Aston University
Became a university in: 1966
Student population: 19,210 (2022/23)
Location: Birmingham city centre
Subject areas: Business & Social Sciences; Engineering & Physical Sciences; Health & Life Sciences.
Admissions: Typical offers range from A-levels BBC/BBB for many subjects, right up to A*AA for Medicine. Contextual offers will be made for many subjects and BTECs are accepted. Interviews generally required for health-related courses.
📸 Snapshot
With a history dating back to the nineteenth century, the college that was to become Aston University became the UK’s first College of Advanced Technology in 1956. Why is this relevant?
Firstly, it means that Aston is a strongly vocational university, focusing on work and professional related subjects in business, engineering and health.
Secondly, it is in some very good company. Loughborough, Bath, Surrey and Brunel universities have similar histories, and retain similar ideologies based on high academic standards and a strong careers focus.
What does that mean in practice for students? Well, Aston has long had large numbers of students taking placements as part of their degrees, giving them directly relevant work experience well before graduation.
They also pride themselves on their support for entrepreneurship and small business support. And they back it up with some decent employment data too. While you know I am not a fan of league tables as a whole, if you are looking for specific data, they have their place. Aston sits in the top 20 for graduate employment in both the Guardian and the Complete university guides. That’s higher than half of the Russell Group.
And the campus? It's a relatively small, self-contained site right in the middle of Birmingham. It’s not a large greenfield campus like many others established around the same time, but what it lacks in space and beauty, it makes up for in location. You really do have everything that England’s second city has to offer right on your doorstep.
I’ve long had an affection and respect for Aston. I count a number of their current and former staff amongst my very best friends, and I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere and vibe when visiting, whether for meetings, conferences or UCAS conventions. Aston has always seemed to stand for something a little bit different, and for that they deserve a closer look!
In summary
Aston University could be for you if…
You want career focused, professional learning.
You like the idea of doing a professional placement as part of your course.
You are looking for a city centre location.
And if you like Aston, you might also like…
University of Bath
University of Bradford
Brunel University
City St. Georges, University of London
Loughborough University
University of Salford
University of Surrey
