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 Human Resource Management with Sandwich Year

The foundation year provides an alternative route to studying Business and Human Resource Management 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 Human Resource Management with Sandwich Year programme is designed for those passionate about fostering positive workplace cultures and managing organisational talent. You’ll explore core HR functions such as recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and organisational behaviour, while also developing strong business fundamentals. This combination ensures you’re well-versed in both the strategic and operational aspects of HR management. The programme includes case studies, simulations, and the opportunity for work placements, giving you hands-on experience in real HR challenges. Our team of experts will support you in developing the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern workforce management and become a trusted HR leader in any industry.

You will begin with an exploration of education and society. You will consider your own approaches to learning, while developing your confidence and academic potential. Through group discussion, you will consider the cause and consequences of inequality as you develop your academic writing skills. You will also have the opportunity to explore a range of digital and AI tools as you debate what it means to be human in a digital world.

Across the foundation year, you will spend time developing your understanding of the core concepts of your chosen academic discipline. You will have opportunities to develop your abilities to research, discuss and debate new ideas, as well as enhance your digital skills and foster an ability to reflect on your learning.

100% coursework! There are no exams during the foundation year. Instead, you’ll work on developing the skills you’ll need to succeed in the rest of your degree, including academic writing, digital literacy and communication.

For more information on what assessment looks like on your chosen degree pathway, see the relevant degree page.

100% coursework! There are no exams during the foundation year. Instead, you’ll work on developing the skills you’ll need to succeed in the rest of your degree, including academic writing, digital literacy and communication.

For more information on what assessment looks like on your chosen degree pathway, see the relevant degree page.

The Foundation Year provides the opportunities for you to reflect on your educational experiences and learning style. You will gain experience and confidence in your digital and communication skills, laying the foundations not only for success in your chosen degree programme but in your future graduate career.

The vast range of career opportunities available to our graduates reflects the range of degree pathways available to you after the completion of the Foundation Year. For more information on the graduate career opportunities in your chosen degree programme, please see the programme pages.

The Foundation Year provides the opportunities for you to reflect on your educational experiences and learning style. You will gain experience and confidence in your digital and communication skills, laying the foundations not only for success in your chosen degree programme but in your future graduate career.

The vast range of career opportunities available to our graduates reflects the range of degree pathways available to you after the completion of the Foundation Year. For more information on the graduate career opportunities in your chosen degree programme, please see the programme pages.