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
Access services and support throughout your degree
At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone.
We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Academic support – Help with assignments and study skills
- WellBeing services – Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources
- Career services – CV advice, placements, and future career planning
- Disability support – Tailored support and adjustments for your needs
- E-Learning Support – Help with E-Learning systems and submitting online assignments
- Finance advice – Guidance on tuition fees, funding, and budgeting
- International support – Help with visas and cultural adjustments
If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help.
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)
