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Aston University

United Kingdom
Overview

Overview

Dating back to 1895, Aston University is a long-established institution known globally for its high-quality teaching. Degrees are focused on employability, practical experience and entrepreneurship. Students benefit from the university's career-enhancing education opportunities and the many links to local and global businesses in the UK's second largest city.

Aston is a diverse and friendly campus university set in the heart of Birmingham. Over 3,000 international students from more than 120 countries call it home. All are encouraged to take part in work placements or similar professional opportunities during their studies, and are given opportunities throughout their degree to enhance their employability.

The university's achievements include:

  • University of the Year, and the most value added (Guardian 2020)
  • Outstanding Entrepreneurial University (Times Higher Education Awards 2020)
  • Top 100 in the world for business & management (QS, 2021)
  • 31st in the UK for career prospects (Guardian 2021)
  • A leader in global sustainability (Guardian 2020)

Student life and local area

The city of Birmingham is a large, vibrant and exciting place to live and study. It has a lower cost of living than London, but still provides all the major benefits of a large international city.

Birmingham is a major hub for business and industry, attracting companies such as Amazon, Arup, ASOS, Balfour Beatty, BBC, Deutsche Bank, PwC, HSBC and Goldman Sachs. There are also more business startups in Birmingham than in any other UK city outside of London (Centre for Entrepreneurs (CFE), 2020).

Birmingham is a great student city and there's plenty to do when not studying, such as visiting museums, art galleries, parks, restaurants and much more. The city is located in the centre of England with easy transport routes across the UK. Birmingham airport has flights to countries all over Europe and with many long distance links.

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What's new

What's new

Global leader in business and management studies

Students who choose to study business and management at Aston study at a global elite university, consistently ranked in the top 100 in the world by QS for business and management studies.

QS recognises outstanding institutions for academic and employer reputation and research impact. Aston Business School holds accreditation from AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS – only 1 per cent of the world's business schools hold this triple accreditation. The school's programmes provide students with multiple opportunities to gain invaluable work experiences with industry employers.

1st in UK – Strategy and International Business MSc

Aston's MSc programme in Strategy and International Business was placed first in the UK in the recent Eduniversal rankings. The ranking considers more than 1,000 universities in 154 countries and takes into account programme reputation, student satisfaction and graduate starting salaries.

The MSc in Strategy and International Business lasts 12 months and is perfect for developing analytic and strategic skills. Other areas that also performed highly in the rankings include MSc programmes in Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management and Entrepreneurship.

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Teaching quality

Teaching quality

Some of Aston University's many achievements and awards include:

  • University of the Year, Guardian 2020
  • Outstanding Entrepreneurial University, Times Higher Education Awards 2020
  • 83.4 per cent overall satisfaction, National Student Survey 2020
  • 88 per cent of students said teaching staff explained things well, National Student Survey 2020

Teaching staff are passionate about their subjects and have plenty of real-world experience. They are also well known for their research. The textbooks they have written are used worldwide.

Degrees with built-in professional experience

Aston was one of the pioneers of the work placement in the UK, directly linking the benefits of a university experience with real-life work experience. This ethos continues today with employability built into all courses and students are given the opportunity to engage with business whilst they are studying.

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Department structure

Department structure

Over 200 programmes are available to study at Aston's many innovative schools:

  • Aston Business School
  • Aston Law School
  • Aston Medical School
  • Aston Pharmacy School
  • School of Biosciences
  • School of Engineering and Technology
  • School of Informatics and Digital Engineering
  • School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering
  • School of Optometry
  • School of Psychology
  • School of Social Sciences and Humanities

Graduate school

A postgraduate degree is a great way to improve career prospects. As well as opening doors, an Aston Masters will help students to build their professional experience, develop their practical skills, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

International pathways

International students can pursue a pathway programme to gain the necessary qualifications and qualities needed for academic study. This includes foundation, international year one and pre-masters programmes in disciplines such as law, business, finance, engineering and health. Pathway partners include ONCAMPUS Aston, based on Aston's Birmingham campus, and NCUK located around the world.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

As instruction is in English, all non-native speakers must have a good level of English language ability. The English language requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Aston accepts several English language test scores, such as:

  • IELTS Academic
  • IELTS Indicator
  • TOEFL
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • PTE Academic
  • Duolingo English Test

Some students may not have to provide proof of English language proficiency if they:

  • Have studied for a recognised qualification in English, such as IB or GCSE English
  • Have already studied at a UK university for a minimum of a year and achieved a grade of 2:2 or higher
  • Are from a majority English-speaking country
  • Have a degree from a majority English-speaking country

International pathway programmes

  • Those who wish to study in the UK but can't quite meet the entry requirements can pursue a pathway programme. Through foundation, international year one and pre-masters programmes, they gain the qualifications they need for higher-level study. Areas include business, engineering and finance.

International students can check the English language requirements for their chosen programmes online.

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Facilities

Facilities

Students enjoy a welcoming and green campus in the middle of a lively city. All the facilities they need are within the campus grounds, including:

  • A library that's open every day and 24/7 during exam periods
  • Health and wellbeing services such as an optician and counselling service
  • The Martin Luther King multi-faith centre
  • Sports centre with a large gym, swimming pool and sauna
  • IT facilities available 24/7 and free wifi access
  • Shops, supermarkets and cashpoints
  • New GBP 10 million Students' Union building with a bar, cafe, restaurant, games area, exhibition space, social areas, rehearsal space and media room

Students have access to over 130 clubs and societies ranging from debating society to water polo.

Accommodation

Aston offers award-winning campus accommodation, all on the central University campus in Birmingham. International students can choose from a range of modern, safe, and secure accommodation, just a minute's walk from campus buildings. Most first-year international students live in on-campus housing where all facilities are within easy reach. Rooms are recently refurbished and come with ensuite bathrooms, high-speed internet, study spaces, laundry facilities and more. All utility bills are included.

Accommodation is guaranteed for new international students who pay the deposit before the accommodation deadline. Most new international students live on campus.

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Scholarships & funding

Scholarships & funding

Aston University has a large scholarship scheme open to highly talented and motivated students wishing to enhance their career prospects at Aston.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

An award of GBP 8,000 is available for students who can show exceptional academic achievement. Available for both undergraduates and postgraduates, students must be able to demonstrate dedication to their programmes through work experiences, volunteering, or extracurricular activities.

Global Ambassador Scholarship

GBP 3,000 is on offer for 25 students who can represent the university and tell future students from all around the world what Aston is like. Recipients of the scholarship will also be considered for paid roles within Aston's international marketing and recruitment team.

Global Excellence Scholarship

Awards of GBP 2,000 - 5,000 are available to high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students. Those whose qualifications meet the requirements will automatically be offered a scholarship.

International Student Scholarships

Scholarships of GBP 2,000 – 8,000 are available specifically for international students. These financial awards recognise high-achieving students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

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1704
International students

Average cost of living in United Kingdom

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401st  / 1250

THE World ranking

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Total average cost: £1355

  • £474
    Housing
  • £559
    Food
  • £88
    Daily life
  • £234
    Clothing
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