Young people in the North East may not have to travel far to succeed at university, according to new independent research.
The team behind the Complete University Guide identified "areas of excellence" and subjects that rank amongst the best in the UK. During their research, they named Northumbria University as a "hidden gem".
Data from the North East reveals that the university in Newcastle is the home of five highly rated subjects in the UK, with two ranked in the top 10.
Read more: Northumbria University named 'University of the Year' at prestigious UK awards ceremony
They are:
- Information Technology and Systems - rated 4th in a growing field.
Building - ranked 8th overall.
- Counselling, Psychotherapy and Occupational Therapy - almost coming in the top 10% in the country.
Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: "The Complete University Guide is the gold standard for university rankings in the UK, and has helped countless students choose the university and the course that is right for them. While invaluable, the league tables do not tell the whole story, with some tremendous success stories lost beneath the headlines.
"Today’s research shows applicants the excellence that exists on their doorstep or closer to home. I am confident that the new 'areas of excellence' will work alongside the annual league tables, showcasing hidden gem courses in the North East region and across the UK."
Thousands of students and families will be preparing for UCAS application deadlines just after Christmas. The research highlights courses in the North East which students may not have considered.
The research also reveals other "hidden gems" across the UK, with Universities providing sector-leading subjects that many students may be unaware of. These include:
- City, University of London - Communication & Media Studies
- Edge Hill - Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies
- Dundee - Forensic Science
- Staffordshire - Childhood & Youth Studies
- Hull - Paramedic Science
- Ulster - Pharmacology & Pharmacy
- Lincoln - Social Work
- Kent - Art & Design
Simon Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of IDP Connect, said: "The Complete University Guide’s mission has always been about helping students make the right decisions about their future. Today’s publication of the 'areas of excellence' builds on this work, and reflects the changing landscape that students are entering university in and equips universities with key student research to use alongside their own data insights.
"The current challenges facing students and families, from cost-of-living to accommodation, have informed this new CUG research, acknowledging that there are factors impacting university applications that simply did not feature a decade ago. The research shows that it can pay to stay local, or to consider some world-class options in less well-known universities."
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