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

Pre-induction

Helpful tips on preparing for university
Opportunities to upskill
Hear from current and former students about their experiences

Pre-induction website

Induction

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

Foundation Year Pre-induction website

Paying your student fees

Online enrolment

Key information

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

Find out more

Student Handbook

Download (PDF – 3.68MB)