Birmingham Newman University

Overview

Birmingham Newman University, founded in 1968, is a community-focused institution located in Bartley Green, Birmingham. It offers students the opportunity to study in a supportive environment, which combines high academic standards with a commitment to social justice and personal development.

The university provides a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed to foster both intellectual growth and practical skills. The university has a solid reputation for its teaching excellence, particularly in the fields of education, psychology, theology, and business. Alongside specialist lecturers and tutors, the university has an extensive support network for other academic and personal needs.

Birmingham Newman is known for its strong sense of community, which is supported by its student-centred approach and friendly campus atmosphere. The diverse student body, including mature and international students, helps to ensure that welcoming atmosphere.

While it provides a peaceful setting on the outskirts of the city, students also benefit from being close to the vibrant cultural and social scene of Birmingham, one of the UK’s largest cities. 

Postgraduate

Birmingham Newman University offers a range of postgraduate programmes designed to prepare students for successful careers or further academic research. Many of these courses can be taken on a full-time, part-time, or distance learning basis, offering flexibility for students who may be balancing work or other commitments alongside their studies.

The university’s postgraduate courses are highly regarded for their practical focus and their alignment with industry needs. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalised academic support, and close working relationships with experienced lecturers. 

Birmingham Newman University offers a variety of postgraduate courses, including master’s degrees in nursing, education, psychology, theology, business and computer science. There are also advanced and postgraduate diploma options, as well as postgraduate certificates.

The courses are designed to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for whatever their chosen next steps may be – not only will they be ready to succeed, but they will be in an advantageous position when applying for future roles.

Lecturers at Birmingham Newman are experienced professionals, many of whom have direct industry experience in their fields.

This means that students not only gain academic knowledge but also insights into real-world practices, learning from specialists who have a genuine passion for their respective fields. Lecturers are approachable and dedicated to student success, so that students are guided throughout their qualification – aided by the small student-to-staff ratios in every subject, ensuring a personalised approach to each student’s learning.

Because there is a range of different options for study at postgraduate level, the entry requirements for Birmingham Newman do vary. Students are advised to check the specific course pages for the exact requirements needed.

For MA and MSc courses, requirements typically include a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, although consideration will often be given to students who have a third-class degree or a non-honours option.

For professional qualifications, significant work experience may be accepted in place of formal academic qualifications, particularly in areas such as education. Other prior credits can also be transferred onto an application to Birmingham Newman via the Recognition of Prior Learning process.

International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through IELTS or an equivalent qualification, alongside their undergraduate qualifications.

The university’s admissions team is available to assist prospective students with their applications if they are uncertain about meeting the minimum requirements for their chosen course.

Accommodation

Birmingham Newman University does have a selection of halls of residence, all of which are named for places that were connected with Cardinal John Henry Newman. Priority for these halls is given to first-year undergraduate and foundation students, but if places are available then postgraduate students are welcome to apply.

Otherwise, the university is able to direct students towards suitable third-party accommodation options for those who wish to live within easy reach of the university’s facilities.

Facilities

The university is equipped with modern facilities to support both academic and recreational activities. This includes a selection of dining options on-site, including a cafeteria, a café and a student bar.

Postgraduate students have access to a well-stocked library offering not just physical and digital resources, but learning spaces for individual and group study as well. Lecture theatres are comfortable and contemporary, and the university offers specialised research areas too. The campus also offers sports facilities, including a sports hall for hire and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Birmingham Newman University offers comprehensive support services for all students, covering all aspects of life while enrolled.

Academic support is available through personal tutors and dedicated workshops aimed at developing research, writing, and study skills. While students accepted onto a postgraduate qualification are expected to be capable of producing quality work, these services help those who may need refinement on adapting their learning styles or writing to the university standard.

Additionally, the university provides a range of personal support services, including mental health counselling, financial advice, and assistance for students with disabilities. Students are actively encouraged to make use of the services as needed to help them focus on achieving success without distraction.

Postgraduate students are able to get tailored careers advice from a dedicated support team, so that they are best prepared for future success upon completion of their research project or taught course.

International students are particularly well-supported at Birmingham Newman, with services designed to help them settle into life in the UK including visa advice and English language support.

Birmingham Newman University is renowned for its teaching and research excellence across a broad range of disciplines, with particular strengths in education, psychology, and theology.

In the field of education, the university has established a reputation as a leader in teacher training and educational development. Its education programmes are recognised for their comprehensive approach, and are delivered by experienced academics who are actively involved in shaping educational policies at both national and international levels.

Postgraduate students benefit from close mentorship and gain practical experience through strong partnerships with local schools and educational organisations, preparing them to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.

Beyond these core areas, Birmingham Newman University actively develops its research profile across a wide range of disciplines, from social sciences to the humanities. This research-driven approach is integrated into all postgraduate programmes, allowing students to become active contributors to academic and professional communities.

Students' Union

The Newman Students’ Union (NSU) provides postgraduate students with opportunities to get involved in a range of activities and campaigns, while also representing student interests. NSU organises events that foster a sense of community on campus, and postgraduate students are encouraged to engage with the union to make the most of their university experience.

Clubs and Societies

Birmingham Newman University offers a variety of clubs and societies, ranging from academic interest groups to social and recreational activities. The societies are open to all students, allowing postgraduates to connect with others across all levels of study at the university on shared interests, beliefs and hobbies.

City Life

Located just a short journey from Birmingham city centre, the university offers students access to one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. Birmingham is known for its diverse cultural scene, with museums, theatres, music venues, and restaurants offering plenty of options for socialising and exploration.

The city also boasts strong employment prospects, particularly in sectors such as finance, technology, and education, providing postgraduate students with networking and career opportunities.

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Birmingham Newman University places a strong emphasis on employability, ensuring that its postgraduate courses are aligned with the needs of the job market. Graduates leave the university with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in a variety of professional settings.

Many postgraduate programmes are designed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring relevance to current and future employment trends.

The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers support to postgraduate students, including career guidance, CV writing assistance, and networking opportunities. Graduates benefit from strong links with local employers and can access work placements as part of many courses.

While all courses at the university are tailored towards future employment, the strength of education teaching at Birmingham Newman is a real advantage for anyone who sees themselves enjoying a career in this sector. A PGCE or equivalent from Newman is a strong addition to the CV of anyone who wishes to become a teacher.

Scholarships/Bursaries

There is a wide range of scholarship and bursary options available to postgraduate students at Birmingham Newman to support them in the next steps of their educational journey.

For international students, the university offers competitive course fees and an International Excellence Scholarship, depending on your chosen course and year of entry. Further information is available at the University website International students - Birmingham Newman University.

Fees

Postgraduate tuition fees at Birmingham Newman University vary depending on the course and mode of study. The university offers flexible payment options, and students may be eligible for loans via the Student Loans Company, or other financial support. Financial advice is available from the university for current and potential students who wish to explore their options.

International students are advised to consult the university’s website for detailed information about fees and funding options, as the financial requirements differ for students who are subject to international fees.

Taught

Birmingham Newman University offers a variety of taught postgraduate programmes, providing students with the opportunity to study full-time, part-time, or via distance learning. Taught courses combine lectures, seminars, and independent study, with assessments ranging from written assignments to presentations.

Students will engage with the driven and passionate faculty team at the university, learning from their experience and benefiting from the quality facilities provided by the institution. The full range of taught courses at Birmingham Newman can be found on the university’s website.

Research

The university supports a number of research-based postgraduate programmes, allowing students to engage in original research in their chosen fields. Research students are supported by experienced academic staff and have access to the university’s research facilities.

The work undertaken at Birmingham Newman is highly important to modern society. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), the university had five subject areas rated as producing work of “world-leading” quality: education, history, sport, social work, and social policy.

Distance learning

For students needing flexibility, Birmingham Newman offers several distance learning options. These programmes are designed to fit around students’ existing commitments, allowing them to complete their studies online while benefiting from full access to the university’s virtual learning environment.