Birmingham Newman University Officially Opens New School of Business and Law

Birmingham Newman University has officially opened its new School of Business and Law.

It is a milestone development that reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to widening participation, social mobility and economic growth across the West Midlands and beyond.

The launch was marked with a special opening ceremony attended by students, staff, local employers and civic partners. The event was formally opened by Mark Smith, High Sheriff of the West Midlands, who praised the University’s civic mission and its role in developing the region’s future workforce.

Mark Smith, High Sheriff of the West Midlands, said: “It is an honour to be part of the opening of the School of Business and Law at Birmingham Newman University—a development that speaks to the University’s deep commitment to serving our communities and preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals.

As High Sheriff of the West Midlands, I see first-hand the need for education that not only raises aspirations but also responds directly to the social and economic challenges we face across the region. This new School will play a vital role in shaping a more skilled, inclusive and socially responsible workforce supporting both our local economy and the civic fabric of the West Midlands for years to come.”

(from left) Kate Dobson, Head of School (Business and Law), Mark Smith, High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Professor Jackie Dunne, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham Newman University

The School of Business and Law brings together a range of key subject areas under one umbrella including Business, Accounting and Finance, Law, Computer Science, Criminology, Policing, and Working with Children, Young People and Families. The School has been specifically designed to address local skills gaps, meet employer needs, and support student aspirations from across the region.

With over 50% of Birmingham Newman students being the first in their families to attend university, the School’s launch marks another step in delivering high-quality, inclusive education that creates pathways into employment and leadership across the West Midlands.

Dr Mohammed Jakhara, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Society and Professional Studies said: “The launch of the School of Business and Law is an exciting development for Birmingham Newman University. The University takes pride in delivering quality, inclusive education that supports the aspirations of our students and enables them to meet the workforce needs of today and the future. The School works closely with industry partners in the development and delivery of programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses.”

Rooted in the University’s ethos of social justice, respect and community, the School is committed to producing graduates who are both professionally equipped and socially conscious. The School will also play an active role in supporting the Government’s “Invest 2035” regional economic development plan, focusing on employability, entrepreneurship, and enterprise to strengthen the resilience and productivity of the local economy.

Professor Jackie Dunne, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham Newman University, said: Our new School of Business and Law at Birmingham Newman University will serve and shape the vibrant economic and social landscape of the West Midlands region, developing graduates who are not only professionally equipped but also ethically grounded and socially conscious. At Birmingham Newman, we believe that education should serve the common good and this new School will be a place where that vision is taught, explored, challenged, and lived. We are proud to launch with a curriculum shaped by contemporary relevance, employer insight, and academic excellence and a community that nurtures critical thinkers, responsible leaders, and compassionate advocates. We will work with employers to play our part in developing the graduate workforce of tomorrow.”

Looking ahead

With new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in development, and stronger links with employers and civic partners, the School of Business and Law aims to be a driver of opportunity not just for students, but for the region as a whole.