Newcastle is one of England’s “new” debating institutions but our roots stretch back to the late 19th century. The Newcastle Junior Union Society was founded in 1880 where debating was a central part of the activities. Debating formed a central function of the Union, with the Debating Chamber being constructed in 1961. The Union Society as it is now called was founded in its modern form in 1982. Until the early 1990s debating was a part of student life in Newcastle.

Happily, our story is one of decline and rebirth. In 2001 a very few people, including our DCA Alex Ward, re-founded debating at Newcastle and formed what is now known as the Newcastle University Debating Society. Soon, that was followed by the re-creation of the Convenor of Debates Officer in the Union to bring debating to all the students, not just members of the Society.

We host an annual – and very popular - International IV, Inter Mural and various other competitions including the Newcastle-Durham Shield (alas, Durham currently hold the title for now!). Last year saw the launch of the Newcastle International Open competition.

Newcastle is a full member of the Scottish Student’s Debating Council; founding member of the Northern and Midlands Debating Association; and member of the English National University Debating Council.

Recent times have seen success for debating at Newcastle with breaks at Prague, Belgrade, Manchester, Glamorgan and Lancaster.

Newcastle debating has a fun feel to it, but it can be bruising and brutal at times! We always welcome new debating institutions to the community, and we feel we have a lot in common with the many universities in the UK and the rest of Europe that have emerged in the last ten years or so. Newcastle has deep roots, but is always proud to welcome new friends to our debating. Why not come and join us?