Law with Legal Practice with Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.

You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.

Who is the Foundation Year for?

• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life

You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.

What Will I Study?

The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.

You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.

‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna

What Happens After the Foundation Year?

Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.

The Law with Legal Practice LLB (Hons) at Birmingham Newman University offers a professionally focused and values-led route into the legal profession. Designed for individuals who are motivated by fairness and interested in how law influences everyday life. You will explore how legal frameworks support justice, governance and social change, while developing the skills needed to thrive in legal and related careers.

You will begin by studying the foundations of English law, including Contract Law, Criminal Law, Tort Law, Public Law and Equity and Trusts. From the end of your first year, you will specialise in legal practice through modules such as Family Law, Employment Law and Business Law. The course also includes areas like Immigration and Asylum Law, Medical Law and Ethics, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Learning is delivered through lectures, seminars and practical workshops, with a strong emphasis on legal research, advocacy and negotiation.