Newman University was founded in 1968 in the suburb of Bartley Green in Birmingham, England. It was called Newman College of Higher Education until January 2008, after it gained degree-granting powers in September 2007 becoming Newman University College. In 2013 it was awarded full university title and became Newman University. 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. As a welcoming Catholic institution, it is open to students of all religious beliefs.