Aston University is a research-focused institution based in the heart of Birmingham, the UK's second largest city. It has been a university since 1966 but has an educational heritage stretching back to 1895, where it began as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School.
Aston University is a prominent university in the UK, having placed 20th in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards and 41st in the 2024 Complete University Guide league tables. It's known for its pioneering approach to university placements and integrated learning, which it introduced into the wider higher education system in the UK. Today, the majority of its students benefit from these applied opportunities to build professional skills and make industry connections.
The university maintains a well-equipped, centrally located campus that is rich with green spaces and amenities. Specialist facilities are available to suit every student's academic or research needs, and a new students' union building offers a wide range of support services, social opportunities and events. Notable facilities include a £3.9 million facility for virtual reality innovation, and the Aston Eye Clinic.
Birmingham is one of the UK's major cities, and is renowned for its vibrant live music scene, excellent restaurants and bars, and convenient access to the rest of the UK. Located roughly in the centre of the country, students will be able to access other cities like London and Manchester with ease, while the Shropshire Hills and Cotswolds are just a short journey away.
Aston University, Birmingham offers postgraduate students a number of options when it comes to finding their perfect living arrangements. The university offers a guaranteed first-year accommodation place to the first 50 applicants for postgraduate study at Aston, providing they meet the eligibility criteria.
Postgraduate students at Aston will only be able to secure university-managed accommodation on a 51-week contract.
Aston University offers its accommodation in partnership with Unite Students, which maintains award-winning halls of residence right on the university's compact campus. As a result, students will be on the doorstep of their classes, research facilities, student services and the social scene of the university.
Available rooms include en-suite rooms, and all accommodation options have access to shared kitchen facilities and social spaces. Wi-Fi and bills are included in the rental price.
Some students may prefer to rent privately elsewhere in Birmingham. This post-industrial city is home to a diverse population, a rich arts, culture and music scene, and endless entertainment options. Easy access to other parts of the country by road or rail make it an excellent base for students, as well as the presence of many large businesses and industry leaders in the city.
Aston University, Birmingham recognises the importance of helping postgraduate students meet the cost of their studies in ensuring that learners can achieve their academic potential. The university offers students a range of funding options and financial support measures, designed to help reduce the barriers to entry and support high-achieving students.
Available scholarships and bursaries include:
Students can get additional details and support around all of the funding options at Aston through the university's Financial Assistance Team.
Aston University, Birmingham provides postgraduate students with a variety of study options to choose from. Postgraduate programmes at the university are designed to unlock new academic or career opportunities, help students become experts in their field, and build in-demand skill sets.
Available courses include taught master's degrees, such as MSc, MBA and MA qualifications, as well as a range of shorter master's level courses that are suitable for continuing professional development. These include postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates and individual modules.
The university also maintains a range of online study options, allowing students to work towards useful professional qualifications or a full master's degree certificate from the comfort of their own home.
There are also study options available for postgraduate research students at Aston. These range from MPhil and PhD study pathways to professional doctorates, leading to qualifications such as Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Hearing Therapy and Doctor of Optometry.
Graduates of postgraduate programmes at Aston University, Birmingham enjoy a high graduate employment rate and the recognition of employers across a wide range of industries and sectors. The university supports the employability and graduate success of its students by:
Students can benefit from careers support at any point through the university's Careers and Placements team. Their services and resources are available throughout a student's courses, as well as for three years after they graduate.
