Foundation Year

Welcome to Foundation Year Studies at Birmingham Newman University, and to the first year of your four-year degree programme.

The foundation team is looking forward to welcoming you to the University, and helping you get started on your degree.

Course timetable information

Timetable

First block teaching starts week beginning 19 January 2026

For on campus activities students are split into groups at enrolment. Each group will have its own timetable.  You will also be allocated a seminar group which will involve 2×2 hour seminars, plus a 1-hour seminar each week. These classes are scheduled between 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays.

Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 3 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.

In addition, you will also have a degree subject session.  Degree subject groups are timetabled as follows:

Accounting and Finance

  • Fridays 9am to 12pm

Business Management

  • Mondays 12pm to 3pm

Computer Science

  • Mondays 9am to 12pm

Counselling and Working with Children, Young People & Families, Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Mondays 3pm to 6pm

Criminology, Professional Policing

  • Fridays 3pm to 6pm

Early Childhood Studies, Education and SEND, Studies in Primary Education, Working with Children, Young People & Families

  • Fridays 11am to 2pm

Health and Social Care

  • Mondays 9am to 12pm

Humanities courses (English, History, Theology and Philosophy)

  • Mondays 1pm to 4pm

Law

  • Wednesdays 9am to 12pm

Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS

  • Fridays 2pm to 5pm

Psychology courses

  • Wednesdays 10am to 1pm

Sport courses

  • Fridays 2pm to 5pm
Pre-induction
  • Helpful tips on preparing for university
  • Opportunities to upskill
  • Hear from current and former students about their experiences
Induction activities

There are two induction sessions for Foundation Year.  Look for your course subject below to see which induction session you should attend.

Monday 12 January 10am to 12pm (Room DW101) and 1pm to 3pm (Room HI002)

  • BA Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business courses
  • Criminology
  • Law
  • Policing
  • English
  • History
  • Theology and Philosophy
  • Working with Children, Young People and Families
  • Early Childhood Studies
  • Education and SEND
  • Studies in Primary Education

Monday 12 January 1pm to 3pm (Room DW101) and 3pm to 5pm (Room DA001)

  • Computer Science
  • Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Counselling and Working with Children, Young People and Families
  • Health and Social Care
  • Psychology courses
  • Sports courses
During your induction you will be able to:
  • Meet the team ​
  • Get to know each other​
  • Complete your enrolment – Photo ID​
  • Connect to the campus
  • Meet university support services​
  • Ask us any questions you have

IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.

Module delivery

In the semester of study (between January and May), students take two modules: Education and Society and Degree Group.

In Education and Society, students work with your foundation lecturer to develop their academic skills and confidence while exploring a range of ideas and concepts from identity to inequality and applying these to their degree subject.

In Degree Group, students work with a degree-specific lecturer, and develop an understanding of the foundations of their chosen degree.

Teaching team

If your place is confirmed, you will be taught by a range of tutors from both the foundation and degree teams during your first year.

A foundation tutor may also contact you in January to introduce themselves and learn more about you.

The foundation team includes:

  • Helen Bardy
  • Dr Rory Booth
  • Dr James Brennan
  • Michael Gilsenan
  • Dr Pushpa Kumbhat
  • Dr Frankie Hines

Access services and support throughout your degree

At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone. We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.

Here are some of the ways we can help:

If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help

Teaching start date

  • Monday 12 January 2026

Subject Leads

  • Head of Subject – Dr Emma Folwell
    • e.folwell@staff.newman.ac.uk
  • Programme Lead – Dr Pushpa Kumbhat
    • p.kumbhat@staff.newman.ac.uk

Stay connected with OurNewman app

OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:

  • Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
  • Access to your files, emails, and course resources
  • Find support services and keep up to date with campus events

Student Handbook

Student Handbook

Download (PDF – 3.68MB)

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