Aston University

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. It pioneered the integrated placement year concept from its start in 1966.

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.

In 1927, the school changed its name to the Birmingham Central Technical College. This was to reflect its changing approach to teaching technology.

In 1951, the Technical College was renamed the College of Technology, Birmingham.
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.

In 1956 it became the UK's first College of Advanced Technology. It had a major expansion.

The college expanded again to a design by the City Architect of Birmingham Alwyn Sheppard Fidler between 1957 and 1965.

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 of the University, Lord Nelson of Stafford, was installed.

The Charter of the University outlines its objectives. These are appropriate to a technological university:

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 City of Birmingham – Forward.

In 1983, Aston University, Birmingham City Council, and Lloyds Bank, established Birmingham Technology Ltd.. This company manages the 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.

2000 to present

In September 2010, Aston University hosted the British Science Festival. This is one of Europe's largest public science events.

Since May 2011, Sir 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.

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.

In October 2015, Aston launched the Aston Medical School. This was for postgraduate research students. In September 2018 the first Bachelor of Medicine MBChB course started. The course takes five years.

In February 2017, the University launched its online programme website. Four MSc programmes are offered 100% online to students in the UK and worldwide. It also offers the Aston Business School's MBA.

In July 2017, Aston became the first University in the UK to award degree apprenticeship graduates. Aston began working in close partnership with Capgemini, to create the first degree apprenticeship: Digital and Technology Solutions in 2012.

Campus

The university sits on a 40-acre campus at Gosta Green, in the city centre of Birmingham, England.  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 machines 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 Sports (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:

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

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

Coat of arms

The university's arms were granted on 18 March 1955 by Garter, Clarenceux and Norroy and Ulster 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 shield and 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. On the field is a diagonal line of five gold 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.

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'

Academic dress

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

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'. 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. Aston was ranked in the top ten of all UK universities for its graduate employment record.

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.

In 2015, Aston was ranked as the 42nd best university in the world under 50 years old.

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.

Aston is ranked 34th in the University League Tables 2020.

Aston Business School

Founded in 1947, Aston Business School (ABS) is one of the largest and oldest business schools in the UK.

In 1999, ABS was the first UK business school to be awarded the prestigious EQUIS accreditation.

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".

In 2012, the business school's Masters Management course was ranked by the Financial Times as 36th in the world.

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.

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).

Student life

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. On 26 November 2014, they voted to re-affiliate.

Student housing
In the 1970s, three tower blocks 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.
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.

In 2016, Aston sold all of the student housing that it owned to UNITE Students.

Notable people

Chancellors
 Lord Nelson of Stafford (May 1966 – September 1979)
 Sir Adrian Cadbury (September 1979 – September 2004)
 Michael Bett  (September 2004 – May 2011)
 John Sunderland (Since May 2011)

Vice-Chancellors
 Peter Venables (April 1966 - July 1969)
 Sir Joseph Pope (August 1969 - September 1979)
 Frederick W. Crawford (July 1980 - August 1996)
 Michael T. Wright (September 1996 - November 2006)
 Dame Julia King (November 2006 – September 2016)
 Alec Cameron (September 2016 – Present)

Lecturers
 Prof. Geoffrey Vernon Ball - The first full-time lecturing professor of ophthalmics, (1948-1981)

Alumni

 Chris Banks, British businessman
 Keith Bradley, Baron Bradley, Labour Party politician and life peer
 Rob Brighouse, Managing Director Chiltern Railways
 Frankie Boyle, Stand-up, Television
 Rūta Bunkutė, IFBB/NPC Amateur 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
 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
 Abdollah Jassbi, President of Azad University
 Laura Jones, BBC Journalist
 Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, Former Chief Minister of the state of Perak
 Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman of TATA Motors, India
 Ashok Kumar, Labour Party 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

 Nic Robertson, Senior International Correspondent at CNN
 Jeff Rooker, Baron Rooker, Labour Peer
 Adam Ryland, British programmer
 Claire Curtis-Thomas, British Labour Party politician and former MP
 Gregor Townsend MBE, Scottish and British Lions Rugby Union Player
 Kate Walsh, Television presenter
 Robert Walter, Conservative 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

Other websites

 Aston University website
 Aston University online programmes
 Aston Guild of Students

Universities in England
1895 establishments in England