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BA Single Honours Applied Humanities (Accelerated degree)

Undergraduate

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Two Applied Arts and Humanities students in lecture room

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BA Single Honours Applied Humanities (Accelerated degree)

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Discover how the humanities can help you navigate change, lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact. Are you looking for a degree that’s as dynamic and unique as you are?

Applied Humanities isn’t about textbooks or exams. It’s about you!

We offer a blend of personalised coaching and group activities, designed not only to support your academic success but also to inspire you to make meaningful, positive changes in your life.

We know that you have unique talents and experiences, and our goal is to assist you in unlocking your full potential. We are dedicated to enhancing your skills and guiding you towards personal and professional success. Applied Humanities provides the platform to explore your passions and align them with your long-term aspirations.

By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a degree – you’ll have the resilience to handle setbacks, the initiative to navigate life’s changes, and the confidence to seize new opportunities.

What does this course cover?
What You’ll Study and How You’ll Learn.

You will study a blend of subjects drawn from the humanities, including philosophy, literature, history and ethics, alongside modules focused on personal development and professional practice. Learning is delivered through a combination of online and on-campus sessions, condensed into two days per week to support a balanced study experience. You will take part in coaching, collaborative projects and reflective activities that connect academic ideas with your own goals and experiences. Each module is designed to help you build a foundation of knowledge that is intellectually stimulating and practically applicable, with opportunities to explore contemporary issues through creative and critical approaches.

We know that life can get busy. Applied Humanities has been designed to fit into your schedule. Campus sessions are scheduled over just two days a week with additional online material to support your learning journey. We also offer regular one-to-one academic life coaching to help you stay focused and organised with your other responsibilities.

• Focused learning with breaks
• Study one module at a time
• Academic life coaching
• Life-wide activity weeks
• Study one module at a time
• No exams – 100% Coursework

How will I be assessed?
How Will I Be Assessed?

In Applied Humanities, we offer a personalised learning experience. This means that your assessments are negotiated on an individualised basis and centred on your personal development and progression.

Here are some inspiring examples based on the work of our current and former students:

Career Quest: Envision your future through a micro-report exploring various career paths. Uncover the skills, qualifications, and experiences needed for a lifelong learning adventure.

Success Unveiled: Craft a short video sharing your unique vision of success. Showcase how personal experiences play a vital role in lifelong learning.

Our Shared Roots: Embark on a journey through your heritage using interviews and archival images. Present them in a digital timeline, revealing the captivating stories that have shaped your identity.

Digital Fairy Tales: Reimagine classic fairy tales for the digital age. Foster digital literacy for children in an engaging and imaginative way.

Build a Business: Develop a comprehensive business portfolio and plan. Turn your dreams into reality with a grand opening at Birmingham Newman University.

Safeguarding Hub: Construct a digital resource tailored for early career teachers, including a podcast series with infographics. Provide valuable insights into the world of safeguarding.

Magazine Pilot: Write and edit the pilot edition of a digital magazine, focusing on issues that interest you. Past examples include sustainability for the plus-size market and gaming for millennials.

ADHD Explained: Create a podcast series delving into understanding ADHD. Include interviews with professionals and individuals navigating life with a recent diagnosis.

Book a free consultation

Want to find out more about your options? Book a free consultation with an academic life coach.

Book a free consultation

Meet our staff

Kristin O'Donnell

Kristin O’Donnell

Senior Lecturer in Applied Humanities

Duncan Frankis

Duncan Frankis

Co-Programme Lead, History

Emma Folwell

Dr Emma Folwell

Head of Interdisciplinary Studies

Why Study This Course?

Flexible Study: Our fast-track degree is designed to fit your life, allowing you to balance studies with work and family commitments.

Career Enhancement: Build a Personal and Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) throughout the program, opening doors to exciting employment opportunities.

Academic Life Coaching: Benefit from personalised coaching sessions designed to help you identify and achieve your goals.

Authentic Assessment: Showcase your strengths with real-world projects tailored to your interests and aspirations.

Lifelong and Lifewide Learning: Embrace a continual learning approach that recognises achievements in all areas of your life.

Explore the Humanities in Real-World Contexts

Applied Humanities is built around your interests and goals. We use innovative methods from the humanities combined with hands-on activities and supported by academic life coaching. This approach focuses on practical learning, innovation, problem-solving, and preparing you for a dynamic job market.

Supportive and Personalised Learning

At Birmingham Newman University, you will be part of a welcoming academic community that values your experience and supports your growth. Teaching is delivered by experienced academics and coaches who offer personalised guidance throughout your studies. With small class sizes, regular feedback and a focus on practical learning, you will be encouraged to build confidence and prepare for your future career.

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Entry requirements

We welcome students from all backgrounds and accept a wide range of qualifications. If yours aren’t listed, don’t worry – our Admissions Team can help you explore your options. See full entry requirements.

• A-Level: Grade profile of CCC or 96 UCAS Tariff Points.
• BTEC: Grade profile of MMM. 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 Pass (A*-C) grade.

If English is not your first language, you must have the following IELTS score:
· Foundation courses: A Secure English Language Test equivalent to IELTS 5.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
· Undergraduate courses: A Secure English Language Test equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
Other English language qualifications are also accepted. Please contact admissions for further information.

Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.

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Course fees

The tuition fee for academic year 2025/26 is: £11,440

Fees for the 2026/27 academic year are subject to change and will be published here on 9 February 2026.

Additional costs

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

Find out more about additional costs

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Studying and Living in Birmingham

At Birmingham Newman University, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green campus that creates the ideal setting for focused study and personal reflection, yet remains just eight miles from the vibrant city centre.

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham is also one of the youngest and most diverse in Europe, offering a dynamic blend of culture, innovation and opportunity. From world-renowned museums and music venues to a thriving food scene alongside a growing business and tech sector, it’s a place where creativity and ambition naturally thrive.

Experience Birmingham: A City Full of Possibilities

Whether you're discovering the Midlands for the first time or already know the area well, Birmingham provides a lively and inclusive environment for students. As one of the most energetic and multicultural cities in the UK, it’s a place where you can grow academically while developing personally. Its rich cultural heritage, creative energy and broad range of opportunities make it an inspiring backdrop for your university journey.

A City That Loves Great Food

Birmingham is a brilliant place to explore diverse culinary experiences. You might wander through the famous Balti Triangle, sample global street food at Digbeth Dining Club or enjoy a relaxed meal by the canals in Brindleyplace. The city is also home to independent cafés, vegan-friendly eateries and countless hidden gems. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between lectures or planning an evening out, there’s always something new to discover.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

The city pulses with creativity. You could catch live music at the O2 Academy, experience a world-class performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome or browse exhibitions at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Creative spaces like the Custard Factory showcase local talent while hosting events that celebrate innovation. With festivals, sporting fixtures and cultural celebrations taking place year-round, there’s never a shortage of things to enjoy.

Simple & Convenient Travel

Getting around Birmingham is straightforward thanks to its well-connected public transport system. Buses, trams and trains make it easy to reach campus, explore the city or travel further afield. Whether you're commuting daily or heading off for a weekend adventure, transport is both accessible and affordable.

Life Beyond the Lecture Hall

Your time at Birmingham Newman University extends far beyond academic study. You’ll have the chance to join student societies, contribute to community projects or try something entirely new. The university’s supportive atmosphere encourages you to build confidence, develop practical skills and feel genuinely at home throughout your studies.

Where This Course Can Take You.

Applied Humanities gives you the flexibility and time to explore a range of future professional careers, graduate jobs, or further postgraduate training.

Some options:

• Charities and NGOs
• Civil Service
• Content Creation
• Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Design and Development
• Education
• Human Resources
• Law
• Marketing
• Media and Journalism
• NHS Leadership
• Nursing
• Police Service
• Policy
• Politics and Government
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Teaching

While the degree provides an excellent foundation, roles such as Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and Teaching will require additional professional qualifications and/or training. This may include English, Maths, and/or Science GCSE (Level 2) or equivalent qualifications. Some roles may also require placement or work experience. The BA Applied Humanities programme can support you in planning and preparing for the next stage of your career.

Accreditations and Exemptions

The BA (Hons) Applied Humanities is a university-accredited undergraduate degree awarded by Birmingham Newman University. The course provides a strong academic foundation and transferable skillset valued across a wide range of sectors. Its accelerated structure enables you to complete your degree in two years, preparing you for your future with a qualification that reflects both intellectual depth and practical relevance. Employers seek graduates who can think critically, communicate effectively and adapt to change, all qualities this course helps you develop.

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