Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established research led University which has strong links with industry, business and the professions which helps ensure our courses are relevant and our graduates are highly employable. All of the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities are based on our attractive, self-contained, green campus right in the centre of Birmingham, one of Europe’s liveliest and welcoming cities. We are proud of our close knit, safe and friendly campus atmosphere which provides the perfect environment for academic success and a fantastic social life.
Aston has been a leading university for graduate employment success for over 25 years and is one of just four universities where more than half of our students take a placement year. The University is consistently ranked in the UK’s top ten for graduate employability (2013 Sunday Times University Guide) with over 85% of our employed graduates finding graduate level jobs against a UK average of around 70%. Allied to this two thirds of eligible Aston students study for degrees involving a sandwich placement year or year abroad, giving them valuable experience relevant to their degree. The 70% of eligible Aston students who do this earn an average of £16,00 during this year but more importantly, gain valuable experience of the professional world making them attractive to employers. One third of students taking a placement year are offered graduate employment by their placement employer once completing their degree.
Aston University is dedicated to widening participation in Higher Education through its work in schools throughout Birmingham. The Outreach and Widening Participation Office runs a number of outreach programmes providing opportunities for Aston University students to engage with local schools and the local community. At Aston, all students from any background, including areas where participation in Higher Education is low, those with non-traditional qualifications, those with disabilities, or from lower socio-economic groups, find the best opportunities for learning and success. The University seeks to widen participation whilst maintaining high entry standards to perform well against its widening participation performance indicators and fulfil its Access Agreement, ensuring a high quality learning experience for all its students and maintaining its excellent employability record.
The tuition fee for full-time Degree Programmes at Aston is £9,000 per year (2015 entry). Aston scholarships are also available to UK students in addition to the government grants dependent on family income. The tuition fees for study placement years and work placement years is £1,000 with many of our students qualifying for an Aston scholarship of £1,000 which means their tuition fee for their placement year is £0. Aston’s Tuition Fee and Financial Support Policy aims to be simple, fair and straightforward and the University will continue to invest tuition fee income in the provision of high quality student facilities, teaching excellence and the overall student experience at Aston.
