Cover page

Incoming Exchange 2024/25
Application Guidelines and Information

Contents
Contents
page
2 Introduction and Key Terms
3

Areas of Study

4

Application Guidance

7

Timeline

10 English Language Requirements
11 Visa Regulations
12 Arrival in Newcastle
14 Accommodation
15 Why Newcastle?

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Introduction
We are delighted to be accepting exchange applications for 2024/2025.
If you choose the beautiful and historic city of Newcastle as your exchange destination, you’ll
have a unique opportunity to experience university life in the North East of Englandand to study at an award-winning Russell Group institution famous for academic excellence.
Please read through this document carefully as the information included will be usefulin guiding you through the application process and preparing you for your upcoming
adventure at Newcastle University.
Please contact us with any questions at global.opportunities@ncl.ac.uk. We look forward toreceiving your application.

Key Terms
Here are explanations for some of the key terms used throughout these guidelines:
Exchange

Academic Transcript

Spending a semester or full academic year at
Newcastle University as part of a degree
programme in your home country. You do not
pay tuition fees to study with us.

This is an official university document that lists
the classes/modules/courses you havetaken. We will ask to see a transcript from yourhome university as part of the application
process. You will need to provide a certified
English translation if your transcript is provided
in another language. We will also issue you atranscript on completion of your experience
here at Newcastle to document the modules
you have completed.

Terra Dotta
This is our application portal where you
complete and submit your application to
study on exchange at Newcastle. We will
send you a link to access Terra Dotta when
we are ready for you to start your application.

ModuleAt Newcastle University, the term ‘module’simply means a course. Exchange students
must study 60 Newcastle credits (30 ECTS)
per semester. Please see our Module
Catalogue for more information.

Visa
A UK visa is the authorizing document thatgives worldwide citizens the right to enter,stay temporarily, or live in the UK. This can bea passport stamp or a document given by a
UK consulate/embassy in your countryof origin.

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Areas of Study
We offer modules from the following areas of study:

Faculty of Humanities and Social
Sciences
Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Arts and Cultures
Business, Finance and Accounting
Education, Communication and Language Sciences
English Literature, Language and Linguistics
Geography, Politics and Sociology
History, Classics and Archaeology
Law
Modern Languages
Philosophy

Faculty of Science, Agriculture andEngineering
ComputingEngineering
Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
Natural and Environmental Sciences

Faculty of Medical Sciences
Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences
Psychology
Pharmacy3

Application Guidance
You can start an application by clicking the link you receive by email.
Please follow the instructions and be sure to submit before the relevant
deadline. The online application form will ask you to provide some general
information, contact details, and a personal statement. You will also be asked tochoose the modules you would like to study at Newcastle and may needto submit an English language test certificate.
You will also need to upload a variety of documents, such as a valid passport
and transcript. Unfortunately, we cannot accept a national ID card as analternative to a passport. We recommend you prepare these well in advance of
the application deadline.
You will receive an automated email when your online application has been
submitted successfully. We aim to process applications on a rolling basis and weare grateful for your understanding if there are delays during our peak periods.

Deadlines
Full-year application deadline – 30 April 2024
Semester 1 application deadline – 30 April 2024
Semester 2 application deadline – 31 October 2024

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Application Guidance
Module Choices
The range of modules available to you will depend on the link we have with yourhome university.
Before you start an application, you should check that Newcastle University can offer
you the modules you need by reading our Module Catalogue Guidance Notes.
It is important that you read the Module Catalogue Guidance Notes before using themodule catalogue as it explains the terminology used and indicates any exclusions.
Your programme of study at Newcastle is finalised after you arrive on campus.
Whilst we do ask all students to select their preferred modules during theapplication process, we cannot guarantee these will be available to you when
you arrive. If you are accepted to study at Newcastle, the acceptance only provides
an ‘in principle’ approval of your module choices.
Exchange students are free to choose modules from the Faculties andSchools included in the exchange agreement between Newcastle
University and their home institution. This is subject to timetabling
clashes and module leader approval. The list of modules available toexchange students can be found here.

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Application GuidanceApplication Decision
We aim to review applications on a rolling basis, and you can usually expect tohear from us within three weeks from submission, though there may be additional
delays at peak periods.
A member of the Global Opportunities team with be the first to review yourapplication to make sure you have provided all the information we need. We will
be in touch with you if we identify any issues.
Secondly, the School Exchange Coordinator for your subject area will review andassess your application. Our coordinators will consider your academic
background, personal statement, and choice of modules. For some subject
areas, such as Fine Art, you may be asked to submit additional materials, such as aportfolio. We will be in touch with you if this is the case.
Most applications we receive are successful, however, we sometimes issue‘conditional’ offers. This may happen, for example, when a Coordinator would be
happy to receive you as an exchange student, but would prefer you to change
your module choices. We will work with you if you receive a conditional offer tomake sure you understand what to do next.
Any additional documents you need for immigration purposes will be sent to you
later.

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Timeline – Full Year
Here are some of the key dates to remember for your application and academic timeline
if you are planning on studying with us for a Full Academic Year (Fall and Spring).
30 April 2024
Application deadline
The deadline for submitting your online
application if you are planning to study for a
Full Academic Year (Fall and Spring).

9 September 2024
Provisional arrival date

9 – 15 September 2024
International Welcome Week
A week of activities, help and support to help
international students get settled into Newcastle
and meet new people. These dates are provisional
and will be confirmed in your acceptance letter.

23 September 2024
Semester 1 classes begin
The teaching start date for Semester 1 (Fall).

We recommend that you arrive on the Monday or
Tuesday of this week so that you can take part in
the International Welcome Week. Please wait until
you receive your acceptance and visa (ifapplicable) before making any travel plans.

16 – 20 September 2024
Freshers’ Week
A week full of social events, fairs andadministrative tasks to help all new students
get settled in, make new friends and get
ready to start their classes.

13 December 2024
Classes end for Winter Break

6 January 2025

Students will have three weeks fortravelling, socializing, relaxing, and preparing
for any upcoming exams.

Classes resume after Winter BreakWinter Break ends and classes will continue
for the rest of Semester 1.

17 January 2025
Semester 1 classes end

27 January 2025

The teaching end date for Semester 1 (Fall).

Semester 2 classes begin
The teaching start date for Semester 2(Spring).

28 March 2025
Classes end for Spring Break

28 April 2025

Students will have a month for travelling,socialising, relaxing and preparing for any
upcoming exams.

Classes resume after Spring BreakSpring Break ends and classes will continue
for the rest of Semester 2.

30 May 2025
Semester 2 classes end
The teaching end date for Semester 2(Spring).

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Timeline – Semester 1 Only
Here are some of the key dates to remember for your application and academic
timeline if you are planning on studying with us for Semester 1 (Autumn/Fall) only.
Students from our Non-EU partners should be aware that while ordinarily, Newcastle
University’s Fall semester runs over Winter break and into January, we do allow nonEU partner students to return home in December and undertake ‘Alternative
Assessments’ to complete their studies early. There is no requirement to stay orreturn to Newcastle in January to take exams because we appreciate that many
students, will be resuming studies in their home country.

30 April 2024
Semester 1 application deadline
The deadline for submitting your online
application if you are planning to study
for Semester 1 (Autumn/Fall) only.

9 September 2024
Provisional recommended arrival date

9 – 15 September 2024
International Welcome Week
A week of activities, help and support
to help international students get
settled into Newcastle and meet new
people. These dates are provisional andwill be confirmed in your acceptanceletter.

We recommend that you arrive on the
Monday or Tuesday of this week sothat you can take part in theInternational Welcome Week. Pleasewait until you receive your acceptanceand visa (if applicable) before making
any travel plans.

16 – 20 September 2023
Freshers’ Week

23 September 2024
Semester 1 classes begin

A week full of social events, fairs andadministrative tasks to help all new
students get settled in, make newfriends and get ready to start theirclasses.

The teaching start date for Semester 1(Autumn/Fall).

13 December 2024
Semester 1 classes end
The teaching end date for Semester 1(Autumn/Fall).

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Timeline – Semester 2 Only
Here are some of the key dates to remember for your application and academic
timeline if you are planning on studying with us for Semester 2 (Spring) only.

31 October 2024
Semester 2 application deadline
The deadline for submitting your online
application if you are planning to study
for Semester 2 (Spring) only.

22 January 2025
Provisional recommended arrival date

22 – 24 January 2025
International Welcome
A short week of activities, help, andsupport to help international students
get settled into Newcastle and meet
new people. These dates areprovisional and will be confirmed inyour acceptance letter.

We recommend that you arrive by the
Wednesday of this week so that you
can take part in International Welcome.
Please wait until you receive youracceptance and visa (if applicable)
before making any travel plans.

27 January 2025
Semester 2 classes begin
The teaching start date for Semester 2(Spring).

28 March 2025
Classes end for Spring BreakStudents will have a month fortravelling, socialising, relaxing andpreparing for any upcoming exams.

28 April 2025
Classes resume after Spring BreakSpring Break ends and classes willcontinue for the rest of Semester 2.

30 May 2025
Semester 2 classes end
The teaching end date for Semester 2(Spring).

8English Language Requirements
If English is not your native language, you’ll need to provide evidence that your level ofEnglish means you will be successful in the classroom.
If you are coming for a full year
You’ll need to provide an English language certificate equivalent to an overall IELTS scoreof 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill.
If you are a non-EU national coming for one semester on a visitor visa
You’ll need to provide evidence that you have English language skills to the equivalent of
IELTS score of 6.5. Please see our website for the list of tests we accept.
For EU nationals coming for one semester on a visitor visa
You’ll need to demonstrate that you have a minimum level of B2 (in the Common European
Framework) in English. We will accept either:• Confirmation from your home university that you meet our language requirements when
they nominate you to us• A statement from a staff member at your university confirming your English is equivalent
to at least B2, or stating that your degree is taught/assessed in English• An English language certificate confirming B2 equivalency or better. This should bestated on the test certificate or published on the test provider’s website.
More information about our English language requirements can be found here.
Exceptions• If you’re from one of the countries or territories listed on the UK government website,
you do not need to prove your knowledge of English• If you studied Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) you’ll need
Grade 5 in English with a minimum of Grade 4 in each element. Valid only if you’vetaken the test within 3 years of the start of your course with us• Singapore Integrated Programme: Achievement of conditions of offer. Valid only if
you have taken the test within three years of the start of your course with us• If you’re joining from a Japanese partner, we will accept IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in eachsub-skill. In this case you will be required to follow certain courses/modules.
• If you have studied in an English-speaking/teaching institution, recognition of yourprevious English language education is sufficient as proof of your English level.

English Language Courses
We offer free English lessons throughout the year – you can attend classes, workshops andinteractive lectures to help with your English language skills. You can also take a pre-sessional
English course, costing from £3595 for 6 weeks or from £5775 for 10 weeks in the summer
before you start your studies.

10Visa Regulations
Applying for a Visa
The Global Opportunities team at Newcastle University will issue students
with the necessary documents required to enter the UK as a student, but itis your responsibility to check if you need to apply for a visa before you
travel.
If you are coming to Newcastle to study for one semester only, you may
need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK. Most
international students coming to Newcastle to study for one academic year
will require a Student visa. Please check here to see if you need a visa. You
should carefully check what you need and research the cost, requirements,
and timescales.
Immigration advice is also available from:
UKCISA
Newcastle University Visa Support
If your application to study with us is successful, the Global Opportunities
will send you an acceptance letter that you will use to apply for a visa.

Right to Work
You may or may not have the right to work in the UK as a student and thiswill depend on your immigration status. If you need additional guidance on
UK immigration, please see:
Newcastle University Visa Support
UKCISA11

Arrival Dates
For students joining us in September, there are two weeks of welcome activities for you
to get involved with before classes start. For students joining us in January, there is a single
short week of activities before starting class.
We recommend students arrive in Newcastle on either the Monday or Tuesday of theweek of International Welcome:Semester 1 (Autumn/Fall): Monday, 9 September – Friday, 11 September 2024
Semester 2 (Spring): Monday, 20 January – Friday, 24 January 2025
We recommend you wait until you have been accepted by Newcastle and have your visa
– if relevant – before making any travel arrangements.

International Welcome
Our International Welcome programme has been designed to support new international
students as they adjust to their new life in Newcastle. International Welcome Week runs in
September for Semester 1 students and in January for Semester 2 students. For thoseflying into Newcastle Airport during designated times, staff will be there to offer a warm
welcome and to provide transport to your accommodation.
During International Welcome Week there will be:
•
•
•
•
•

Talks to help prepare you for your upcoming studies.
Sessions to introduce you to the local area and surrounding region.
Opportunities to socialise and meet new students.
Fun activities and events to keep you busy while you settle in.
Invitation to connect with your university ‘buddy’ through a peer support scheme weorganise.
• Workshops where you will officially register for modules/classes.
Click here for a dedicated website that is updated before the start ofeach new semester with information for new students.

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Arrival to Newcastle
Our nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport (15 minutes by car to campus, 20
minutes by Metro to Campus).
Our nearest train station is Newcastle Central (5 minutes by car to campus, 5 minutes
by Metro to Campus).
If you arrive within the designated times during International Welcome Week,
Newcastle University staff will be waiting for you at the airport arrivals lounge and will
help transport you to your accommodation. More information on how to takeadvantage of this service will be provided to you in the pre-departure period.
If you arrive outside of these times or into the train station or another UK airport, youmust organise transportation to your accommodation independently. Please try to plan
this ahead of your arrival and seek advice from Global Opportunities if you need it.
Please click here to find out more information about methods of getting to Newcastle
from other UK airports

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Accommodation
If you’d like to live in University accommodation, you can apply online once you haveaccepted a place of study at Newcastle University.
Student rooms are designed for single-occupancy living and offer a private place tosleep and study. Some rooms have ensuite bathrooms but if not, you’ll share a bathroom
with approximately 4-6 other students in your ‘flat’. You will also share a communal
space and kitchen area with your new ‘flatmates’.
If you’re coming for a full year
We guarantee University accommodation to students coming for a full year if you meetthe eligibility criteria. Applications are open from March to the end of June. and you’ll beable to apply once you have an offer.
If you’re coming from one of our non-EU partners for one semester
While part-year exchange students from non-EU partners are not guaranteedaccommodation, we encourage you to apply and can usually offer you a room.
Applications are open from March to the end of June. and you’ll be able to apply once
you have an offer.
If you’re coming from one of our European partners for one semester
While we can’t guarantee accommodation for part-year students, we encourage you toapply and hope to be able to offer you a room. Applications for part-year students open
on 6 June 2024. Once you have accepted an offer, you’ll be able to reserve available
rooms instantly if you apply before 30 June 2024. Instant booking closes on 30 June
2024. You can still apply after 30 June, but options may be limited.
You can also consider private accommodation. Our Students’ Union created this helpfuladvice website.

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Why Newcastle?
A Cultural City

Newcastle offers a diverse cultural scene, architectural beauty,
history and a world-famous nightlife. The city has excellent
transport links and London is only a 3-hour journey away by train.
From the city centre, it is only a short bus or train ride to thecountryside, where you can explore the area’s breath-taking
scenery and coastline. Find out more here.

A Sporting City

This city is not only home to Newcastle United Football
Club and St. James’ Park, but also the Falcons and Eagles;
top-tier rugby and basketball teams. Newcastle
University is also one of the UK’s top universities for sport,
offering fantastic facilities and a range of athletics clubs.
Find out more here.

A Student City

Newcastle is ranked as one of the UK’s top student
cities, offering a range of culture andentertainment. The Newcastle University Students’
Union (NUSU) is run by students, for students. They
provide lots of opportunities to get involved. Findout more here.

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