Applied Humanities (BA – Accelerated degree)
Welcome
Welcome to Applied Humanities at Birmingham Newman University.
Applied Humanities is all about you! Our programme focuses on personalised coaching and group activities, designed to support your academic success and inspire meaningful, positive changes in your life.
We recognise your unique talents and experiences, and we’re here to help you unlock your full potential.
Our dedicated team will guide you in enhancing your skills, helping you achieve both personal and professional success. In Applied Humanities, you’ll explore your passions and align them with your long-term goals.
By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a degree – you’ll have the resilience to handle setbacks, the initiative to navigate life’s changes, and the confidence to seize new opportunities.
Welcome aboard! Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
Semester 1
Week beginning 01/09/2025
- Monday: 9am to 11am and 12pm to 2pm
- Friday: 9am to 11am and 12pm to 2pm
Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
Students are not expected to complete any pre-course reading or activities.
You can find more helpful information about beginning your Applied Humanities degree below:
The course begins:
- Monday 1 September
- 9am to 11:30am, Room: DA001, and;
- 12pm to 2pm, Room: DA001
IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
Overview of Induction session
- Getting to know you
- Enrolment checks – photo ID required
- The Role of Higher Education
- Introduction to Applied Humanities & University
- Campus Connect activity
- Meeting University Support Teams
The Applied Humanities Team includes Sian Campbell, Duncan Frankis, Emma Folwell, Kristin O’Donnell and Owen Rees.
Our team brings together a wide range of professional and academic experience from the ancient world to contemporary politics.
We have worked in industries including international development, heritage, the arts, primary education, academic fraud, business management, and much more.
We bring our wide range of expertise to our innovative interdisciplinary teaching, using key concepts in the humanities to explore real-world issues.
During the first part of your degree, the taught sessions will be divided into blocks. The first three blocks, taking place between September and December, are compulsory. We recommend that you attend as many sessions as possible.
If you are unable to attend, please inform us by contacting applied-humanities@newman.ac.uk.
Additionally, you should book Academic Life Coaching slots between the teaching blocks for personalised guidance.
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Welcome Week Services Fair – Your Chance to Meet the Teams!
As part of your induction to Birmingham Newman University, our Services Fair is your opportunity to meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies and explore the services available to help you succeed.
Dates & Times
- 1 September – 11am – 2pm
- 4 & 5 September – 11:30am to 1pm
- 15, 17, 18 & 19 September – 11am to 2pm
Note: The Students’ Union Welcome Fair will take place on 16 September – see their website for more details.
You’re welcome to drop in and take part on any of the fair dates — it doesn’t have to be the day of your induction.
- Chat with Careers about your future plans, grab some sweets and an employability bag, and register on My Career for a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher.
- Make a badge with our Environmental Officer, download the OurNewman app to spin the wheel and win a prize, and join the Library for Q&A activities and their Prize Every Time Lucky Dip.
- Advice & Wellbeing will be offering stress tests, sound therapy, and an Affirmation Station, while E-Learning invites you to take their “Who You Gonna Call?” quiz for a prize draw entry.
- Try the Sport team’s exercise bike challenge and visit the Chaplaincy to choose the “word of the day” and share some positivity.
And that’s just the start — there’ll be many more services, activities, and opportunities to explore each day of the fair. Come along, get involved, and make the most of what’s on offer!
The Disability & Inclusion team and the Advice & Wellbeing team will be holding drop-in sessions on campus from 15–19 September.
- 15 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
- 16 September – 11am to 2pm: DW101 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 17 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 18 September – 11am to 2pm: CH116 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 19 September – 11am to 2pm: CH004 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
No appointment needed – just drop in for advice, support, and guidance.
Key information
Induction
- 1 September 2025
Teaching Start Date
- Week beginning: 1 September 2025
Subject Leads
- Kristin O’Donnell
- Duncan Frankis
Contact details
Stay connected with OurNewman app
OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:
- Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
- Access to your files, emails, and course resources
- Find support services and keep up to date with campus events
Student Handbook
Birmingham Newman University Student Handbook – 2025-2026 (PDF – 4MB)
