Aston University
Aston University is a public research university located in Birmingham, UK. Established in 1895 and granted university status in 1966, it is known for its strong focus on employability, industry links, and practical learning. Aston pioneered the placement year, with over 70% of students gaining work experience during their degree. Its business school is triple-accredited, ranking among the top in Europe. The campus offers modern facilities in a central city location and hosts a diverse international student community from over 120 countries.
Global Rankings
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: Ranked in the 351–400 range globally, placing it in the top 20% of universities worldwide.
- QS World University Rankings 2025: Ranked 423rd globally, improving by 23 places from the previous year, and positioned in the top 10% of all evaluated institutions.
National Rankings (United Kingdom)
- The Guardian University Guide 2025: Ranked 21st among UK universities, with high placements in subjects like chemical engineering (3rd), anatomy and physiology (4th), and health professions (4th).
- Daily Mail University Guide 2025: Named ‘University of the Year for Student Success’.
- Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023: Awarded the highest ‘Triple Gold’ rating, recognizing outstanding teaching quality.
- Graduate Employability: Aston graduates have a median salary of £35,400 five years after graduation, ranking 19th in the UK.
Subject-Specific Rankings
- QS Masters World Rankings 2025: MSc in Strategic Marketing Management ranked 45th, MSc in Supply Chain Management ranked 50th.
- QS World Rankings by Subject 2024: Business and Management Studies ranked 66th globally.
Academic Qualifications
For direct entry into Year 1, applicants should have:
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC): Minimum of 60%–90% or CGPA 3.5–5.0, depending on the programme.
- International School Qualifications: IGCSE/GCSE and International Baccalaureate are also accepted.
- Technical/Polytechnic Diploma: A 3-year diploma with at least 70% may be considered for direct entry.
Some programmes may have additional subject-specific requirements, which will be assessed during the application process.
English Language Requirements
Applicants can meet the English language requirement through:
- HSC English Grade: 75% or above.
- Accepted English Language Qualifications: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Oxford ELLT.
If you don’t meet the direct entry requirements, you may consider the International Foundation Programme or International Year One pathway.
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree: A minimum GPA of 2.6 out of 4.0 or 60%–65%, depending on the programme.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
- PTE: Score of 59, with a minimum of 52 in each component.
- TOEFL: Score of 78–101, depending on the programme.
- Oxford ELLT: Score of 7/5 or 6/5 for some courses.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you may be eligible for a Pre-Masters or the On-Campus Aston Graduate Diploma pathway.
📚 Assessment System at Aston University
Undergraduate (UG) Assessment System
Types of Assessment:
- Examinations: Written exams, usually at the end of a module or academic year.
- Coursework: Essays, reports, presentations, case studies, and projects.
- Practical Assessments: For certain subjects (e.g., sciences, engineering), practical or lab work may be assessed.
- Group Work: Collaborative assignments or projects are common.
- Dissertation or Final Year Project: Many courses require a substantial research or design project in the final year.
Grading:
- Marked out of 100%.
- Degree classification depends on the weighted average of module marks:
- First Class Honor’s: 70% and above
- Upper Second Class (2:1): 60–69%
- Lower Second Class (2:2): 50–59%
- Third Class Honor’s: 40–49%
- Fail: Below 40%
Feedback:
- Students receive detailed feedback on assignments and exams to support learning.
Postgraduate (PG) Assessment System
Types of Assessment:
- Written Assignments: Essays, reports, literature reviews, reflective journals.
- Examinations: Some programs include exams, but coursework is often more significant.
- Presentations and Seminars: Oral presentations on research or topics.
- Research Project / Dissertation: A major component of most PG degrees, involving independent research under supervision.
Grading:
- Postgraduate degrees typically use a pass/fail or merit/distinction system.
- Marks usually range from 50% upwards for a pass.
- Pass: 50–59%
- Merit: 60–69%
- Distinction: 70% and above
Resubmission and Retakes:
- Students may be allowed to resubmit coursework or retake exams if they do not pass initially, within university guidelines.