Birmingham Newman University

Overview

Founded in 1968, Birmingham Newman University is a community-focused institution based in Bartley Green, Birmingham. It has built strong partnerships with many local businesses, charities and schools, making it an ideal choice for students wishing to gain practical experience during their degree.

Birmingham Newman University offers foundation degrees alongside undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a tranquil environment overlooking Bartley reservoir, outside Birmingham city centre. The small class sizes mean lecturers have plenty of time for every student, and help to build a friendly, community feel.

The majority of students are school leavers, though mature students are also well-represented, with a number of degrees offered on both a full-time and part-time basis. Birmingham Newman University offers the opportunity to take advantage of an internship or work placement during an undergraduate degree, as well as the option of studying abroad.

The university has excellent transport links. Birmingham New Street station serves both local and national transport networks, while there are direct bus routes to campus via the City Centre and beyond. Similarly,the nearby Birmingham International Airport is a gateway to the world.

Support is readily provided, with students given the right amount of care so that they know they can access help when needed, all while still developing independently and preparing themselves for their future career.

Students at Birmingham Newman University are positive about both their courses and lecturers, with the university ranking 6th in the ‘course and lecturers’ category of the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. This places it ahead of more established universities, such as the University of Birmingham and Aston University.

Birmingham Newman University consists of two faculties: the Faculty of Arts, Society and Professional Studies, and the Faculty of Education. Lecturers are experts in their fields, with the university’s research named world-leading in three areas: education, history and English.

Staff are passionate about sharing their knowledge with students, and a small student-to-staff ratio allows them to give all students one-on-one attention.

The smaller class sizes are particularly important – students will benefit from a much more personalised approach to learning, with courses flexible to allow for a tailored approach to both content and feedback, so that students find it easier to develop their knowledge and skills and thus achieve their full potential.

Entry requirements for undergraduate degrees vary by course, but in general applicants will require a UCAS score between 96-112 points or over, from qualifications including A levels, BTEC, Access Diplomas and Baccalaureates, depending upon the course.

For postgraduate study, the university generally requires a good undergraduate degree, usually at least a 2:1. However, the university is known for its flexibility, particularly concerning students who can offer a lot of relevant work experience or professional training in lieu of A-levels or a prior degree, so mature students needn’t worry about not meeting minimum grades if they have other experience to call on.

Birmingham Newman is always happy to discuss contextual admissions criteria for individual circumstances. Students who achieved good grades at a school, that scored significantly below the national average for students achieving five GCSEs at grade C or above, may be offered a lower average UCAS score for entry, as well as students who have spent six months or more in care.

Accommodation

The university offers a wide range of on-campus accommodation options, and students can choose between the newer Cofton Hall, built in 2018, and more budget-friendly accommodation including, Littlemore, Maryvale, and Oxford Halls.

All accommodation is close to campus facilities, including cafés such as Starbucks, the on-site restaurant, food trailer and the student bar.

Facilities

The main campus has many cafés, coffee shops and refreshment vendors to make sure that Birmingham Newman students are refuelled and replenished throughout the day. Starbucks coffee and tasty snacks are on the menu at the Atrium cafés, and the university’s main cafeteria, Bistro 32 serves hot meals.

All entertainment needs can be met at the Senses Bar, the on-campus student pub and venue which hosts live comedy, music and TV sport, serving up a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Students have access to a state-of-the-art, three-floor library, open from 7:30am to midnight seven days a week, with spaces for group work and scenic reservoir views.

Birmingham Newman’s Sports Centre features a cardio suite and range of gym facilities, tended by experienced staff offering personalised nutrition and training recommendations. The Sports Centre is open to everyone, with no joining fee, and student-friendly membership rates.

The Birmingham Newman University Students’ Union is home to the student advice clinic, a one-stop-shop for student support. The student advice clinic can offer general advice on university life processes, as well as provide guidance through academic or misconduct appeals or complaints. It is a free, independent and confidential advice service run by trained student advisors.

There is also a dedicated student support team who ensure students are able to make the most of their university experience. Academic support includes preparatory courses, study skills support and also personal support with dyslexia, disability and mental health.

There is always someone on hand to provide mental health and wellbeing support whenever it is needed, and counselling services are available as well. Students can access support in person, over the phone or online.

Student services also provide an online service, and the Chaplaincy provides a place where students of all faiths can come to worship and enjoy some quiet reflection and advice.

Birmingham Newman University has a long history of educating future teachers, and this is considered to be one of the university’s key academic strengths. Students with an interest in a teaching future will not only find the courses to be engaging and highly informative, but will benefit from the excellent links with education authorities developed by the university.

The university has cultivated a culture of collaborative learning and intellectual enquiry, and is widely regarded for its pastoral approach towards higher education.

Since the university was initially founded to follow a Catholic ethos, there are many courses around Catholicism and religion, and the university is also noted for the study of theology.

Birmingham Newman University is also recommended for courses related to the humanities, meaning there is a broad range of subjects that are well-regarded, supported by research groups conducting pioneering work into a number of current and emerging issues that are facing society today.

Students' Union

The Birmingham Newman University Students’ Union is an on-campus charity run by and for students. The union’s aim is to have a positive impact on students’ lives by offering activities, support and career development opportunities.

Clubs and Societies

There’s a student group for everyone at the students’ union, from the Anime and Manga Society to the Christian Union. Students who don’t see their interest represented can start a new society.

There are plenty of competitive sports teams at the university for budding athletes, but something special is the university’s commitment to inclusive sports opportunities, providing sports sessions for students of all ages and abilities, who don’t want to join an official team.

City life

Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city, so there is always plenty to see and do. The Bullring is one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, home to all kinds of shops, from high-end to high street, alongside plenty of independent stores, restaurants, cafés and bars.

Birmingham is also home to the Symphony Hall, where students can enjoy classical music and opera, or catch contemporary pop and rock at the ICC, O2 Academy Birmingham or O2 Institute in nearby Digbeth.

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£2.20 - £3.85

per pint

Birmingham Newman University creates career-ready graduates, which is reflected by the fact that an impressive 91% of students are in work or further study within six months of graduating.

New organisations are frequently added to the university’s list of partnerships, enabling students to take advantage of more and more work placement opportunities and network with potential future employers.

Birmingham Newman’s business partners also work closely with students on campus, informing the curriculum to reflect current industry needs and offering career advice, so Birmingham Newman University graduates are in high demand by local employers.

These events are organised by the university’s careers service, that students can utilise at any time. As well as bringing in business partners, the service helps students directly.

The team can assist students in preparing their own CV, finding opportunities for placements or volunteering, or even finding part-time work that fits around students’ lecture schedules, allowing them to build experience whilst also supporting themselves financially.

Scholarships/ Bursaries

Birmingham Newman University offers a wide range of scholarship and bursary options to ensure the financial security of its student population. The Birmingham Newman University Support Fund is available to any student suffering financial hardship. The Disabled Students’ Allowance is also available to Birmingham Newman University students who have a disability.

The university itself also offers a 10% discount for Birmingham Newman University graduates returning to study a master’s degree.

Fees

UK students

• Full-time single/joint honours courses cost £9,250 a year over three years, rising to £9,535 from 2025
• Part-time single/joint honours cost £5,130 a year over four and a half years
• Full-time single/joint honours degrees with a foundation year cost £7,500 for the foundation year and £9,250 for the three years of the main degree, rising to £9,535 from 2025.
• Initial Teacher Education costs £9,250, rising to £9,535 from 2025.
• Postgraduate fees vary by course – full details are available on the Birmingham Newman University website.

International Students

EU students currently pay the same fees as domestic students. Students from outside of the EU are advised to contact the international office at Birmingham Newman University for more information on fees.