Northumbria University
Northumbria University at Newcastle has its origins in the Rutherford College, founded in 1880. Today Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. It conducts ground-breaking research that is responsive to the science & technology, health & wellbeing, economic & social, arts & cultural needs of the communities. It is based in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, which is regularly voted the best place in the UK for students.
Northumbria University was ranked 50th globally for sustainability in the 2021 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, showcasing the University’s excellent work globally and in the local community. The Guardian University Guide 2021 ranks Northumbria in the top 30 universities in the UK and Northumbria is in the Top 15 for UK full-time graduates in highly skilled employment (Graduate Outcomes 2017/18).The University works with major employers, including Nike, IBM, Nissan, Proctor & Gamble, the BBC, and the NHS, while more than 560 employers and 60 professional bodies sponsor or accredit the University’s programmes.
The University has a long-standing reputation for excellence in public policy, including strategic leadership for public services. Our research includes public sector leadership and reform, partnerships and networks, comparison of different governance arrangements, performance-based and relational contracting, a systems approach to complex questions, the effectiveness of regional networks and digital connectivity between public bodies and clients. Northumbria is a partner in the Capabilities in Academic-Policy Engagement (CAPE) project fostering academic engagement with policy professionals in national government, parliament, regional and local authorities.
Researchers are embedded in international, national and regional academic, policy and practice networks, including think tanks and professional associations, and these include strong links to the Local Government Association, Local Government Information Unit, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, Association of Public Service Excellence, Centre for Local Economic Strategies, Institute for Economic Development, amongst others. The University is also part of wider research networks, for example FUSE (the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health), and Creative Fuse (creative, digital and IT), and works with crime partnerships, health authorities, social enterprises, local government, combined authorities, local enterprise partnerships etc. Northumbria is reaching forward to bring fresh innovation and ideas into the public sector through its existing work with academic networks like the national Joint University Council/Public Administration Committee and the Regional Studies Association. The University also hosts an active Police Research and Education Network, informing policy and practice in numerous areas, including policing leadership and organisation management.