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Part-time Jobs

Find out about part-time work and where you can find opportunities.

About part-time work

Part-time work is a great way to gain work experience, develop valuable skills, meet new people and earn extra money. 

While many students work part-time in shops, bars, restaurants, and call centres, in some sectors you can get a part-time job related to your degree course. This may be, for example, in healthcare, marketing or web design. For some sectors this may not be possible, and instead experience could be gained through placements, internships, work shadowing or volunteering.  

Lots of students seek part-time work in the city centre, so think about extending your search. Locations outside Newcastle including Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and North Tyneside are all accessible by bus and metro. 

From 29 September – 10 October the Careers Service are hosting Part-time Jobs Pop Up events with employers who are currently recruiting for part-time workers, see our events webpage for a full list of employers taking part.  

We have advice for international students on working in the UK during your studies. This includes information on employment rights and how to apply for a National Insurance number. 

If you’re looking for part-time work to help support you with living costs, see also Newcastle University’s Cost of Living Hub for additional advice and support. 

 

Part-time pay

How much you will be paid depends on your age, the type of work and employer. However, all employers must pay their workers at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

The current NMW rates (from 1 April 2025) are: 

  • £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21+
  • £10 per hour for workers aged 18-20
  • £7.55 per hour for workers aged under 18 and apprentices 

Finding part-time jobs

You can use these websites to find advertised part-time jobs:

Identifying fake jobs

We're often asked how to tell whether a job advert is a scam or for a real job. It can be hard sometimes to tell the difference, however, there are typical warning signs.

Visit our page on identifying fake or scam jobs for more advice.

Opportunities on campus

Part-time work on campus is often advertised via MyCareer. Search using 'Newcastle University' in the Organisation search field.  

You can also find student jobs advertised on School notice boards or on the University's main vacancies portal. 

Before starting any work for the University, you will need to register as a casual worker. Information is available on the Working on Campus webpage. 

There's a wide range of paid part-time work opportunities available on campus each year, we've included a selection of these below:

Jobs on Campus (JobsOC)

Work across campus in a variety of casual, temporary and longer term roles. The JobsOC team advertise short and long term roles across campus via their Teams site. Find out more and register for JobsOC.

NCL Internships

At the Careers Service we offer flexible, paid internships. These can be in term-time or in the summer, either on campus or with local employers.  Roles are advertised throughout the year on MyCareer. 

CV Advisers

The Careers Service recruits student CV Advisers each year. You will be paid to advise students on CVs, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.

The hours are flexible around your studies. Positions are advertised on MyCareer in March, you must be a registered Newcastle University student for the following year to be eligible. This opportunity is open to students of all degree disciplines and stages.  

Student Ambassadors

Inspire young people while representing and promoting Newcastle University as a student ambassador. The application deadline is usually early October each year. For more information contact studentambassadors@ncl.ac.uk  

Postgraduate Assessors

The Careers Service recruits postgraduate students each year to support student assessment for the career development module and the ncl+ Award. Positions are typically advertised on MyCareer in March for that academic year. 

Street Scientists

Become a street scientist to inform and inspire the public about STEM (science, technology, maths and engineering). You’ll perform live science demonstrations and answer questions. This can be in the city centre and at various festivals and events. This opportunity is open to Newcastle University undergraduate and postgraduate students. Positions are usually advertised from around September and close in early October each year.  

FutureMe Tutors

Take part in face-to-face tutoring to students in year 8. You will raise confidence and understanding of higher education options. Acting as a role model, you will inspire young people to consider applying to university. The position is open to current Newcastle University students. Applications usually open in September and close in early October each year. For more details, please contact megan.williamson@newcastle.ac.uk.  

Exam Invigilators

Assist with the smooth running of University exams by becoming an exam invigilator.

This is an opportunity for postgraduate research students. Applications usually open in September and close mid-October. Please contact the Exams Office if you have any queries about this role. 

Newcastle University Sport

Sporting roles range from Intramural Sport Leaders or Strength & Conditioning Interns. Supporting roles are also available, such as First Aiders and Marketing Interns.  See Newcastle University Sport's website for more information. 

Lab Assistants

The School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences offers development opportunities to stage 2 students. This involves paid part-time lab assistant posts within research laboratories. To find other University lab-based work experience, check your school noticeboard or contact your department. 

Recruitment agencies 

Recruitment agencies can also be a useful source of part-time or temporary work. See Recruitment agencies for information and tips on using an agency.  

Seasonal work 

Seasonal work can be a great way to earn extra money and gain work experience. 

Seasonal work in the summer could be found at summer camps, festivals, or in harvest roles. Prospects have ideas and advice on finding summer work. 

In the autumn/winter, shops, restaurants and delivery and logistics companies often recruit extra staff before the Christmas period; recruitment typically takes place from September onwards, but can be as early as July. Employers often expect staff to have availability to work both during the lead up to and throughout the Christmas period. 

As well as using the vacancy sources listed above, for holiday and seasonal jobs, you can also visit: 

Non-advertised jobs 

Not all part-time jobs are advertised. In fact, many people create opportunities through: 

A speculative approach is common for finding part-time jobs. This is where you approach an organisation directly to ask if they have any opportunities available. 

Handing in a copy of your CV in person is particularly useful when looking for retail, bar or restaurant work. 

Start by identifying organisations you are interested in. Our guide to finding organisations below can help. Then use the following steps to approach them speculatively about possible opportunities: 

  1. Identify a contact name to address your cover letter to. Call, email or visit to find out who handles recruitment within the organisation. Or, find a key contact in the department you want to work in.
  2. Hand in or send them a tailored CV and cover letter. Express your enthusiasm for the sector. Show that you have researched the company.
  3. Follow up your speculative application with a visit, phone call, or email, around a week later. This shows you are serious and motivated.
  4. If your application was unsuccessful, ask for feedback or advice, and keep trying! 

How to find organisations  

Working for yourself

Some students work self-employed while studying. See Prospects’ advice on side hustles for students for an idea of the type of work you could do.  

International students who are in the UK on a student visa are not allowed to work on a self-employed basis. 

If you start working for yourself, you may need to report your income to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). You may also need to set up a business. 

For more information on self-employment finances, visit: 

Start Up 

The Start Up team have some valuable advice, workshops and funding opportunities for setting up your own business or doing freelance work part-time. 

START UP
Book an initial appointment

More help and advice

You can find more opportunities and advice on these websites:

If you’re worried about financial issues, the University has advice on managing your money and dealing with financial pressure during your studies.

Jobs on Campus
Gain skills and experience