Aston University
since 1895Aston University is an esteemed public research university, nestled in the bustling centre of Birmingham - the second most populated city in England. Its roots trace back to the 19th century, when a School of Metallurgy was founded by the Birmingham and Midland Institute. After many subsequent name changes, the school was finally granted university status in 1966.
Aston University's campus is located across 60 acres of Gosta Green land in Birmingham, equipped with an array of amenities such as a swimming pool, sports centres, a library, cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops, hairdressers, health centres, and an abundance of green spaces. The library offers a massive collection of over 250,000 books and 800 periodicals, and boasts access to almost 3,500 electronic journals and 40 databases.
The university has close ties with the industrial and business sectors. In 2012, The Telegraph ranked Aston among the top 10 UK universities for producing millionaires. Notable alumni include stand-up comedian Frankie Boyle, BBC journalist Ivan Noble, and senior international correspondent of CNN, Nic Robertson.
Libraries and information services
Libraries and information services are open 24/7 during key revision and exam periods. Featuring group and silent study areas, a coffee shop, and extensive IT facilities with more than 1500 PCs, loanable laptops, Wi-Fi study spaces, and specialist software, and with access to a virtual learning environment 24/7 providing course materials, lectures, and updates, the institution is equipped to meet the needs of students.
Multi-faith Chaplaincy
Faith support is available through the chaplaincy team, who are available to all students, regardless of faith or none. The Student Funding and Advice Team is formed to come to the aid of students in need of assistance with a range of queries, including routine and complex student finance queries. Furthermore, students with caring responsibilities, care leavers, and students estranged from their families can also seek out the team for professional support.
Campus and Spaces
The campus itself offers state-of-the-art, high-quality, and flexible study spaces, with a range of cafes serving a wide choice of food, snacks, and drinks. There are also several retail outlets, including Costa, Tesco Express, Greggs, and Wok and Go. The sports facilities offer a summary of sports and activities, which can be further explored on the Sports Table.
Learning Support
In terms of learning support, the Learning Development Centre offers assistance with maths, academic writing, communication, exam techniques, and study skills, with the option of group workshops and one-to-one or virtual/email tutorials. Additionally, there are fully trained peer writing and maths mentors on-site, who can help with developing academic skills. My Aston Portal (MAP) is also available to students to help them navigate university resources, including timetables and learning materials.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Support
When it comes to health services, there is a nearby NHS doctor's surgery that is open daily, half a mile from campus, and a Boots Chemist with a dental outreach and an NHS walk-in centre. The campus also provides a gym and sports facilities, including instructor-led fitness classes. Registered mental health nurses coordinate specialist support and qualified therapists are available online and face-to-face. Furthermore, students have access to the Togetherall online community for support 24/7/365, monitored by trained professionals. Those with disabilities can also access support from the Enabling team. This includes advice on funding, teaching and learning, assessment and exams, physical access, inclusive resources, and links to university or external services.
Scholarships and Financial Support
The university provides a range of scholarships and financial support for students through bursaries and scholarships, as well as through the Careers and Placements Service. This type of service assists with career planning, application for placements and graduate roles, as well as consideration of further education. Students have access to the Aston Futures online careers portal to search for opportunities, including placements and volunteering roles. They can also arrange appointments for careers advice, and book onto employer events or skills workshops. Additionally, exclusive online tools are available to help with CVs, applications, interviews, and assessment centres. This is in addition to hundreds of local, national, and international employers being invited to engage with students at events on campus and online.
Skills Awards and Certifications
Students can train to become peer mentors and benefit from professional mentoring, with industry professionals matched to students. Enterprise support offers advice and help with launching a business, while study abroad programs and dedicated teams to help with placement searches offer the opportunity to explore beyond campus.