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.