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Foundation

The University can trace its origins to a School of Medicine and Surgery (later the College of Medicine), established in Newcastle in 1834, and to Armstrong College, which was founded in the city in 1871 for the teaching of physical sciences.

These two colleges formed one division of the federal University of Durham, the Durham Colleges forming the other division. The Newcastle Colleges merged to form King's College in 1937 and, in 1963, when the federal University was dissolved, King's College became the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Sustained expansion since 1945 has resulted in the development of a modern University campus, around the original Armstrong College buildings, on a 45-acre site close to the centre of Newcastle. A vigorous building programme over the past 30 years has created, among other additions to the campus

• a new Medical School
• a new Dental School
• the Robinson Library (with a substantial extension completed in 1996)
• and a new sports hall

A major restructuring exercise began in 2001, which will affect every part of the University. The aim is

• to build on existing strengths and allow new ones to emerge
• to create a leaner, fitter institution
• to command a position within the top 10 universities in the UK in terms of both teaching and research within 5 years

History

The University is often referred to as a 'red-brick civic', a type of university which exists is many of Britain's leading provincial cities and which is regarded by many as the backbone of higher education. Newcastle earns this classification from the red brick buildings around the Quadrangle at the core of the campus - a legacy of its Victorian origins - and the close proximity of the 45-acre campus to the city and civic centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.

How to get there

By Plane
Newcastle International Airport is only about seven miles north west of Newcastle University. A taxi from the Airport will take about 15 minutes, costing approximately £9. You can also travel by Metro (rapid transit system) to the Haymarket which will take about 25 minutes and cost around £1. The University is adjacent to Haymarket Metro Station.

By Rail
From Newcastle Central Station you can take the Metro to Haymarket (two stops), which is adjacent to the University.

By Road
Private transport: from the north or south, follow the A1 towards Newcastle. Leave the A1 (Western Bypass) at the junction with the A167/A696 and follow signs for the 'City Centre'. Take the A167 exit marked 'Universities and Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)' which brings you on to Claremont Road. Please note that parking is not normally available on the University site.

Public transport: Gallowgate coach station is a short walk away from the University and Haymarket bus station is adjacent to the University.