Writing North to contribute to culture, practice-led research and development in the region and beyond. With the added support of Hachette UK, we are now able to expand and strengthen this work even further.
“ Working closely with Northumbria University has been incredibly positive as we try to bring new and more diverse voices, new ideas and new thoughts into the industry.
Early on, when we started talking about a new MA and mapping out the course with New Writing North, we wanted to include practical and experiential benefits by providing access to industry experts and a good understanding of how publishing works end to end.”
Richard Kitson, Deputy CEO, Hachette UK
Richard Kitson, Deputy CEO, Hachette UK with Victoria Howard, Northumbria graduate
When Victoria began her MA in Publishing in 2023, she never imagined how far the journey would take her. As the first recipient of the Hachette UK scholarship, she not only completed a successful work placement with the global publisher but is now a full-time member of staff at their London office.
With a background in English Language and Linguistics, Victoria’s path to publishing was shaped by a deep love of books and a desire to return to the North East, a place that felt like home.
She was initially offered a job in publishing following a short placement during her undergraduate degree, but the pandemic disrupted her plans, leading her into a temporary career in law.
Despite the stability and potential for progression in that field, she chose to follow her passion and enrolled in Northumbria University’s new MA in Publishing, drawn by its strong industry links and its ideal location near her friends and family.
“ When I started the work placement and met my amazing key contact in Hachette, she went above and beyond, putting in a lot of time, effort, and care to make sure I met everybody that I needed to meet, and that I made the most out of my time spent on the course and during the placement.”
Victoria Howard, Northumbria graduate
Her experience throughout the course confirmed she had made the right choice. Victoria received invaluable support from lecturers and tutors, which went from academic knowledge and theory-based learning to personal guidance. Hachette UK also played a key role in her career pathway, offering hands-on experience across multiple departments during her placement and connecting her with further job opportunities.
Now, as a full-time worker at Hachette UK’s Rights Department, Victoria aims to help decentralise the publishing industry by making it more accessible beyond London. Through the opening of national branches, educational partnerships and professional networks, she hopes that opportunities will open up for people from a wider range of backgrounds and locations across the country.
Victoria’s journey is just the beginning as we continue to reduce barriers to entry in this dynamic industry. We are now pursuing an ambitious new chapter: to establish the Centre for Writing in Newcastle in collaboration with New Writing North. This dynamic space will bring the creative industries together with education, skills, and research to help build an inclusive economy and drive social mobility by providing better opportunities for individuals from the region to engage with writing and publishing.
We’re proud to share that Hachette UK has renewed and expanded its support to Northumbria’s students, increasing its scholarship commitment to support more students each year.
Victoria Howard, Northumbria graduate
Through working on consultancy projects with industry partners, placements and internships in real business environments, and hands-on experience in simulated workplace settings, at Northumbria, we provide students with invaluable opportunities that can open doors long after graduation.
In 2024, she hosted a guest talk for our Fashion BA course and employed a Fashion student to support the opening of Peachaus’ pop-up store at Fenwick. Building on this collaboration, this year she has employed three of our students as brand ambassadors to help profile the brand to digital audiences. Gillian is also currently working on a project with our Business Clinic, demonstrating her commitment to giving back time and support to the next generation of students. THE REAL POWER OF CONNECTION IN ACTION
Peachaus is a sustainable fashion brand launched in March 2022 by Gillian Ridley Whittle, a Northumbria graduate. Since graduating, Gillian has maintained strong ties with the university, actively engaging with our initiatives.
“ Collaborating with the students at Northumbria University has been an enriching and rewarding experience. From the outset, they demonstrated keen listening, thoughtful questioning, and a strong understanding of the Peachaus brand—its market positioning, customer needs, and purpose. Their fresh insights and academic rigour have supported our business objectives while offering students valuable real-world experience.
From both a brand and personal perspective, this collaboration has been invaluable, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with the university as a graduate. I look forward to continuing this journey.”
Gillian Ridley Whittle, Founder, Peachaus and Northumbria graduate
Gillian Ridley Whittle, Founder, Peachaus and Northumbria graduate.
Photo: North East Times
“ Companies like Peachaus provide invaluable opportunities for our Fashion students to gain handson industry experience before graduation. This experiential learning, combined with our embedded industrial placements, ensures our students are careerready and equipped with the key skills needed to thrive in a competitive and fast-evolving industry.
Gilly has been an exceptional mentor to our students. As a graduate of the Fashion Design and Marketing programme at Northumbria University, she has a deep understanding of the creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship demanded by the fashion industry.”
Emma Goldsmith, Assistant Professor in Fashion Product and Heritage, School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries
“ Working as a brand ambassador for Peachaus has been both an exciting and valuable experience. This role has allowed me to apply my Fashion Design degree in a practical setting and has also developed my understanding of how design meets market demand by experimenting with styling and how to communicate it through social media.
It has been a great way to bridge the skills that I have acquired from my fashion design background with real industry experience, giving me further insight into how strategic creative marketing could connect brands with customers.”
Alifa Muthmainnah, Northumbria/ Erasmus – Socrates exchange student
“ During my role as a brand ambassador for Peachaus, I’ve developed key skills in content creation for a fashion brand. I’ve had the opportunity to study and engage with Peachaus’ market, brand values, and overall vision, to help contribute to engagement across their social platforms.
What I appreciated most was contributing to a brand that drives a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to fashion.”
Emily Sones, Northumbria student
By applying their knowledge in real-world settings, our students build the technical and professional skills they will need to succeed in the future, even before graduation.
Building on existing relationships, we are creating more experiential learning opportunities and open pathways into highly skilled professions – especially in the North East. Through initiatives like the Levelling Up Law Mentoring Scheme, we are giving our students the tools they need to realise their ambitions.
“ The scheme has been very insightful, and my trip to London was nothing short of incredible! I was very lucky to undertake a week of work experience at Doyle Clayton’s London office as part of their employment services team.
My mentor’s commitment and dedication to my development as a future trainee solicitor have truly given me the confidence to navigate the legal world.”
LEARNING FROM LEADERS
Our engineering students embraced the opportunity to learn first-hand about the aviation industry from graduate Stewart Wingate. Stewart is VINCI Airports Managing Director for the United Kingdom, in which he oversees the future development and strategic operation of London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast International.
“ It was fantastic to be back at Northumbria and have the opportunity to share advice with students who are right at the start of their career.
In my experience, you can do anything when you’re surrounded by a brilliant team who support you. The aviation sector boasts exciting opportunities, and it is wonderful to see the next generation of engineers eager to make an impact.”
Marigold Topach, Northumbria student
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, whether through funding for travel, accommodation, and living costs, their dedicated time, or their invaluable networks, we are making experiential learning a reality for our students.
Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for United Kingdom and Northumbria graduate
Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for United Kingdom and Northumbria graduate
Marigold Topach, Northumbria student
Scholarships have the power to support talented students through their university journeys.
Paul Flowers recognises the lasting impact his time at Northumbria had on both his personal and professional life. Paul was keen to help the next generation of designers benefit from studying at Northumbria and has put in place the Flowers Scholarship, which also includes a placement and mentoring opportunity at his global design agency. DESIGNING THE FUTURE WITH EXPERT SUPPORT
“ It has been a privilege to see Hannah grow into a talented designer. Her future is full of possibility, and I am excited to see where her journey leads next.”
Paul Flowers, Donor and Northumbria graduate
“ The financial support has allowed me to focus entirely on my studies without having the added stress of financial worries, but the support I have received during projects has been something I will remain extremely grateful for throughout my career.”
Hannah Larman, Flowers Scholar, Design for Industry
Paul Flowers, Donor and Northumbria graduate
Hannah Larman, Flowers Scholar, Design for Industry
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN FOCUS
At Northumbria, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre and seminar room.
Our donor-supported consultancy clinics, including the Incubator, the Student Law Office, the Business Clinic and the Building Advice Centre, provide structured, credit-bearing opportunities for students to apply their academic learning in real-world contexts.
Guided by academic staff, students deliver high-quality consultancy and advisory services that directly address the needs of employers, community partners, and local enterprises, many of whom are Northumbria graduates.
THE INCUBATOR
Husain Ayoob graduated from Northumbria University in 2024 with a degree in Computer Science with AI. Soon after graduating, he launched Ayoob AI, an AI solutions company that delivers fully tailored, full-code solutions, empowering businesses to operate with enhanced precision and efficiency.
Through our NU Incubator, we helped Husain transform his academic foundation and hands-on experience into a high-impact business venture. In under a year, his Newcastle-based business has expanded globally, serving clients in Paris, Dubai, Singapore and beyond.
“ I’m so proud of everything I have achieved so far with Ayoob AI, and the advice and guidance from the team at Northumbria’s Incubator Hub cannot go unnoticed.
They gave me the roadmap I needed to follow from a professional, governmental, and personal standpoint, showing me how to juggle daily life whilst building a global company from the bottom up. They helped me see the potential of Ayoob AI and believed in me to grow it at scale.”
Husain Ayoob, Founder, Ayoob AI and Northumbria graduate
Established in 1991, the Student Law Office is a multiaward-winning law clinic where students, with supervision from practising lawyers, provide free legal services to the public, businesses and community groups regionally and nationally. Over 2,300 students have worked in the Student Law Office since 2015, with over £308k of free legal advice and representation provided in the last year (2024-2025) and £1.7m+ recovered in total compensation for clients since 2005.
Awards have included the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for the outstanding community work, received in 2013.
“ This is the most positive experience I have had while navigating the Family Law system.”
Client from the Student Law Office
“ I could not recommend the Student Law Office highly enough. The students I worked with were professional, proactive, kind and understanding, always making sure I felt heard and validated.”
Client from the Student Law Office
THE STUDENT LAW OFFICE
Husain Ayoob, Founder, Ayoob AI and Northumbria graduate
Founded by Northumbria graduate Robin Ferris, Bankuet is the UK’s first digital zero waste food donation platform and the leading supplier of food to food banks nationwide. It was born out of a desire to help tackle food poverty by streamlining donations and ensuring food banks receive exactly what they need.
To support its growth as a fully digital business, Bankuet worked with the Business Clinic, where our students developed a digital marketing and social media strategy alongside strategic recommendations for donor acquisition.
“ Collaborating with Northumbria University’s Business Clinic students has been exceptionally rewarding for Bankuet. They brought fresh passion, energy and genuine understanding of our mission to help UK food banks. The students focused on two critical projects - donor-facing innovation and food bank success - bringing fresh insights that have directly influenced our platform development. As a Northumbria graduate, supporting the next generation through meaningful real-world experiential learning felt like completing a meaningful circle.”
Robin Ferris, Founder, Bankuet Northumbria graduate and honorary graduate
“ We’re always delighted in the Business Clinic when Northumbria University graduates come full circle and return to us as clients. One inspiring example is Robin, a Northumbria graduate and Founder of tech-for-good startup, Bankuet, a successful and innovative business.
Robin is a role model for our current students. Engaging with our graduates not only strengthens our community but also opens doors to broader professional networks. These connections offer valuable insights into diverse industries and career paths, enriching our students’ learning experience and helping them envision their own futures.”
With 18 years of operation,
“ The students did a full report with some ideas on how we might go about the project, what the approximate cost is and who we should contact for our next step. It was all very helpful. We got the free advice, and it was also nice, of course, to give the students an opportunity to learn their trade. ”
Client from the Building Advice Centre
Nicola Burnip, Business Clinic Manager
the Building Advice Centre is a free service open to the public, run by final-year Building Surveying students and supervised by experienced staff in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment.
BUILDING ADVICE CENTRE
Do you run a business or start-up? We can connect you with our student consultancy clinics.
Robin Ferris, Founder, Bankuet Northumbria graduate and honorary graduate
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
Everyone deserves the same opportunity to access education, so no one is left behind.
At Northumbria, we believe no one’s future should be limited by their background. We are working to break down barriers to higher education so that every student receives the support they need to study and succeed at university and after graduation.
Around 40% of our students come from areas with low participation in higher education, many of whom are the first in their families to go to university. Thanks to the support of our donor businesses, charitable trusts and foundations, and individuals, we are tailoring our education to meet these students’ needs: from building their social capital, creating networks and facilitating real-world work experience, to offering flexible courses so they can balance study with work and other responsibilities.
A PATHWAY TO UNIVERSITY THAT TRANSFORMS FUTURES
Meaningful collaborations bring lasting impact. The progress of our students is possible through the power of partnerships. Together, we are building a workforce shaped by talent, not circumstance.
A great example of this is our work with the charity IntoUniversity. Together with Newcastle University and the invaluable contributions of our partners, we support their regional centres in Newcastle and Gateshead, where seven to 18-year-olds experiencing disadvantage can access help with academic work, university applications and career options, plus opportunities such as visits from employers, mentoring, work experience placements and paid internships.
“ The young people we support are often under-represented in academic and corporate spaces, and rarely get the opportunity to experience these environments growing up.”
Dr Rachel Carr, OBE, Chief Executive & Co-Founder IntoUniversity
Ryder Architecture, a long-lasting partner of ours at Northumbria, is a key supporter of our Higher Education Without Barriers fund and actively contributes to IntoUniversity through this initiative. With Northumbria graduate Mark Thompson leading the firm, it also brings work experience into the offer, delivering insightful workshops led by its professional team.
“ We’re
extremely proud of our community impact work, which is focused practice-wide on educational initiatives that support, inspire and equip young people with the skills to achieve their full potential.
Having worked with Northumbria University for more than three decades, it’s great to extend our relationship to inspire and encourage future generations to consider higher education.”
Scan the QR code to learn more about our IntoUniversity centres
Mark Thompson, Managing Partner, Ryder Architecture and Northumbria graduate
“ As a first-generation university student, attending IntoUniversity helped me develop key skills, confidence and aspiration to apply to university. The staff gave me advice and encouragement and supported my application process to Northumbria.
Talks by corporate partners and mentoring by current university students were inspiring. I am now confident and motivated for a career in law.”
Since opening in late 2021, the Newcastle East Centre has worked with more than 2,100 students. In 2024, 64% of IntoUniversity school leavers progressed to higher education – over five times the local average of 12% – with more than 130 students going on to university, mostly within the North East.
The Newcastle East Centre has been backed throughout the years by the generosity of multiple organisations, including The Barbour Foundation, Siemens Energy, Enterprise Mobility, St
Educational Trust, Agile Business
Catherine
Trust, as well as graduates and other supporters with a passion for advancing participation in higher education.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who is helping us support IntoUniversity, getting more school-age children to believe higher education is a genuine option, and giving them the confidence to pursue highly skilled work at the end of it.
“ We are thrilled to support Northumbria University’s partnership with IntoUniversity, inspiring young people from all backgrounds to achieve their goals. The East Walker centre is an integral part of our local community, making it a perfect fit for us to provide support. We have already conducted a Careers in Focus session for Into students and look forward to further developing our relationship in the coming years.”
Dan Taylor, VP Gas Services UK &
“ We are proud to support the new Gateshead Centre over the next two years, in line with our aim to improve the conditions of people living and working in the North East of England. The Centre will make a big difference to the lives of young people in Gateshead, providing them with a lifeline to succeed at school and in their future careers. ”
Hiven Ahmedkarim, Northumbria student
IE, Siemens Energy
Nicholas
Consortium,
Cookson Charitable Trust, Hachette UK, Sir James Knott
Jo Curry MBE, DL, Trust Secretary, Sir James Knott Trust
Dan Taylor, VP Gas Services UK & IE, Siemens Energy
EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
Our award-winning ALLSTARS (Access, Life, Learning, Supporting Transition, Attainment Raising, and Study) scheme, which is funded by donations to our Higher Education Without Barriers programme, is expanding access and participation in higher education to more than 40 schools across the North East.
ALLSTARS is designed to create and foster partnerships with schools and colleges, offering students an extensive package that goes from outreach sessions and priority access to taster days on campus to scholarships and more. These activities are aimed at building students’ knowledge, skills and opportunities as well as supporting them into higher education.
One standout outcome of the scheme has been the partnership with Bede Academy, a local school in Blyth. Together, we have developed and implemented a new T-Level course in health to support young people considering careers in health and care. It’s an alternative route to university and careers in the NHS and social care.
“
We are proud to be able to work in partnership with Northumbria University. We want to build a partnership so that our students
can access the best possible routes into incredible, high-skilled, high value work and careers – in this case by working in the health sector – that will change, and in some cases save, people’s lives.”
Andrew Thelwell, Principal (Secondary), Bede Academy
As well as supporting Bede Academy with the design of the curriculum and upskilling staff to deliver the course, we have also helped create a brand new healthcare training facility that simulates a hospital environment, giving students hands-on experience.
Santander Universities UK is a current supporter of the ALLSTARS scheme, funding scholarships for students from these schools who choose to study at Northumbria.
REAL SUPPORT, REAL IMPACT
Our partners’ support makes social mobility possible. UK’s specialist healthcare property investor and developer, Assura, played a key role in Northumbria Nursing student Rachel Connelly’s pathway. The Assura Scholarship in Healthcare provided Rachel with the support she needed to help cover her living costs.
“ At Assura, we believe that financial barriers should never stop people from accessing their education. Education is a really important route for social mobility, and wherever Assura can support that, that’s something that we always aim to do through our core business, but also through the Assura Community Fund.”
Karen Nolan, Head of Social Impact, Assura Group Plc “ Getting the scholarship was just amazing. It took a lot of pressure away.
It’s a massive boost in confidence, you feel supported. You’ve got somebody else who believes in you.”
Scholarships like these are being funded with money raised by our fundraising campaign, Higher Education Without Barriers. With the support of Northumbria alumni, businesses and charitable partners, the fund has raised over £5.5m and supported more than 3,500 students since it launched in January 2022.
Scan the QR code to find out more
Rachel Connelly, Northumbria student
Rachel Connelly, Northumbria student
Tackling inequality is deeply ingrained in Northumbria’s DNA. We want to provide all students, especially those from low participation backgrounds, the opportunity to study, graduate and flourish in their careers. We can only do that through the vital partnerships and shared commitment of those who believe in creating real change.
The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust has backed postgraduate scholarships in Sport and Performing Arts, offering a vital lifeline to underrepresented students from the North East.
“ I am delighted to enter into this relationship with Northumbria University, providing scholarships on behalf of The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust. The Trustees and I are very excited to see the positive impact of the Scholarship for many years to come. It is a fitting legacy for Liam, bonding the Charity that started in Liam and Chloe’s honour with the University at which Liam was a successful student studying Sports & Exercise Science.”
Richard Clark, Chairman, The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust and Northumbria graduate
The Jim Jackson Foundation is also helping to remove financial obstacles for students pursuing business-related degrees at Newcastle Business School. Through new hardship scholarships, students can focus fully on their studies, confident that challenges like low income, reduced funding, or fear of debt won’t stand in the way of their ambitions.
“ Not only has the scholarship relieved financial pressure for me, but I have also been able to invest in myself by becoming a Chartered Marketer. I have also been able to attend a HQ experience at Adobe in London run by the University, thanks to funding support from the Foundation.”
Kaitlyn
Auton, Northumbria graduate
Opportunities for social mobility should be open for everyone. Our Converge scheme offers members of the local community in Newcastle who have experienced mental health challenges the chance to learn at our Newcastle City Campus through art and creative education.
In 2024, we received a National Lottery Community Fund grant to expand the scheme. This funding allows participants to study non-accredited creative courses and access the same academic staff, learning resources, and well-being services as university students – enabling them to live healthier lives.
“ Collaborating with Eliot Smith Dance and Converge has been a transformative experience for both our participants and the wider community. Many of the adults involved in the programme do not have regular access to high-quality contemporary dance, and through this partnership, we’ve been able to bring the power of dance to those who may have otherwise missed out.”
Eliot Smith, FRSA, Founder and Creative Director, Eliot Smith Dance
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT THROUGH CREATIVE EDUCATION
Richard Clark, Chairman, The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust and Northumbria graduate
THE POWER OF CONNECTION
Northumbria’s global graduate community continues to grow, with alumni based on every continent.
United by a shared connection to the university, our graduates are building a powerful, supportive network to help each other as well as generations to come. Our established graduate ambassador networks in London, New York and Toronto are already creating vibrant local hubs for alumni to connect, collaborate, and give back, and plans are underway to establish further networks.
“ As a proud grad and Geordie lad, it meant a lot to support the university that helped shape my marketing journey – this time on an international stage.”
Raman Sehgal, Author, Founder, ramarketing and Northumbria graduate
“ What an amazing alumni event! Northumbria University, really hoping we get to see more and get involved!”
Nazik Bashir, Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, Nazik Bashir Law Office and Northumbria graduate
“ What a memorable evening at the first-ever Northumbria University alumni gathering in Canada! It was a pleasure reconnecting with fellow alumni and meeting new faces in such a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.”
Lynn Leo, Senior Auditor and Northumbria graduate
“ I would like to thank you for arranging the New York alumni event. I was fortunate to meet Northumbria graduates and medics from Northumbria’s partnership with St George’s University.”
Andrew Radford, Programme Budget Officer, United Nations and Northumbria graduate
“ It was great to meet with everyone - I enjoyed the evening and I look forward to getting together in Newcastle.”
Charlie Effinger, Senior Vice-President (Banks), Apiture and Northumbria graduate
Look out for more Northumbria alumni events scheduled in 2025/26 – your opportunity to meet with fellow graduates, to share experiences, and explore ways to help future Northumbria students. Whether through global internships, placements, mentoring, or just making connections!
Scan the QR code to update your graduate profile and contact details.
CREATING NEW KNOWLEDGE FROM WORLDLEADING RESEARCH
We are on a journey to improve the quality and impact of our research across every discipline to enrich our programmes and help tackle regional, national and global challenges.
Backed with substantial investment in our estate development, we are building spaces where research drives sustainable impact for society, the economy, and the environment.
In 2027, Northumbria marks 150 years since its founding by Dr John Rutherford as a School of Science and Art. Our City Campus blends a unique combination of historically listed sites with architectural history and innovative contemporary buildings, creating inspiring spaces for learning, research, and community life.
INVESTING IN FACILITIES FOR RESEARCH AND STUDENT SUCCESS
We are investing in state-of-the-art research and laboratory facilities while maintaining the excellence of our existing spaces. The North East Space Skills and Technology Centre will be a prominent, iconic home for cutting edge space skills, research, and technology, while the Centre for Health and Social Equity will significantly enhance health and social care research and education.
Through these investments, we are creating spaces where research generates new knowledge, drives policy and practice change, and addresses society’s most pressing challenges — from health and social equity to innovation in science and technology.
We are always delighted to welcome graduates and supporters to our campus, to hear more about our ambitions, meet our students and see our latest developments
To arrange a visit please get in touch.
Architect’s drawing of the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre.
At Northumbria, we are driving the future of the UK space sector, placing research and innovation at the heart of a rapidly growing industry. Our new £50 million North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, developed in partnership with the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, will be a world-leading facility supporting the advancement of space science and technology.
The scale of our research wouldn’t be possible without the contribution of our partners. The Cobham-Ultra Scholarship Programme, for example, supports engineering students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education, offering not just financial assistance but mentorship, industry insight, and invaluable work experience.
These immersive learning opportunities are central to our mission, building skills, networks, and confidence for the next generation of space and engineering innovators.
“ We aim to attract and retain the most talented students, irrespective of background, which is why this scholarship is so important and welcomed.”
Professor John Woodward, Faculty Pro ViceChancellor for International and Faculty of Science and Environment
“ Learning new things and expanding my existing knowledge in fields I am passionate about is invaluable to me, and the support from Cobham-Ultra has made this more accessible, for which I will be forever grateful.”
Connor Smith, Northumbria PhD student
Lady Edwina
DOCTORAL RESEARCH TO OVERCOME INEQUITIES
Funded by justice system reformer and philanthropist Lady Edwina Grosvenor, fully funded PhD studentships will support research into the experiences of women who have been in prison. These projects aim to harness lived experience to inform future interventions that could play a role in reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
“ It is a privilege to be able to continue to support the work of Northumbria University. The challenges women in the criminal justice system face are wide ranging and complex; this work will support long term solutions to reduce reoffending and, most importantly, will support the women who face such issues.”
Lady Edwina Grosvenor, Northumbria graduate and honorary graduate
“ We’re delighted to be able to offer these studentships as fully funded projects.
At Northumbria we work with communities to create and evaluate interventions, services and policies that improve the health of, and bring economic opportunities to, those who need it most.”
Professor Monique Lhussier, Director of the Centre for Health and Social Equity
Grosvenor, Northumbria graduate and honorary graduate
The Sir Halley Stewart Trust is backing the development, pilot, and evaluation of an accessible digital training package for professionals, practitioners and educators involved in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Focusing on positioning and attachment, the training will introduce two practical memory aides, CHINS and LATCHES, to enhance knowledge and confidence in breastfeeding support.
“ Northumbria is a researchintensive university that takes on tomorrow’s challenges by making a positive difference to people and communities, while maintaining its clear focus on social mobility. The Sir Halley Stewart Trust grant supports the University’s ambition to deliver cutting-edge research with worldleading impact.”
Professor Louise Bracken, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange
The UK has some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe, with rates particularly low among young mothers and in areas of high socio-economic deprivation. With this grant, our researchers will contribute to improving this global public health priority.
The new project follows a £1.2 million fund awarded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to advance pioneering work into the benefits of breast milk for premature babies, and builds on an earlier study with children’s charity, Action Medical Research, in which 99 mothers of premature babies born at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary donated breast milk.
Thanks to the RC Kenyon Scholarship, one of our PhD candidates, Luke Scott, is researching the cutting edge of neuromuscular science.
As part of the Northumbria Neuromuscular Function Research Group within the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Luke’s project investigates an area with potential implications for injury recovery and rehabilitation.
“ Thanks to this scholarship opportunity, I have been able to study for my PhD full-time at Northumbria University. The opportunity to do my PhD at a prestigious institution has empowered me as a researcher to engage with subjects and fields I previously never felt capable of.”
Luke Scott, Northumbria PhD student
ADVANCING SCIENCE
Luke Scott, Northumbria PhD student