Lana Oconnell
Aston University is a public research university located in Birmingham, England. The university has a student body of over 11,000 students, including around 9,000 undergraduates and more than 2,000 postgraduates. Aston University offers a range of academic programmes and is known for its strong links to the business world and emphasis on providing real-world experience through its placement year programme. The university has received various accolades, including being named University of the Year by The Guardian in 2020 and receiving the Athena SWAN Gold Award in 2024 for its efforts in promoting gender equality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | Over 11,000 |
| Number of undergraduates | Around 9,000 |
| Number of postgraduates | More than 2,000 |
| Acceptance rate | 50% |
| Number of Joint Honours degrees offered | Over 30 |
| Number of languages taught | 5 (French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic) |
| Number of schools | 5 |
| Number of schools with triple accreditation | 1 |
| Number of floors in the library | 4 |
| Number of books in the library | More than 250,000 |
| Number of periodicals in the library | 800 |
| Number of reading spaces in the library | Around 700 |
| Percentage of new students in 2020 with average of 133 points at A Level | 88% |
| Percentage of undergraduates from independent schools | Approximately 3% |
| Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 rating for research as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' | 79% |
| Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 rating for the impact of research | 74% ("very considerable" or "outstanding") |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Aston University has over 11,000 students
Aston University, a public research university located in Birmingham, England, has over 11,000 students. Of these, around 9,000 are undergraduates and more than 2,000 are postgraduates. The university is made up of five schools: Engineering and Applied Science, Life and Health Sciences, Languages and Social Sciences, Aston Medical School, and Aston Business School. Aston's Business School is one of the oldest and largest in the UK, having been founded in 1947. It is also one of only 73 business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation from the leading business school accreditation associations.
The university has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century when a School of Metallurgy was founded in the Birmingham and Midland Institute. Over time, the institute evolved and expanded its academic offerings, eventually becoming the Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895. After several name changes, the institution gained university status in 1966.
Aston University is known for its strong links to the business world and is a leading university for graduate employability. It offers a wide range of academic programmes, including over 30 Joint Honours degrees, allowing students to seamlessly study two subjects at the Honours level. The university also emphasizes providing real-world experience, with a pioneering placement year programme that offers invaluable industry experience before graduation. Additionally, students can learn a new language or improve their existing language skills, with options such as French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.
The campus of Aston University is spread across 60 acres in the Gosta Green area of Birmingham. It is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the city's main shopping and entertainment centres, providing students with easy access to Birmingham's vibrant cultural scene. The campus offers various amenities, including a swimming pool, sports centres, a library with over 250,000 books, cafés, restaurants, pubs, shops, and green spaces.
Vincennes University: A Student-Centric Campus
You may want to see also
Explore related products
9,000 undergraduates and 2,000 postgraduates
Aston University is a public research university located in Birmingham, England. The university has a total student population of over 11,000 students, including approximately 9,000 undergraduates and more than 2,000 postgraduates. This diverse student body is supported by various services and organisations, such as the Aston Students' Union (SU), which offers academic, social, and cultural opportunities.
The university's origins date back to 1875 when a School of Metallurgy was established within the Birmingham and Midland Institute. Over time, the institution expanded its academic offerings and underwent several name changes before achieving university status in 1966. Today, Aston University is organised into five schools: Engineering and Applied Science, Life and Health Sciences, Languages and Social Sciences, the Aston Medical School, and the Aston Business School.
The Aston Business School, founded in 1947, is one of the oldest and largest in the UK. It holds prestigious triple accreditation, a distinction shared by only 73 business schools worldwide. The university's commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated by its ranking as the 6th best university in the UK for marketing and 22nd for accounting and finance in 2016.
In addition to its strong academic reputation, Aston University prioritises real-world experience for its students. The university offers over 30 Joint Honours degrees, allowing students to study two subjects simultaneously. The pioneering placement year programme provides invaluable industry experience before graduation, enhancing graduate employability. Aston University's campus is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Birmingham's main shopping and entertainment centres, offering students easy access to the city's vibrant cultural offerings.
University Students: Access Washington Post for Free?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
3% of undergrads come from independent schools
Aston University was named "University of the Year" by The Guardian in 2020. The same year, new students at the university had an average of 133 points (the equivalent of ABB-AAB at A Level). According to the 2023 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, approximately 3% of Aston's undergraduates come from independent schools. This percentage is significantly lower than the national average. In the UK, around 94% of people attend state schools, meaning that only around 6% are educated in the independent sector.
The UK independent sector educates approximately 620,000 children in over 2,500 schools. This equates to around 5.9% of the total number of school children in the UK and around 6.5% of the total number of school children in England. However, pupils in ISC schools (which account for around 86% of pupils in UK independent schools) make up a larger proportion of undergraduate students at selective universities such as Oxbridge. This is due to the fact that independent school students are already over-represented proportionally at university.
Despite the relatively low percentage of undergraduates from independent schools at Aston University, the university has received numerous accolades in recent years. In addition to being named "University of the Year" by The Guardian, Aston was also shortlisted for the same award in the Times Higher Education Awards in 2021. The Times Higher Education Awards also named Aston University as its "Outstanding Entrepreneurial University" in 2020.
In terms of student numbers, Aston University has seen a positive trend in recent years. While there was an overall decline in UK student numbers between 2019 and 2024, with a 40% drop in applications from EU students in 2021 due to Brexit, Aston University's applications and acceptances have been on the rise. The number of accepted applicants through UCAS more than doubled between 1994 and 2020, and while there has been a slight decline since then, Aston still received a high number of applications in 2024.
Tulane University: Choosing Your Roommate
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Offers 30+ joint honours degrees
Aston University in Birmingham, UK, offers a wide range of programmes, including foundation courses, undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research degrees. The university's campus is home to five schools: Aston Business School, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the College of Health and Life Sciences, the College of Business and Social Sciences, and the Aston Medical School. With over 11,000 undergraduates and more than 2,000 postgraduates from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, Aston University fosters a vibrant and inclusive community.
Among its extensive academic offerings, Aston University provides the unique opportunity to pursue over 30 joint honours degrees. This option enables students to study two distinct subjects simultaneously, seamlessly integrating both academic areas. Such an approach allows students to broaden their knowledge base, develop interdisciplinary skills, and cultivate a more holistic understanding of their chosen fields.
The joint honours degrees cater to a diverse range of interests and passions. Students can combine subjects such as business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and medicine, creating unique degree paths that align with their aspirations. This flexibility empowers students to design a curriculum that best suits their academic and career goals, enhancing their university experience and future prospects.
The university also recognises the importance of language skills in today's globalised world. Therefore, alongside its joint honours degrees, Aston University offers language courses in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic. These language programmes can be pursued as part of a degree or as extracurricular activities, ensuring that students not only excel in their chosen fields but also develop valuable communication skills that will benefit them in a multicultural society.
Aston University's commitment to academic excellence is evident through its rankings and awards. In 2020, it was named "University of the Year" by The Guardian, and the Aston Students' Union received the "Buildings That Inspire" award for its impressive infrastructure. Additionally, in the same year, the university was recognised as the "Outstanding Entrepreneurial University" by the Times Higher Education Awards. These accolades underscore Aston University's dedication to providing a world-class education and fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment for its students.
Who Can Access Weber State University Gym?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
79% of research rated 'world-leading'
Aston University is a research-led university with a global reputation for world-class teaching quality and strong links to businesses and professions. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 79% of Aston University's research was rated as "world-leading" (4*) or "internationally excellent" (3*). REF is a discipline-based expert review process undertaken by the four higher education funding bodies for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The four bodies are Research England, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland (DfE). The review process involves expert sub-panels reviewing submissions and judging their quality. Aston University's research excellence is a testament to its commitment to delivering for its beneficiaries, including students, businesses, professions, and society.
The university's strong research focus has led to significant achievements and recognition. In 2020, Aston University was named "University of the Year" by The Guardian, and the newspaper also awarded the Aston Students' Union the "Buildings That Inspire" award. Additionally, Aston University was named the "Outstanding Entrepreneurial University" by the Times Higher Education Awards in the same year. Aston University's research capabilities were further highlighted when it was shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2021.
The Research Excellence Framework 2021 also revealed that 74% of the impact of Aston University's research has been rated "very considerable" or "outstanding" for reach and significance. This impact reflects the university's commitment to making a positive difference to people, organisations, and society. The university's research agenda is inclusive and diverse, with a 100% submission of eligible staff across seven REF assessment units, more than doubling its "research power" since REF 2014.
Aston University's research prowess extends beyond its high rankings. The university has a rich history, established in 1895 and officially becoming a university in 1966. It has a strong foundation in teaching excellence and is committed to providing the highest standard of education to its students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, blending business, health, science, and technology expertise. With its world-class research and teaching, Aston University has established itself as a leading institution, attracting students and academics alike.
Applying to Harvard: A Guide for International Students
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Aston University has a total student body of over 11,000 students, comprising around 9,000 undergraduates and more than 2,000 postgraduates.
Aston University has an acceptance rate of 50%.
New students entering Aston University in 2020 had an average of 133 points (the equivalent of ABB-AAB at A Level).
According to the 2023 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, approximately 3% of Aston's undergraduates come from independent schools.
According to the Complete University Guide 2016, Aston University is ranked 23rd for business and management studies in the UK.
