Aston University Review: A Comprehensive Guide
Aston University is a leading public university based in the heart of Birmingham, known for its career-focused approach and strong ties to business and industry. With roots dating back to 1895, Aston gained university status in 1966 and has since developed a reputation for producing highly employable graduates. This institution focuses on professional placements and its triple accreditation business school.
Aston University Summary
- City: Birmingham
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
Over 80% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of Aston University
Aston offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across areas such as business, engineering, health, life sciences, law, and social sciences. Most courses include a placement or integrated professional experience, which contributes to the university’s strong graduate employment rates.
Highlights include:
- Consistently ranked in the UK top 30 for graduate prospects
- Home to one of the UK’s top pharmacy and optometry schools
- Strong performance in student satisfaction and teaching quality
- Recognised for cutting-edge research, particularly in applied sciences and health
Aston University Rankings 2026
UK Ranking (Complete University Guide 2026): 44
World Ranking (QS World University Ranking 2026): 395
Aston University Courses and Programmes
Aston’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science is a hands-on, industry-focused degree designed to prepare students for success in one of the fastest-growing sectors.
Key Highlights:
- Accredited by BCS (Chartered Institute for IT) – leading towards Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status
- Strong focus on real-world application of coding, AI, software development, and systems design
- Core skills: programming (Java, Python, PHP, MySQL), UI design, Android development, Unity, and more
- Practical team-based projects and exposure to industry-standard software (e.g. Adobe, Solidworks)
- Delivered by a supportive team of expert academics in state-of-the-art facilities
Aston’s BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree prepares students for real-world business roles by blending theoretical knowledge with practical, career-focused training. Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, this programme equips students with the technical, analytical, and decision-making skills needed to thrive in finance-related careers.
Key Highlights:
- Professional accreditation exemptions for accountancy qualifications
- Core modules in management accounting, financial analysis, audit, tax, and governance
- Strong focus on risk management, decision-making, and digital skills
- Exposure to industry-standard tools, including Adobe software
- Delivered by a mix of academic researchers and industry professionals, with some staff focusing on green and ethical finance
Aston’s BSc (Hons) Economics degree goes beyond traditional economics. It equips students with analytical tools to tackle pressing real-world issues like inflation, climate policy, and inequality. The course also builds transferable business skills highly valued across industries.
Key Highlights:
- Strong focus on applying theory to real-world problems
- Learn from a team including six national teaching award winners and authors of a leading economics textbook
- Unique insight into the Government Economic Service hiring process, with staff who’ve acted as GES assessors
- Use of games, experiments, and simulations to support learning through Aston’s A-GamE centre
Aston University Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
Aston University Entry Requirements
| Category | Details |
| A‑Level | BBB–BBC, including B in Maths; some courses require ABB |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 points with HL5,5,4 including HL Maths |
| BTEC / Access | Accepted; e.g., Access with 30 credits at Level 3 including 15 in Maths |
| GCSEs | Maths and English Language: minimum Grade C/4 |
| Foundation / Year 1 Pathways | Available via ONCAMPUS Aston for those below direct entry grades |
| IELTS (Undergrad) | Business: 6.5 overall (min 5.5 in two bands), Engineering/Sciences: 6.0 (min 5.5) |
| Other English Tests | Accepts TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, IELTSUKVI; scores vary by school |
Aston University Fees
Fees vary by course, here are some of the 2025/2026 fees:
Computer Science
UK
International
Accounting and Finance
UK
International
Aston University Sports Facilities
Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre (On Campus)
- Fully equipped gym with strength and cardio equipment
- Studios for fitness classes and group exercise
- Courts for various indoor sports
- Historic swimming pool – the oldest operating pool in Birmingham
- Sauna and steam room for relaxation and recovery
- Racket sports courts for badminton, squash, and more
Aston University Recreation Centre (Great Barr)
- Located on a 48-acre site in a green, scenic setting
- Grass pitches for football, rugby, and other outdoor sports
- Floodlit all-weather pitch for year-round use
- Function rooms and breakout spaces available for hire
Aston University Notable Alumni
Kate Walsh – Former captain of the Great Britain women’s hockey team; Olympic bronze medallist (London 2012).
Laura Jones – BBC News presenter and journalist, known for her work on BBC News at One and BBC World News.
Chris Banks OBE – Former Managing Director of Coca-Cola Great Britain and Chairman of the Learning and Skills Council.
Rob Wallis – Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
Mary McAleese – Former President of Ireland (1997–2011) – completed postgraduate work at Aston.
Phil Popham – Former CEO of Lotus Cars and Sunseeker International.
Tony Hayward – Former CEO of BP (noted for leading during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill).
Ian Taylor – Former CEO of Vitol Group, one of the world’s largest energy and commodity trading companies.
Karren Brady CBE – Business executive and television personality, known for “The Apprentice” and as Vice-Chair of West Ham United FC.
Trevor Phillips OBE – Writer, broadcaster and former Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Experience the City of Birmingham as a Student
Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and one of its most diverse, youthful, and student-friendly places. Over 80,000 students call Birmingham home, creating a vibrant atmosphere with events, food, and culture from all over the world.
- Affordable living – Lower costs than London with plenty of student discounts
- Vibrant food scene – From street food to halal, vegan and fine dining options
- Arts and nightlife – Live music, theatres, bars and clubs across Broad Street and Digbeth
- Great transport – Fast links to London, the rest of the UK, and Birmingham Airport
- Plenty of green space – Over 500 parks, including Cannon Hill and Sutton Park
How much does it cost to live in Birmingham as a Student
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared flat/student halls) | 450 – 650 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | 50 – 80 |
| Food and groceries | 150 – 250 |
| Public transport (bus pass) | 40 – 60 |
| Mobile phone | 10 – 25 |
| Leisure and socialising | 100 – 200 |
| Study materials/supplies | 20 – 40 |
| Total (approx.) | 820 – 1,305 |
Aston University Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/
- Address: Birmingham, B4 7ET UK
- General information for international students: +44 (0)121 204 3000
