Newman University, Birmingham

Newman University is a public university based in the suburb of Bartley Green in Birmingham, England. The university was founded in 1968 as Newman College of Higher Education. From 2008 to 2013 it was known as Newman University College, until gaining full university status in 2013.

History

Originally called Newman College of Higher Education, the institution changed its name to Newman University College in January 2008 after gaining degree-granting powers the previous September.^[3][4] In 2013 it was awarded full university title and became Newman University.^[5] The university is named after the 19th century religious figure Cardinal Newman, who had strong links with the city of Birmingham, through being an Oratorian and a member of the Birmingham Oratory.

Newman University is the fourth most highly ranked of the five universities in Birmingham according to the Complete University Guide, below the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Birmingham City University.^[6]

Although specifically a Catholic institution, the university specifies that it welcomes students and staff from any religions or backgrounds. Newman University bases its employment and admissions ethos on principles of tolerance and inclusion.^[7]

Newman remains influenced by the teachings on university education by Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman. His view of a university is of a scholarly community wherein the focus is on training the mind to think rather than just diffusion of knowledge.

Campus

The university is in Bartley Green about 8 miles (12.9 km) south-west of the city centre. The campus is designed around a series of inner quadrangles, near academic, administrative and pastoral buildings.^[8] St Mary's Chapel is located at the heart of the campus and offers chaplaincy support to those of any faith and spaces for religious exercise or general relaxation.^[9]

In 2013, the university invested £20m in developing parts of the campus, including a new library and entrance named the St Chad Building.^[10] These were opened by Olympic athlete Kristian Thomas and nominated for the Education category BD Architect of the Year Award, 2012.^[10][11][12]

The campus has a number of artworks. A piece entitled 'The Globe', designed by Planet Art in nearby West Bromwich, was installed outside of the new library building in May 2012. 'The Globe' includes quotations from John Henry Newman on faithfulness and commitment.^[13] A statue of John Henry Newman, designed and created by Tim Tolkien, is in the Ryland Quad of the campus.^[14]

Degrees

Newman was given taught degree awarding powers in September 2007.^[3] and full university status in 2013 ^[5] It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Initial Teacher Education (ITE) is available at both undergraduate level and through the Postgraduate Certificate in Education as well as taught and research-based postgraduate degrees and a range of Foundation Degrees. Undergraduate and postgraduate subject areas include:

The university awards postgraduate research degrees (MPhil and PhD) in affiliation with Liverpool Hope University.^[15]

Reputation

The university has a reputation for providing much higher levels of contact with members of staff than larger institutions.^[19] Newman University's teacher education courses received a grade one in its latest Ofsted inspection.^[20] Many of the courses are recognised by professional bodies such as the Chartered Management Institute, BASES and British Psychological Society.^[21] Newman University has a commitment to widening participation in Higher Education and awards number of bursaries annually to students from low income households in the West Midlands.^[22] The university has a consistently high graduate employment rate of around ninety to ninety-five per cent.^[23] As a smaller university it performs well in the National Student Survey and was one of only fifteen universities to be awarded a 'High' ranking in the first Which? University Guide. In June 2014, the university was named the safest university for students in Birmingham by the Independent's Complete University Guide.^[24]

The university has a growing research profile. In 2008, Education, Sport-Related Studies and History made submissions to the Research Assessment Exercise.^[25] Most research was found to be 'recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour'.^[26] The university asserted its intention to grow its research profile prior to the next research assessment by attracting 'more staff with an established research interest and publication history and young academics with potential to evolve a significant research profile'.^[27] The university made a full submission to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

References

External links

• Official website

Coordinates: 52°26′01″N 1°59′38″W / 52.4336°N 1.9938°W / 52.4336; -1.9938

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