Birmingham Newman University

Newman University, Birmingham is a prominent higher education institution based in the UK’s second city. It’s particularly noted for its wide range of professionally focused postgraduate programmes and high graduate employment rate.  

The university recently took 39th place in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, reflecting high ratings by students for the quality of Newman’s teaching, facilities and support. 

Newman was originally established in 1968 when it was originally named the Newman College of Higher Education. It gained university status in 2013, and today offers a variety of quality postgraduate programmes from its campus in Bartley Green.  

This peaceful environment is located just outside of Birmingham city centre, and offers students green surroundings that overlook Bartley reservoir as a focused setting for effective learning. Small class sizes, modern learning spaces and high quality research facilities make it a great setting for postgraduate success. 

Birmingham is a popular student city, home to several universities that form a pillar of one of the UK’s most diverse and exciting urban communities. The city is a vibrant post-industrial landscape, with cultural institutions, art spaces and buzzing nightlife making the most of Birmingham’s unique architecture and atmospheric neighbourhoods. At the heart of England, students in Birmingham can reach many parts of the country with ease. Not far away, the rolling hills and valleys of Shropshire, the Cotswolds or even Wales offer plenty of countryside to explore and outdoor activities. 

Newman University, Birmingham supports a comprehensive portfolio of postgraduate programmes, ranging across a variety of subject areas. From accounting and finance to applied arts and humanities, social work or sociology, students can access quality courses led by experienced staff. 

The university develops its postgraduate offerings under the guidance of its central ethos, that student development involves whole person development. As a result, Newman offers students programmes that go beyond theoretical knowledge and encompass industry-relevant skill building, as well as personal development of constructive attitudes and behaviours. 

The university prides itself on offering interactive teaching and hands on learning across its curricula, with thorough academic support and guidance from experienced researchers and industry professionals. 

Students can explore a wide range of qualifications that are suited to any number of objectives, life stages or personal preferences. From master’s degrees to postgraduate certificates and diplomas, or short courses, there are various options for students whether they’re coming straight from undergraduate or studying mid-career. 

Newman University works to ensure that prospective postgraduate students are able to enrol on the right course for them. As a result, applicants will need to meet the entry requirements for their chosen course. These may be academic in nature, or relate to previous professional experiences or interview performance. 

For example, students applying for the MSc in Work-Based Learning (Business Management) will typically need to have an undergraduate degree, at 2:1 level or above, in a related subject area. Students with a 2:2 qualification and relevant experience may also be considered. 

Applicants for the MA in Education will need to demonstrate achievement of an undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject area. Students who have lower level qualifications combined with relevant professional experience will also be considered. Pre-entry tasks may be set for applicants who don’t have qualifications but show evidence of degree-equivalent experience. 

Students applying for the MRes in Human Science will typically need to have a 2:1 level undergraduate honours degree, in a related subject area. Students with a 2:2 degree and sufficient professional or research experience will also be considered. Submission of written work or an interview may also be required. 

Entry requirements can change over time, so checking the university site is recommended. 

Newman University, Birmingham is noted for its strong graduate employment rates, and works to ensure that every cohort of postgraduate students leave the university career-ready. More than nine out of ten students graduating from the university find further study opportunities or work within six months of their graduation. 

The university maintains a comprehensive network of links to businesses and institutions across the UK and beyond, using them to offer students an expanded range of access to valuable internship and graduate employment opportunities. The university’s partners are active on the campus, contributing to exciting careers events, attending workshops and presentations, and collaborating on the development of cutting-edge course curricula. As a result, Newman graduates are highly valued across a number of sectors. 

The university’s dedicated careers service offers a variety of resources and services to postgraduates, both during their studies and for up to three years after they graduate. Students and graduates can benefit with help finding voluntary, part-time or graduate work, building career-relevant skills, networking with potential employers and getting advice around the direction of their career. 

Accommodation

Newman University, Birmingham recognises the importance of suitable living arrangements in supporting student success and promoting an enjoyable lifestyle. It works to help students find their perfect accommodation, as a way to help them grow as independent individuals and get involved in their community. 

There are various accommodation options available to postgraduates at Newman. A number of university-managed halls of residence are located on the campus itself, offering modern and well-equipped rooms just minutes from lecture theatres, student services and the students’ union. Prices range from £99.50 to £195 per week depending on the room type chosen. Whether it’s shared bathroom or en-suite rooms, or self-contained apartments, students can depend on secure and well-equipped options. 

Many students at postgraduate level choose to rent private accommodation, allowing them to immerse themselves in the exciting lifestyle on offer to residents of Birmingham. The city has many different neighbourhoods each with its own unique set of landmarks, communities and services. Throughout the city, a vibrant live music scene, nationally-leading museums and galleries, and hundreds of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants can be found. 

There are various useful funding options open to postgraduate students at Newman University, Birmingham. These scholarships and bursaries are designed to help empower students for their academic merit, or provide targeted financial assistance to students based on their individual needs. 

Some of the available scholarships and bursaries include: 

• The Newman University alumni discount, which provides a 10% reduction to tuition fees for students studying a full master’s degree course, if they have already completed a programme of study at the university. 
• Government loans are available to students on postgraduate or doctoral level courses. Loans don’t need to be repaid until graduates earn a certain level in their career, and vary in value depending on the level of study being pursued. 
• Students can find a wide range of funding opportunities through various external organisations, ranging from government bodies to private companies and charities. Each of these awards are offered with different eligibility criteria, application deadlines and award values. Students can explore the full range of funding options through the university’s website.