Aston University London

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Aston University is a public university located in the city centre of Birmingham, England. Its origins date back to 1875 with the establishment of a School of Metallurgy within the Birmingham and Midland Institute. The Birmingham Municipal Technical School was formed in 1895 and later evolved into the Birmingham Central Technical College in 1927, reflecting a growing focus on technological education. In 1951, it became the College of Technology, Birmingham, and by 1956, it was designated the UK’s first college of advanced technology. The university expanded significantly during this time, with its main building at Gosta Green inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955. Aston University received its royal charter on April 22, 1966, officially becoming a university. Known for pioneering the integrated placement year, Aston has over 73% of students participating in work placements, the highest rate in the UK. In the 2021–22 academic year, the university reported an income of £197.7 million, with £19.3 million from research grants and contracts, and total expenditures of £219.4 million. The university has received numerous accolades, including "University of the Year" by The Guardian in 2020 and "Outstanding Entrepreneurial University" by the Times Higher Education Awards the same year. The Aston Students’ Union also won The Guardian’s "Buildings That Inspire" award. In 2021, Aston was shortlisted for University of the Year by the Times Higher Education Awards. Most recently, in March 2024, it became the second university in England to receive the Athena SWAN Gold Award at an institutional level, recognizing its commitment to gender equality. Aston's rich history and consistent focus on innovation, industry collaboration, and inclusivity have established it as a key player in UK higher education.