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

The foundation year provides an alternative route to studying Business, Accounting and Finance with Sandwich Year for those unable to meet the traditional entry requirements for this degree programme.  After successfully completing the foundation year you will progress onto the remaining four years of the degree, dependent on meeting the progression requirements.

What is the Foundation Year?

The Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University is the first year of a five year degree. It is designed for students who do not have the qualifications or experience for direct entry onto an 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 disciplineOur BSc (Hons) Business, Accounting and Finance with Sandwich Year programme is designed for those who want a solid foundation in business while gaining specialised knowledge in accounting and finance. You’ll develop critical skills in financial reporting, audit, taxation, and corporate finance, as well as broader business topics like strategy, operations, and management. The programme is accredited by professional bodies, which can fast-track your progression towards qualifications like ACCA or CIMA. With a mix of theoretical and practical learning, you’ll work on real business case studies and financial problems, preparing you for a career in finance, accounting, or management. Our expert tutors, many of whom have industry backgrounds, will guide you through the complexities of the financial world, ensuring you graduate ready to thrive in the global marketplace.

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.

Our BSc (Hons) Business, Accounting and Finance with Sandwich Year programme is designed for those who want a solid foundation in business while gaining specialised knowledge in accounting and finance. You’ll develop critical skills in financial reporting, audit, taxation, and corporate finance, as well as broader business topics like strategy, operations, and management. The programme is accredited by professional bodies, which can fast-track your progression towards qualifications like ACCA or CIMA. With a mix of theoretical and practical learning, you’ll work on real business case studies and financial problems, preparing you for a career in finance, accounting, or management. Our expert tutors, many of whom have industry backgrounds, will guide you through the complexities of the financial world, ensuring you graduate ready to thrive in the global marketplace.

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

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

Hear from a student on their foundation year:

“I walked into my degree feeling so much more confident about meeting new people and completing the work. My worry before foundation year was that I wasn’t smart enough for university but the foundation year helped me realise my strengths and my way of learning.”

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.

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.