Progress to Aston University
Ranked 21st in the UK, Aston holds TEF Gold for teaching excellence and has a Triple Crown accredited business school. It is known for its focus on employability and producing career-ready graduates.
About Aston University
Aston University has an impressive track record of exceptional teaching and research. Known as the pioneer of the placement year, Aston University prepares highly employable graduates for the workplace. Aston was awarded University of the Year for Graduate Employment (The Times Higher Education Awards) and is consistently ranked well for teaching quality and student experience.
Based in two UK locations – the main campus in Birmingham, and a new postgraduate campus in London, Aston offers choice of location to suit student preference.
Aston has a large international student community from over 120 countries and courses that are designed with real-world skills in mind.
Why Aston University
Ranked 21st
overall in the UK
(Guardian University Guide 2025)
Guaranteed Internships
for all Master's students
Ranked in the top 5%
of universities globally
(QS World University Rankings 2026)
Careers and Employability
Aston University is known for its strong focus on employability, helping students graduate with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in their careers. As the UK's pioneer of the placement year, Aston combines academic study with valuable industry experience.
- 91% of graduates are in work or further study within 12 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
- Top 20 in the UK for graduate salaries, with graduates earning a median salary of £33,600 three years after graduation (Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2025).
- Top 25 in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026).
- Top 20 UK university for high-skilled jobs (Daily Mail University Guide 2026).
- Runner-up for Graduate Employment (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
Power Skills and Guaranteed Internships
At Aston University, you will gain far more than a degree. Every undergraduate programme is designed to help you build the experience, skills and confidence that employers value, through a placement year, integrated placement opportunities or work-focused modules.
With Power Skills embedded across all Birmingham-based undergraduate degrees and access to Aston’s global network of employers, you will develop real-world experience alongside your studies. Aston also offers guaranteed internships with every Master's degree, helping you gain valuable industry exposure and enhance your employability. By graduation, you will be equipped with the practical skills, professional experience and industry connections needed to succeed in your chosen career.
The world needs innovators, problem solvers and bold thinkers. Talented students like you with the confidence and abilities to take on new challenges.
All undergraduate students can now gain Power Skills. Master AI and the latest digital tools. Unlock entrepreneurial thinking. Become an inclusive leader. Learn to create a more sustainable planet. It’s time to develop your superpowers.
Aston University guarantees an internship to all full-time students studying a taught Master’s programme at either the Birmingham or London campus, including MA, MSc and LLM programmes.
It is open to both international and UK students, and there is no charge to register or participate in the scheme.
The University's multi award-winning Careers and Placements Team will work with you to secure your industry internship which you will complete part-time, taking no more than 20 hours per week. The precise hours and timing will depend on each employer’s requirement, but will fit around your study timetable.
Aston University is internationally recognised for excellence in:
- Aston's School of Engineering and Innovation is the home of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Design.
- Ranked 3rd in the UK for Chemical Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Ranked 12th in the UK for Mechanical Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Ranked 13th in the UK for General Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Ranked 21st in the UK for Civil Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Ranked 28th in the UK for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Ranked 12th in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems
Aston offers placement year options for students and it's courses are practical, professionally-relevant and designed around industry needs. HSBC, for example co-designed Aston's Cybersecurity degree.
Many courses are accredited by world-leading professional bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
National projects and competitions, such as Formula Student and the Engineering for People Design Challenge are available for students to join.
Aston’s Business School is a Triple Crown institutions, among 1% of business schools worldwide to have this award (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
- Ranked in the Global Top 100 for Master's in Business and Management (QS Business School Master's Rankings 2022)
- Ranked 32nd for Economics (Guardian University Guide Subject Rankings 2024)
- Ranked 11th in the UK for Marketing and top 50 in the world (QS World Rankings 2023)
- Ranked 18th for Graduate Prospects (Business & Management Studies) (Complete University Guide 2023)
- MBA is ranked in the Global Top 100 (The Economist Which MBA 2021)
- Business graduates earn £8,500 more than UK average five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2021)
- 100% overall satisfaction in Human Resource Management (National Student Survey 2021)
- International Relations is ranked 9th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024)
- 94% of LLB Law students were satisfied with their course (National Student Survey 2021)
All undergraduate courses come with a placement year or study abroad (this is optional for international students). Students experience real life business activities through initiatives such as module partnership and in-house business and law clinics. Aston run a Business Clinic which is an opportunity for students to volunteer to act as a consultant under the guidance of an academic to provide consultancy advice to local companies.
- Aston Global Advantage programme is an integrated professional development module available to students on most MSc Business courses, allowing them to develop transferable skills and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
- Many accreditations for courses including Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offering exemptions from exams.
- Ranked 4th in the UK for Health Professions/Optometry (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Allied Health graduates, which includes pharmacy, earn a median salary of £37,200 five years after graduation, significantly higher than the sector average
- Work placement opportunities with leading healthcare and life science companies throughout your degree
- Aston Medical School and Aston School of Optometry are accredited and regulated by the General Medical Council and the General Optical Council
- The Aston Eye Clinic is the largest optometry teaching centre in the UK
- Top 5 in the UK for graduate prospects in Optometry, Ophthalmics, Orthoptics (Complete University Guide, 2024)
- The School of Pharmacy was honoured with a Regius Professorship – one of just 12 universities with reputations for research excellence to receive the prestigious award as part of celebrations for HM the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2017.
- Popular courses: Biosciences, Pharmacy, Optometry, Psychology
- Top 15 in the UK for 'Graduate Prospects On-Track' in English (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
- Ranked 11th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Law is ranked 10th in the UK for teaching quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2023)
- History is ranked 8th in UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- Top 15 in the UK for 'Graduate Prospects On-Track' in Sociology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
Student Life
Study at one of the UK's most diverse universities.
With 18,000 students from over 120 countries Aston's safe and friendly campuses sit in the heart of two of the UK's major cities - Birmingham and London. Aston teaching, facilities and commitment to an outstanding student experience are what really sets them apart.
The university’s diverse student body creates a dynamic environment that celebrates different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, making it easy to feel connected and supported throughout your time at Aston.
You'll have access to Aston's award winning Student Union, where you can join any number of clubs or societies available to ensure you get the most out of your time at Aston. With over 130 student-led groups they have something for everyone.
Aston's dedicated teams are here to support you with a variety of services tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking one-on-one counselling, guidance from our chaplains representing all faiths and non-faith perspectives, or a space to unwind and connect with fellow students, we’ve got you covered.
Aston's key locations - Birmingham and London
Unique places to study.
Birmingham (Brum, to its friends) is buzzing with culture, nightlife, world-class shopping experiences and an epic food scene that’s taken Michelin and social media by storm. It is the birthplace of the Balti, Lord of the Rings, tennis, Cadbury chocolate and heavy metal.
London is like no other, the UK's capital city, from historic landmarks and renowned museums to vibrant markets and exclusive business districts, the rich tapestry of London life is right at your doorstep alongside notable businesses including Amazon, TikTok, Deloitte Digital, Monzo, Adidas, Pan Macmillan, and ITV, providing students with unique opportunities to connect with leading industries and immerse themselves in a dynamic professional environment, enhancing both their academic journey and career prospects.
What StudentCrowd says about Birmingham:
- 6th best student city in the UK
- It's one of the youngest major cities in Europe
- It’s dynamic and diverse, making it an exciting and unique place to study.
Why London
- Voted the best student city in the world in 2025 (again!) and one of the world’s most exciting places to live.
- Offers a vibrant job market with unrivalled internship and work experience opportunities
- It's a huge student hub, offering a truly global experience with student societies, clubs and groups for all interests
Birmingham Campus
London Campus
Gallery
Students can progress to Aston University from OnCampus Aston and OnCampus London.
Follow the links below to discover the university preparation programmes available to international students aiming to progress to Aston University.