North East England is a large region at the top right side of England. It’s a diverse area and home to cities including Newcastle and Durham. It also includes the county of Yorkshire and the Humber. The area has the best bits of historical adventure, cultural attractions, natural spaces, and modern city life. Are you looking for all the above, as well as esteemed universities and supportive communities? Then this could be the study destination for you.
What is North East England like?
Location and demographics
You’ll find North East England just below Scotland and above central England. It’s positioned between the North Sea and the Pennine mountain range. It covers around 24,000 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 8.2 million. Most people live in urban areas. The area is accessible by various road, rail, sea, and air links. Airports in the region fly to destinations in many parts of the world.
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Culture and history
The heritage of North East England goes back before the Romans. The area has a lot of history to explore, from prehistoric remains in Yorkshire to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. There are many archaeological sites, such as castles and coastal defences.
North East England was very influential during the Industrial Revolution because of its wealth of natural resources, like coal. Many people moved there for work, and the economy and culture are still heavily based on its manufacturing past.
The people of the region are friendly and hard-working. Much of the land is full of relatively unspoilt countryside and pretty villages and towns. A recognisable landmark is the Angel of the North, a large contemporary sculpture in Gateshead.
Famous to the area is the Yorkshire pudding. It’s a savoury element of a traditional roast dinner, served with meat, vegetables, and gravy. Other cultural traditions include folk music, dancing, and sport.
People you may know from the area include:
● Football player Alan Shearer
● TV hosts Ant and Dec
● Actor Rowan Atkinson
● Music superstar Ed Sheeran.
Find out about famous alumni who studied in the UK.
What cities are in North East England?
North East England consists of several cities, including some of the largest in the UK. These are:
● Leeds – the thriving city is known for being friendly and easy to walk around. It has lots of shopping options and is a great night out.
● Sheffield – regarded as one of the UK’s greenest cities, Sheffield is a lively location full of culture and close to the Peak District National Park. It’s home to the world’s oldest football club.
● Bradford – this was the first UNESCO City of Film in the world. This is partly because it has the National Science and Media Museum.
● Hull – formally known as Kingston upon Hull, this is a port city which was the UK's Capital of Culture in 2017.
● York – this pretty walled city was founded by the Romans. It has a Gothic Cathedral with bell towers and medieval stained glass.
● Durham – a small, historic university city, Durham has historical landmarks such as Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
● Newcastle – also known as Newcastle-upon-Tyne, this big city has around 1.6 million residents in the greater metro area. It’s a fun place with a strong industrial heritage, modern architecture, and welcoming locals.
● Sunderland – the port city is packed with heritage trails, museums, art galleries and theatres while being right next to the sea.
Are you interested in finding out about the best student cities in England?
How much does it cost to live in North East England?
A great part of living up North is that it has a low cost of living compared to other UK locations (especially London). Newcastle is very affordable, despite its big size. There are many quality student accommodation options in the city's suburbs. If you are thinking about studying in the region, these are the estimated average cost for some of the main cities.
- Leeds – GBP 750 per month (excluding rent)
- Newcastle – GBP 670 per month (excluding rent)
- Sheffield – GBP 680 per month (excluding rent)
- Hull – GBP 630 per month (excluding rent)
What services are available for students in the region?
It’s also easy to get around. Travel options include car, train, bus, and boat. The Nexus Metro rail network connects 60 stations around Newcastle, with a train heading to the international airport every 12 minutes. It can take two hours to get from York to London or three hours from Newcastle.
Get information on applying for a student visa in the UK.
What are the post-study options?
Universities in this region place a lot of focus on graduate employment. For instance, graduate data show that Northumbria University is a top 25 university for graduates who go into highly skilled jobs.
Industries of the region are also rapidly growing, such as in the public or green energy sectors. Therefore, there are lots of opportunities for skilled graduates. Handy if you choose to stay after your studies.
Explore more details on applying for a post-study work visa in the UK.
What universities are in North East England?
There are several internationally recognised universities in this region. These include:
Durham University
This is one of the oldest universities in England, founded in 1832. It’s a member of the Russell Group and is often at the top end of university league tables.
Newcastle University
Based in Newcastle city centre, this university has more than 27,000 students and is also part of the Russell Group.
Northumbria University
Also based in Newcastle, this university is within the top 25 UK universities for research power. It was nominated for the University of the Year award in the 2022 Times Higher Education Awards.
University of Leeds
This is one of the largest universities in the UK and is also a Russell Group member. It places 86th in the most recent QS World University Rankings 2023.
University of York
Another Russell Group institution, the university is in the beautiful historic city of York. It was shortlisted for the University of the Year award in the Times Higher Education Awards in 2021 and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2022.
Discover how to apply to study in the UK.
What are the main attractions in the region?
You can’t go to North East England without enjoying the stunning natural scenery. The English Lake District is a World Heritage Site, just 90 minutes from Newcastle. It’s home to beautiful lakes, forests, and mountains – perfect if you love hiking and seeing breathtaking landscapes.
Other places to walk include the Yorkshire Dales, where you can find waterfalls, ruins, and links to famous literature. Writers like Tolkien and Brontë have all been inspired by the beauty of this region.
A big part of life in North East England is socialising. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the pubs, clubs, and bars, several dedicated to students.
What must you see in North East England?
Love the Harry Potter franchise? Many fans of the stories make their way to the North East to visit film locations. For instance, the historic Norman Durham Cathedral with 2,000 years of history. You can even get broomstick training in Alnwick Castle, in the same spot where Harry learned to fly in the Philosopher's Stone movie.
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