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{{short description|University in Birmingham, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Aston University
| image_name = [[File:Official Aston University Coat of Arms.jpg|thumb|Official Aston University Coat of Arms]]
| image_upright = 0.8
| established = 1895 (granted [[Universities in the United Kingdom|University Status]] by [[Royal Charter]] in 1966)<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/history/|title=History and traditions|publisher=|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref>
| motto = ''Forward''
| type = [[public university|Public]]
| endowment = [[Pound sterling|£]]1.41 million <small>(as of July 2018)</small><ref name = "Aston University Endowment 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18| access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University| page = 46}}</ref>
| budget = [[Pound sterling|£]]156.8 million <small>(2017/2018)</small><ref name = "Aston University Budget 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 25}}</ref>
| city = [[Birmingham]]
| country = [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| coor = {{Coord|52.4860|N|1.8895|W|scale:10000_type:edu_region:GB-CRF|display=inline,title}}
| campus = Urban, {{convert|60|acre|ha|abbr=off}}</small><ref name = "Aston University Campus 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 4}}</ref>
| chancellor = [[John Sunderland (businessman)|Sir John Sunderland]]
| vice_chancellor = [[Alec Cameron]]
| students = 15,500 (2017/18)</small><ref name = "Student Population 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 9}}</ref>
| undergrad = 11,935 (2017/18)</small><ref name = "Student Population 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 9}}</ref>
| postgrad = 3,565 (2017/18)</small><ref name = "Student Population 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 9}}</ref>
| doctoral =
| staff =
| affiliations = [[Association of Commonwealth Universities|ACU]]<br />[[CDIO Initiative]]<br />[[European University Association|EUA]]<br />[[Universities UK]]<br />[[AACSB]]<br />[[M5 (universities)|M5 Universities]]
| colours = {{scarf|{{cell3|#000}}{{cell|#B80000}}{{cell3|#000}}{{cell|#B80000}}{{cell3|#000}}}}
{{scarf|{{cell3|#B80000}}{{cell|#000}}{{cell3|#B80000}}{{cell|#000}}{{cell3|#B80000}}}}
| website = {{url|http://www.aston.ac.uk/}}
| logo = Aston University Logo.png
}}
'''Aston University''' is a [[public university]] in the city centre of [[Birmingham]], England. It received its [[royal charter]] from [[Queen Elizabeth II]] on 22 April 1966.
Aston is famous for having a placement year as part of many of its undergraduate degree courses.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/aston |title=Aston University |publisher=Complete University Guide |date= |accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref> It pioneered the integrated placement year concept from its start in 1966.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/aston-university-team-up-tech-6781285|title=Aston University team up with tech firm for IT degree|date=8 March 2014|work=birminghampost|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/50-aston-greats/james-gracie/|title=50th Anniversary: Sir James Gracie Q&A|publisher=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830043506/http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/50-aston-greats/james-gracie/|archive-date=30 August 2015|url-status=dead|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/graduates-for-industry-aston.pdf |title=Engineering graduates for industry |access-date=27 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716210726/https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/graduates-for-industry-aston.pdf |archive-date=16 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==History==
===Predecessor institutions===
In 1875, a School of Metallurgy was formed in the [[Birmingham and Midland Institute]].
In 1895, the Birmingham Municipal Technical School separated from the Institute. It taught [[chemistry]], [[physics]], [[metallurgy]] and [[electrical engineering]].
In 1911, commercial classes were introduced. By 1916, this had grown into an independent School of Commerce.<ref name="History and Traditions">{{cite web|url=http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/history/|title=History and Traditions|year=2008|publisher=Aston University|accessdate= 28 October 2019| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219025224/http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/history/| archivedate= 19 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
In 1927, the school changed its name to the Birmingham Central Technical College.<ref name="History and Traditions" /> This was to reflect its changing approach to teaching technology.
In 1951, the Technical College was renamed the ''College of Technology, Birmingham''.<ref name="History and Traditions" />
Work began on the Main Building at Gosta Green. [[Princess Margaret]] laid one of the first foundation stones at the base of the new building in 1951. The building is said to be one of Europe's largest freestanding brick buildings.<ref name="midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk/new-era-conference-aston-help-overbury/|title=Midlands Business News New era at Conference Aston with the help of Overbury - Midlands Business News|work=Midlands Business News|accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref>
In 1956 it became the [[UK]]'s first [[College of Advanced Technology (United Kingdom)|College of Advanced Technology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.college-optometrists.org/en/college/museyeum/online_exhibitions/students_past/Birmingham.cfm|title=Birmingham - Central Technical College and Aston University|author=Neil Handley|publisher=|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref> It had a major expansion.<ref name="History and Traditions" />
[[File:Astonmainbuilding.jpg|thumb|The main building with water sculpture Tipping Triangles by [[Angela Conner]]. The building is one of Europe's largest freestanding brick buildings.<ref name="midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk"/>]]
The college expanded again to a design by the [[City Architect of Birmingham]] [[Alwyn Sheppard Fidler]] between 1957 and 1965.<ref>{{cite book |last= Foster |first=Andy |title=Birmingham |series=Pevsner Architectural Guides |origyear=2005 |year=2007 |page=195 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-10731-9}}</ref>
===University status===
On 22 April 1966, it it was given its [[Royal Charter]]. It became the ''University of Aston in Birmingham''.
On 10 May 1966, the first [[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]] of the University, [[Henry Nelson, 2nd Baron Nelson of Stafford|Lord Nelson of Stafford]], was installed.
The Charter of the University outlines its objectives. These are appropriate to a technological university:
{{Quote|text="to advance, disseminate and apply learning and knowledge by teaching and research, for the benefit of industry and commerce and of the community generally: and to enable students to obtain the advantage of a university education, and such teaching and research may include periods outside the University in industry or commerce or wherever the University considers proper for the best advancement of its objects."}}
Due to the history of the institution, there is emphasis given to the sandwich course system and the maintenance of strong links with industry.
The motto of the University is the same as that of the [[Birmingham|City of Birmingham]] – ''Forward''.<ref name="History"/>
In 1983, Aston University, [[Birmingham City Council]], and [[Lloyds Bank]], established Birmingham Technology Ltd.. This [[company]] manages the [[Science park|Aston Science Park]]. The science park is next to the university site. In 1984, the area was granted its own postal address "The Aston Triangle". This made the campus an official district of Birmingham. The logo of the establishment takes from the shape of the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/history/1980s/ |title=1980s |publisher=Aston.ac.uk |archive-date= 20 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220153456/http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/history/1980s/|url-status=dead |accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref>
===2000 to present===
[[File:Astonbraincentre.jpg|thumb|Aston Brain Centre.]]
In September 2010, Aston University hosted the [[British Science Festival]]. This is one of Europe's largest public science events.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=kwIrDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA290&dq=British+Science+Festival+Europe's+largest+public+science+event.&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjynaXFpt7qAhWIi1wKHfPGA88Q6AEwAXoECAUQAg#v=onepage&q=British%20Science%20Festival%20Europe's%20largest%20public%20science%20event.&f=false|title=Bridging the Communication Gap in Science and Technology: Lessons from India|last=Bagla|first=Pallava|last2=Binoy|first2=V. V.|date=2017-02-17|publisher=Springer|year=|isbn=978-981-10-1025-5|location=|pages=290|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=7dm3CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA153&dq=British+Science+Festival+Europe's+largest+public+science+event.&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjynaXFpt7qAhWIi1wKHfPGA88Q6AEwAHoECAYQAg#v=onepage&q=British%20Science%20Festival%20Europe's%20largest%20public%20science%20event.&f=false|title=Getting To Grips With Science: A Fresh Approach For The Curious|last=Morris|first=Andrew James|date=2014-12-10|publisher=World Scientific|year=|isbn=978-1-78326-594-7|location=|pages=153|language=en}}</ref>
Since May 2011, Sir [[John Sunderland (businessman)|John Sunderland]] has been the Chancellor.
The university is a lead sponsor of [[Aston University Engineering Academy]]. This [[university technical college]] (UTC) opened in September 2012. The UTC is for students aged 14 to 19 wishing to study and have a career in engineering. It is located at the edge of the Aston University campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auea.co.uk/Aston-University |title=Aston University | Aston University Engineering Academy |publisher=Auea.co.uk |date= |accessdate=29 October 2019}}</ref>
In October 2014, the University announced a £35 million cash injection for a major upgrade of the campus. This included a new £19 million revamp of [[Aston Business School]] and improvement work to the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies and the School of Languages and Social Sciences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/commercial-property/new-aston-university-business-school-7947978|title=New Aston University business school after £35m boost|author=Jon Griffin|date=17 October 2014|work=birminghampost|accessdate=29 October 2019}}</ref>
In October 2015, Aston launched the [[Aston Medical School]].<ref name="medical">{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/aston-medical-school/faqs/|title=Aston Medical School FAQ|publisher=|accessdate=29 October 2019}}</ref> This was for [[postgraduate]] [[research students]]. In September 2018 the first Bachelor of Medicine [[MBChB]] course started.<ref name="medical"/> The course takes five years.
In February 2017, the University launched its online programme website. Four [[Master of Science|MSc]] programmes are offered 100% online to students in the UK and worldwide. It also offers the Aston Business School's [[MBA]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/programmes/aston-mba/index.aspx|title=The Aston MBA - Aston Business School|website=Aston University|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-07-21}}</ref>
In July 2017, Aston became the first University in the UK to award degree apprenticeship graduates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://feweek.co.uk/2017/07/17/first-degree-apprentices-in-uk-graduate/|title=First degree apprentices in UK graduate|last=Offord|first=Paul|date=2017-07-17|website=FE Week|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450424914/First-set-of-Capgemini-degree-apprentices-graduate|title=First set of Capgemini degree apprentices graduate|website=ComputerWeekly.com|language=en|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> Aston began working in close partnership with [[Capgemini]], to create the first degree apprenticeship: ''Digital and Technology Solutions'' in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncub.co.uk/success-stories/creating-the-first-degree-apprenticeship-in-digital-and-technology-solutions|title=Creating the first degree apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions|last=Capgemini|website=NCUB|language=en|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref>
==Campus==
[[File:Aston uni campus1.jpg|thumb|Aston's self-contained green campus, in the city centre of Birmingham.]]
The university sits on a 40-acre campus at [[Gosta Green]], in the city centre of [[Birmingham]], England.<ref name="TheIndependent">{{cite news |url=http://education.independent.co.uk/higher/az_uni_colleges/article1208485.ece |title=Aston University |accessdate=29 October 2019 |last=Tarleton |first=Alice |date=2006-08-01 |series=A-Z Unis & Colleges |work=The Independent |location=London |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926002602/http://education.independent.co.uk/higher/az_uni_colleges/article1208485.ece |archivedate=26 September 2006 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> The campus has accommodation for over 3000 students. It has sports facilities, a library, cafés, restaurants, pubs, shops, travel centre, hairdresser, health centre, dentist, places of worship, opticians, a bank, [[automated teller machine]]s and outside leisure space.
===Library===
Aston University Library is on four floors. It contains over 250,000 books and 800 current printed periodicals. It has over 700 reader places. It provides online access over 3,400 electronic journals. The Library is open 24 hours a day to Aston students and staff during exam time,and 12 hours a day during term time.
===IT===
Around the campus there are open-access IT suites. They offer computer and internet access 24 hours a day. They offer access to software packages, database systems and computer-aided learning materials.
===Sports===
Aston University [[sports]] facilities include a 25m [[swimming pool]], [[sauna]] and [[steam room]], two sports halls, a [[gym]], weights and fitness rooms, and a two storey dance studio. It has 35 sports clubs. The campus also has two [[floodlit]] sports pitches. Many of the University clubs train and compete in the [[British Universities and Colleges Sport]]s (BUCS) Leagues. Away from the campus, the University manages a 40-acre sports ground with floodlit pitches and a [[pavilion]] for all outdoor sports.
==Organisation and administration==
===Faculties and departments===
All of the Aston University's faculties are based on one campus. They are organised into the following five schools:
{{div col}}
;School of Engineering and Applied Science
*Applied Physics
*Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
*Computer Science
*Electronic Engineering
*Engineering Systems and Management
*Mathematics
*Mechanical Engineering and Design
;School of Life and Health Sciences
*Audiology
*Biology
*Biomedical Science
*Optometry
*Pharmacy
*Psychology
<br>
;School of Languages and Social Sciences
*Modern languages & translation studies
*International relations, politics & European studies
*English language
*English literature
*History
*Sociology & public policy
;[[Aston Business School]]
*Aston Law
*Economics and Strategy
*Finance and Accounting
*Marketing Group
*Operations and Information Management Group
*Work and Organisational Psychology
;[[Aston Medical School]]
{{div col end}}
===Coat of arms===
The university's [[Achievement (heraldry)|arms]] were granted on 18 March 1955 by [[Garter Principal King of Arms|Garter]], [[Clarenceux King of Arms|Clarenceux]] and [[Norroy and Ulster King of Arms|Norroy and Ulster]] [[King of Arms|Kings of Arms]] to the Birmingham Corporation. This was for use by the former College of Technology. They were designed to show the College's connection with the City and with the teaching of technology. The arms consist of a [[escutcheon (heraldry)|shield]] and [[crest (heraldry)|crest]].
The shield has two sections – the field (the main background) and a chief (the broad band across the top of the shield). The field is
coloured blue. The chief is coloured [[Silver (color)|silver]]. On the field is a diagonal line of five gold [[Rhombus|diamonds]] joined one to the other. This is similar to the first quarter of the Arms of the City of Birmingham. It is incorporated in the Arms of the College to show its connection to the City. On the chief is depicted an open book bound in red placed between two black hammers. This shows the connection of the University with technology. The book represents learning. The hammers represent engineering and allied trades.
The crest is designed to stress the pursuit of knowledge. It consists of a red torch held erect by a forearm between two branches of gold laurel. Originally it would have been worn on the helmet of a fully armed person. The crest is always placed on the top of the helm. The method of joining the crest to the helm was usually concealed by decoration. In the University's arms this is done by the use of a wreath and a crown. The wreath is silver, red, and black. These colours being taken from the shield. On top is a mural crown (resembling a wall). This is reserved in modern grants for persons and organisations connected with public corporations. The cloth mantling hangs down from the top of the helm. This represents the cloak which was originally worn to protect the armour. It is coloured blue and gold. These being the two principal colours of the shield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/history/arms/ |title=Aston University Arms |accessdate=30 October 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717000246/http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/history/arms/ |archivedate=17 July 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>
In 2016, Her Majesty's College of Arms granted the favour of supporters to Aston University's arms. This marked the 50th anniversary of the University. Professor Julia King, the Baroness Brown of Cambridge, the Vice-Chancellor, had made the request.
The Letters Patent was formally presented to Aston University by the York Herald, Michael Peter Desmond O'Donoghue Esq.. This was made in a service at [[St Phillips Cathedral]], Birmingham, on 29th September 2016.
The arms are supported by a Canada goose and a red squirrel. The Canada goose is a symbol. It represents the family of geese living on the University campus. The squirrel is the crest of the arms of Aston Manor. This is a rebus. (The picture is a pun on the persons name. The owners of Aston Manor were the Holte family and a squirrel's nest is called a holt). This explains the ancient connection between the squirrel and Aston. The animal also appears on the University mace. It also appears on the Chancellor's chain of office. This chain was originally the property of the Mayor of Aston Manor.
The gorse around the animals' necks is a reference to Gosta Green. It was known as ''Gostie'' Green during the 18th century. This combined the name of the landowner (William de Gorsty) with the local plant called '[[gorse]]'
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php/Aston_University |title=Aston University |accessdate=30 October 2019 |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Academic dress===
[[File:Aston University Lake 2010.JPG|thumb|The Chancellor's Lake at the heart of the campus with triangular fountain, 2010.]]
[[File:Aston University EBRI Building.jpg|thumb|The EBRI building.]]
[[File:Birmingham - Aston University.JPG|thumb|Main Building]]
The [[academic dress]] for graduates of the University is as follows:
* [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Engineering]] and [[Master of Engineering]]
** Gown: Black stuff of special design, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Black stuff, modified simple shape, faced inside for three inches with University lining
** Hat: Black mortar board
* [[Master of Science]]
** Gown: Black stuff of special design, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Black stuff, modified simple shape, fully lined with University lining
** Hat: Black mortar board
* [[Master of Philosophy]]
** Gown: Black stuff of special design, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Blue stuff, modified simple shape, fully lined with University lining
** Hat: Black mortar board
* [[Doctor of Philosophy]]
** Gown: Claret colour cloth robe, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Modified simple shape, in University Red stuff, faced inside for three inches with University lining
** Hat: Black cloth bonnet with cord and tassels of University Red
* [[Doctor of Science]]
** Gown: Same shape as for Doctor of Philosophy but in University Red, with facings on collar of University lining and gold cuffs on sleeves
** Hood: Same shape as for Doctor of Philosophy but of gold silk and fully lined with University lining
** Hat: Black velvet bonnet with cord and tassels in gold
==Academic profile==
[[File:Aston University Library 20110211.jpg|thumb|220x220px|Library.]]
===Research===
In the 2008 [[Research Assessment Exercise]], Aston University was ranked in the top 12 in the UK in all four of its broad subject areas. Of the research undertaken, 86% was described as 'internationally significant'.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/research/rae/|title=Aston's performance in the Research Excellence Framework|accessdate=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226134358/http://www.aston.ac.uk/research/rae/|archive-date=26 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 88% of Aston academic staff were submitted for research assessment. This is one of the highest proportions in the UK. According to the Research Assessment Exercise, the university's strengths include Business and Management, General Engineering, subjects allied to Medicine (Optometry, Biology, Pharmacy and Psychology), Languages and European Studies.
===Rankings===
In the 2012 QS World University Rankings, graduate employers ranked Aston University 51st for graduate employability.<ref name="birmingham-chamber.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.birmingham-chamber.com/Attachments/Asian-Link/Asianlink_Spring38.aspx |title=employable graduates |date=April 2012 |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927095510/http://www.birmingham-chamber.com/Attachments/Asian-Link/Asianlink_Spring38.aspx |archive-date=27 September 2013}}
</ref> Aston was ranked in the top ten of all UK universities for its graduate employment record.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide"/>
In 2012, Aston University was responsible for educating 2.3 per cent of the UK's millionaires. This placed Aston at number 8 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9427636/Top-10-universities-for-joining-the-super-rich.html?frame=2288238|title=Top 10 universities for joining the super-rich|date=26 July 2012|work=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
In 2015, Aston was ranked as the [[42 (number)|42]]nd best university in the world under 50 years old.
<ref name="topuniversities.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.topuniversities.com/top-50-under-50/2015 |title=QS World University Rankings 2015 |publisher=Top Universities |accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
For 2018, it was put in the top 55 universities in the UK. It was ranked 18th for student experience in the Sunday Times Good University Guide.<ref name = "Aston University key facts 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18| access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University| page = 4}}</ref>
Aston is ranked 34th in the University League Tables 2020.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide"/>
===Aston Business School===
{{Main article|Aston Business School}}
[[File:Astonbs.jpg|thumb|[[Aston Business School]]]]
Founded in 1947, Aston Business School (ABS) is one of the largest and oldest business schools in the UK.<ref name="abs.aston.ac.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.abs.aston.ac.uk/60th/ |title=60th Anniversary of Aston Business School |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416140844/http://www.abs.aston.ac.uk/60th/ |archive-date=16 April 2008}}</ref>
In 1999, ABS was the first UK business school to be awarded the prestigious EQUIS accreditation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2002/feb/16/students.schools|title=Aston Business School|author=Nick Pandya|work=the Guardian|accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
The school's most recent [[Research Assessment Exercise]] was in 2008. All research areas submitted ranked in the top 12 in the UK. 45% of the research submitted was judged to be "excellent" or "world-leading".<ref name="ReferenceC"/>
In 2012, the business school's Masters Management course was ranked by the ''[[Financial Times]]'' as 36th in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/aston-business-school/masters-in-management-2012#masters-in-management-2012 |title=Business school rankings from the Financial Times - Aston Business School |publisher=Rankings.ft.com |date= |accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
In 2014, Aston was 2nd in the UK for developing marketing professionals, 7th for finance professionals,23rd for accounting professionals. This was based on the career outcome data of more than 313 million [[LinkedIn]] members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2014/october-2014/aston-top-10-linkedin-university-rankings/|title=Aston rated ‘Top 10’ in LinkedIn Rankings|accessdate=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614034721/http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2014/october-2014/aston-top-10-linkedin-university-rankings/|archive-date=14 June 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In 2019, Aston is in the top 1% of Business Schools Worldwide with Triple Accreditation (AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS). It is in the World Top 100 Universities for Business and Management Studies (QS Ranking 2019).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/news/2019/top-100-world-ranking-for-business-studies/Index |title=Aston University enters top 100 world ranking for Business and Management Studies |publisher=|accessdate=1 November 2019|}}</ref>
==Student life==
[[File:Stafford_Tower,_Aston_University.jpg|thumb|right|Stafford Tower, prior to demolition, January 2014.|296x296px]]
[[File:Aston Uni Lakeside 01.JPG|thumb|upright|Part of the Lakeside student residences.]]
[[File:Aston University Student Accommodation phase 1.jpg|thumb|upright| The [[William Murdoch]] and [[James Watt]] residences.]]
[[File:Aston University Student Village phase 2 completed - James Watt Queensway.jpg|thumb|Aston Student Village completed in August 2013.]]
===Students' Union===
Aston Students' Union (SU) used to be called Aston ''Guild'' of Students. It is a non-profit independent charity. It was set up to represent and support its members. Most members are current students at Aston University. The SU operates a number of commercial and non-commercial services. These include; the Advice & Representation Centre (ARC), the Aston Athletic Union, the Aston Societies Federation, the SU Shop, Copyshop and B4 Bar. The Aston Athletic Union supports the university sports clubs. The Aston Societies Federation supports non-sporting societies.
The SU is funded by grant income from Aston University. This is added to by funds raised by the SU's commercial services. The SU is led by a Trustee Board of elected students and external trustees. Day-to-day management is by a team of permanent staff and the Executive Committee. The Executive Committeeby is an elected student team.
The SU building consists of 5 floors and is located in the centre of the Aston University Campus.
On 29 November 2006, the students voted to disaffiliate the Guild (now Union) from the [[National Union of Students (United Kingdom)|National Union of Students]]. On 26 November 2014, they voted to re-affiliate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aston Students’ Union re-joins NUS|url=http://beta.nusconnect.org.uk/strong-students-unions/articles/aston-students-union-re-joins-nus|publisher=NUS|accessdate=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129215042/http://beta.nusconnect.org.uk/strong-students-unions/articles/aston-students-union-re-joins-nus|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Student housing===
In the 1970s, three [[tower block]]s containing student accommodation were constructed on Aston University campus. They were named Dalton, Lawrence and Stafford Towers. In August 1999, the Lakeside complex added further student accommodation on to the campus.
In April 2007, Aston University submitted a planning application for demolition of the three 1970s towers. They were to be replaced by new student accommodation blocks, apartments for tutors, retail units and administrative offices.
On 8 May 2011, Lawrence and Dalton Towers were demolished.<ref name=demolition>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-13327913 |title=BBC News - Aston University tower blocks demolished |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=2011-05-08 |accessdate= 1 November 2019}}</ref>
On 27 April 2014, Stafford Tower, Gem Sports Centre and Lakeside Conference Centre were demolished. This made way for a new entrance to Aston University and a five-acre green space. The new landscaped area includes a walkway into the university from the city centre. It also contains a pavilion for teaching. The pavillion is also used as a catering facility for outdoor events. The new buildings are named the [[William Murdoch]], the [[James Watt]], the [[Harriet Martineau]] and the [[Mary Sturge]] Residences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.aston.ac.uk/study/accommodation/prospective-students/types/harriet-martineau-and-mary-sturge-residences/ |title= Aston Accommodation |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725235921/http://www1.aston.ac.uk/study/accommodation/prospective-students/types/harriet-martineau-and-mary-sturge-residences/ |archive-date=25 July 2013}}</ref>
In 2016, Aston sold all of the student housing that it owned to UNITE Students.
==Notable people==
===Chancellors===
* [[Henry Nelson, 2nd Baron Nelson of Stafford|Lord Nelson of Stafford]] (May 1966 – September 1979)
* [[Adrian Cadbury|Sir Adrian Cadbury]] (September 1979 – September 2004)
* [[Michael Bett]] (September 2004 – May 2011)
* [[John Sunderland (businessman)|John Sunderland]] (Since May 2011)
===Vice-Chancellors===
* [[Peter Venables (academic administrator)|Peter Venables]] (April 1966 - July 1969)
* [[Joseph Pope (academic)|Sir Joseph Pope]] (August 1969 - September 1979)
* [[Frederick W. Crawford]] (July 1980 - August 1996)
* [[Michael T Wright (Engineer)|Michael T. Wright]] (September 1996 - November 2006)
* [[Julia King|Dame Julia King]] (November 2006 – September 2016)
* [[Alec Cameron]] (September 2016 – Present)
===Lecturers===
* [[Geoffrey Vernon Ball|Prof. Geoffrey Vernon Ball]] - The first full-time lecturing professor of ophthalmics, (1948-1981)
===Alumni===
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[[File:Paul Rudd Drayson 02.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Paul Drayson, Baron Drayson]]]]
*[[Chris Banks (businessman)|Chris Banks]], British businessman
*[[Keith Bradley, Baron Bradley]], Labour Party politician and [[life peer]]
*[[Rob Brighouse]], Managing Director [[Chiltern Railways]]<ref name="aston1">{{cite web |url=http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2013/march/aston-business-school-advisory-board/ |title=Business Directors join Advisory Board |publisher=.aston.ac.uk |date=2013-03-05 |accessdate=2014-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202113608/http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2013/march/aston-business-school-advisory-board/ |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*[[Frankie Boyle]], [[Stand up comedy|Stand-up]], [[Television]]
*[[Rūta Bunkutė]], [[IFBB Professional League|IFBB]]/[[National Physique Committee|NPC]] Amateur [[fitness and figure competition|fitness and figure competitor]] from Lithuania
*[[Anthony Cheung]], [[Secretary for Transport and Housing]] in Hong Kong
*[[Stewart Clegg]], Australian sociologist
*[[Paul Drayson, Baron Drayson]], vaccine manufacturer and [[Minister of State]] for Science, [[Drayson Racing]] Driver<ref name="alumni">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-uni-colleges/aston-university-birmingham-458852.html |title=Aston University, Birmingham - A-Z Unis & Colleges - Getting Into University |publisher=The Independent |date=2013-06-06 |accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref>
*[[Simon D'Ujanga]], State Minister for Energy in Uganda
*[[Veronica German]], Scientist, Member of the [[National Assembly for Wales]]
*[[Malcolm Harbour]], British politician
*[[Tony Hayward]], Former chief executive of [[BP Group]]
*[[User:Brian R Hunter|Brian Hunter]], part-time [[wikipedia|wikipedia editor]]
*[[Abdollah Jassbi]], President of [[Azad University]]
*[[Laura Jones (journalist)|Laura Jones]], BBC Journalist<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin]], Former [[Menteri Besar|Chief Minister]] of the state of [[Perak]]
*[[Ravi Kant (Indian executive)|Ravi Kant]], Vice Chairman of [[TATA Motors]], India<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.forbes.com/profile/ravi-kant/76754 |title=Ravi Kant - Forbes |publisher=People.forbes.com |date=2012-04-18 |accessdate=2014-04-27}}</ref>
*[[Ashok Kumar (British politician)|Ashok Kumar]], Labour Party politician
*[[Rachel Maclean (politician)|Rachel Maclean]], Conservative Party politician
*[[Kevin Morley]], Former Managing Director of the former Rover Group
*[[Ivan Noble]], BBC journalist
*[[Rob Perrins]], Managing Director of [[Berkeley Group Holdings]]
*[[Terry Pitt]], Political adviser and former Member of the European Parliament
*[[Phil Popham]], Global Operations Director for the global [[Jaguar Land Rover]] business
*[[Rahul Potluri]], Founder of ACALM, Doctor, Researcher, Scientist
*[[John Rickard]], Former Chief Economic Advisor to the [[British Government]]
[[File:Kevin Warwick.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Kevin Warwick]]]]
*[[Nic Robertson]], Senior International Correspondent at [[CNN]]
*[[Jeff Rooker, Baron Rooker]], Labour Peer<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Adam Ryland]], British programmer
*[[Claire Curtis-Thomas]], [[British Labour Party]] politician and former [[Member of Parliament|MP]]
*[[Gregor Townsend]] MBE, Scottish and British Lions Rugby Union Player<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Kate Walsh (presenter)|Kate Walsh]], Television presenter<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Robert Walter (politician)|Robert Walter]], Conservative [[Member of Parliament|MP]]
*[[Kevin Warwick]], Professor of cybernetics and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at [[Coventry University]]
*[[Steve Wharton]], British academic
*[[Salma Yaqoob]], Leader, and former vice-chairman, of [[Respect – The Unity Coalition]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Other websites==
{{commons category|Aston University}}
* [http://www.aston.ac.uk/ Aston University website]
* [https://studyonline.aston.ac.uk/ Aston University online programmes]
* [http://www.aston.ac.uk/union Aston Guild of Students]
[[Category:Universities in England]]
[[Category:1895 establishments in England]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Aston University
| image_name = [[File:Official Aston University Coat of Arms.jpg|thumb|Official Aston University Coat of Arms]]
| image_upright = 0.8
| established = 1895 (granted [[Universities in the United Kingdom|University Status]] by [[Royal Charter]] in 1966)<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/history/|title=History and traditions|publisher=|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref>
| motto = ''Forward''
| type = [[public university|Public]]
| endowment = [[Pound sterling|£]]1.41 million <small>(as of July 2018)</small><ref name = "Aston University Endowment 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18| access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University| page = 46}}</ref>
| budget = [[Pound sterling|£]]156.8 million <small>(2017/2018)</small><ref name = "Aston University Budget 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 25}}</ref>
| city = [[Birmingham]]
| country = [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| coor = {{Coord|52.4860|N|1.8895|W|scale:10000_type:edu_region:GB-CRF|display=inline,title}}
| campus = Urban, {{convert|60|acre|ha|abbr=off}}</small><ref name = "Aston University Campus 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 4}}</ref>
| chancellor = [[John Sunderland (businessman)|Sir John Sunderland]]
| vice_chancellor = [[Alec Cameron]]
| students = 15,500 (2017/18)</small><ref name = "Student Population 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 9}}</ref>
| undergrad = 11,935 (2017/18)</small><ref name = "Student Population 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 9}}</ref>
| postgrad = 3,565 (2017/18)</small><ref name = "Student Population 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18 | access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University | page = 9}}</ref>
| doctoral =
| staff =
| affiliations = [[Association of Commonwealth Universities|ACU]]<br />[[CDIO Initiative]]<br />[[European University Association|EUA]]<br />[[Universities UK]]<br />[[AACSB]]<br />[[M5 (universities)|M5 Universities]]
| colours = {{scarf|{{cell3|#000}}{{cell|#B80000}}{{cell3|#000}}{{cell|#B80000}}{{cell3|#000}}}}
{{scarf|{{cell3|#B80000}}{{cell|#000}}{{cell3|#B80000}}{{cell|#000}}{{cell3|#B80000}}}}
| website = {{url|http://www.aston.ac.uk/}}
| logo = Aston University Logo.png
}}
'''Aston University''' is a [[public university]] in the city centre of [[Birmingham]], England. It received its [[royal charter]] from [[Queen Elizabeth II]] on 22 April 1966.
Aston is famous for having a placement year as part of many of its undergraduate degree courses.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/aston |title=Aston University |publisher=Complete University Guide |date= |accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref> It pioneered the integrated placement year concept from its start in 1966.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/aston-university-team-up-tech-6781285|title=Aston University team up with tech firm for IT degree|date=8 March 2014|work=birminghampost|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/50-aston-greats/james-gracie/|title=50th Anniversary: Sir James Gracie Q&A|publisher=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830043506/http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/50-aston-greats/james-gracie/|archive-date=30 August 2015|url-status=dead|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/graduates-for-industry-aston.pdf |title=Engineering graduates for industry |access-date=27 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716210726/https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/graduates-for-industry-aston.pdf |archive-date=16 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==History==
===Predecessor institutions===
In 1875, a School of Metallurgy was formed in the [[Birmingham and Midland Institute]].
In 1895, the Birmingham Municipal Technical School separated from the Institute. It taught [[chemistry]], [[physics]], [[metallurgy]] and [[electrical engineering]].
In 1911, commercial classes were introduced. By 1916, this had grown into an independent School of Commerce.<ref name="History and Traditions">{{cite web|url=http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/history/|title=History and Traditions|year=2008|publisher=Aston University|accessdate= 28 October 2019| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219025224/http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/history/| archivedate= 19 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
In 1927, the school changed its name to the Birmingham Central Technical College.<ref name="History and Traditions" /> This was to reflect its changing approach to teaching technology.
In 1951, the Technical College was renamed the ''College of Technology, Birmingham''.<ref name="History and Traditions" />
Work began on the Main Building at Gosta Green. [[Princess Margaret]] laid one of the first foundation stones at the base of the new building in 1951. The building is said to be one of Europe's largest freestanding brick buildings.<ref name="midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk/new-era-conference-aston-help-overbury/|title=Midlands Business News New era at Conference Aston with the help of Overbury - Midlands Business News|work=Midlands Business News|accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref>
In 1956 it became the [[UK]]'s first [[College of Advanced Technology (United Kingdom)|College of Advanced Technology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.college-optometrists.org/en/college/museyeum/online_exhibitions/students_past/Birmingham.cfm|title=Birmingham - Central Technical College and Aston University|author=Neil Handley|publisher=|accessdate=27 October 2019}}</ref> It had a major expansion.<ref name="History and Traditions" />
[[File:Astonmainbuilding.jpg|thumb|The main building with water sculpture Tipping Triangles by [[Angela Conner]]. The building is one of Europe's largest freestanding brick buildings.<ref name="midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk"/>]]
The college expanded again to a design by the [[City Architect of Birmingham]] [[Alwyn Sheppard Fidler]] between 1957 and 1965.<ref>{{cite book |last= Foster |first=Andy |title=Birmingham |series=Pevsner Architectural Guides |origyear=2005 |year=2007 |page=195 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-10731-9}}</ref>
===University status===
On 22 April 1966, it it was given its [[Royal Charter]]. It became the ''University of Aston in Birmingham''.
On 10 May 1966, the first [[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]] of the University, [[Henry Nelson, 2nd Baron Nelson of Stafford|Lord Nelson of Stafford]], was installed.
The Charter of the University outlines its objectives. These are appropriate to a technological university:
{{Quote|text="to advance, disseminate and apply learning and knowledge by teaching and research, for the benefit of industry and commerce and of the community generally: and to enable students to obtain the advantage of a university education, and such teaching and research may include periods outside the University in industry or commerce or wherever the University considers proper for the best advancement of its objects."}}
Due to the history of the institution, there is emphasis given to the sandwich course system and the maintenance of strong links with industry.
The motto of the University is the same as that of the [[Birmingham|City of Birmingham]] – ''Forward''.<ref name="History"/>
In 1983, Aston University, [[Birmingham City Council]], and [[Lloyds Bank]], established Birmingham Technology Ltd.. This [[company]] manages the [[Science park|Aston Science Park]]. The science park is next to the university site. In 1984, the area was granted its own postal address "The Aston Triangle". This made the campus an official district of Birmingham. The logo of the establishment takes from the shape of the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/history/1980s/ |title=1980s |publisher=Aston.ac.uk |archive-date= 20 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220153456/http://www.aston.ac.uk/50/history/1980s/|url-status=dead |accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref>
===2000 to present===
[[File:Astonbraincentre.jpg|thumb|Aston Brain Centre.]]
In September 2010, Aston University hosted the [[British Science Festival]]. This is one of Europe's largest public science events.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=kwIrDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA290&dq=British+Science+Festival+Europe's+largest+public+science+event.&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjynaXFpt7qAhWIi1wKHfPGA88Q6AEwAXoECAUQAg#v=onepage&q=British%20Science%20Festival%20Europe's%20largest%20public%20science%20event.&f=false|title=Bridging the Communication Gap in Science and Technology: Lessons from India|last=Bagla|first=Pallava|last2=Binoy|first2=V. V.|date=2017-02-17|publisher=Springer|year=|isbn=978-981-10-1025-5|location=|pages=290|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=7dm3CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA153&dq=British+Science+Festival+Europe's+largest+public+science+event.&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjynaXFpt7qAhWIi1wKHfPGA88Q6AEwAHoECAYQAg#v=onepage&q=British%20Science%20Festival%20Europe's%20largest%20public%20science%20event.&f=false|title=Getting To Grips With Science: A Fresh Approach For The Curious|last=Morris|first=Andrew James|date=2014-12-10|publisher=World Scientific|year=|isbn=978-1-78326-594-7|location=|pages=153|language=en}}</ref>
Since May 2011, Sir [[John Sunderland (businessman)|John Sunderland]] has been the Chancellor.
The university is a lead sponsor of [[Aston University Engineering Academy]]. This [[university technical college]] (UTC) opened in September 2012. The UTC is for students aged 14 to 19 wishing to study and have a career in engineering. It is located at the edge of the Aston University campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auea.co.uk/Aston-University |title=Aston University | Aston University Engineering Academy |publisher=Auea.co.uk |date= |accessdate=29 October 2019}}</ref>
In October 2014, the University announced a £35 million cash injection for a major upgrade of the campus. This included a new £19 million revamp of [[Aston Business School]] and improvement work to the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies and the School of Languages and Social Sciences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/commercial-property/new-aston-university-business-school-7947978|title=New Aston University business school after £35m boost|author=Jon Griffin|date=17 October 2014|work=birminghampost|accessdate=29 October 2019}}</ref>
In October 2015, Aston launched the [[Aston Medical School]].<ref name="medical">{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/aston-medical-school/faqs/|title=Aston Medical School FAQ|publisher=|accessdate=29 October 2019}}</ref> This was for [[postgraduate]] [[research students]]. In September 2018 the first Bachelor of Medicine [[MBChB]] course started.<ref name="medical"/> The course takes five years.
In February 2017, the University launched its online programme website. Four [[Master of Science|MSc]] programmes are offered 100% online to students in the UK and worldwide. It also offers the Aston Business School's [[MBA]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/programmes/aston-mba/index.aspx|title=The Aston MBA - Aston Business School|website=Aston University|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-07-21}}</ref>
In July 2017, Aston became the first University in the UK to award degree apprenticeship graduates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://feweek.co.uk/2017/07/17/first-degree-apprentices-in-uk-graduate/|title=First degree apprentices in UK graduate|last=Offord|first=Paul|date=2017-07-17|website=FE Week|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450424914/First-set-of-Capgemini-degree-apprentices-graduate|title=First set of Capgemini degree apprentices graduate|website=ComputerWeekly.com|language=en|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> Aston began working in close partnership with [[Capgemini]], to create the first degree apprenticeship: ''Digital and Technology Solutions'' in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncub.co.uk/success-stories/creating-the-first-degree-apprenticeship-in-digital-and-technology-solutions|title=Creating the first degree apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions|last=Capgemini|website=NCUB|language=en|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref>
==Campus==
[[File:Aston uni campus1.jpg|thumb|Aston's self-contained green campus, in the city centre of Birmingham.]]
The university sits on a 40-acre campus at [[Gosta Green]], in the city centre of [[Birmingham]], England.<ref name="TheIndependent">{{cite news |url=http://education.independent.co.uk/higher/az_uni_colleges/article1208485.ece |title=Aston University |accessdate=29 October 2019 |last=Tarleton |first=Alice |date=2006-08-01 |series=A-Z Unis & Colleges |work=The Independent |location=London |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926002602/http://education.independent.co.uk/higher/az_uni_colleges/article1208485.ece |archivedate=26 September 2006 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> The campus has accommodation for over 3000 students. It has sports facilities, a library, cafés, restaurants, pubs, shops, travel centre, hairdresser, health centre, dentist, places of worship, opticians, a bank, [[automated teller machine]]s and outside leisure space.
===Library===
Aston University Library is on four floors. It contains over 250,000 books and 800 current printed periodicals. It has over 700 reader places. It provides online access over 3,400 electronic journals. The Library is open 24 hours a day to Aston students and staff during exam time,and 12 hours a day during term time.
===IT===
Around the campus there are open-access IT suites. They offer computer and internet access 24 hours a day. They offer access to software packages, database systems and computer-aided learning materials.
===Sports===
Aston University [[sports]] facilities include a 25m [[swimming pool]], [[sauna]] and [[steam room]], two sports halls, a [[gym]], weights and fitness rooms, and a two storey dance studio. It has 35 sports clubs. The campus also has two [[floodlit]] sports pitches. Many of the University clubs train and compete in the [[British Universities and Colleges Sport]]s (BUCS) Leagues. Away from the campus, the University manages a 40-acre sports ground with floodlit pitches and a [[pavilion]] for all outdoor sports.
==Organisation and administration==
===Faculties and departments===
All of the Aston University's faculties are based on one campus. They are organised into the following five schools:
{{div col}}
;School of Engineering and Applied Science
*Applied Physics
*Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
*Computer Science
*Electronic Engineering
*Engineering Systems and Management
*Mathematics
*Mechanical Engineering and Design
;School of Life and Health Sciences
*Audiology
*Biology
*Biomedical Science
*Optometry
*Pharmacy
*Psychology
<br>
;School of Languages and Social Sciences
*Modern languages & translation studies
*International relations, politics & European studies
*English language
*English literature
*History
*Sociology & public policy
;[[Aston Business School]]
*Aston Law
*Economics and Strategy
*Finance and Accounting
*Marketing Group
*Operations and Information Management Group
*Work and Organisational Psychology
;[[Aston Medical School]]
{{div col end}}
===Coat of arms===
The university's [[Achievement (heraldry)|arms]] were granted on 18 March 1955 by [[Garter Principal King of Arms|Garter]], [[Clarenceux King of Arms|Clarenceux]] and [[Norroy and Ulster King of Arms|Norroy and Ulster]] [[King of Arms|Kings of Arms]] to the Birmingham Corporation. This was for use by the former College of Technology. They were designed to show the College's connection with the City and with the teaching of technology. The arms consist of a [[escutcheon (heraldry)|shield]] and [[crest (heraldry)|crest]].
The shield has two sections – the field (the main background) and a chief (the broad band across the top of the shield). The field is
coloured blue. The chief is coloured [[Silver (color)|silver]]. On the field is a diagonal line of five gold [[Rhombus|diamonds]] joined one to the other. This is similar to the first quarter of the Arms of the City of Birmingham. It is incorporated in the Arms of the College to show its connection to the City. On the chief is depicted an open book bound in red placed between two black hammers. This shows the connection of the University with technology. The book represents learning. The hammers represent engineering and allied trades.
The crest is designed to stress the pursuit of knowledge. It consists of a red torch held erect by a forearm between two branches of gold laurel. Originally it would have been worn on the helmet of a fully armed person. The crest is always placed on the top of the helm. The method of joining the crest to the helm was usually concealed by decoration. In the University's arms this is done by the use of a wreath and a crown. The wreath is silver, red, and black. These colours being taken from the shield. On top is a mural crown (resembling a wall). This is reserved in modern grants for persons and organisations connected with public corporations. The cloth mantling hangs down from the top of the helm. This represents the cloak which was originally worn to protect the armour. It is coloured blue and gold. These being the two principal colours of the shield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/history/arms/ |title=Aston University Arms |accessdate=30 October 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717000246/http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/history/arms/ |archivedate=17 July 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>
In 2016, Her Majesty's College of Arms granted the favour of supporters to Aston University's arms. This marked the 50th anniversary of the University. Professor Julia King, the Baroness Brown of Cambridge, the Vice-Chancellor, had made the request.
The Letters Patent was formally presented to Aston University by the York Herald, Michael Peter Desmond O'Donoghue Esq.. This was made in a service at [[St Phillips Cathedral]], Birmingham, on 29th September 2016.
The arms are supported by a Canada goose and a red squirrel. The Canada goose is a symbol. It represents the family of geese living on the University campus. The squirrel is the crest of the arms of Aston Manor. This is a rebus. (The picture is a pun on the persons name. The owners of Aston Manor were the Holte family and a squirrel's nest is called a holt). This explains the ancient connection between the squirrel and Aston. The animal also appears on the University mace. It also appears on the Chancellor's chain of office. This chain was originally the property of the Mayor of Aston Manor.
The gorse around the animals' necks is a reference to Gosta Green. It was known as ''Gostie'' Green during the 18th century. This combined the name of the landowner (William de Gorsty) with the local plant called '[[gorse]]'
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php/Aston_University |title=Aston University |accessdate=30 October 2019 |df=dmy }}</ref>
===Academic dress===
[[File:Aston University Lake 2010.JPG|thumb|The Chancellor's Lake at the heart of the campus with triangular fountain, 2010.]]
[[File:Aston University EBRI Building.jpg|thumb|The EBRI building.]]
[[File:Birmingham - Aston University.JPG|thumb|Main Building]]
The [[academic dress]] for graduates of the University is as follows:
* [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Engineering]] and [[Master of Engineering]]
** Gown: Black stuff of special design, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Black stuff, modified simple shape, faced inside for three inches with University lining
** Hat: Black mortar board
* [[Master of Science]]
** Gown: Black stuff of special design, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Black stuff, modified simple shape, fully lined with University lining
** Hat: Black mortar board
* [[Master of Philosophy]]
** Gown: Black stuff of special design, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Blue stuff, modified simple shape, fully lined with University lining
** Hat: Black mortar board
* [[Doctor of Philosophy]]
** Gown: Claret colour cloth robe, having coat-type sleeve, narrow facings which continue round the neck and with extra wide gathers round the back
** Hood: Modified simple shape, in University Red stuff, faced inside for three inches with University lining
** Hat: Black cloth bonnet with cord and tassels of University Red
* [[Doctor of Science]]
** Gown: Same shape as for Doctor of Philosophy but in University Red, with facings on collar of University lining and gold cuffs on sleeves
** Hood: Same shape as for Doctor of Philosophy but of gold silk and fully lined with University lining
** Hat: Black velvet bonnet with cord and tassels in gold
==Academic profile==
[[File:Aston University Library 20110211.jpg|thumb|220x220px|Library.]]
===Research===
In the 2008 [[Research Assessment Exercise]], Aston University was ranked in the top 12 in the UK in all four of its broad subject areas. Of the research undertaken, 86% was described as 'internationally significant'.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/research/rae/|title=Aston's performance in the Research Excellence Framework|accessdate=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226134358/http://www.aston.ac.uk/research/rae/|archive-date=26 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 88% of Aston academic staff were submitted for research assessment. This is one of the highest proportions in the UK. According to the Research Assessment Exercise, the university's strengths include Business and Management, General Engineering, subjects allied to Medicine (Optometry, Biology, Pharmacy and Psychology), Languages and European Studies.
===Rankings===
In the 2012 QS World University Rankings, graduate employers ranked Aston University 51st for graduate employability.<ref name="birmingham-chamber.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.birmingham-chamber.com/Attachments/Asian-Link/Asianlink_Spring38.aspx |title=employable graduates |date=April 2012 |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927095510/http://www.birmingham-chamber.com/Attachments/Asian-Link/Asianlink_Spring38.aspx |archive-date=27 September 2013}}
</ref> Aston was ranked in the top ten of all UK universities for its graduate employment record.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide"/>
In 2012, Aston University was responsible for educating 2.3 per cent of the UK's millionaires. This placed Aston at number 8 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9427636/Top-10-universities-for-joining-the-super-rich.html?frame=2288238|title=Top 10 universities for joining the super-rich|date=26 July 2012|work=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
In 2015, Aston was ranked as the [[42 (number)|42]]nd best university in the world under 50 years old.
<ref name="topuniversities.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.topuniversities.com/top-50-under-50/2015 |title=QS World University Rankings 2015 |publisher=Top Universities |accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
For 2018, it was put in the top 55 universities in the UK. It was ranked 18th for student experience in the Sunday Times Good University Guide.<ref name = "Aston University key facts 2017/2018">{{cite web | url = https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/documents/Financial%20Statement%202017%2018.pdf | title = Financial Statement 2017-18| access-date = 27 October 2019 | format = PDF | publisher = Aston University| page = 4}}</ref>
Aston is ranked 34th in the University League Tables 2020.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide"/>
===Aston Business School===
{{Main article|Aston Business School}}
[[File:Astonbs.jpg|thumb|[[Aston Business School]]]]
Founded in 1947, Aston Business School (ABS) is one of the largest and oldest business schools in the UK.<ref name="abs.aston.ac.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.abs.aston.ac.uk/60th/ |title=60th Anniversary of Aston Business School |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416140844/http://www.abs.aston.ac.uk/60th/ |archive-date=16 April 2008}}</ref>
In 1999, ABS was the first UK business school to be awarded the prestigious EQUIS accreditation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2002/feb/16/students.schools|title=Aston Business School|author=Nick Pandya|work=the Guardian|accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
The school's most recent [[Research Assessment Exercise]] was in 2008. All research areas submitted ranked in the top 12 in the UK. 45% of the research submitted was judged to be "excellent" or "world-leading".<ref name="ReferenceC"/>
In 2012, the business school's Masters Management course was ranked by the ''[[Financial Times]]'' as 36th in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/aston-business-school/masters-in-management-2012#masters-in-management-2012 |title=Business school rankings from the Financial Times - Aston Business School |publisher=Rankings.ft.com |date= |accessdate=1 November 2019}}</ref>
In 2014, Aston was 2nd in the UK for developing marketing professionals, 7th for finance professionals,23rd for accounting professionals. This was based on the career outcome data of more than 313 million [[LinkedIn]] members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2014/october-2014/aston-top-10-linkedin-university-rankings/|title=Aston rated ‘Top 10’ in LinkedIn Rankings|accessdate=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614034721/http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2014/october-2014/aston-top-10-linkedin-university-rankings/|archive-date=14 June 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In 2019, Aston is in the top 1% of Business Schools Worldwide with Triple Accreditation (AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS). It is in the World Top 100 Universities for Business and Management Studies (QS Ranking 2019).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/news/2019/top-100-world-ranking-for-business-studies/Index |title=Aston University enters top 100 world ranking for Business and Management Studies |publisher=|accessdate=1 November 2019|}}</ref>
==Student life==
[[File:Stafford_Tower,_Aston_University.jpg|thumb|right|Stafford Tower, prior to demolition, January 2014.|296x296px]]
[[File:Aston Uni Lakeside 01.JPG|thumb|upright|Part of the Lakeside student residences.]]
[[File:Aston University Student Accommodation phase 1.jpg|thumb|upright| The [[William Murdoch]] and [[James Watt]] residences.]]
[[File:Aston University Student Village phase 2 completed - James Watt Queensway.jpg|thumb|Aston Student Village completed in August 2013.]]
===Students' Union===
Aston Students' Union (SU) used to be called Aston ''Guild'' of Students. It is a non-profit independent charity. It was set up to represent and support its members. Most members are current students at Aston University. The SU operates a number of commercial and non-commercial services. These include; the Advice & Representation Centre (ARC), the Aston Athletic Union, the Aston Societies Federation, the SU Shop, Copyshop and B4 Bar. The Aston Athletic Union supports the university sports clubs. The Aston Societies Federation supports non-sporting societies.
The SU is funded by grant income from Aston University. This is added to by funds raised by the SU's commercial services. The SU is led by a Trustee Board of elected students and external trustees. Day-to-day management is by a team of permanent staff and the Executive Committee. The Executive Committeeby is an elected student team.
The SU building consists of 5 floors and is located in the centre of the Aston University Campus.
On 29 November 2006, the students voted to disaffiliate the Guild (now Union) from the [[National Union of Students (United Kingdom)|National Union of Students]]. On 26 November 2014, they voted to re-affiliate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aston Students’ Union re-joins NUS|url=http://beta.nusconnect.org.uk/strong-students-unions/articles/aston-students-union-re-joins-nus|publisher=NUS|accessdate=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129215042/http://beta.nusconnect.org.uk/strong-students-unions/articles/aston-students-union-re-joins-nus|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Student housing===
In the 1970s, three [[tower block]]s containing student accommodation were constructed on Aston University campus. They were named Dalton, Lawrence and Stafford Towers. In August 1999, the Lakeside complex added further student accommodation on to the campus.
In April 2007, Aston University submitted a planning application for demolition of the three 1970s towers. They were to be replaced by new student accommodation blocks, apartments for tutors, retail units and administrative offices.
On 8 May 2011, Lawrence and Dalton Towers were demolished.<ref name=demolition>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-13327913 |title=BBC News - Aston University tower blocks demolished |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=2011-05-08 |accessdate= 1 November 2019}}</ref>
On 27 April 2014, Stafford Tower, Gem Sports Centre and Lakeside Conference Centre were demolished. This made way for a new entrance to Aston University and a five-acre green space. The new landscaped area includes a walkway into the university from the city centre. It also contains a pavilion for teaching. The pavillion is also used as a catering facility for outdoor events. The new buildings are named the [[William Murdoch]], the [[James Watt]], the [[Harriet Martineau]] and the [[Mary Sturge]] Residences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.aston.ac.uk/study/accommodation/prospective-students/types/harriet-martineau-and-mary-sturge-residences/ |title= Aston Accommodation |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725235921/http://www1.aston.ac.uk/study/accommodation/prospective-students/types/harriet-martineau-and-mary-sturge-residences/ |archive-date=25 July 2013}}</ref>
In 2016, Aston sold all of the student housing that it owned to UNITE Students.
==Notable people==
===Chancellors===
* [[Henry Nelson, 2nd Baron Nelson of Stafford|Lord Nelson of Stafford]] (May 1966 – September 1979)
* [[Adrian Cadbury|Sir Adrian Cadbury]] (September 1979 – September 2004)
* [[Michael Bett]] (September 2004 – May 2011)
* [[John Sunderland (businessman)|John Sunderland]] (Since May 2011)
===Vice-Chancellors===
* [[Peter Venables (academic administrator)|Peter Venables]] (April 1966 - July 1969)
* [[Joseph Pope (academic)|Sir Joseph Pope]] (August 1969 - September 1979)
* [[Frederick W. Crawford]] (July 1980 - August 1996)
* [[Michael T Wright (Engineer)|Michael T. Wright]] (September 1996 - November 2006)
* [[Julia King|Dame Julia King]] (November 2006 – September 2016)
* [[Alec Cameron]] (September 2016 – Present)
===Lecturers===
* [[Geoffrey Vernon Ball|Prof. Geoffrey Vernon Ball]] - The first full-time lecturing professor of ophthalmics, (1948-1981)
===Alumni===
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[[File:Paul Rudd Drayson 02.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Paul Drayson, Baron Drayson]]]]
*[[Chris Banks (businessman)|Chris Banks]], British businessman
*[[Keith Bradley, Baron Bradley]], Labour Party politician and [[life peer]]
*[[Rob Brighouse]], Managing Director [[Chiltern Railways]]<ref name="aston1">{{cite web |url=http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2013/march/aston-business-school-advisory-board/ |title=Business Directors join Advisory Board |publisher=.aston.ac.uk |date=2013-03-05 |accessdate=2014-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202113608/http://www1.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2013/march/aston-business-school-advisory-board/ |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*[[Frankie Boyle]], [[Stand up comedy|Stand-up]], [[Television]]
*[[Rūta Bunkutė]], [[IFBB Professional League|IFBB]]/[[National Physique Committee|NPC]] Amateur [[fitness and figure competition|fitness and figure competitor]] from Lithuania
*[[Anthony Cheung]], [[Secretary for Transport and Housing]] in Hong Kong
*[[Stewart Clegg]], Australian sociologist
*[[Paul Drayson, Baron Drayson]], vaccine manufacturer and [[Minister of State]] for Science, [[Drayson Racing]] Driver<ref name="alumni">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-uni-colleges/aston-university-birmingham-458852.html |title=Aston University, Birmingham - A-Z Unis & Colleges - Getting Into University |publisher=The Independent |date=2013-06-06 |accessdate=28 October 2019}}</ref>
*[[Simon D'Ujanga]], State Minister for Energy in Uganda
*[[Veronica German]], Scientist, Member of the [[National Assembly for Wales]]
*[[Malcolm Harbour]], British politician
*[[Tony Hayward]], Former chief executive of [[BP Group]]
*[[User:Brian R Hunter|Brian Hunter]], part-time [[wikipedia|wikipedia editor]]
*[[Abdollah Jassbi]], President of [[Azad University]]
*[[Laura Jones (journalist)|Laura Jones]], BBC Journalist<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin]], Former [[Menteri Besar|Chief Minister]] of the state of [[Perak]]
*[[Ravi Kant (Indian executive)|Ravi Kant]], Vice Chairman of [[TATA Motors]], India<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.forbes.com/profile/ravi-kant/76754 |title=Ravi Kant - Forbes |publisher=People.forbes.com |date=2012-04-18 |accessdate=2014-04-27}}</ref>
*[[Ashok Kumar (British politician)|Ashok Kumar]], Labour Party politician
*[[Rachel Maclean (politician)|Rachel Maclean]], Conservative Party politician
*[[Kevin Morley]], Former Managing Director of the former Rover Group
*[[Ivan Noble]], BBC journalist
*[[Rob Perrins]], Managing Director of [[Berkeley Group Holdings]]
*[[Terry Pitt]], Political adviser and former Member of the European Parliament
*[[Phil Popham]], Global Operations Director for the global [[Jaguar Land Rover]] business
*[[Rahul Potluri]], Founder of ACALM, Doctor, Researcher, Scientist
*[[John Rickard]], Former Chief Economic Advisor to the [[British Government]]
[[File:Kevin Warwick.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Kevin Warwick]]]]
*[[Nic Robertson]], Senior International Correspondent at [[CNN]]
*[[Jeff Rooker, Baron Rooker]], Labour Peer<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Adam Ryland]], British programmer
*[[Claire Curtis-Thomas]], [[British Labour Party]] politician and former [[Member of Parliament|MP]]
*[[Gregor Townsend]] MBE, Scottish and British Lions Rugby Union Player<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Kate Walsh (presenter)|Kate Walsh]], Television presenter<ref name="alumni"/>
*[[Robert Walter (politician)|Robert Walter]], Conservative [[Member of Parliament|MP]]
*[[Kevin Warwick]], Professor of cybernetics and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at [[Coventry University]]
*[[Steve Wharton]], British academic
*[[Salma Yaqoob]], Leader, and former vice-chairman, of [[Respect – The Unity Coalition]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Other websites==
{{commons category|Aston University}}
* [http://www.aston.ac.uk/ Aston University website]
* [https://studyonline.aston.ac.uk/ Aston University online programmes]
* [http://www.aston.ac.uk/union Aston Guild of Students]
[[Category:Universities in England]]
[[Category:1895 establishments in England]]