Times Higher Education Awards 2022
Northumbria University is a research-rich, modern university with a global reputation for academic excellence. The University is ranked among the Top 25 in the United Kingdom (UK) for research power, according to the results of the latest Research Excellence Framework5.
Northumbria University, Newcastle, has been named University of the Year 2022 in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. The THE Awards are widely recognised as the “Oscars of higher education”1. The impressive win recognises exceptional performance, as well as bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives that have advanced a Higher Education Institution’s reputation during the academic year 2020/21.
Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University commented “To be shortlisted for such a prestigious and internationally-recognised award was a remarkable achievement in itself – to go on and win is a true milestone in the University’s history and in the work of my many outstanding colleagues.
“Northumbria University has undergone an extraordinary transition. The dedication of everyone at the University has made this possible, and it is thanks to them that we can now celebrate this phenomenal success.”
Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, has a global reputation for delivering some of the best Business Management education in the UK.
It is amongst an elite group of institutions worldwide offering Business Degree programmes with Dual Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. The programmes include Global Business Management, Human Resources, Logistics and Supply Chain, and International Tourism, Hospitality and Events, that are developed by research-engaged academics and highly experienced business practitioners.
The AACSB accreditation is an internationally recognised and specialised accreditation for Business schools. It assesses standards across the whole school, from taught programmes to research and internal operations. It is also a sign of quality that employers recognise, and graduates from AACSB-accredited schools are known to be career-ready.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International was founded in 1916.
Today, the AACSB is the longest serving global accrediting body for Business schools that offer Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Business and Accounting. It is also considered by many to be the leading international accreditation for Business education, and an AACSB accreditation is a hallmark of excellence.
Gaining this accreditation is recognition at an international level that Newcastle Business School, as part of Northumbria University, has met specific and recognisable standards of excellence.
The AACSB accreditation sends a clear signal that the Dean, faculty and professional staff have made a commitment to ongoing continuous improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver the highest quality of education to students.
The AACSB accreditation brings numerous benefits to Newcastle Business School including:
AACSB has outlined the rigorous accreditation process in a step-by-step guide, which can be found by visiting
www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/journey/process-overview
The significance of an AACSB accreditation and the path that Business Schools must take to achieve can be found by visiting
https://www.aacsb.edu/educators/accreditation/business-accreditation/aacsb-business-accreditation-standards
AACSB implements the accreditation process by assigning a peer review team who will visit and assess the Business School.
The peer review team is key to the final decision which is reviewed by the accreditation committee and AACSB Board of Directors.
The advantages of an AACSB accreditation include:
Francesca Lauretta Aw
Investigator, Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management
Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2021)
Attaining a Degree has always been a personal goal of mine and achieving it has proven my capabilities. It has served as a ticket to job interviews and opportunities for career advancement. As my Diploma was in Legal Studies, it meant that I had no business-related background. Knowing that attaining a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management would add value to my portfolio, I chose a University with modules with real-world practicality.
Northumbria University was my choice as it is well-established and recognised worldwide, holds the Dual AACSB Accreditation and offers a Direct Honours Business Degree.
Through this journey, I learnt the important life skill of time management, as I had to manage my full-time job while attending classes at night and on the weekends.
I stand by the belief that the decisions I make today will determine the direction of my life tomorrow. Even though the journey was not smooth sailing, the support given by the University was immense and I am proud to have completed my programme with First Class Honours.
Oh Jia Wei Alvin, Timothy
Director of Marketing, Engage Co.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Mass Communication with Public Relations
Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2019)
The Northumbria University Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications with Public Relations was an easy choice. The programme had a very clear direction and was in-line with my goal to provide more academic depth to my profession in Marketing.
The curriculum was intense but manageable for a full-time working adult like myself as it allows one to take their time to process concepts and theories, before applying them in a creative manner. It provided the flexibility of time to conduct my reading and research, resulting in me developing a stronger argument in my thesis and essays.
With a campus located in the heart of the city and a style of learning that suits mid-career individuals, the Northumbria University Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications with Public Relations is a practical and relevant choice for marketing professionals. I have already recommended this programme to others as it has helped to validate my skill sets.
Candy Wang
Assistant Manager (Category Support), Heinemann Asia Pacific
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management
Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2019)
Northumbria University was my choice as it offered a Degree programme I could complete within 18 months with a mostly assignment-based grading. Most classes were held on weekday evenings, which made it possible for me to manage both work and studies with ease.
As an Assistant Manager at Heinemann Asia Pacific, the modules covered were comprehensive, relevant and applicable to my job scope. Prior to taking this Degree, I was having difficulty entering the travel retail industry as I had no experience and lacked academic credentials.
My Degree in Business Management has enabled me to fulfill my dream to work in this sector, as well as empowered me with better knowledge and, subsequently, greater involvement in my company’s projects, helping my career growth.
Stephanie Wong Wei Ying
Assistant Guest Services Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2019)
I sought to progress in my profession and felt that Northumbria University was a good choice, being a reputable university with a high graduation rate that also offered a programme relevant to my current job.
Its modules are well-rounded and suited towards the management level in the hospitality industry, which has helped improve my knowledge vastly. With all modules in sync to current industry trends, I am well prepared to take on my new role.
Even though it has been 10 years since taking my Diploma, I managed to adapt well due to experienced and helpful lecturers who provided me with insightful advice and adequate guidance. The assignment-based curriculum consisted mostly of research and learning about current trends, which enabled me to widen my views on certain subject matters and pick up on ongoing issues.
I would highly recommend Northumbria University as its curriculum and flexibility of schedule is great for a working adult. In addition, its Degrees are recognised and come from a reputable University.
Manson Ng Kok Hwee
Community Engagement Manager, People’s Association
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2023)
I previously worked in sales before joining the People’s Association. I then decided to pursue a Degree in Guidance and Counselling to enhance my career and improve my conversation skills for me to guide and counsel others more confidently and professionally.
By applying the knowledge that I have gained from the programme, I am now able to counsel individuals across different levels. I am also able to efficiently collaborate with my colleagues and stakeholders to serve the community more effectively. The Mending the Gap: Collaborative Learning with Service Users module was applicable in terms of helping me bridge the gap between people. By learning and applying techniques that I have learnt, the community would feel more comfortable sharing their concerns with me.
I will recommend this Degree programme as it can be completed in 18 months on a part-time basis and is suitable for people holding a full-time job in the day. During my course of study, I was even promoted from Assistant Manager to Manager.
Desmond Yim Guo Hao
Programme Executive, Fei Yue Community Services
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2022)
When I entered the workforce, I was young and did not have many qualifications. As I continued working, I realised the importance of having proper qualifications to progress at work. Furthermore, I wanted to do something more meaningful and helpful to others.
Hence, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling at Northumbria University. As I am responsible for assisting clients in achieving a better quality of life, I found what I had learnt from my Degree programme can be applied when meeting my clients.
This Degree programme not only boosts my confidence and self-esteem at work, but also provided me with a sense of achievement. My achievement was validated when I got promoted from Programme Officer to Programme Executive.
I would definitely recommend Northumbria University as it takes only 18 months to attain a Degree. Moreover, the lecturers are very engaging, and they are willing to guide us whenever we need help.
Joyce Neo
Programmes Executive, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2022)
I had worked full-time at the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Senior Activity Centre for three years and recently started working as a Programmes Executive at YWCA. Here, I aim to equip young women and mothers from marginalised backgrounds with work skills to improve their lives through employability.
I find it meaningful to work with the elderly and devise interventions to help with their gradual memory impairment and physical limitations. I am also passionate about reaching out to people in difficult situations and making a difference in their lives.
These reasons motivated me to pursue my education with Kaplan, first with a Foundation Diploma, followed by the Diploma in Psychology. This then gave me exemptions to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree with Northumbria University, where I chose to study the Bachelor of Arts in Guidance and Counselling.
The Degree is well-suited to my goal of becoming an asset to organisations that strive to improve the welfare of those in need. Northumbria University is well-recognised for its outstanding teaching, so I feel confident about achieving my Degree here. The lecturers, who are experts in their respective professional fields, also share their experiences and knowledge with us.
The programme may serve as a stepping-stone for those who aspire to expand their career opportunities in the sector and work with people from diverse backgrounds. All the modules covered have been comprehensive and applicable to my job scope.
After I have completed the programme, I plan to further my education with a Master’s Degree in order to be empowered to care for and understand how to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Francesca Lauretta Aw
Investigator, Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd Bachelor of Arts
(Honours) in Business Management
Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2021)
Attaining a Degree has always been a personal goal of mine and achieving it has proven my capabilities. It has served as a ticket to job interviews and opportunities for career advancement. As my Diploma was in Legal Studies, it meant that I had no business-related background. Knowing that attaining a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management would add value to my portfolio, I chose a University with modules with real-world practicality.
Northumbria University was my choice as it is well-established and recognised worldwide, holds the Dual AACSB Accreditation and offers a Direct Honours Business Degree.
Through this journey, I learnt the important life skill of time management, as I had to manage my full-time job while attending classes at night and on the weekends.
I stand by the belief that the decisions I make today will determine the direction of my life tomorrow. Even though the journey was not smooth sailing, the support given by the University was immense and I am proud to have completed my programme with First Class Honours.
Oh Jia Wei Alvin, Timothy
Director of Marketing, Engage Co.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Mass Communication with Public Relations
Northumbria University 1st Class Honours Graduate (2019)
The Northumbria University Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications with Public Relations was an easy choice. The programme had a very clear direction and was in-line with my goal to provide more academic depth to my profession in Marketing.
The curriculum was intense but manageable for a full-time working adult like myself as it allows one to take their time to process concepts and theories, before applying them in a creative manner. It provided the flexibility of time to conduct my reading and research, resulting in me developing a stronger argument in my thesis and essays.
With a campus located in the heart of the city and a style of learning that suits mid-career individuals, the Northumbria University Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications with Public Relations is a practical and relevant choice for marketing professionals. I have already recommended this programme to others as it has helped to validate my skill sets.
Candy Wang
Assistant Manager (Category Support), Heinemann Asia Pacific
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management
Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2019)
Northumbria University was my choice as it offered a Degree programme I could complete within 18 months with a mostly assignment-based grading. Most classes were held on weekday evenings, which made it possible for me to manage both work and studies with ease.
As an Assistant Manager at Heinemann Asia Pacific, the modules covered were comprehensive, relevant and applicable to my job scope. Prior to taking this Degree, I was having difficulty entering the travel retail industry as I had no experience and lacked academic credentials.
My Degree in Business Management has enabled me to fulfill my dream to work in this sector, as well as empowered me with better knowledge and, subsequently, greater involvement in my company’s projects, helping my career growth.
Stephanie Wong Wei Ying
Assistant Guest Services Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Northumbria University First Class Honours Graduate (2019)
I sought to progress in my profession and felt that Northumbria University was a good choice, being a reputable university with a high graduation rate that also offered a programme relevant to my current job.
Its modules are well-rounded and suited towards the management level in the hospitality industry, which has helped improve my knowledge vastly. With all modules in sync to current industry trends, I am well prepared to take on my new role.
Even though it has been 10 years since taking my Diploma, I managed to adapt well due to experienced and helpful lecturers who provided me with insightful advice and adequate guidance. The assignment-based curriculum consisted mostly of research and learning about current trends, which enabled me to widen my views on certain subject matters and pick up on ongoing issues.
I would highly recommend Northumbria University as its curriculum and flexibility of schedule is great for a working adult. In addition, its Degrees are recognised and come from a reputable University.
Manson Ng Kok Hwee
Community Engagement Manager, People’s Association
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2023)
I previously worked in sales before joining the People’s Association. I then decided to pursue a Degree in Guidance and Counselling to enhance my career and improve my conversation skills for me to guide and counsel others more confidently and professionally.
By applying the knowledge that I have gained from the programme, I am now able to counsel individuals across different levels. I am also able to efficiently collaborate with my colleagues and stakeholders to serve the community more effectively. The Mending the Gap: Collaborative Learning with Service Users module was applicable in terms of helping me bridge the gap between people. By learning and applying techniques that I have learnt, the community would feel more comfortable sharing their concerns with me.
I will recommend this Degree programme as it can be completed in 18 months on a part-time basis and is suitable for people holding a full-time job in the day. During my course of study, I was even promoted from Assistant Manager to Manager.
Desmond Yim Guo Hao
Programme Executive, Fei Yue Community Services
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2022)
When I entered the workforce, I was young and did not have many qualifications. As I continued working, I realised the importance of having proper qualifications to progress at work. Furthermore, I wanted to do something more meaningful and helpful to others.
Hence, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling at Northumbria University. As I am responsible for assisting clients in achieving a better quality of life, I found what I had learnt from my Degree programme can be applied when meeting my clients.
This Degree programme not only boosts my confidence and self-esteem at work, but also provided me with a sense of achievement. My achievement was validated when I got promoted from Programme Officer to Programme Executive.
I would definitely recommend Northumbria University as it takes only 18 months to attain a Degree. Moreover, the lecturers are very engaging, and they are willing to guide us whenever we need help.
Joyce Neo
Programmes Executive, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2022)
I had worked full-time at the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Senior Activity Centre for three years and recently started working as a Programmes Executive at YWCA. Here, I aim to equip young women and mothers from marginalised backgrounds with work skills to improve their lives through employability.
I find it meaningful to work with the elderly and devise interventions to help with their gradual memory impairment and physical limitations. I am also passionate about reaching out to people in difficult situations and making a difference in their lives.
These reasons motivated me to pursue my education with Kaplan, first with a Foundation Diploma, followed by the Diploma in Psychology. This then gave me exemptions to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree with Northumbria University, where I chose to study the Bachelor of Arts in Guidance and Counselling.
The Degree is well-suited to my goal of becoming an asset to organisations that strive to improve the welfare of those in need. Northumbria University is well-recognised for its outstanding teaching, so I feel confident about achieving my Degree here. The lecturers, who are experts in their respective professional fields, also share their experiences and knowledge with us.
The programme may serve as a stepping-stone for those who aspire to expand their career opportunities in the sector and work with people from diverse backgrounds. All the modules covered have been comprehensive and applicable to my job scope.
After I have completed the programme, I plan to further my education with a Master’s Degree in order to be empowered to care for and understand how to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Accreditations remain subject to accreditation providers. Kaplan Higher Education Academy is not responsible for any changes in accreditation requirements or loss of accreditation status not attributable to
Kaplan Higher Education Academy.
The information on this website is correct as of April 2024.
Kaplan Higher Education Academy
SSG/CPE Registration Number: 199409389H
Period of Registration: 20 May 2022 to 19 May 2026