Birmingham Newman University offers a foundation year to complement our undergraduate degrees. The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year degree in BSc (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship with Sandwich Year

The foundation year provides an alternative route to studying Business and Entrepreneurship for those unable to meet the traditional entry requirements for this degree programme.

What is the Foundation Year?

The Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University is the first year of a four year degree. It is designed for students who do not have the qualifications or experience for direct entry onto a three-year undergraduate programme.

If you’re thinking about returning to education after a break or if you’ve had some tough times in education before, the Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University will support you and help you succeed.

Why should I study a Foundation Year?

Birmingham Newman’s Foundation Year will provide you with opportunities to:

• Develop confidence in your skills and abilities
• Develop an understanding of what is needed to be a successful undergraduate student
• Gain knowledge of your academic discipline

What will I study during the Foundation Year?

The integrated foundation year focuses on helping you think critically and feel confident in your studies. It begins with an exploration of how you learn, and gives you the space to learn in your own way.

The goal of the Foundation Year is not just to get you ready for your next year of studies but to make sure you feel connected to your chosen subject and to the university community. You’ll explore interesting topics like identity, inequality, and think about what it means to be human in a digital world.

The combination of seminar discussions, active workshops, online activities and one-to-one support will enable you to develop the skills you’ll need to succeed in the rest of your degree.

Find out more about the Foundation Year here, or book a free consultation with a member of the academic team.

The BSc (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship programme is for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs eager to make their mark.

This degree provides you with the tools and mindset necessary to launch and manage successful businesses. You’ll cover topics such as innovation management, business planning, financial forecasting, and startup culture.

Through interactive modules and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, you’ll learn how to turn ideas into viable business ventures. The programme also offers access to startup incubators and opportunities to pitch your ideas to potential investors.

Whether your goal is to start your own company or drive innovation within an existing business, this degree will equip you with the confidence and skills to succeed.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Learn how to think like an entrepreneur by mastering the art of innovation, business planning, and risk management—essential for anyone looking to start or manage a successful business.

Hands-On Business Creation

Through access to startup incubators and real-world projects, you’ll have opportunities to test your business ideas, receive mentorship, and gain practical experience in building a venture from the ground up.

Pathways to Self-Employment and Innovation

This programme empowers you to pursue self-employment or lead entrepreneurial initiatives within established businesses, opening doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.

Professional Confidence

Through interactive learning experiences and practical exercises, students develop the confidence to navigate professional environments. Role-playing scenarios, presentations, and networking opportunities help build self-assurance and effective communication skills.

Problem Solving

Our curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students tackle real-world case studies, engage in group projects, and participate in simulations to develop the ability to identify, analyse, and solve complex business challenges

Strategic Thinking

Modules such as Strategic Management foster strategic thinking by exploring industry trends, competitive dynamics, and long-term planning. Students learn to formulate and execute strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals and market demands

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is honed through rigorous analysis of business concepts, theories, and practices. Students evaluate diverse perspectives, assess evidence, and construct logical arguments to make informed decisions and solve problems effectively.

Business Acumen

Our programme cultivates a deep understanding of business principles, practices, and contexts. Through courses in finance, marketing, operations, and management, students develop the business acumen necessary to interpret financial data, assess market opportunities, and drive organizational success.

Reflective Skills for Professional Development

Reflective practice is integrated throughout the curriculum to promote continuous learning and personal development. Through journaling, self-assessments, and guided reflections, students gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth, enhancing their ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments.

9-12 hours of contact time supported with independent and directed study.

Course work, reports presentations , posters , digital artefacts. Debates case study analysis.

The assessments are designed to evaluate not only academic knowledge but also practical skills and competencies that are directly relevant to real-world employment scenarios.

This focus on employability ensures you graduate equipped to make an immediate impact in your chosen career path.

Students can progress onto Birmingham Newman University’s early career MBA, or our MSc International Business.

Graduates have moved into careers across all industries and sectors, with a number of students successfully starting their own businesses also.