Quality and Reputation

Newcastle University combines a rich academic heritage with a global outlook. Through excellence in education, research and innovation, it empowers students and graduates to make a positive impact around the world. It is:

• a member of the Russell Group, known for world-leading research and outstanding teaching
• the first UK University to establish a wholly owned international branch campus in Malaysia offering a medical degree programme

Quality

The Quality Assurance of Basic Medical Education (QABME) framework helps to safeguard standards at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia). Its application is important in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. The framework ensures training is monitored, maintained, developed and approved. It also ensures that the right outcomes in new doctors are being met. The QABME process involves evidence-based visits and an annual report from each school.

NUMed Malaysia’s MBBS also meets the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Code of Practice. It is also in alignment with QAA subject benchmarks. The last QAA review in 2016 commended our management of academic standards and quality of learning. The QAA awarded us a 'judgement of confidence' – the highest rating available.

Quality governance of the programme is also overseen by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

NUMed Malaysia is fully recognised by both the General Medical Council and the MMC. We adopt the published guidance on UK medical education delivered outside the UK available on the General Medical Council website.

Our global ranking

Currently, Newcastle University is ranked:

• 149th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published 2026)
• 144th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 (published 2025)
• 105th in TIME Magazine’s World’s Top Universities of 2026
• Top 200 in the University Ranking by Academic Performance 2024/25
• 56th in the world for sustainability and social impact in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
• 85th in the world for sustainable development in the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings 2026

Our position in the global rankings

This table shows our position in the global rankings. They typically measure various metrics relating to students, staff, research and teaching.

Please note, the table refers to the year data was published.