Aston University

HISTORY

Aston University is a public research university situated at Gosta Green, in the city centre of Birmingham, England. Aston began as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895, evolving into the UK’s first College of Advanced Technology in 1956. Aston University received its royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II on 22 April 1966.

In 2016, Aston was ranked in the top 33 universities in the UK by all three major league tables, and also received recognition Times Higher Education for the second best teaching quality in the UK. Aston was ranked by QS as the 42nd best university in the world under 50 years old in 2015.

The origins of Aston University are a School of Metallurgy formed in the Birmingham and Midland Institute in 1875. The Birmingham Municipal Technical School separated from the Institute in 1895, teaching chemistry, physics, metallurgy and electrical engineering. In 1911, commercial classes were introduced and grew into an independent School of Commerce by 1916. The school changed its name in 1927 to the Birmingham Central Technical College, to reflect its changing approach to teaching technology.

In 1951, the Technical College was renamed the College of Technology, Birmingham and work began on the Main Building at Gosta Green. In 1956, it became the first elite designated College of Advanced Technology and underwent a major expansion. Princess Margaret laid one of the first foundation stones at the base of the new building in 1951. In 1955, the College of Advanced Technology was opened by Her Majesty The Queen. The college expanded again to a design by the City Architect of Birmingham Alwyn Sheppard Fidler between 1957 and 1965.

It officially became the University of Aston in Birmingham on receipt of its Royal Charter on 22 April 1966.

COURSES

All of the Aston University’s faculties are based on one campus. They are organised into the following five schools:

School of Engineering and Applied Science

• Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Electronic Engineering
• Engineering Systems and Management
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering and Design

School of Life and Health Sciences

• Audiology
• Biology
• Biomedical Science
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Psychology

School of Languages and Social Sciences

• Modern languages & translation studies
• International relations, politics & European studies
• English language
• Sociology & public policy

Aston Business School

• Aston Law
• Economics and Strategy
• Finance and Accounting
• Marketing Group
• Operations and Information Management Group
• Work and Organisational Psychology

Aston Medical School

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Most programmes require BBB–AAB at A level or triple distinction at BTEC.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Strengths include Business and Management, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Life and Health Sciences, Languages and Social Sciences.

Aston pioneered the university placement year and was one of the first UK universities to offer undergraduate degrees in subjects such as Business Management, Human Psychology, Translation, Pharmacy, Audiology and Optometry.

Aston has an excellent graduate employment record, ranking consistently in the top ten universities for graduate employment for the last 20 years.

TEACHING STANDARDS

In the National Student Survey 2014, Aston was awarded a student satisfaction rating of 89%.

More than 70% of students are on degree programmes with Teaching Quality Assessment scores of 22/24 and higher.

Professional accreditation and exemptions are available on many degree programmes. Degrees at Aston are reviewed and updated in consultation with industry and professional bodies.

Free modern language tuition is offered to all Aston first year undergraduates to support global awareness, networks and language skills. Options include French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin and Arabic.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Aston University has an award-winning Careers and Placements team that advise students on their career, professional development and the best way to secure their ideal job.

The consultants will help about how to create professional CVs, good applications and undertake successful interviews.

Receive support and advice on alternative options such as considering further study, working abroad, finding voluntary opportunities, taking a gap year or starting a own business.

A careers newsletter keeps the student up to date with the latest news, views and global careers information via their regular updates and social media family.

Students can take advantage of the careers network, applying for paid internships with SMEs based in the West Midlands via Graduate Advantage.