Social Policy and Administration postgraduate degrees

I was in the Bedford campus and the student life was limited. This was because many people travelled into uni from their homes. The student union was great at providing activities in the afternoons/ evenings. They also support students. all you have to do is email them or go to social events.

Studying at Birmingham Newman University has been a really positive experience overall. One of the best aspects is the strong sense of community — it’s a smaller university, which makes it feel more supportive and personal. Lecturers are approachable and genuinely invested in students’ progress, and it’s much easier to build relationships with both staff and classmates compared to larger universities. Another highlight is the campus environment. It’s compact and easy to navigate, with a friendly atmosphere that helps you feel comfortable quickly. The focus on student wellbeing and support services is also a big plus, especially during busy or stressful periods. That said, there are areas that could be improved. Because it’s a smaller university, facilities and resources can feel a bit limited compared to bigger institutions. There could also be more variety in extracurricular activities and societies to give students a wider university experience. Overall, it’s a great place to study if you value a close-knit, supportive environment, but expanding resources and opportunities would make the experience even better.

The best aspects are that the teachers are helpful and experienced and so it helps with learning, however there could be more help with exam resources such as more practice questions for the exam to get the most support

Best aspects: The university provides a supportive learning environment with helpful lecturers and good academic resources. The campus is generally welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities to develop skills both academically and personally. Worst aspects / Improvements: One issue that needs improvement is the heating and hot water system, as it does not always work properly. At times, students only have access to cold water, which can be uncomfortable and difficult, especially for students who are sensitive or have health issues related to cold temperatures. Ensuring reliable heating and hot water would greatly improve student comfort and wellbeing.

The best aspect of the uni experience would be the campus. There are many things to do here, as long as you actually head over to the Hope Park campus. I didn’t do this for the first two years but did in the final year and it was life changing!

Positives: There is a "close nit" and collective feeling at this uni. Since classes are fairly small and Chichester itself is a fairly small city, you get to know the area very well even after a few walks around the city and campuses. (The local charity and book shops are very nice, please do check them out!) If you enjoy a small town vibe where you can have charming hangouts with a few of your friends at the local bakery/coffee shop and you don't mind frequenting the same shop every week, then I would definitely recommend this uni for you. The resources for student help and support are easy to book and most needs are accounted for such as exploring counselling and neurodivergency. Moving to the university was very seamless and I integrated well into my accommodation (Stockbridge). Negatives: If you enjoy exploring a large busy city with giant buildings and that "metropolitan life", then Chichester is likely not the place for you. If you don't like commuting to your nearest shop or maybe not having access to specific amenities, then maybe do some research and have a stroll through the city on google maps.