Foundation Year
Welcome
Welcome to Foundation Year Studies at Birmingham Newman University, and to the first year of your four-year degree programme.
The foundation team is looking forward to welcoming you to the University, and helping you get started on your degree.
Course timetable information
You will also be allocated a seminar group which will involve 2×2 hour seminars, plus a 1-hour seminar each week. These classes are scheduled between 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
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.
In addition, you will also have a degree subject session. Semester 1 degree subject groups are detailed below.]
In the first semester of study (between September and December), students take two modules: Education and Society and Degree Group.
In Education and Society, students work with your foundation lecturer to develop their academic skills and confidence while exploring a range of ideas and concepts from identity to inequality and applying these to their degree subject.
In Degree Group, students work with a degree-specific lecturer, and develop an understanding of the foundations of their chosen degree.
Please check your individual subject below to find out your induction day.
Overview of induction day
- Meet the team
- Getting to know each other
- Enrolment – Photo ID
- Campus Connect
- Meeting university support services
- Q&A
Induction & timetable information
For on campus activities students are split into groups at enrolment. Each group will have its own timetable.
Please select your Foundation Year course to discover you induction activities and timetable information:
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 10:30am to 1pm
- Room DA001
Timetable
- Wednesdays 0900-1200
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 10:30am to 1pm
- Room DA001
Timetable
- Wednesdays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Monday 15 September
- 1pm to 4:30pm
- Room HI101
Timetable
- Wednesdays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 11:30am to 2pm
- Room DA022
Timetable
- Fridays 3pm to 6pm
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 12pm to 2:30pm
- Room HI104
Timetable
- Fridays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 12pm to 2:30pm
- Room HI104
Timetable
- Fridays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 12pm to 2:30pm
- Room HI104
Timetable
- Fridays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Monday 15 September
- 2pm to 5:30pm
- Room HI104
Timetable
- Mondays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 11am – 1:30pm
- Room HI102
Timetable
- Fridays 1pm to 4pm
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 11:30am to 2pm
- Room DA022
Timetable
- Fridays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Monday 15 September
- 2pm to 5pm
- Room HI104
Timetable
- Mondays: 9am to 12pm
- OR
- Fridays: 10am to 1pm (depending on cohort group)
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 12pm to 2:30pm
- Room HI104
Timetable
- Fridays 12pm to 3pm
Induction
- Monday 15 September
- 1:30pm to 5pm
- Room CH116
Timetable
- Wednesdays 10am to 1pm
Induction
- Monday 15 September
- 1pm to 4:30pm
- Room HI101
Timetable
- Fridays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September
- 11:30am to 2pm
- Room DA022
Timetable
- Fridays 9am to 12pm
Induction
- Monday 15 September
- 1:30pm to 5pm
- Room DA022
Timetable
- Fridays 2pm to 5pm
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
Subject Leads
- Head of Subject – Dr Emma Folwell
- Programme Lead – Dr James Brennan
Teaching Team
If your place is confirmed, you will be taught by a range of tutors from both the foundation and degree teams during your first year.
A foundation tutor may also contact you in September to introduce themselves and learn more about you.
The foundation team includes:
- Helen Bardy
- Dr Rory Booth
- Dr James Brennan
- Michael Gilsenan
- Dr Pushpa Kumbhat
- Dr Frankie Hines
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)
