Newcastle University: QS Ranking, Reputation & Fees

As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, Newcastle University not only maintains a strong presence in the QS World University Rankings, but is also widely recognised for the quality of its teaching and research. In addition, the University offers transparent tuition fees, which vary depending on the field of study—helping students better assess the cost of their education. At WiseWin Education, we provide in-depth analysis of Newcastle University’s rankings, academic reputation, and distinctive institutional features to support you in exploring this leading UK university.

Newcastle University: Overview

Newcastle University is a research-intensive institution with a long-standing history, dating back to the founding of a School of Medicine and Surgery in 1834. In 1937, it merged with Durham University to become King’s College, establishing pioneering courses in applied sciences such as geology, engineering, and agriculture. It became an independent university in 1963, evolving into one of the UK’s most respected institutions. Today, it is a proud member of the Russell Group and is recognised as one of the historic Red Brick Universities [1].

The University is located in the city centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, in the North East of England. The city offers excellent transport links and ranks among the top ten most affordable cities in the UK for cost of living, making it a popular destination for international students [2]. Newcastle University has earned a QS 5+ Star rating, reflecting outstanding performance in teaching quality, graduate employability, international outlook, and campus facilities.

Newcastle University Campus 

Source: Newcastle University

Newcastle University: Distinctive Features

Newcastle University offers a wide range of academic programmes, including BA, BSc, BEd, BEng, and LLB degrees, with over 185 undergraduate programmes and more than 300 postgraduate courses. It also provides doctoral opportunities and foundation pathway programmes for students from diverse academic backgrounds [3][4].

The University adopts a research-led teaching approach, encouraging students to participate in research projects to develop their critical thinking and hands-on problem-solving skills.

Newcastle places strong emphasis on solving global challenges through academic inquiry. Key areas include ageing and health, rural development, sustainability and environmental science, and medical and health sciences. These fields are not only academic specialities but also closely connected to community engagement and industry collaboration.

A notable example is the University’s Water Security Research Programme, which received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education, in recognition of its contributions to solving worldwide issues such as flooding, drought, and water inequality [5].

Beyond academic strength, Newcastle University provides comprehensive support for career development. Its dedicated Careers Service offers CV consultations, job search assistance, and employer-led workshops—helping students successfully transition from university to the workplace.

Newcastle University in the QS Rankings

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Newcastle University ranks 129th globally and 37th in the UK, reflecting its strong and consistent performance on the international stage [6]. In the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, the University is ranked 56th globally, recognising its commitment to impactful, sustainable research [7].

Subject-specific QS UK rankings include:

Agriculture – Ranked 7th [8]
Dentistry – Ranked 7th [9]
Architecture – Ranked 8th [10]
Computer Science – Ranked 14th [11]
Medicine and Health-related disciplines – Ranked 15th [12]

Newcastle University: Other Ranking Highlights

In addition to QS, Newcastle University is well regarded in other major global league tables. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, the University is placed 157th worldwide, with strong subject rankings in Communication and Media, Anatomy and Physiology, Art and Design, Engineering, and Dentistry, all of which are ranked within the UK’s top 10 [13][14].

The Guardian University Guide ranks Newcastle 63rd in the UK [15], and in the 2024–2025 University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), the University is ranked among the top 200 institutions globally, reflecting its strong research output, citation performance, and academic influence [16].

Newcastle University UK 

Source: Newcastle University

Is Newcastle University Well Regarded?

According to the UK National Student Survey (NSS) 2020, Newcastle University received positive feedback across a number of categories, including teaching quality, learning opportunities, academic support, organisation and management, and learning resources. The University achieved an overall student satisfaction rate of 82.12%, placing it among the top 100 universities in the UK, which clearly reflects the high level of student appreciation and endorsement [17].

Further validation comes from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), which has commended Newcastle University for its excellence in teaching standards and student support, reinforcing its reputation as a leading institution in UK higher education [18].

In terms of research, the University is also highly rated. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 42% of Newcastle’s research output was classified as “world-leading”, highlighting outstanding performance in terms of originality, significance, and rigour. Compared to the 2014 assessment, the University’s overall research power increased by 65%, demonstrating sustained growth in both output and academic impact [19].

Newcastle University Tuition Fees

As per UK government regulations, for the 2025–2026 academic year, the maximum tuition fee for UK students is set at £9,525. From 2025 onwards, this cap is subject to annual adjustments based on inflation, meaning that tuition fees at Newcastle University may increase in future years [20].

For international students, those who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, and who do not hold settled or pre-settled status in the UK, will be classified as international applicants. Tuition fees vary depending on the chosen course. For example:

Accounting and Economics: £24,400
Architecture: £28,000
Biology: £30,600
Computer Science: £30,600
Medicine and Surgery: £44,500 [3]

These figures do not include additional costs such as dissertation printing, student insurance, or accommodation. Furthermore, certain disciplines—such as Medicine, Dentistry, Nutrition, Speech and Language Sciences, and Fine Arts—may involve extra charges for materials, clinical placements, or specialist equipment [21].

It is strongly recommended that prospective students carefully review tuition fee details and any programme-specific additional costs when planning their budget for studying at Newcastle University.

Newcastle University Application Guide

If you are considering applying to Newcastle University—an institution known for its strong academic reputation—it is essential to familiarise yourself with the entry requirements. Students are advised to first identify the undergraduate programme they wish to apply for and prepare the necessary application materials. These typically include personal details, a personal statement, a teacher’s reference, and submission of the application via the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) before the stated deadline.

In terms of entry requirements, Newcastle University recognises the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). Specific grade requirements vary depending on the nature of the chosen programme. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, with a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 and no individual component below 5.5.

Newcastle University IELTS Requirements 

Source: Shutterstock

Considering an Application to Newcastle University? Speak with a Professional Study Abroad Advisor

Based on the above analysis of Newcastle University’s QS rankings and institutional reputation, it is clear that the University excels in areas such as teaching quality, research excellence, student experience, and international standing. Its strong academic credentials are widely recognised by both students and the global academic community, making it a top choice for international applicants and a valued partner in industry collaborations.

However, as entry requirements and tuition fees vary by programme, and the application process involves several detailed steps, it is important to receive accurate and personalised guidance. We invite you to contact WiseWin Education, where our professional advisors are ready to assist you in understanding specific course information, entry criteria, and the overall application process for Newcastle University.

Reference:

1. Newcastle University - History of Newcastle University

2. Newcastle University - Student Living Costs

3. Newcastle University - Find an Undergraduate Degree

4. Newcastle University - Find a Postgraduate Degree

5. The Royal Anniversary Trust - Newcastle University

6. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities

7. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025

8. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Agriculture & Forestry

9. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Dentistry

10. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Architecture & Built Environment

11. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Computer Science and Information Systems