Northumbria University

Northumbria University is a research-rich, business-focused professional university with academic excellence sitting firmly at its core. The university is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of their students and graduates. According to the latest Higher Education Business and Communities Interaction (HEBCIS) survey 2020/21, turnover for Northumbria graduate start-ups exceeded £95.3 million – placing the University in the Top 5 nationally as well as first regionally1.

Northumbria University is currently Top 25 in the UK for the number of graduates entering professional employment2 and ranked in the Top 25 in the UK for research power, according to the results of the latest Research Excellence Framework3.

Northumbria University offers mainly assignment-based Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree programmes with well-paced schedule for busy adults.

Newcastle Business School

Northumbria University’s Business Degrees are developed by research-engaged academics and highly experienced business practitioners.

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University is amongst an elite group of institutions worldwide offering Business Degrees with Dual Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and is the first institution in Europe to gain double accreditation.

The AACSB accreditation is an internationally recognised, specialised accreditation for Business schools. It assesses standards across the whole school, from taught programmes to research and internal operations. It is also a sign of quality that employers recognise, and graduates from AACSB-accredited schools are known to be career-ready.

1 Based on data from: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/07-06-2022/he-business-community-interaction-2021
2 Based on data from: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/graduates
3 https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ref-2021-golden-triangle-looks-set-lose-funding-share
4 https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited/n/northumbria-university

  • University of the Year
  • Our Programmes
  • Accreditations, Recognition and Memberships

Northumbria University, Newcastle, has been named University of the Year 2022 in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

The THE Awards are widely recognised as the ‘Oscars of higher education’. This impressive award recognises exceptional performance as well as bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives that have advanced the reputation of a Higher Education Institution reputation during the academic year 2020/21.

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University commented: “To be shortlisted for such a prestigious and internationally-recognised award was a remarkable achievement in itself – to go on and win is a true milestone in the University’s history and in the work of my many outstanding colleagues.

“Northumbria University has undergone an extraordinary transition. The dedication of everyone at the University has made this possible, and it is thanks to them that we can now celebrate this phenomenal success.”

Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

  • A Direct Honours Bachelor’s Degree programme with dual specialisations
  • Complete in 16 to 18 months1
  • Direct entry for Polytechnic Diploma Holders1
  • Mostly assignment-based
  • Industry-relevant modules
  • Taught by industry practitioners
  • Choose from a wide range of specialised pathways: Business Management, Childhood and Early Years Studies, Guidance and Counselling, Human Resource Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Mass Communication with Public Relations, Nursing, Psychology and Tourism Management

Master of Business Administration

  • Complete in 15 months1
  • 100% assignment-based Master’s Degree programme catering to working adults
  • Networking opportunities with peers
*Subject to meeting University’s entry requirement & approval

University Accreditations, Recognition and Memberships

  • Top 50 Best UK Universities (The Guardian University Guide 2023)
  • Amongst an elite group of institutions worldwide offering Business Degrees with Dual Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Accreditation (AACSB)
  • Member of The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
  • Northumbria University Degrees are accredited by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), an affiliation to the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China

Discipline Accreditations, Recognition and Memberships

Accounting and Finance

Business and Management

  • Ranked 50th for Business and Management Studies in the UK (The Complete University Guide – Business and Management Studies Subject League Table 2023)
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Marketing Management (Top-up)
  • EFMD Programme Accreditation System (EPAS) for 21 Undergraduate programmes, more than any Business school in the UK. EPAS is part of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) accreditation programme – the leading international management development network.
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management (Top-up)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Financial Management (Top-up)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Human Resource Management (Top-up)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with International Management (Top-up)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Marketing Management (Top-up)
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Tourism Management (Top-up)
  • Member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Counselling

Psychology

Mass Communication

Social Work

Accreditations remain subject to accreditation providers. Kaplan Higher Education Academy and Kaplan Higher Education Institute are not responsible for any changes in accreditation requirements or loss of accreditation status not attributable to Kaplan Higher Education Academy or Kaplan Higher Education Institute. 

Testimonials
Mok Jia Yin
Mok Jia Yin
Supply Chain Specialist, Government Agency
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up)
"In order to upgrade myself and advance my career, I decided to further my studies with the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up) programme. Through modules such as Applied Logistics and Supply C..." Read More

Mok Jia Yin

Supply Chain Specialist, Government Agency

Mok Jia Yin

Supply Chain Specialist, Government Agency

Industry: Northumbria University Graduate (2023)
Programme taken: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up)

In order to upgrade myself and advance my career, I decided to further my studies with the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up) programme. Through modules such as Applied Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Strategic Supply Chain Management and Supply Networks, I was able to gain an in-depth understanding of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

This Degree programme may be completed in 16 months, a comfortable duration which allows me to study at my own pace while working. With this Bachelor’s Degree, I feel more confident at work as I am able to better understand my job scope and the demands to be met. In addition, I was given the opportunity to progress in my career by taking on more responsibilities after attaining my Degree.

I would definitely recommend Northumbria University. In fact, one of my friends is already studying here and she is enjoying it!

Manson Ng Kok Hwee
Manson Ng Kok Hwee
Community Engagement Manager, People’s Association
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling (Top-up)
"I previously worked in sales before joining the People’s Association. I then decided to pursue a Degree in Guidance and Counselling to enhance my career and improve my conversation skills in order for me to guide and counsel others more confidentl..." Read More

Manson Ng Kok Hwee

Community Engagement Manager, People’s Association

Manson Ng Kok Hwee

Community Engagement Manager, People’s Association

Industry: Northumbria University Graduate (2023)
Programme taken: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling (Top-up)

I previously worked in sales before joining the People’s Association. I then decided to pursue a Degree in Guidance and Counselling to enhance my career and improve my conversation skills in order for me to guide and counsel others more confidently and professionally.

By applying the knowledge that I have gained from the programme, I am now able to counsel individuals across different levels. I am also able to efficiently collaborate with my colleagues and stakeholders to serve the community more effectively. The Mending the Gap: Collaborative Learning with Service Users module was applicable in terms of helping me bridge the gap between people. By learning and applying techniques that I have learnt, the community would feel more comfortable sharing their concerns with me.

I will recommend this Degree programme as it can be completed in 18 months on a part-time basis and is suitable for people holding a full-time job in the day. During my course of study, I was even promoted from Assistant Manager to Manager.

Ong Chee Siang
Ong Chee Siang
MRO Procurement Leader, Safran Helicopter Engines Asia Pte Ltd
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up)
"I felt lost in 2020, about to turn 40 in a couple of years and unsure if I should switch to a career in Logistics. I had heard that the Logistics sector is fast paced, where there are limited opportunities given my age and lack of experience. At t..." Read More

Ong Chee Siang

MRO Procurement Leader, Safran Helicopter Engines Asia Pte Ltd

Ong Chee Siang

MRO Procurement Leader, Safran Helicopter Engines Asia Pte Ltd

Industry: Northumbria University Graduate (2022)
Programme taken: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up)

I felt lost in 2020, about to turn 40 in a couple of years and unsure if I should switch to a career in Logistics. I had heard that the Logistics sector is fast paced, where there are limited opportunities given my age and lack of experience. At the same time, I did not see myself being able to further progress in my then-career in engineering.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, I saw studying at Northumbria University as an opportunity. Based on the number of modules I needed to take, the duration of the programme seemed manageable. Furthermore, my friends, who had also graduated from this programme, had shared very positive feedback. Hence, I decided to begin my learning journey with Northumbria University at Kaplan.

The programme offered modules that allowed us to study about global logistics companies and how their operations changed due to the macro environment, and the modules were helpful for those finding a foothold in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management industry or those who want to learn more about the industry.

Not only was the curriculum fully assignment-based, but we could also ask questions about the assignment or seek clarification on the lesson. Although I had no prior background in this industry, the lecturers were supportive and helpful, and they were always willing to answer all my questions.

Through this programme and the attainment of my Degree, I have successfully transitioned into a new career as a Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Procurement Leader at Safran.

Desmond Yim Guo Hao
Desmond Yim Guo Hao
Programme Executive, Fei Yue Community Services
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling (Top-up)
"When I entered the workforce, I was young and did not have many qualifications. As I continued working, I realised the importance of having proper qualifications to progress at work. Furthermore, I wanted to do something more meaningful and helpfu..." Read More

Desmond Yim Guo Hao

Programme Executive, Fei Yue Community Services

Desmond Yim Guo Hao

Programme Executive, Fei Yue Community Services

Industry: Northumbria University Graduate (2022)
Programme taken: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling (Top-up)

When I entered the workforce, I was young and did not have many qualifications. As I continued working, I realised the importance of having proper qualifications to progress at work. Furthermore, I wanted to do something more meaningful and helpful to others.

Hence, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling at Northumbria University. As I am responsible for assisting clients in achieving a better quality of life, I found what I had learnt from my Degree programme can be applied when meeting my clients.

This Degree programme not only boosts my confidence and self-esteem at work, but also provided me with a sense of achievement. My achievement was validated when I got promoted from Programme Officer to Programme Executive.

I would definitely recommend Northumbria University as it takes only 18 months to attain a Degree. Moreover, the lecturers are very engaging, and they are willing to guide us whenever we need help.

Neo John Ji
Neo John Ji
Managing Director, Kodi Engineering Services Pte Ltd
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
"I was driven to pursue an MBA as I felt stagnant in terms of my level of knowledge and desired a breakthrough in terms of my professional network. The in-depth and stringent MBA programme broadened my knowledge in managing the business with a prac..." Read More

Neo John Ji

Managing Director, Kodi Engineering Services Pte Ltd

Neo John Ji

Managing Director, Kodi Engineering Services Pte Ltd

Industry: Northumbria University Graduate (2021)
Programme taken: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

I was driven to pursue an MBA as I felt stagnant in terms of my level of knowledge and desired a breakthrough in terms of my professional network. The in-depth and stringent MBA programme broadened my knowledge in managing the business with a practical approach, allowing us to apply knowledge learned through the assignments.

Networking is the best part about taking up an MBA. In my cohort, there was a surgeon from a public hospital and there were many students in senior positions in large companies from various fields. This helped me to grow my connections.

My advice to those who are thinking of taking up an MBA is: Don’t think, just do. Taking up an MBA is not just a career-propelling act, but has taught me to prioritise the things I do daily while advancing my knowledge and challenging what I thought I knew, having managed a business for a decade. Furthermore, have an open mind and practice good time management while learning, re-learning and challenging yourself to greater heights.

With a growing percentage of the population holding at least a Bachelor’s Degree, it is imperative to have an MBA to stand out among your peers. From middle management executives to busy business owners like myself, taking the time and effort to achieve an MBA qualification will bring you a new skill set and mindset. Because Kaplan offers a manageable timetable for the programme, it is not difficult, speaking as a married man with three kids, similar to many peers in my class.

Lee Ang Seng
Lee Ang Seng
Managing Director, Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (S.E. Asia) Pte Ltd
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
"What drove me to pursue my MBA was the desire to gain new knowledge and learnings that are relevant to what I do in my current job. The modules covered were very relevant and were the most beneficial part of the programme to me, and they helped..." Read More

Lee Ang Seng

Managing Director, Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (S.E. Asia) Pte Ltd

Lee Ang Seng

Managing Director, Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (S.E. Asia) Pte Ltd

Industry: Northumbria University Graduate (2021)
Programme taken: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

What drove me to pursue my MBA was the desire to gain new knowledge and learnings that are relevant to what I do in my current job.

The modules covered were very relevant and were the most beneficial part of the programme to me, and they helped me gain the knowledge necessary to lead my business. The programme allowed me to apply what I had learned in real work situations, such as in managing people, financial management and strategy planning.

For example, in the Strategic Marketing module, the various theories and models related to branding helped me to review and apply my internal and external brand positioning in my business. In the module, Managing in the Digital Economy, I learned to relate strategic issues such as technology adoption, digital marketing platforms and more, and consider how these could be broadly applied across business lines.

Furthermore, there was the opportunity to learn through group discussions and research work. As part of my assignment in the Leader Identity and Leadership module, I had the opportunity to interview a leader to understand his challenges and analyse his leadership style. Through this, I could reflect on my own leadership style.

My advice to those thinking of pursuing an MBA is to be mentally prepared that the end goal is not just the certificate, but the opportunity to expand one’s learnings and business knowledge through classes, study groups and research. Networking is certainly the best part about taking up an MBA programme. I had a regular study group where we met up regularly to catch up about work, apart from discussing assignments.

In my opinion, those who aspire to grow into a leadership role should take up this MBA programme.

Francesca Lauretta Aw
Francesca Lauretta Aw
Investigator, Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management (Top-up)
"Attaining a Degree has always been a personal goal of mine and achieving it has proven my capabilities. It has served as a ticket to job interviews and opportunities for career advancement. As my Diploma was in Legal Studies, it meant that I had n..." Read More

Francesca Lauretta Aw

Investigator, Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd

Francesca Lauretta Aw

Investigator, Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd

Industry: Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2021)
Programme taken: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management (Top-up)

Attaining a Degree has always been a personal goal of mine and achieving it has proven my capabilities. It has served as a ticket to job interviews and opportunities for career advancement. As my Diploma was in Legal Studies, it meant that I had no business-related background. Knowing that attaining a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management would add value to my portfolio, I chose a University with modules with real-world practicality.

Northumbria University was my choice as it is well-established and recognised worldwide, holds the Dual AACSB Accreditation and offers a Direct Honours Business Degree.

Through this journey, I learnt the important life skill of time management, as I had to manage my full-time job while attending classes at night and on the weekends.

I stand by the belief that the decisions I make today will determine the direction of my life tomorrow. Even though the journey was not smooth sailing, the support given by the University was immense and I am proud to have completed my programme with First Class Honours.

Joyce Neo
Joyce Neo
Programmes Executive, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling (Top-up)
"I had worked full-time at the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Senior Activity Centre for three years and recently started working as a Programmes Executive at YWCA. Here, I aim to equip young women and mothers from marginalised backgrounds with work..." Read More

Joyce Neo

Programmes Executive, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)

Joyce Neo

Programmes Executive, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)

Industry: Northumbria University Student (2021)
Programme taken: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling (Top-up)

I had worked full-time at the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Senior Activity Centre for three years and recently started working as a Programmes Executive at YWCA. Here, I aim to equip young women and mothers from marginalised backgrounds with work skills to improve their lives through employability.

I find it meaningful to work with the elderly and devise interventions to help with their gradual memory impairment and physical limitations. I am also passionate about reaching out to people in difficult situations and making a difference in their lives.

These reasons motivated me to pursue my education with Kaplan, first with a Foundation Diploma, followed by the Diploma in Psychology. This then gave me exemptions to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree with Northumbria University, where I chose to study the Bachelor of Arts in Guidance and Counselling.

The Degree is well-suited to my goal of becoming an asset to organisations that strive to improve the welfare of those in need. Northumbria University is well-recognised for its outstanding teaching, so I feel confident about achieving my Degree here. The lecturers, who are experts in their respective professional fields, also share their experiences and knowledge with us.

The programme may serve as a stepping-stone for those who aspire to expand their career opportunities in the sector and work with people from diverse backgrounds. All the modules covered have been comprehensive and applicable to my job scope.

After I have completed the programme, I plan to further my education with a Master’s Degree in order to be empowered to care for and understand how to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Programmes Offered

Business & Management

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business (Top-up)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business with International Management (Top-up)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management (Top-up)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Human Resource Management (Top-up)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Top-up)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Communication & Media

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Mass Communication with Public Relations (Top-up)

Education & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Childhood and Early Years Studies (Top-up)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling (Top-up)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (Top-up)

Health Services

Bachelor of Science Nursing (Top-up)

Hospitality & Tourism Management

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business with Tourism Management (Top-up)