Skip to main content

Branding FAQs

Answers to key questions around use of the University logo, colour palette and visual identity.

Can I add an additional logo to the front of a business card?

If the University has an official partnership with the organisation and there is a robust rationale for the request, an additional logo can be added to the back of the card.

We also suggest including a QR code (usually to the additional organisation’s website), with a CTA along the lines of  'scan to find out more about XXXXX'.

We don't add additional logos to the front of the cards as there is limited space. We always lead with the University logo and the name of the University unit/partnership in bold as part of the address.

Can I add the logo to my report?

The University logo can only be included on reports commissioned by the University and written as a member of University staff.

If a colleague has produced a report in an independent capacity, not as part of their Newcastle University employment, they can’t use the University’s logo.

 

Can previous members of staff or alumni add the University logo to their website or presentations?

No, but they can use the Newcastle University name to state they worked or studied at the University.

Can I alter the logo?

No. The logo, or any element within it, cannot be altered or redesigned.

Can students use elements of the logo to create a society logo?

No. The logo, or any element within it, cannot be altered or redesigned.

Students cannot use the University logo for their societies. They have access to the internal facing Team Newcastle logo to use alongside their society logo.

Can a third-party add the University logo to their website?

If a University colleague is including a testimonial on the website, they can use the University logo.

If the organisation has a partnership/collaboration with the University, they can use the logo.

Before they use the University logo, they must agree to use of the trademarked logo only for the purpose stated.

They must also have a designated University member of staff responsible for signing off the copy and positioning of the logo. They must also make clear that the University reserves the right to ask them to remove the logo at any time.

They cannot add the University logo just because they are a supplier. This suggests we are endorsing their product/service and this may not be the case.

Can I use the University logo in black?

The University’s primary logos are full colour and full colour reverse.

A single colour black logo is only used in exceptional circumstances when only two-colour printing on merchandise is available.

Can I use the University logo in white?

The University’s primary logos are full colour and full colour reverse.

A single colour reversed logo is only used in exceptional circumstances when the full colour reversed logo does not work well with the background.

The full colour reversed logo works against all colours in the University’s brand colour palette.

Which logo do I need if I have an asset with special finishing?

Foil stamping, embossing: single colour reversed logo artwork.

Debossing: single colour logo artwork.

Can I share the University logo with external partners for marketing purposes?

If you are working with a design agency to produce marketing assets for University purposes, you can share the logo with them, alongside the Brand Guidelines to ensure correct usage.

If you need to supply the logo to another third-party organisation, please contact brand-support@ncl.ac.uk to obtain permission. If granted, they should use the logo in line with the supplied guidelines.

If Newcastle University is a partner or collaborator in a project, there are specific guidelines regarding how the logo should be used. These are outlined in our Brand Guidelines.

Where can I download the University artwork?

The University logo artwork can be downloaded from our Asset library. There is a public brand collection that all colleagues can access.  

More information about the Asset library is available on SharePoint.

Are there guidelines I can give to a supplier on how to use the logo correctly?

Yes – our Brand Hub is accessible outside of the University. You can send suppliers a copy of our Brand Guidelines to make sure they have access to all of the information they might need. These can be downloaded from our Asset Library.

How can I tell I am using the most recent version of the logo?

The most recent version of our logo is the full colour logo, and the writing should align with the top and bottom of the crest.  

If the crest extends below the ‘Newcastle University’ writing, this is the old version of the logo, and where possible should be updated.