School
Northumbria University
Northumbria’s Arts department offers a stimulating and dynamic learning environment in which to study flexible, student-orientated courses. The University has its origins in the Rutherford College, founded in 1880. Today by, putting students at the heart of an outstanding experience, and with world leading research and award-winning partnerships, Northumbria is a new kind of excellent university. Northumbria’s alumni include Apple’s Sir Jonathan Ive, principal designer of the iPad, iPhone and iMac. Our School of Design covers the discipline areas of Industrial Design, Fashion Design and Innovation Design. Northumbria’s design programmes are delivered internationally, with partnerships including the BINUS-Northumbria School of Design in Indonesia and the Academy of Design in Sri Lanka.
In 2013, Northumbria was selected as one of only five universities internationally that were invited to take part in the Orange International Student Design competition. Three prizes were awarded including the Design for All prize, which was awarded to Northumbria Fashion Communication student, Melissa Smith. Our talented students have scooped awards at major events such as Graduate Fashion Week in London – the hottest spot for up-and-coming talent. Be there. Many of our graduates have won top awards from Graduate Fashion Week and the British Fashion Council and have been headhunted by major fashion players. So to make it as the next designer, illustrator or creative pattern cutter, join the course that launches some of the brightest careers in fashion. Our graduates work with major brands including Ralph Lauren, Chloe and Givenchy.
Head of School
Professor Andrew Wathey has been Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University since September 2008. He is the University's fourth Vice-Chancellor.
Born in Plymouth, he graduated in Music from the University of Oxford in 1979, where he took his doctorate in Music in 1987. He was a Junior Research Fellow at Merton College Oxford, and then a Research Fellow at Downing College, Cambridge. In 1989 he became Lecturer in Music at Royal Holloway, University of London, and Reader from 2005, and in 1999 he was appointed Professor of Music History. He held roles within the Music Department and as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Royal Holloway, before being appointed Vice Principal (Planning and Resources) in 2003, and Senior Vice-Principal in 2006.
Courses Overview: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Bachelor of Fashion Communication
Bachelor of Fashion
Bachelor of Fashion Design and Marketing
Bachelor of Art and Design History
Master of Arts in Fashion Management
Master of Arts in Luxury Brand Management
Noteworthy Alumni
Nigel Cabourn, fashion designer, Scott Henshall, fashion designer, Sir Jonathan Ive, industrial designer, lead designer of the Apple Inc. iMac and iPod, Neil Marshall, film director, Zak Waters, photographer
Life in Newcastle
There are a huge range of clubs and societies that you can join. With all our thousands of students, there are sure to be people who share your enthusiasms and want to try new activities. If you enjoy any sport at any level, we’re the place to be. Join ‘Team Northumbria’ or learn a new sport and make use of fantastic facilities that include our £30 million flagship ‘Sport Central’. You can also add a different dimension to student life by taking advantage of our partnerships across the world – perhaps registering for a summer programme in another country or completing part of your studies abroad.
Tuition and Scholarship Information
For general information about tuition fees and available scholarships and discounts for applicants from the UK or EU (classed as Home students) click here. The university also offers competitive fees and generous discounts and scholarships for international applicants, to find out more click here.