Entry requirements

We accept a variety of qualifications for our undergraduate degrees, including:

• A-levels
• T-Levels
• BTEC Extended and National Diplomas
• Access to Higher Education Diplomas
• CACHE Level 3
• International Baccalaureate
• Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate
• Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
• Irish Leaving Certificate

…and many more. For a full list of accepted qualifications and how they translate into UCAS points, please visit the UCAS website.

Most undergraduate courses are based on the UCAS tariff. You can check your points using the UCAS calculator.

If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, don’t worry – we offer degrees with a Foundation Year across many subjects. These are designed to help you build the skills and confidence needed for university study. Subjects include:

• Primary Education with QTS
• Applied Writing
• Business Management
• Counselling Studies
• Drama
• Early Childhood Education and Care
• English
• History
• Psychology
• Criminology
• Theology and Philosophy
• Youth and Community Work
• Health and Social Care
• Sport

If your course involves working with children or vulnerable adults, you’ll need an Enhanced DBS check. The initial fee is £38. If you already have a valid DBS and pay the annual subscription (£13), you’ll need to share your clearance and online record link with us.

We take a holistic view of every application. This means we consider your qualifications, experiences, and personal context—not just your grades. This approach supports our commitment to widening participation and social justice.

For most postgraduate courses, you’ll need:

• Additional course-specific requirements (see individual course pages)
• A relevant honours degree (some courses require a 2:2 or above, others a 2:1 or above)
• Two references—one academic and one professional

Applicants should normally hold a first-class or 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject, along with two references (academic and professional).

To apply for a PGCE at Birmingham Newman, you’ll need to:

• Attend an interview
• Obtain DBS clearance
• Meet the Fitness to Train to Teach requirements

School experience isn’t mandatory, but it can help you prepare. At interview, we’ll ask about your experience with school-aged children and your understanding of teaching your chosen subject. Your personal statement plays a key role in being invited to interview.

• A UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths, and Science at grade 4 (C) or above
• These GCSEs must be completed before enrolment. For equivalency test info, contact: FED@newman.ac.uk

• A UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (plus Science for Secondary Science) at grade 4 (C) or above
• These must be completed before enrolment. For equivalency test info, contact: FED@newman.ac.uk

All PGCE and education-related courses require an Enhanced DBS check. If you already have one and pay the annual subscription, you’ll need to provide your clearance and online record link.

We also assess your fitness to train to teach, in line with Department for Education guidance. We do this fairly and supportively, ensuring no discrimination against disabled candidates. Reasonable adjustments are available where needed.

Standard 3-year entry requirements

A-Level: 112 UCAS tariff points, with a grade profile of BBC

BTEC: Grade profile of DMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications, Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted including Access qualifications.

T-Level: A T-Level with an overall Merit grade.

Plus:

• GCSE/IGCSE English Language and maths grades 9-4/A*-C or equivalent
• Candidates must have achieved these before commencing on the three-year programme.
• Candidates must also complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which must be satisfactory prior to commencing the course.

The Admissions team will use the entrance criteria, as well as the personal statement, reference and work experience information, to shortlist candidates for interview. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview– Candidates will be assessed on their motivation and understanding of the role of a nurse and familiarity with the NHS Constitution and Values and the requirements of an NMC registered nurse.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) can be applied for providing this does not exceed 50% of the programme. The only exception to this is if you are an existing registered nurse and you wish to gain an alternative qualification in a different field of practice. In this instance more than 50% RPL/RPEL can be applied for. All RPL claims for NMC programmes are scrutinised on an individual basis and are also assessed by an external examiner as part of the School of Nursing and Allied RPL/RPEL process.

Health checks

As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. Candidates must prove they have been immunised against Rubella, Measles, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B. We strongly recommend that all successful applicants (unless exempt on medical grounds) receive a full course of Covid-19 and Influenza vaccinations prior to commencing the course.

Candidates must receive a satisfactory occupational health clearance prior to commencing the course.

Standard 3-year entry requirements

UCAS Tariff: 112 points

A Level: Grade profile of BBC

BTEC: Grade profile of DMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended National Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

T-levels: A T-level with an overall Merit grade.

Other Level 3 qualifications are also accepted for entry. Please contact the admissions team for further information.

Graduate Entry: A 2:2 or above in a related area will also be considered.

Plus:

• GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or equivalent

If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 7.0, with no element below 6.5. (Other English language qualifications are also accepted. Please contact admissions for further information).

Students must have achieved these before commencing on the three year programme.

Students must also complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Admissions team will use the entrance criteria, as well as the personal statement, reference and work experience information, to shortlist candidates for interview. Successful applicants will be invited to a face-to-face interview on campus. Candidates will be assessed on their motivation and understanding of the role of a Occupational Therapist and familiarity with NHS Constitution and Values as well as the requirements of an HCPC registered professional.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) can be applied for this programme. All RPL claims for HCPC programmes as scrutinised on an individual basis and are also assessed by an external examiner as part of the School of Nursing and Allied Health RPL/RPEL process. Applicants who have previously been enrolled in an occupational therapy pre-registration programme or any other health education programme will be required to submit a self declaration confirming no fitness to practice concerns.

Please note that equivalency tests or short GCSE courses are not acceptable for entry onto the BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy.

Non-academic entry requirements

Work Experience

Applicants are strongly encouraged to undertake voluntary work or gain work experience shadowing an Occupational Therapist in order to have a clear understanding of what the profession entails. This will help you to decide whether Occupational Therapy is the career for you. It will also enable you to demonstrate your commitment to and passion for the profession in your application and at interview.

If you are finding it difficult to organise work experience you could explore the profession through speaking with qualified Occupational Therapists, reading industry publications or undertaking some research online. Useful websites include The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and NHS Health Careers.

Health checks

As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. Candidates must prove they have been immunised against Rubella, Measles, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B. We strongly recommend that all successful applicants (unless exempt on medical grounds) receive a full course of Covid-19 and Influenza vaccinations prior to commencing the course.

Candidates must receive a satisfactory occupational health clearance prior to commencing the course.

All offers are subject to satisfactory Health Clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Students will also be required to sign a Code of Conduct and Fitness to Practice disclosure on commencement of the course.

Please contact Admissions if you have any questions regarding any of the above.

UCAS Tariff: 112 points

A-Level: Grade profile of BBC. To include a Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Physical Education and/or Psychology are also acceptable).

BTEC: Grade profile of DMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended National Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science, Health Science, Applied Science or Health and Social Care preferred) or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

T-levels: A T-level in Health or Science with an overall Merit grade.

Other Level 3 qualifications are also accepted for entry.

Please contact the admissions team for further information.

Graduate Entry: A 2:2 or above in a related area will also be considered.

Plus:

• GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or equivalent
• GCSE/IGCSE Biology or Human Biology grade 9-4/A*-C or equivalent

If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 7.0, with no element below 6.5. (Other English language qualifications are also accepted. Please contact admissions for further information).

• Applicants must have achieved these before commencing on the three year programme.
• Applicants will also be required to be successful at a values based in person interview.

All applicants for professional health programmes must undergo additional screening to ensure their suitability. Screening includes assessment of disclosure and barring service (DBS) status, as well as occupational health checks. Occupational health assessments ensure that applicants are fit to fulfil the demands of placements.

As part of the programme you will be required to successfully complete manual handling training and a mandatory assessment. This assessment includes carrying a weighted mannikin up and down the stairs using appropriate equipment.

A-Level: Grade profile of BBB. To include a grade B in biological science (Biology or Physical Education).

BTEC: Grade profile of DDM. This can be achieved from either an Extended National Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science, Health Science or Applied Science preferred) or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

T-levels: A T-level in Science with an overall Merit grade.

Other Level 3 qualifications are also accepted for entry. Please contact the admissions team for further information.

Graduate Entry: A 2:2 or above in a related area will also be considered.

Plus:

• GCSE/IGCSE English language and maths grades 9-4/A*-C or equivalent
• GCSE/IGCSE biology or human biology grade 9-4/A*-C or equivalent*

* Pass in a biology-focused module, e.g. anatomy and physiology, human biology, as part of a relevant Level 3 qualification is regarded as an equivalent for entrance.

If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 7.0, with no element below 6.5. (Other English language qualifications are also accepted. Please contact admissions for further information).

• Students must have achieved these before commencing on the three-year programme.
• Students must also complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Admissions team will use the entrance criteria, as well as the personal statement, reference and work experience information, to shortlist candidates for interview. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview. Candidates will be assessed on their motivation and understanding of the role of a physiotherapist and familiarity with NHS Constitution and Values as well as the requirements of an HCPC registered professional.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) can be applied for this programme. All RPL claims for HCPC programmes as scrutinised on an individual basis and are also assessed by an external examiner as part of the School of Nursing and Allied Health RPL/RPEL process.

Please note that equivalency tests or short GCSE courses are not acceptable for entry onto the BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.

Non-academic entry requirements

Work Experience

Applicants are strongly encouraged to undertake voluntary work or gain work experience shadowing a physiotherapist in order to have a clear understanding of what the profession entails. This will help you to decide whether physiotherapy is the career for you. It will also enable you to demonstrate your commitment to and passion for the profession in your application and at interview.

If you are finding it difficult to organise work experience you could explore the profession through speaking with qualified physiotherapists, reading industry publications or undertaking some research online. Useful websites include The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and NHS Health Careers.

Health checks

As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. Candidates must prove they have been immunised against Rubella, Measles, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B. We strongly recommend that all successful applicants (unless exempt on medical grounds) receive a full course of Covid-19 and Influenza vaccinations prior to commencing the course.

Candidates must receive a satisfactory occupational health clearance prior to commencing the course.

All offers are subject to satisfactory Health Clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Students will also be required to sign a Code of Conduct and Fitness to Practice disclosure on commencement of the course.

Please contact Admissions if you have any questions regarding any of the above.

You should achieve at least 112 UCAS points, including a minimum of BBC at A level or DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma or DM in a BTEC Diploma towards the total tariff of 112 points. Access Diploma students will need to have completed the course and achieved a minimum of 112 UCAS points. Please contact admissions@newman.ac.uk for information regarding additional qualifications accepted in meeting the UCAS tariff.

Access Students can achieve this with the following combination of Distinction, Merit and/or Pass grades at level 3 achieved from a completed Access course:

D30-M0-P15; D27-M6-P12; D24-M12-P9; D21-M18-P6; D18-M24-P3; D15-M30-P0

The University accepts appropriate T Levels as part of its usual entry requirements.

GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalents). Please be aware that whilst these GCSEs are not mandatory at application point, these qualifications must be obtained by enrolment. See our page on additional GCSE Equivalency test information.

Students will also be required to be assured against a set of fundamental maths and English skills by the end of their initial teacher training.

School experience is not a requirement for entry onto the programme. However, having experience in a school will support your preparation for training as a teacher.

At interview you will be given the opportunity to discuss any relevant school experience or opportunities that you have had to work with school aged children.

You will need to obtain Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health clearance and meet the requirements for fitness to train to teach prior to starting the course. For more information on your DBS application please visit the How do I complete my DBS form advice page.

For further information about the Interview Process see our ITE Interview page.

You should achieve at least 112 UCAS points.

A Level 3 qualification in the named degree subject area, for example A Level English for Secondary Education English 11-16 with Post 16 enhancement (with recommendation for QTS).

The University accepts appropriate T Levels as part of its usual entry requirements.

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalents). Please be aware that whilst these GCSEs are not mandatory at application point, these qualifications must be obtained by enrolment.

School experience is not a requirement for entry to the programme. However, having experience in a school will support your preparation for training as a teacher.

At interview you will be asked about any experiences that you have with school aged children and your understanding of teaching within your chosen age range. The quality and variety of your personal statement is an important factor in the decision to call you to interview.

You will need to obtain Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health clearance and meet the requirements for Fitness to Train to Teach prior to starting the course and be assured against a set of fundamental maths and English skills by the end of your course.

You must have a first degree in any subject (some courses require a 2:2 or above, others a 2:1 or above) or equivalent.

For those with international qualifications, you can use our International pages to search for your country’s specific requirements.

If any course has any further or specific requirements of you, we will advise you of this in your offer letter. As a principle of fair admissions, every applicant will be considered on their individual merit.