Our Logo
Our logo is at the heart of, and crucial to, our visual identity.
Full colour logo
We use the full colour logo as our primary logo.
The full colour logo is the most recognised version, and one that resonates strongly with students, alumni, and stakeholders.
Reverting to the full colour version builds upon the success of the changes made in 2018. At this point our logo was simplified and redrawn to give a visually stronger effect, designed as a 'digital first' logo which would be impactful online, and reproduce well across channels.
Core elements
- our logo is made up of the Newcastle University logotype and our crest
- these two elements must be reproduced together, unless specified in these guidelines
- the logo should never be redrawn, digitally manipulated or altered
Logo versions
There are four versions of the University logo. This is to ensure that wherever the logo is used, it always has a good contrast with the background to ensure maximum impact and clarity.
The full colour logos are our primary choice. You should always use full colour, unless it’s not possible to do so, for example you are printing in single colour.
A: Full colour logo. For use on a white/light background.
B: Full colour reversed logo. For use on a dark coloured background.
Single colour logos are our secondary choice.
C: Single colour reversed logo. For use on a dark coloured background when using the full colour version is not possible.
D: Single colour logo. For use on a light coloured background when using the full colour version is not possible. For example, it may be needed for single colour printing artwork, such as merchandise (pens, tote bags etc). Where possible, this should be printed using our university logo blue (rather than black or grey).
Logo usage
We use the full colour logo or reversed full colour logo as our primary logo. The full colour logo is for use on a white or light background. The full colour reversed logo is for use on a dark coloured background.
The option of using a single colour logo is available as a secondary version, either in the single colour artwork, or reversed in white. These are for use when the full colour logo does not work well with the background that you are using.
When you are using our single colour logo, where possible this should be in our University blue, not black or grey.
For more information and examples of correct and incorrect logo usage, please refer to our visual identity guidelines.
Exclusion zone and minimum sizes
Giving the logo a distinct presence in any design will ensure it has maximum impact.
To ensure this, the logo must always have a clear space – an exclusion zone – around it for clarity, so that it does not appear connected to other text or graphics.
This space is the height of the ‘e’ in Newcastle, but in some cases you may need to add more space around the logo for visual balance, or to ensure you do not distract from the other messages you wish to communicate.
For print
To ensure legibility, the logo should never be reproduced in print smaller than the recommended minimum size of 30mm across the width of the logo.
For digital use
The minimum display size for digital use is 35 pixels in height. If required smaller than 35 pixels, a ‘crest-only’ version should be used.
Logo lock-ups
The University logo is the only logo we allow to represent faculties and units within the University.
Colleagues are not permitted to develop their own logo for their area of work.
We may approve a University lock-up logo for occasions or specific activities. This is only likely when the use of a lock-up logo is the only way to express that you are a part of Newcastle University.
You can't use a lock-up logo on:
- the University website navigation bar
- the University PowerPoint template header
- University corporate stationery
- University business cards
Please note:
- lock-ups are not for use alongside academic school names
- you should not use multiple lock-ups within one service area to denote strands of service delivery
Applying for a lock-up
To apply for approval for a logo lock-up please contact brand-support@ncl.ac.uk. We'll need details of why you need the lock-up, when you would use it, and why you can't use the University logo in these instances.
If approved, we'll create the artwork for you to use. You should not create your own version.
Please note it is likely we will use the University logo for most University activity. We would only develop a logo lock-up would where there are clear reasons for the need for the lock-up version.
If more than one area of the University is represented externally at an event or in a piece of work, multiple lock-up variations must not be used. The main Newcastle University logo must be used in these instances.
Partnership branding
Where Newcastle University is a partner or collaborator in a multi-institutional research centre or project, an identity or logo may be developed as part of this collaboration. Always think carefully about whether a further logo is really needed or whether you can express your activity without one. Multiple logos become complex to use.
You should never use any other logo within the ‘eye line’ of the logo when the University is the primary partner.
For further information, guidance, and examples around partnership logos, download our visual identity guidelines.
Social media use
For social media accounts connected to the University, the full colour crest on a white background should be used at all times.
The previous multi-coloured social media logos should no longer be used.
Please ensure that there is enough space around the logo-shield, particularly when the logo appears in a circular profile picture box and ensure edges are not cropped off.
Sharing our University logo with third parties
Our logo is a registered trademark, therefore that means that it cannot be shared with other organisations for use without permission.
If you need to supply the logo to a third-party organisation, please contact brand-support@ncl.ac.uk to obtain permission.
Where can I get the University logo?
The logo is also available to download from the University Photo Library. When requesting the logo artwork please include details of where the asset will be used.
Advice and support
For advice and support regarding the logo, and to request the artwork, contact Brand Support at brand-support@ncl.ac.uk.