Autumn 2013 Edition

NORTHUMBRIA

Newcastle forecast: A Bright Future

Newcastle Eagles Flying High

Northumbria’s Sport Central plays host to top flight basketball

Northumbria scores full marks in National Student Survey

Northumbria University students have given five key courses top marks in the latest National Student Survey.

Students on the University’s Architecture, French Studies, Human and Social Geography and Mathematics and Statistics programmes gave a resounding 100% satisfaction rate, while Nursing at Northumbria was ranked the best in the sector with a score of 93%.

Initial Teacher Training, Information Services and Planning (Urban, Rural and Regional) and Iberian Studies were rated within the top 10 and Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences were rated in the top 15. Overall, half of the University’s programmes achieved satisfaction ratings of 90% or above.

In total, 86% of Northumbria students were satisfied with

the quality of their course, with nine out of 10 saying they would recommend Northumbria to a friend.

The National Student Survey asks final year students at all UK universities and further education colleges to give honest feedback on what it’s been like to study on their chosen course.

Natalie-Dawn Hodgson, President of Northumbria

Students’ Union, said: “The National Student Survey offers our students the chance to reflect on their years at Northumbria. The fact that 91% of students would recommend our University as a place to study speaks volumes about the fantastic student experience here at Northumbria.”

More than 80% of Northumbria

students felt that their programmes gave them the communication skills, confidence and personal development needed for their future careers. This is in line with recent figures which show Northumbria places the largest number of graduates from the North East into professional employment – helping rank Northumbria inside the top 10 universities in the UK for professional graduate employment.

Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: “Investment in the student experience is delivering positive and visible benefits at Northumbria. We are continuing

to combine academic quality and a real-world focus with leadingedge teaching and research.”

This success in the National Student Survey follows the most successful recruitment period in Northumbria’s history. In 2013, the university received a record breaking number of applicants, with more high-achieving students accepting places on courses than ever before.

Northumbria University has invested heavily in recent years in academic staff, many of whom have won awards for the quality of their teaching and research.

The University also has more employer partnerships than almost any other university in the country with more than 560 employer-sponsored courses and

60 programmes accredited by professional bodies.

Professor Wathey added: “This is a strongly encouraging result for Northumbria which shows the University moving forward with an increasing number of programmes achieving student satisfaction of over 90%, and positioned within the top quartile results in a larger number of disciplines.

“It is encouraging to see these results reflecting the University’s emerging position as an institution of choice for the best students from the North East and as the regional university with the highest percentage of graduates entering professional employment.”

Top 10 in UK for graduates entering professional employment

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Northumbria joins forces with England Athletics

The centre will provide physiological support for athletes, as well as coach support within the England Athletics Coach Mentoring scheme. This agreement formalises the local athlete support that Northumbria University has provided for over 25 years.

The University’s state-of-theart facilities, housed in its £30m Sport Central facility, makes Northumbria the ideal choice as a testing centre for talented athletes. The University’s sport science facilities consist of a dedicated suite of laboratories including physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, gait, integrated performance, nutrition, strength and conditioning and a 40m indoor running track. The centre also boasts an environmental chamber that can simulate extreme temperatures and high or low altitude conditions, a neuroscience laboratory to investigate the role of the nervous system during exercise and a body composition laboratory to measure body fat.

The use of these facilities will elevate athlete testing above the traditional physiological and biomechanical analysis carried out during treadmill running.

The regional centre will be led by BASES (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) accredited Sport and Exercise Physiologist Phil Hayes, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria. He has published a number of research papers on the biomechanics of running, and has particular expertise in the physiology of running. Phil is also a Level 4 middle distance coach with over 20 years’ experience in both coaching and providing sport science support to athletes who have competed at club to international levels. This mix of scientific and coaching expertise enables Phil to provide a unique level of support for endurance runners.

Phil said “Northumbria has a long history of providing sport science support to runners and we welcome the opportunity to both formalise and continue to develop this partnership. Working closely with England Athletics will provide Northumbria University staff and students with an opportunity to engage further with talented athletes, while enabling athletes and coaches to gain access to world-class facilities and cutting-edge sport science

techniques. The North East has a long tradition of success in athletics and Northumbria is proud to be a part of it.”

Martin Rush, Endurance Event Group Lead, British Athletics said: “This is an excellent step forward for England Athletics. This partnership with Northumbria University to support endurance coaches and athletes in the North East of England expands on the number of centres around the country providing these resources and expertise. The North East has an incredibly successful and proud history of producing elite level endurance athletes trained by some of the best known names in coaching. Developing support opportunities like this is a key part of England Athletics’ ongoing role in present and future coach development.”

Athlete testing at Northumbria University’s Sport Central

First glimpse of exciting new student experience

Northumbria University has opened the virtual doors of its brand new, state-ofthe-art student accommodation.

Acomputer-generated film gives students the chance to explore the new residence –located five floors above street level – which forms part of the new £150m Trinity Square development in Gateshead.

Due to open to students in September 2014, Trinity Square accommodation offers spectacular views across the Tyne, en suite bedrooms, fully equipped communal areas and flexible social spaces. Students will also have access to their own outdoor landscaped areas, a running route, fitness facilities and a multi-use games area.

With a Tesco Extra superstore directly below the accommodation, along with a wide range of retail outlets, a multi-screen cinema and easy access to the Quayside’s array of bars, restaurants and cultural venues, Trinity Square will become a vibrant centre for student life.

The video is already proving popular, with almost 5,000 prospective students being the first to see the state-of-the-art preview at Northumbria’s Open Day in June. It’s also available online through YouTube.

Prospective student, James Coe, 17, was visiting Northumbria with his parents, Sharon and Bryan. James said: “It was great being able to see how Trinity Square will look on the screen and to see what’s going to be on offer there.

Nursing a reputation for excellence

NURSING students have given Northumbria’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes a clean bill of health by voting them the best in the country for the second year running.

Northumbria was awarded the accolade by the Student Nursing Times, recognising the high quality CPD the University provides to nurses to develop their leadership, management and clinical skills.

Students from across the UK were asked for their views on issues such as teaching quality, the learning environment and student support.

I loved the contemporary look of the buildings, as well as the sports facilities, which are really important to me.”

Sharon added: “From a parent’s point of view, it’s great to see everything looking so selfcontained. It will be James’ first time living away from home and it gives me peace of mind to know that with accommodation like Trinity Square, everything will be on his doorstep.”

One of the students to nominate Northumbria was Lee Thompson who studied for a Masters degree in Practice Development: “Staff at Northumbria have gone beyond the extra mile on many occasions for which I am eternally grateful. The academic staff provide excellent educational lectures, but I also believe it is the added support and the way they engage with students that creates a comprehensive learning environment.”

Lindsay Surtees, who recently completed a Masters degree in Advanced Practice, added: “Staff support students to set realistic

goals to achieve the right balance between working, studying and personal life and, from my own point of view, demonstrated compassion and sensitivity during times of crisis.”

Vanessa Gibson, Learning and Teaching Fellow, said: “This is a fantastic accolade for Northumbria and the CPD team because it means we are succeeding in putting our student community at the heart of everything we do.”

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For further information about CPD, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/CpD

To view the CGI film, scan this code

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This virtual preview offers prospective students, and their parents, a glimpse of the student lifestyle they can expect at Northumbria University

Trinity Square, Gateshead

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Vanessa Gibson, Lee Thompson and Lindsay Surtees

Designing out crime in the Caribbean

PhD student, Victoria Gibson, was originally invited to share her research on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), a concept of designing towns and cities in order to deter crime, at a conference held in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year.

Her proposed framework for building professionals has now been included in the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development’s draft National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS). This report maps out the development priorities for Trinidad and Tobago over the next 20 years.

Victoria, originally from Wideopen, North Tyneside, said: “We’ve had a really positive response to our research and there is interest in putting it

into practice. In Trinidad and Tobago, design is really bad in terms of crime prevention – with basic apartment blocks surrounded by 10-foot high concrete walls, a lack of open space, lots of dark alleyways and overcrowding, which all helps to generate a sense of fear. The strategy ultimately aims to remove opportunities for crime, improve quality of life, improve use of space and reduce the fear of crime.”

The goal of CPTED is to prevent crime by designing features that deter criminals and allow people to enjoy a safe environment. This can be achieved through landscaping public areas to make them more appealing to use, improving lighting, designing streets to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and reducing enclosed areas.

PhD supervisor Derek Johnson, a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, said: “This is a really inspiring development in this research work which we hope will now lead on to us doing some active research in Trinidad, and positively engaging with the planners and developers who are trying to incorporate crime prevention into their designs.”

Victoria and Derek plan to travel to Trinidad later this year to further engage with built environment professionals and will also attend the 2014 Caribbean Urban Forum conference in Barbados to share more of their expertise in the field.

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Northumbria University students gain real-world experience with opportunities to study, work and volunteer abroad as well as undertake placements in industry. To find out more about architecture and the built environment at Northumbria University visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/abe

Great north partnership launched

As more than 55,000 runners competed in this year’s Great North Run, a major cultural event was launched at Sport Central Arena to celebrate the world’s largest half marathon.

Marking the beginning of a new partnership between Northumbria University and Great North Run Culture – an organisation that brings together sport and the arts – the launch featured film, radio and live performances inspired by Tyneside’s iconic sporting event. Hosted by columnist and TV presenter Miranda Sawyer, the evening also included a sneak preview of Tracer – a new film by artist, Melanie Manchot.

Commissioned by Great North Run Culture, Tracer features ten parkour runners, or traceurs, who trace the route of the run incorporating their trademark jumps, vaults and urban gymnastics. The film focuses on how the parkourists interact with, and become part of, the urban environment.

The Sport Central audience was also treated to a live parkour demonstration, a performance from Maximo Park frontman Paul Smith, and an extract from

a futuristic radio broadcast by artist Adam Chodzko. The on-going programme of work, which will be showcased at venues throughout the region, also features a portrait exhibition from acclaimed illustrator and designer, Daisy de Villeneuve.

Lucy Winskell, Pro ViceChancellor (Business and Engagement), Northumbria University, said: “Northumbria University is proud to host the launch of Great North Run Culture 2013.

“Our partnership with Great North Run Culture is a strong example of Northumbria University’s involvement in the fabric of the region’s culture and life.”

Beth Bate, Director of Great North Run Culture, said: “We’re really excited to be working with four brilliant artists this year on four very different projects. Our launch event at Sport Central was designed to tantalise the audience with a flavour of what’s to come throughout the coming months.

“As ever, we couldn’t do it without our fantastic project partners and funders and we can’t wait to welcome audiences to our full 2013 programme.”

For further information, see www.greatnorthrunculture.org

Northumbria University is advising the government of a Caribbean country how to prevent crime through the design of its towns and cities.

Post-graduate student, Victoria Gibson

Miranda Sawyer in conversation with Melanie Manchot

Live parkour demonstration at Sport Central

Northumbria plays a part in Live Theatre

Northumbria University health experts have contributed to the development of Live Theatre’s 40th anniversary production, Wet House

FURTHER cementing the partnership between the two organisations, academics from the University have worked with Live Theatre’s creative team to explore the issues of addiction raised in the new production.

Wet House, a fresh new play from writer and Northumbria graduate, Paddy Campbell, is based within a homeless hostel where residents are allowed to drink alcohol. Tony Machin, Northumbria University’s Director of Programmes (Health and Life Sciences), joined the rehearsal room to share his expertise with the cast and crew.

Max Roberts, Live Theatre’s Artistic Director said: “It’s been invaluable sharing the rehearsal room with Tony. His knowledge in the fields of mental health and addiction has given the cast access to expert advice relating to their character’s actions and responses.

“During any rehearsal process it is important to provide the creative team with opportunities to further explore themes raised within the script, and our partnership with Northumbria University allows us to access an extremely diverse range of expertise.”

Wet House has further links with Northumbria University through cast member Riley Jones, a Northumbria Performing Arts graduate who has recently enjoyed success touring nationally with Lee Hall’s The Pitmen Painters ,

as well as a regular role in television drama, Vera.

Lucy Winskell, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Business and Engagement), Northumbria University, said: “We are proud of our cultural partnerships and the impact that these can have upon both the lives of our students and the organisations that we work with.

“The fact that we see many of our graduates returning to Newcastle to work with internationally-acclaimed arts organisations such as Live Theatre just goes to show how culturally important the North East is.”

Northumbria University was recently awarded The Times Higher Education award 2012 for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, as well as The Journal’s Culture Award for Best Arts and Business Partnership, celebrating its links with Live Theatre, Great North Run Culture, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and New Writing North.

Another Northumbria health expert, Tony Ross, also joined a panel of professionals at Live Theatre for a post-show talk back discussing the issues of addiction and homelessness with a live audience.

Hat-trick for architecture students

Carl Harper has been crowned a winner in a national contest run by leading architectural magazine, Building Design Meanwhile, Justin Chu and Jonathan Dennis walked away with both prestigious ‘Hadrian Medals’ at RIBA’s (Royal Institute of British Architects) annual student awards ceremony.

Building Design’s annual competition is recognised as being one of the most important national student awards contests. Using a panel of industry experts to identify the UK’s best Architecture diploma students, five winners were selected from over 2000 entries. The winners have also earned themselves a place on the shortlist for a fullyfunded scholarship with the IE (International Excellence) School of Architecture and Design in Madrid.

Carl, a student on Northumbria University’s Postgraduate Architecture course, was chosen for his innovative project designed to challenge environmental concerns relating to the shipping industry.

Each year, first prize is offered to students in two categories - Part 1 (BA Architecture) and Part 2 (Masters in Architecture).

Part 1 Architecture student, Justin Chu, tackled the subject of tourism in light of the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels, and the possibilities that architecture can bring to Holy Island through sensitive design.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Dennis was recognised in the Part 2 category for his inspiring cultural project, using design and historical narrative to bring performance art into public spaces.

For more information, see www.northumbria.ac.uk/arts and www.northumbria.ac.uk/hces

The Hadrian Medals acknowledge North East students who demonstrate imagination and ingenuity in relation to a brief.

Professor Paul Jones, Director of Architecture at Northumbria University, said: “All our student projects are set within the North East and we feel incredibly lucky to have such a geographically diverse and historically rich context in which to work.

“Carl, Jonathan and Justin are shining examples of the talent that we are proud to nurture, and their work pays homage to some of the exciting possibilities that our region has to offer.”

Northumbria University is currently ranked in the top 20 nationally for its Architecture programme, according to The Complete University Guide, and continues to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, providing exciting career prospects for its students. In the latest National Student Survey, students on Northumbria’s Architecture programme gave it a perfect satisfaction rating of 100%.

Three of Northumbria University’s architecture students have been recognised in national and regional industry competitions.

Carl Harper’s winning design

Justin Chu celebrated the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels through architectural design

Northumbria’s Tony Machin meets the cast and crew of Wet House at Live Theatre

Paccup your troubles of moving to University

Northumbria University student, Marcus Gentle, is part of a team of four student friends who has created Paccup – a service aimed at easing the transition from home to university by providing bedding, towels and kitchen utensils direct to students’ new accommodation.

The company, founded earlier this year, saves students the hassle of shopping trips during Freshers’ Week by offering them essential product packages for the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Students can also purchase the Complete Paccup, which combines

all three packages. The items in each Paccup, ranging from chopping boards, corkscrews, duvet covers and towels, have been chosen following extensive research from past and present students.

Marcus Gentle, who is studying English Language at Northumbria, is the company’s marketing executive. He said: “Paccup is exactly what I would have wanted as a first-year student. When you buy a Paccup package you already have the essentials waiting for you when you arrive so it saves you a lot of hassle. It’s doing a big

favour for students, especially international ones who usually have to buy everything once they arrive at the university. New students often don’t know the local area so finding the right shops can be time-consuming.

“During the first year of my degree we did research into the language of advertising so I’ve already learned a lot of things from my course that I’ve been able to apply. I can offer a lot to this company. As a student, I can also provide an insight into student opinions.”

Paccup sells directly to students via its website but also targets student accommodation suppliers and universities. With demand for the service increasing, the company has already received orders from China as well as from across the UK.

Lucy Winskell, Pro ViceChancellor for Business and Engagement at Northumbria University, said: “Universities must be about creating an entrepreneurial culture –through our staff, our students and the opportunities on offer. Northumbria is able to

Northumbria’s reputation travels far

The award places Northumbria as only the fourth University in the country meriting such status and is a measure of the quality of the teaching provided by Newcastle Business School’s Travel and Tourism Management programme.

Dr Naomi Kirkup, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader said: “The Institute of Travel and Tourism is the only professional body for individuals employed within the industry in the UK.

“The ITT awards Centre of Excellence status when they are satisfied that a university is providing only the highest calibre of education to students. To become only the fourth such centre within the UK shows just how highly-prized this is.”

By becoming a Centre of Excellence for the ITT, students

studying at Northumbria are assured they are receiving an industry-leading education. The benefits of the award are many and Northumbria will be able to draw on the expertise from high-level industry figures to help guide, nurture and mentor emerging talent from the University programme. This is

harness and support this kind of entrepreneurial spirit through programmes such as the BA Business Entrepreneurs degree – a course that encourages students to start up businesses while studying for their academic qualifications. Initiatives like this are an innovative way to develop entrepreneurial and business skills in the region and beyond.”

For more information about Paccup, visit www.paccup.co.uk

capped off with the opportunity to nominate a Northumbria student for the ITT Student of the Year awards, held annually at the Institute’s flagship event each July in the House of Commons.

Dr Kirkup added: “In recent years, two of our students have been awarded Student of the Year at the ITT’s annual awards. The networking opportunities and exposure this provided has helped launch their very successful careers.

“We already have wellestablished links to industry but the recognition afforded by the ITT will help us develop these further. This can only benefit our students as we help prepare them for fulfilling careers after graduation.”

Claire Steiner, Chair of the ITT’s Education and Training Committee, said: “The Institute of Travel and Tourism is delighted to award Northumbria Centre of Excellence status. This highly prestigious award is made to those institutions, such as Northumbria, who demonstrate high standards of professional and academic rigour and welldeveloped links with industry, enabling them to produce graduates with the right skills and expertise for our exciting and expanding sector.”

To find out more about Northumbria’s BA (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management programme, visit: www.newcastlebusinessschool.co.uk

A new business created by students is offering a hassle-free way for first year students to kit out their accommodation.

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We already have wellestablished links to industry but the recognition afforded by the ITT will help us develop these further ‘‘

#IWantnU

Northumbria Students’ Union @nUUndergraduate

Check out what’s been said on twitter about Northumbria…

Chris Cook @NUUndergraduate were an integral part of my journey to the Olympics. I loved studying Sport & the support I received #NUOpenDay #IWantNU

Jvyk

Got accepted at Northumbria to do fi ne art so happy #iwantnu #alevels #art #Northumbriauniversity

Aaron Got into Northumbria YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! #university #resultsday #IwantNU

Lauren Jade Graham

So excited to get in @NUUndergraduate so worth hard work #northumbriauniversity #IwantNU

Olly Linton

Happy to confi rm I’ll be a @NUUndergraduate fresher come September #IwantNU #northumbriauniversity #newcastle

Each year Sabbatical Officers are elected by students to represent them and make their time at University the best it can be

The Union campaigns year-round to change students’ lives

Every year the Students’ Unions plays host to some of the biggest bands and names in music including Ed Sheeran and Ben Howard

Northumbria Students’ Union is one of the most dynamic, awardwinning and forward thinking Unions in the country Home

Habita has a fantastic range of food and drinks offers throughout the year

Northumbria University asked prospective students what they most wanted from their student experience. Don’t forget, you can create your own #IWantNU snaps in the photobooth during Northumbria’s open days at both City campus and Coach Lane.

Choosing the right university is more important than ever and there are lots of things to think about.

That includes how good the course is going to be and what sort of social life you’ll have. You’ll also want to know about the city you’ll be living in and what job opportunities there are likely to be when you graduate.

Northumbria is the largest university in the North East, with 35,000 students from approximately 100 countries. Based in the popular, safe and vibrant city of Newcastle, Northumbria offers you one of the best academic and social experiences possible and here are the top reasons why:

94% of our students are in work or further study within six months of graduating

IWant more than just a degree

86% of our students are satisfied with their course, according to the latest National Student Survey, and four courses achieved a perfect score of 100%

Our city campus library is open

24/7

most of the year and our IT Helpline is answered around the clock – even on Christmas Day

more than

550 employers and more than 60 professional bodies work with us, ensuring what we teach enhances your job prospects when you graduate

University rocks for Futureheads bass player

Your Guide to NewcastleGateshead

The third year History and Politics student is loving learning and great time management skills mean he is successfully managing his “double life.”

David – or “Jaff,” as he’s known in the band – together with bandmates Ross Millard, Barry Hyde and drummer Dave Hyde - plays to sell-out crowds across the globe.

The Futureheads is one of the North East’s most successful bands, having played with the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers and the Foo Fighters. Their big break came in 2001 when they became a “managed” band and David was able to quit his job as a labourer and concentrate on his music.

David turned down an offer to go to university at 18, choosing instead to focus his energies on the band. But a family loss prompted him to reconsider his future plans. He chose Northumbria based on recommendations from friends.

He said: “When you’re in a band, people say ‘yes’ to you all the time…you end up being top of some weird social hierarchy that you never ask for. And then you come to university and you realise just how pitifully little you know.

“At the same time, being at university is like having an amazing life that you’ll never get to live again. It’s an amazing experience to have. I think people should realise they are lucky to go to university.”

David describes his time at Northumbria as life-changing and is quick to rate the support he’s had from teaching staff.

“I would recommend Northumbria, I think it’s great. The lecturers here are young and vibrant and they’ve always got time for you. I go and see the lecturer before an essay – I do the reading they suggest as well as the module guide, then I write it and then I go and see them for feedback. And they don’t have to do that. I think they are really good.

“Sometimes people should just go to university because it’s good to know things – because you don’t know everything. It’s good to learn things and you can only learn things from really clever people – and clever people who care enough to teach you. It has completely altered my life. Higher Education rocks your world in a really good way.”

For more on The Futureheads, visit www.thefutureheads.com

Great North run culture

NewcastleGateshead is, of course, home to the world’s most iconic half marathon – the Bupa Great North Run. Established in 2005 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this spectacular sporting event, Great North Run Culture celebrates and explores the special connection between sport and art with specially commissioned work and exhibitions delivered in partnership with the region’s many venues and attractions. Key work in 2013 includes A Mind Full of Nothing but Continue at The Sage Gateshead, the premiere of Maximo Park frontman Paul Smith’s new choral work inspired by the Bupa Great North Run itself and a new film by artist Melanie Manchot featuring ten free runners.

shopping

NewcastleGateshead boasts a varied retail offering, mixing independent boutiques with high-street mainstays. Newcastle has one of the UK’s largest city centre malls, Eldon Square, and the original Fenwick department store established in Newcastle in 1882; while Gateshead boasts Metrocentre, Europe’s largest shopping centre.

Food

panis: 61-65 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 6BX www.paniscafe.co.uk

A stylish family-run café/restaurant. Red hot on friendly service. northside Diner: (Within Fenwick Department Store) 39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE99 1AR www.fenwick.co.uk

Northside Diner is a fun, friendly 1950s style diner serving much-loved American classics.

electric east: Waterloo Square, St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4DN www.electric-east.co.uk

Electric East offers a range of innovative dishes from Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

The Boiler shop: Robert Stephenson Centre, Sussex Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3PD www.theboilershopsteamer.com

Down at The Stephenson Works on Sussex Street a new monthly food, drink and entertainment extravaganza has taken the city by storm.

Credit: Mark Savage

When Futureheads bass player David Craig isn’t touring the world and recording albums, you can find him studying - at Northumbria University.

‘‘

I would recommend Northumbria, I think it’s great. The lecturers here are young and vibrant and they’ve always got time for you ‘‘

David Craig

A world-famous student lifestyle

Home to amazing architecture, a yearround array of festivals, attractions and events, enviable shopping opportunities and fantastic nightlife, students are hard-pressed to find another city with so much on offer.

With an eclectic mix of entertainment and a prominent position on the UK’s cultural map, it’s no surprise that NewcastleGateshead was recently named ‘hipster capital of the North East’ in the Lonely Planet Great Britain Travel Guide. And Northumbria University has joined forces with many of the North East’s culturalpowerhouses to enhance its student experience.

BALTIC Centre for

Contemporary Art, Live Theatre, Northern Stage, Great North Run Culture, and The Tyneside Cinema have all played a role in the lives of scores of Northumbria University students. From academic programmes and talent development to rehearsal space and hands-on industry experience, these partnerships offer unique opportunities for students to work side by side with renowned industry professionals while studying for their degree. They also offer a vibrant and ever-changing entertainment programme.

Take Live Theatre. A small venue with a global reputation. This acclaimed theatre company was the birthplace of Lee Hall’s Broadway hit, The Pitmen Painters. Theatre-lovers popping across to the Quayside venue this autumn for its 40th anniversary celebrations can enjoy drama, live music, quiz nights, stand-up comedy and even a Live Theatre Singles Club (don’t worry – it’s a journey through the history of the 7” record, not speed dating).

The season also showcases the talent of two Northumbria arts graduates – Paddy Campbell, who has penned a gritty new drama entitled Wet House, and performing arts graduate, Riley Jones, who will be appearing in both Wet House and Lee Hall’s Cooking with Elvis.

Heading back towards town, comedy fans do not want to miss the hilarity hub that is The Stand Comedy Club. Nestling within Newcastle’s thriving High Bridge Quarter, The Stand is the place to be for raucous Geordie wit, comedy royalty and Red Raw talent daring to take the mic for the first time. An intimate venue that regularly roars with laughter, this unique cabaret-style space is also used on occasion by Northumbria arts students. Well worth a look.

Newcastle’s cultural scene continues with Northern Stage – the largest producing theatre company in the region. Showcasing a wide variety of drama, new writing, storytelling, contemporary dance, comedy and international work, this diverse theatre company’s countdown to Christmas sees a melting pot of entertainment from Edinburgh Fringe bestsellers to comedy takes on classic Shakespeare, before hurtling head-first into silly season with The Suggestibles legendary Impro-Pantso – madness and mayhem all wrapped up in festive cheer.

For those who feel safer watching all the action from behind a screen, the Tyneside Cinema is Newcastle’s arthouse gem situated in the centre of town. With three different screens, coffee rooms, a bar and the Intermezzo Café, this cinema gives a trip to the pictures the sense of occasion it deserves. Set

in stylish art deco surroundings, the Tyneside Cinema offers a varied programme showing the best films from all over the world.

To round up Newcastle and Gateshead’s vibrant arts scene we cannot forget the home of the Turner Prize 2011, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. This landmark building located on the south bank of the River Tyne attracts visitors from near and far (a whopping five million to date!) to marvel at the work of some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. Northumbria and BALTIC also share a vibrant collaborative venue, right next to The Stand Comedy Club in the centre of Newcastle. BALTIC 39 is home to the BxNU Institute of Contemporary Arts which is used as a teaching, research and gallery space, perfectly positioned for instant access to NewcastleGateshead’s worldfamous cultural scene.

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Follow @altweet_pet on Twitter for more information on upcoming events and ideas for things to see, do and visit. See live conversation and virtually explore the destination online with www.geordielandmap.com or go to

www.newcastlegateshead.com

The Official NewcastleGateshead City Guide app is now available to download from both the iTunes Store and Google Play Store.

Live Theatre www.live.org.uk

The Stand Comedy Club www.thestand.co.uk

Northern Stage www.northernstage.co.uk

Tyneside Cinema www.tynesidecinema.co.uk

Great North Run Culture www.greatnorthrunculture.org.uk

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art www.balticmill.com

NewcastleGateshead is one of the highest populated student cities in the UK, with over 50,000 students living and working here.

‘‘ Live Theatre, a small venue with a global reputation. This acclaimed theatre company was the birthplace of Lee Hall’s Broadway hit, The Pitmen Painters

Northumbria graduate, Riley Jones in Wet House at Live Theatre

NewcastleGateshead Quayside

What will you do?

Northumbria graduates leave our University and go on to carve out amazing and fulfilling life-long careers. Some have even created products you can buy in shops all over the world. You might already own some of them yourself…

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Dream cure for insomnia

In the middle of Northumbria University’s city centre campus sits a cosy apartment fitted with a kitchen, living room, two furnished en-suite bedrooms and a well-stocked bookshelf. This is the base for Northumbria’s world-leading Centre for Sleep Research.

Nestled among the classrooms and lecture theatres of a bustling modern university, the Centre provides an oasis of calm for Northumbria’s resident sleep experts who are focussed on understanding and solving the world’s sleep-related problems.

The Director of the Centre is Dr Jason Ellis, who featured in last year’s BBC TV series Goodnight Britain. As a child, Dr Ellis was plagued by nightmares which inspired his life-long mission to solve the mysteries of sleep. He launched his academic career in this field while on placement in the Sleep Disorder Unit at St Thomas’ Hospital in London as part of his Psychology degree.

Dr Ellis said: “The Centre is a modern apartment sitting right in the middle of our research facilities without a wire in sight. All the other centres in the country are really just beds in laboratories - as are most across the rest of the world. While these lab-based facilities have contributed significantly towards our understanding of sleep, we believe that a more comfortable and homely setting helps people relax more and therefore, allows our researchers to observe a more natural night’s sleep. This makes our Centre the first

Centre

ecologically valid sleep research centre in the UK.”

The bedrooms in the Centre are fitted with closed-circuit television cameras that relay pictures to a control room where Dr Ellis and his team of research students monitor participants’ sleep.

Researchers from the Centre were the first to understand the scale of the problem preventing a good night’s sleep. They identified that more than a third of people in the UK are likely to suffer from acute insomnia each year – this being characterised by difficulty sleeping over a period of up to three months. The team

now plans to explore the factors that can cause the move to chronic insomnia with sufferers enduring restless nights for three months or longer. Such cases can lead to other conditions, including depression.

Dr Ellis added: “GPs write ten million prescriptions for sleep medication every year; costing upwards of £15 million for the health service. Through the research we carry out, we aim to alleviate that by building greater knowledge about sleep and associated problems.

“We used to think that it was stress that led to sleep loss and illness but now we are beginning

to see how the relationship might be the other way round and it is insomnia that creates the stress and illness in the first place. We are beginning to understand how intimately sleep and health are related and facilities such as those in our Centre are directly fuelling that understanding. This is an enormously exciting field to be involved in at the moment.”

To find out more on the work of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research, please visit: www.northumbria.ac.uk/ sleepresearch

Northumbria’s Sleep

Dr Jason Ellis

‘‘The Centre is a modern apartment sitting right in the middle of our research facilities

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Order in the court!

Take a wrong turn in Northumbria’s Business and Law building and you could find yourself in the dock. At the heart of the third floor of this ultra-modern building is an unexpected nod to tradition in the shape of an authentic courtroom.

Designed specifically to accommodate the fixtures and fittings from a former Northumberland Magistrates Court, this room is a faithful recreation of a real life courtroom, where student barristers and solicitors can prepare for their careers beyond the classroom.

No detail has been overlooked in creating this authentic space. From the historic Royal Coat of Arms on the wall to the subtle, modern technology based on systems used in Newcastle’s Crown Court, students are invited to defend and prosecute simulated cases before both judge and jury.

Victoria Murray, Principal Lecturer in Law at Northumbria’s School of Law said: “It is symbolic that this room is in the centre of the building as it really emphasises law in practice as being at the heart of everything we do.

“Recreating the environment of a courtroom really benefits our students. It helps prepare them

for what they can expect when they step into a courtroom for the first time - from the general layout through to where they can sit. It really brings to life what we do in the Law School.”

Students studying the undergraduate M Law Exempting and the M Law Incorporating Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), as well as those taking the freestanding post graduate BPTC, use the courtroom as part of their taught lessons, assessments and extra-curricular activities.

The room is also used by the Mock Trial Society and has been used by police officers from Northumbria Police force.

Students wear wigs and gowns and assume the roles of judge, clerk, counsel for the defence and prosecution, witnesses and even the jury. A large screen hangs on the wall, allowing students to examine witnesses away from the courtroom via video link–normally used if a witness is a child or already held in custody for an earlier crime.

Victoria added: “Students are free to come in and out of the courtroom as and when they like – it is an open facility that is only closed off when it is being used for teaching and assessments.

“It is always a highlight on Open Days when we show it off to prospective students during our campus tours. We’ve even had parents say they wish they were coming to Northumbria to study, once they have seen the courtroom! It really is a special facility that helps prepare the next generation of solicitors and barristers for lifelong fulfilling careers.”

The courtroom will be open for tours during Northumbria University’s Open Days this autumn.

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To find out more about Northumbria’s law programmes, please visit: http://www.northumbrialawschool.co.uk

Negotiating success

LAW STUDENTS from Northumbria University have landed one of the top places in an international competition which pitted them against opponents from across the globe.

Rachel Godschalk and Francesca Lilley came third in the annual International Negotiation Competition which saw them compete against 20 teams from 19 countries. The competition involved a team of two law students representing a client negotiating either an

international transaction or the resolution of an international dispute against an opposing team.

Rachel and Francesca, who are both studying for a Graduate Diploma in Law, flew to California to take part in the finals.

Rachel, 32, from Barnard Castle, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for us both to compete at a very high level, to make long-term friendships and to possibly have future working relationships

with some of the brightest law students from across the globe.”

Northumbria School of Law is a leading provider of the Post-Graduate Diploma in Law for non-law graduates wishing to practise law, and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for aspiring solicitors. The University is one of only six institutions outside London to provide the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and offers an unrivalled range of Masters programmes via flexible distance-learning designed for busy professionals.

John Bates, Senior Lecturer in Law, said: “This was a remarkable opportunity and achievement for the students. Our team took on strong opposition from Germany, New Zealand and Japan, each with very different negotiation styles and tactics – ranging from the technical to the ‘bullish’. They performed incredibly well as ambassadors for the School and University.”

‘‘

Northumbria is one of only six institutions outside London to provide the Bar Professional Training Course ‘‘

Sky’s the limit for Netball Superleague

Netball is an established favourite in the Team Northumbria roster and the 2013-14 season looks set to be the most exciting yet.

With the University’s BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) team playing at the highest level and the much-anticipated Super League season just around the corner, Sport Central is preparing to play host to many of the world’s biggest names in netball.

“I’m very optimistic about the new campaign and can’t wait to get cracking,” said head coach Lisa Stanley-Craig.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what new talent we have now that the first years are finally here and settling in. We’re also thrilled to welcome back some very experienced student netball players on Northumbria sports scholarships this year.”

University Sport

how sport can add a real edge to the all-important CV, while enhancing the on-campus social experience.

Boasting world-class facilities, including a 3,000 seat arena, swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness suite, Northumbria University is well-equipped to cater for students with a love of sport. The programme on offer at both its City Centre and Coach Lane campuses provides opportunities for students who want to try out new sports, develop their talent or compete on a national level.

Colin Stromsoy, Northumbria’s Head of Sport, explains: “Sport is not exclusive. You don’t have to be studying a Sport Science degree or have a competitive sports background to benefit from Northumbria’s comprehensive sports programme. We encourage people to play for a variety of reasons – be it for health, social or competitive purposes.

“Furthermore, a recent study published in the national press showed that students who engage in any type of sporting activity whilst at university are far more likely to achieve a higher salary once they graduate than those that don’t.”

Colin added: “Whilst our talented Team Northumbria student athletes compete on a national level, our more informal Intra-Mural programmes offer opportunities for any students wishing to compete against friends, students and staff with an emphasis on having fun and meeting new people. ”

Peter Bakare is one of those talented Team Northumbria athletes. Peter was spotted by Northumbria’s Volleyball Coach, David Goodchild, during the London 2012 Olympics. Although Peter was already a successful Olympic athlete, he felt it was important to his long-term career to complete a degree. Peter was offered a sports scholarship at Northumbria to study Motion Graphics and Animation while continuing to play volleyball and competing for Team Northumbria.

Peter said: “My family has always pushed me to go further in my sporting ambitions. However, they have always pressed upon me the importance of a university education. I had already completed two years at a different university and I left to become a volleyball player. So when I achieved my biggest sporting ambition – to play in the Olympic Games in London – I thought it was a good time to return to University.

“I have both elite sports coaches and trainers by my side, and professionally experienced Animation tutors too. It’s a win-win situation.”

The teamwork that comes hand in hand with sport at university also provided Peter with support for his studies and personal development. He said: “One of the biggest benefits is the fact that everyone around you understands the pressures of being a student and having deadlines. When you

Team Northumbria will welcome back second-year law student Emma Woodings and Maths graduate Darcie Worsdale into the BUCS ranks.

“We secured promotion last year and we’re playing against the best student teams in Britain this time around,” Stanley-Craig continued.

“But I’m confident the girls will up their game and, while I don’t have a big squad, I have a squad of very talented student netball players.

“I think it’s the best team we’ve had here for some time.”

The very best of Team Northumbria’s student players will have the opportunity to step up to Super League in 2014, playing against some of the biggest names in netball. The league is regularly broadcast on Sky Sports and will feature many of next summer’s Commonwealth games netball stars.

And Stanley-Craig added: “The fact that Northumbria students have a chance to play at that level is just one of the reasons why this is such a great place to play netball.

“The facilities we have at Sport Central, coupled with the specialist staff and academic support, make it the perfect place to reach the next level.

“Players like Darcie and Emma have experience playing BUCS and Super League and they’re perfect examples of how education and sport sit so naturally together.

“It’s a situation that’s improving year-on-year at Northumbria and I’ll be working hard to ensure we continue to progress.”

join a team you become part of a family. Not only do you get to socialise with different people, laugh, enjoy wins and hate losses together but you also build character, something that you need in life that isn’t taught as easily in the classroom. I always think of my future boss as the coach.”

And it’s not just the playing of sport that students can get involved with. Hannah Marshall, Student Sport President at Northumbria, initially started playing for the University’s women’s football team. She has since organised numerous fundraising activities on behalf of Northumbria’s Sport Foundation (including an ambitious 24 hour netball event in May 2013) and recently travelled to Zambia to take part in school and community coaching activities, using sport to raise awareness of HIV and Aids. Hannah said: “Sport has defined my time at Northumbria and it’s definitely given me so much more than a degree. In order to secure the role as Sports President I had to undergo a gruelling interview process. This has given me experience of how competitive applying for jobs can be and increased my confidence in this area. I’ve also developed business and event management skills through planning and organising student sports events and fundraising activities. Additionally, we are lucky to have the support of a number of external business

sponsors like Brewin Dolphin and Euro Hostels, meaning that we are already engaging with regional employers. I know that Brewin currently employs around 40 Northumbria graduates, so it’s great that we have the opportunity to work with them on a number of levels.”

“I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today in terms of my job and my personal and professional skills if it wasn’t for sport. Sport at University gives you invaluable life changing skills and develops you in ways that nothing else can.”

For more information about Northumbria University sport, visit www.nusportcentral.com

Team Northumbria netball compete in BUCS every Wednesday.

The 2014 Netball Super League season kicks off early next year. Check www.nusportcentral.com for the latest fixture information.

Health and fitness are not the only benefits enjoyed by students who play sport at University. With graduate career opportunities becoming increasingly competitive, students and staff from Northumbria University demonstrate

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SpORT

sky’s the limit for netball superleague

Northumbria University will play host to many of the world’s biggest names during the next 12 months. 15

university sport

Health and fitness are not the only benefits enjoyed by students who play sport at University. 15

Volleyball Invincibles

How many sides can boast having won every match of the season? Well Team Northumbria’s women’s volleyball team can!

The team based at Northumbria University’s Sport Central won each of the club’s 47 fixtures across a campaign that will live long in the memory of players and fans alike. It’s little wonder they’ve been dubbed ‘The Invincibles!’

From their Sport Central fortress, the team’s mix of national league stalwarts, talented imports and the rising stars of student sport conquered all - bringing home five major trophies to cement their reputation as the best volleyball club in Britain.

This haul of trophies included the 2013 BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Team of the Year award–the biggest prize on offer in University sport.

Eagles Flying High

Most Fridays, Northumbria University’s Sport Central plays host to top flight sport as Newcastle Eagles take on the cream of the UK’s professional game.

The Eagles are the Manchester United of the British Basketball League (BBL) – the most successful club of the modern era and the biggest draw for players looking to make their mark at the highest level.

Player-coach Fabulous Flournoy – an energetic New Yorker with decades of experience - is the BBL’s most decorated playcaller.

And he surrounds himself with a flamboyant and fast-paced roster of American players and emerging domestic talent.

Northumbria students can enjoy a unique night out on their doorstep with a visit to the game followed by a celebration at neighbouring Students’ Union bar, Habita to cap off another Eagles win.

It’s a winning combination guaranteed to kick off the weekend in style.

But the basketball story doesn’t end there for a University and club committed to growing basketball locally, regionally and nationally.

The Eagles’ partnership with Northumbria is a blueprint for success followed by fellow BBL clubs and universities up and down the country.

Team Northumbria men feed into the Eagles roster – offering Flournoy his pick of a squad packed with potential.

And Team Northumbria’s women are also overseen by the Eagles, with student stars being offered a pathway from further education into the professional ranks.

Team Northumbria head coaches Marc Steutel (men) and Josh Merrington (women) are two of the country’s fastest-rising playcallers, both taking their teams to the brink of silverware last season.

Their exciting squads play at Sport Central most weekends –both sides competing at a level below the Eagles in EBL Division One.

Since retiring from the court as a player, Steutel has worked with both the England and Great Britain national teams.

And the ambitious coach has spent time on the Eagles bench assisting Flournoy.

“Our partnership with Team Northumbria is something we’re very, very proud of,” said Flournoy.

“I thoroughly enjoy working with Marc and Josh and watching their players progress.

“On any given weekend Sport Central can host as many as three or four competitive basketball clashes and it’s a sport that’s become synonymous with the Northumbria sporting experience.

“I might be biased but I’d urge anyone new to basketball to give the Eagles and Team Northumbria a shot. You might be surprised!”

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For more information, visit www.nusportcentral.com or www.newcastle-eagles.co.uk

Head coach David Goodchild, who assisted Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics, is predicting a golden era of volleyball on Tyneside.

“Now we’re number one, the biggest challenge is staying there,” said Goodchild.

“Fortunately we have an exceptional support team here at Northumbria University and the facilities at Sport Central are a massive plus in terms of recruitment. Student athletes love coming to Newcastle to study and we’re confident we can offer the right balance of education, sport and lifestyle.”

And they head into the 2013/14 season as Northumbria University’s Club of the Year.

But the success doesn’t stop there with Team Northumbria’s men making waves of their own on the volleyball scene.

Led by Team GB’s London 2012 skipper, Peter Bakare, who is himself heading into his third year studying Animation at Northumbria University, the men’s squad are on course to add to last season’s three major title wins.

The success of both teams follows a glowing review in the Which? University survey for 2013 which ranked Northumbria as having some of the best sporting facilities of any university in the country.

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Volleyball is back at Sport Central in October with BUCS competitions on Wednesdays and Super 8s National League clashes taking place at weekends (check www. nusportcentral.com for fixture details).

Basketball is one of Britain’s fastest growing sports and Northumbria is home to a nationally-recognised hotbed of high octane hoops action.

‘‘ The Eagles’ partnership with Northumbria is a blueprint for success followed by fellow BBL clubs and universities up and down the country ‘‘