University of Northampton

The University of Northampton is one of the UK's youngest and most innovative universities, recognised for its student-focused education, social impact, and commitment to creating positive change. Renowned for doing things differently, the university empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to make a meaningful difference in their careers and communities. Its forward-thinking approach combines academic excellence with innovation, responsibility, and real-world learning.

A defining strength of the University of Northampton is its global leadership in social impact and social enterprise. The university has received multiple awards for adding value to society and is widely recognised for encouraging students and staff to contribute towards positive global change. As an Ashoka U Global Changemaker Campus and the UK's number one university for social enterprise, Northampton is one of only 22 universities worldwide to receive this prestigious recognition.

The university delivers an exceptional learning experience through its Waterside Campus, a state-of-the-art campus that opened in September 2018. Designed around the way students learn rather than traditional teaching methods, the campus features modern technology, collaborative learning spaces, and innovative facilities. Located within walking distance of Northampton town centre, Waterside Campus provides a vibrant and flexible environment that enhances both academic and student life.

Academic excellence is reinforced through outstanding research performance. In REF 2021, 79% of the University's research submissions were rated as internationally recognised, internationally excellent, or world-leading. The university was also ranked joint first in the UK for Education research impact, highlighting its growing influence in teaching, educational research, and knowledge exchange.

The University of Northampton has earned significant international recognition for promoting equality and reducing social inequalities. It has consistently ranked among the top 60 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 – Reduced Inequalities. In addition, it was recognised among the top 30 universities globally for tackling inequality, reflecting its strong commitment to inclusive education and social responsibility.

Student satisfaction and support remain central to the university's mission. The University of Northampton was ranked among the top 50 UK universities for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2026. It also engages with more than 35,000 young people, parents, and teachers each year through widening participation initiatives, making it the only university in the UK to extend these educational opportunities to primary school students.

With a strong international outlook, the university supports more than 4,500 students studying through partner institutions across Greece, the Gulf States, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and China. Combining global partnerships, award-winning teaching, world-class research, and a commitment to innovation, the University of Northampton offers students a modern, inclusive, and future-focused educational experience that prepares graduates to make a lasting impact worldwide.

The University of Northampton offers a comprehensive range of student support services designed to promote academic success, personal wellbeing, career development, and a smooth transition into university life. With a student-centred approach, the University ensures learners receive professional guidance and practical support throughout every stage of their academic journey.

Academic support is one of the University's greatest strengths. Students receive expert assistance with academic writing, referencing, study skills, mathematics, statistics, and independent learning. The Learning Development team helps students strengthen essential academic skills, while Academic Librarians provide specialist guidance on research methods, literature searches, subject databases, and referencing techniques, enabling students to achieve their full academic potential.

Personalised guidance is available through the Student Information Desk (SID) and the Student Support and Advice Team. Located within the Learning Hub, these services offer confidential advice on academic concerns, personal circumstances, financial issues, and wellbeing. Students are also connected with specialist support services whenever additional assistance is required, ensuring a caring and inclusive learning environment.

Career development is fully integrated into the student experience through Student Futures and the Careers and Employability Service. Students receive personalised career planning, employability coaching, and access to internships, placements, volunteering opportunities, part-time jobs, networking events, employer presentations, webinars, and industry engagement activities. Digital career resources, including CV reviews, practice interviews, self-assessments, and employability tools, help students prepare confidently for graduate careers. Lifelong career support is also available for alumni after graduation.

The University further enhances employability through its peer-to-peer Career Coaching programme, where trained undergraduate and postgraduate Career Coaches provide practical support with CV writing, interview preparation, and job searching. Students can also access flexible employment opportunities through Unitemps, connecting them with on-campus roles and local employers while studying.

Student health, wellbeing, and inclusion remain key priorities. The Counselling and Mental Health Team provides professional emotional wellbeing support through one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions. The University's commitment to student wellbeing has been recognised nationally, ranking among the Top 10 universities in the HUMEN University Mental Health League Table. Students with disabilities or additional learning needs receive dedicated assistance from the Additional Student Support and Inclusion Services Team (ASSIST), helping them fully participate in university life and develop valuable employability skills.

International students benefit from a dedicated International Student Support Team, offering expert advice on visas, immigration, orientation, opening UK bank accounts, obtaining National Insurance numbers, registering with a doctor, and finding part-time employment. Additional support is available through the Educational Linguistics Team, which delivers English language guidance and interactive language development modules to help students confidently adapt to studying and living in the UK.

Through outstanding academic support, career-focused initiatives, personalised student services, comprehensive wellbeing resources, and dedicated international assistance, the University of Northampton provides a supportive, inclusive, and career-oriented student experience.

The University of Northampton has established a strong and steadily growing reputation across national and international university rankings, reflecting its excellence in teaching quality, student satisfaction, research impact, sustainability, and career-focused education. While the University is placed within broader global ranking bands, it consistently performs exceptionally well in subject-specific rankings, student outcomes, and social impact.

Global & National University Rankings:

• QS World University Rankings: Ranked in the #1201–1400 band globally.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Ranked in the #1501+ band worldwide.
• UK National Rankings: Consistently recognised among the Top 100 universities in the UK.

• Climbed 23 places to reach 90th nationally.
• 3rd in the UK for Health Professions.
• 2nd in the UK for Sports Science.
• 8th nationally for Paramedic Science.
• 11th nationally for General Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and English.
• Top 20 UK rankings for Graphic Design, Journalism, Marketing & Public Relations, and Hospitality, Events Management & Tourism.

• 118th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
• 119th in the Complete University Guide 2026.
• Ranked among the Top 50 UK universities for overall student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide.

• Strong student satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
• Podiatry, Dental Nursing, and English ranked among the best-performing courses in England.
• English achieved the top position in England for the second consecutive year.
• Awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 for both Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

• 79% of research rated as internationally recognised, internationally excellent, or world-leading in REF 2021.
• Ranked joint first in the UK for Education research impact.

• 29th globally for SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities in the THE Impact Rankings 2023.
• 25th globally for SDG 15 – Life on Land.
• Ranked among the Top 30 universities worldwide for tackling inequality.
• 27th globally and 11th in the UK for Reduced Inequalities.
• Recognised among only 160 universities worldwide participating in the UN Academic Impact initiative.

• Ranked among the Top 20 UK universities for affordable accommodation by StudentCrowd (2024).
• Received an overall 'Good' rating from Ofsted for apprenticeship programmes.

Student life at the University of Northampton is vibrant, inclusive, and student-centred, offering the perfect balance between academic achievement, personal development, and social experiences. The University encourages students to build friendships, explore new interests, develop practical skills, and enjoy a rewarding university experience both inside and outside the classroom.

At the heart of student life is the award-winning Waterside Campus, which opened in 2018 and features modern teaching spaces, comfortable student accommodation, a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, green open spaces, and the Students' Union. Located within walking distance of Northampton town centre, the campus provides easy access to shopping, restaurants, cafés, entertainment, and local amenities while maintaining a welcoming and supportive learning environment.

The Students' Union (SU) plays a central role in creating an engaging campus community by organising events, social activities, campaigns, and student-led initiatives throughout the year. With more than 50 student societies and clubs, students can pursue interests in sports, culture, academics, volunteering, hobbies, and international communities while building lifelong friendships and leadership skills.

Highlights of Student Life:

• Over 50 student-led societies and clubs covering sports, culture, academics, and personal interests.
• Regular social events, campus activities, workshops, and networking opportunities organised by the Students' Union.
• Waterside Bar & Restaurant offering food, drinks, arcade games, and entertainment for students.
• Easy access to Northampton town centre with cafés, restaurants, shopping centres, pubs, cinemas, and entertainment venues.

• UON Active Campus promoting inclusive sports, fitness, and wellbeing activities.
• Student sports clubs offering free participation across a variety of sports.
• Super Teams Programme providing specialist sport science support for competitive athletes.
• Access to Trilogy Leisure gym and swimming facilities through the University's partnership.
• Modern facilities including a 70-Station Gym, 25m Swimming Pool, Functional Training Studio, MyRide Virtual Cycling Studio, Skill Mill, Stair Mill, S-Force & Zero Runner, badminton courts, table tennis, and a poolside sauna.

• Changemaker Hub supporting internships, volunteering opportunities, industry placements, and enterprise development.
• Opportunities to build leadership, employability, teamwork, and professional skills alongside academic studies.

• Discover shopping centres, supermarkets, cafés, themed restaurants, museums, parks, and local attractions.
• Enjoy a combination of urban living, historic landmarks, countryside, sporting events, and entertainment venues.

The University of Northampton offers a wide range of modern, affordable, and secure accommodation options designed to support undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students throughout their studies. With both on-campus and off-campus residences, the University provides comfortable living spaces that suit different budgets, lifestyles, and personal preferences while ensuring students enjoy a safe and supportive environment.

A major benefit for new students is the University's guaranteed accommodation for all eligible full-time first-year students, helping them transition smoothly into university life. The University is also recognised among the Top 20 UK universities for affordable student accommodation, offering excellent value alongside high-quality facilities and services.

The University provides more than 2,250 student bed spaces across three university-managed accommodation sites, giving students flexibility in choosing where they live based on convenience, budget, and preferred lifestyle.

University Accommodation Options:

• Waterside Halls Student Village – Modern on-campus accommodation featuring en-suite rooms, studio flats, townhouses, landscaped courtyards, and easy access to the library, Students' Union, Student Information Desk (SID), and other campus facilities.
• St. John's Halls – Centrally located accommodation near Northampton's Cultural Quarter, offering en-suite rooms and studio flats within walking distance of Waterside Campus.
• St. John's House – A quieter residence offering standard single and twin rooms, ideal for postgraduate students and those studying short-term programmes.
• Scholars Green Student Village – Budget-friendly accommodation located in Kingsthorpe with free Stagecoach bus services to campus, convenience facilities, and a peaceful residential environment.

• Standard Single Rooms
• Twin Rooms
• En-suite Rooms
• Town House Rooms
• Studio Flats
• Accessible Rooms

• Fully furnished bedrooms.
• High-speed Wi-Fi and network connectivity.
• 24-hour security, CCTV monitoring, and Residential Life Team support.
• Utilities included, covering heating, electricity, and water.
• Access to university accommodation services and student support.
• Excellent transport links to the campus and Northampton town centre.