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 Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS.

The foundation year provides an alternative route to studying Primary Education for those unable to meet the traditional entry requirements for this degree programme. Apply via UCAS for BA Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS (with Foundation Year) and after successfully completing the foundation year you will progress onto the remaining three 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 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.

Choosing to become a Primary Teacher is your first step to inspiring children in learning about their world and here at Birmingham Newman University, we would love to support you on this journey. We understand that the Primary 3-11 age range is a crucial time for children’s development and learning. It is at this formative and particularly receptive stage of development that attitudes towards learning are formed, attitudes that will impact future life course development.

During your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course with us you will undertake a range of modules, which will equip you to become an effective and creative teacher across the full age range in order to achieve the professional standards required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The first year of the programme provides a secure basis for practice across the full primary curriculum and age range. In the second and third year of the programme you will have the opportunity to develop expertise in either the 3-7, 5-11 or 7-11 age phase.

Visit our course page to find out more about the Primary Education 3-11 route, which you would continue on to following successful completion of the Foundation Year.

Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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.