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During this module, you will lay the groundwork for your future personal and professional development. You will have opportunities to explore career pathways and professional sectors, set goals, and consider your well-being. Throughout the development of your Personal Development Plan (PDP), you will have opportunities to develop crucial digital and information literacy skills.
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During this module you will take control of your own learning and chart an individualised pathway that aligns with your unique strengths, interests, and goals. This module will establish a series of learning habits (self-efficacy, collaborative practice and networking) which will form the basis for the rest of your degree and lifelong learning.
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The module provides you with a range of opportunities to establish intellectual, peer, and professional connections. Scheduled workshops will include guest speakers, typically from a wide range of sectors, as well as academics, Applied Humanities alumni and current students. Guest speakers have previously included professionals from diverse sectors such as the civil service, counselling, education, heritage, HR, marketing, NHS, police, politicians (both local and national) and community organisers. Academic speakers include specialists and active researchers from the humanities and beyond. These speakers provide invaluable insights into different professional and academic landscapes including the key issues, trends, and challenges facing these sectors. You are encouraged to engage in meaningful discussion, offer constructive feedback, build connections and develop, enhance and use your own networks.
Applied Humanities BA (Hons) - Accelerated Degree
Honours Degree, Undergraduate, September 2023
Key Details
- Y002 Course Code
- 2 Years
- 96 Typical UCAS Tariff
BA Applied Humanities is a two-year accelerated degree programme designed to provide flexible and personalised learning for undergraduate students of all ages. Through a combination of individual and group coaching, you will be supported to make positive change in your own life and wider communities. We value the knowledge and skills that you bring to your studies and will help you to recognise, express and further develop your personal and professional achievements. You will expand your knowledge of employment sectors related to your interests and long-term goals.
Throughout the course, tutors place a strong emphasis on developing high-level communication skills which range from negotiation strategies to critical thinking. The goal of BA Applied Humanities is to equip you with the necessary qualities and training to succeed in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. Our graduates possess the resilience to learn from setbacks, the initiative to adapt to change, and the confidence to take up new opportunities.
We continue to accept applications for September 2023. Applications to join us in 2024 can be submitted on UCAS from this September.
*Subject to Validation*
- Lifelong and lifewide approach: You will be encouraged to recognise achievements in all areas of your life and develop the confidence to demonstrate your potential for the future.
- Employability-focused studies: You will create a Personal and Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) across the course of the degree which enhances and expands your employment opportunities for the future.
- Individual and group coaching: You will undertake personal and group coaching sessions across the course of your studies. This is designed to help you develop a personalised programme of study.
- Authentic negotiated assessment: You will complete a mini project in your first year of study and a larger final project at the end of your degree, both of which are negotiated and can cover any topic and take any form.
- Flexibility: This accelerated degree has been designed to respond to your individual circumstances and can often be completed alongside other work and family commitments.
- English and History Specialisms: We currently offer subject-specific, ‘pathways’ in English and History (from level 5 onwards) which allows those students with a specialist interest the opportunity to study more traditional modules and pursue secondary teacher training in these subjects.
Applied Humanities builds the course around each individual student’s interests and goals. It draws on innovative methods including interdisciplinary practices from the humanities, individual and group coaching from the business world and experiential workshops and activities that embed practical engagement and reflective practice.
Applied Humanities takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning, drawing inspiration from established fields such as digital humanities, environmental humanities, medical humanities and postcolonial studies. This is combined with an applied method which forefronts experiential learning, innovation, problem-solving and readiness for a dynamic and competitive job market.
Your assessment is negotiated on an individualised basis and centred on your personal development and progression.
Here are some examples of assessments produced by our current and former students:
Year One
- Career investigation. A micro-report exploring career pathways, including skills, qualifications and experiences needed, providing an opportunity to plan for lifelong learning.
- Define success. A short video outlining an individualised vision of success, recognising the value of lived experiences as part of lifewide learning.
- Our heritage. A joint online time map exploring the heritage of two life-long Birmingham residents: one of Irish heritage and the other of Bangladeshi heritage, incorporating interviews and archival images.
Year Two
- Fairy tales for the digital age. Three mini-books for 8-11-year-olds re-imagining fairy tales for the digital age, responding to the demands of the national curriculum for embedding digital literacy.
- Budget Bakes: setting up a bakery business portfolio and plan with launch event hosted at Newman University.
- Safeguarding website: A digital resource for early career teachers including a podcast series and infographics.
- Plush magazine: The pilot edition of a digital magazine focusing on sustainability and fast fashion for the plus-size market.
- Understanding ADHD: A podcast incorporating interviews with a professional who diagnoses ADHD, and someone with a recent diagnosis, exploring the causes and consequences of the late diagnosis and under-diagnosis of ADHD in women and girls.
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
You could also use the degree to develop your own entrepreneurial ideas.
*Some of the above may require additional training or qualifications, such English, Maths and/or Science GCSE (level 2) or equivalent. Others require some placement or work experience. Whatever you need, Applied Humanities can help you get ready and plan for the next stage of your career.
Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Clearing 2023
Call our Clearing hotline now to see if we can offer you a place to start this September.
If on results day you wish to re-consider your choice and want to choose Newman University, you can apply to us over the phone (+44 121 476 1181) , on LiveChat or through Whatsapp.
You can also join us on Saturday 19th August for an Open Day to look around the facilities and talk with subject and support staff. No need to book, simply turn up.
Find out more
Entry Requirements
You must achieve at least 96 UCAS points including a minimum of CC at A level or equivalent (e.g.MM at BTEC Diploma; MPP at BTEC Extended Diploma) towards the total tariff.
Access Students can achieve the requirements with the following combination of Distinction, Merit and/ or Pass grades at level 3 achieved from a completed Access course. 96 UCAS Points: D21-M3-P21; D18-M9-P18; D15-M15-P15; D12-M21-P12; D9-M27-P9; D6-M33-P6; D3-M39-P3; D0-M45-P0.
The University accepts appropriate T Levels as part of its usual entry requirements.
We encourage students with any educational background and work experience to enquire and apply, even if they do not meet the stated academic entry requirements.
RPL/RPcL. Applicants may be admitted with advanced standing to a programme of study provided it is clear they have fulfilled some of the progressions and assessment requirements of the programme of study concerned by earlier learning and experience, and that they will be able, by completing the remaining requirements, to fulfil the outcomes of the programmes and attain the standards required for particular awards.
A DBS check is not required for entry into this degree.
International Students
The University is not licensed by the UK Government to sponsor migrant students under the Student route and is therefore unable to accept applications from international students at present.
Applying Direct Option
You can apply direct to Newman University for the full-time route for this course if you have not previously applied to Newman University through UCAS and you are not applying to any other universities.
September 2023 Direct Application link
January 2024 Direct Application link
September 2024 applications will go live in October.
N.B. will need to enter ‘New User’ account details when first accessing this portal.
Course Fees
The full-time course fee for September 2023 is £11,100.
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).
Additional Costs
There may be some additional travel costs for local site visits. These would be within the greater Birmingham area.
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
Modules
In addition to these compulsory modules, students will have the opportunity to undertake at least one optional specialist module from either English Literature, History or Theology and Philosophy.
Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes of Module Changes page.
Timetables: find out when information is available to students
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During this module, you will develop a Professional Development Plan (PDP) which may include your own CVs and personal statements or goals. This will assist you in preparing to submit applications for graduate roles and further study. By the end of the module, you will understand the job application process and possess the skills and confidence to succeed in your future job and careers.
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This module provides you with the opportunity to explore the principles and practice of interdisciplinary and interprofessional working. Group coaching sessions are typically student-led and focus on peer support and assessment development. You will be required to make a commitment to active listening, open and respectful communication as well as a willingness to share responsibility, resources and knowledge. The module will usually include a pitch or proposal for your final project.
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By the end of the module, you will have designed and delivered a project that demonstrates your ability to apply humanities-based approaches to real-world scenarios. You will be required to take a human-centred perspective, considering the ethical, social, and cultural implications of your work. Through the process of group coaching, you will record the development of your idea from inception to production, whilst refining a range of skills such as design thinking, project management, collaborative practice and effective communication.
Additional Information
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses