Both Newcastle University and Northumbria University have been home to many famous faces over the years. From stars of stage and screen to politicians, entrepreneurs and lawmakers.
Some of these names are household favourites, recognisable across the nation in our favourite things. Others are lesser known but their impact is felt far and wide.
If you have your eyes on a degree from one of the city's universities, you're in good company. Here are some of the famous alumni that called Newcastle and Northumbria home.
Read more: Newcastle University moves up in Times Higher Education World Rankings for third consecutive year
Newcastle University
Newcastle has long been a popular choice for students heading to university. It recently moved up in the influential Times Higher Education World University Rankings to 139th globally and 20th in the UK.
Countless students have passed through its doors, drawn in by its world-class reputation in medicine, science, engineering, social sciences, arts and humanities.
Rowan Atkinson
The star of Blackadder, Rowan Atkinson is the national treasure behind some of the country's favourite characters, including the bumbling spy Johnny English and the comical Mr Bean. He studied at Newcastle University in 1975 where he graduated with a BSc in Electrical and Electronical Engineering.
Bryan Ferry
County Durham-born Ferry studied fine art at the university until 1968. He went on to dominate the music scene and, at one point, Ferry was credited with influencing a generation alongside his contemporary David Bowie with their music and style.
Olly Hicks
Olly is a motivational speaker and triple world record holder for maritime expeditions, he is best known for being the only person to have rowed solo from America to England and the youngest to row any ocean solo. He is also the only person to have rowed from Tasmania to New Zealand and in 2016, he led the Greenland to Scotland Kayak Challenge in a bid to prove the Inuit may have reached Europe in the 17th century.
Dr Ali Mohamed Shein
While probably one of the lesser-known names on this list, Newcastle University alumni include Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, a doctor who became the 7th president of Zanzibar. Dr Shein studied for his PhD in Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine at the university in 1989.
Princess Eugenie
As well as academic royalty, Newcastle University boasts actual royalty. Princess Eugenie, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, graduated in 2012 with a BA in English Literature and History of Art.
Northumbria University
Newcastle University isn’t the only institution in the city that has attracted some famous faces in the making over the years. There are a number of notable figures who started out their careers as Northumbria graduates.
Sting
Perhaps one of Newcastle's most famous names also studied at Northumbria University. Sting, aka Gordon Sumner, qualified as a teacher after studying at what was then the Northern Counties College of Education from 1971 to 1974.
Victoria Pendleton
Victoria is one of Britain's most successful female track cyclists and Olympic gold medalists, having won nine world titles. She graduated in 2002 after studying a BSc in sport and exercise science at the university.
Amanda Berry
The queen of BAFTA, Amanda is acknowledged to have transformed the fortunes of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts after she became its chief executive in 2001. She studied business studies and graphic design, graduating in 1982.
Sir Jony Ive
Sir Jonathan Ive is a designer who studied a BA honours degree in design for industry in 1985. He worked closely with Apple founder Steve Jobs and played a vital role in the designs of the iMac, iPhone, iPod, iPad and Macbook.
Bibiano Aido
Spain's youngest-ever minister and first minister for equality Bibiano Aido studied at Northumbria University as part of an exchange programme studying international business administration. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Newcastle Business School in 2011.
Read next:
Rishi Sunak LIVE: Updates as he's appointed UK's next Prime Minister after meeting King Charles
Enjoy spooky afternoon tea with your dog at South Causey Inn Halloween event
30 biggest food price rises such as pasta and tea making your shopping bills soar
James Corden admits he was 'ungracious' during New York restaurant incident
Mum vows to never go back to Asda after 'disgusting' breastfeeding experience
