Postgraduate ProsPectus - Aston University

Postgraduate
Prospectus
School of Engineering & Applied Science

Welcome
to Aston
University
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/astonuniversity
www.aston.ac.uk
03

STUDY AT Aston
University
As a postgraduate student at Aston University you will be part of a
multicultural, international campus community where you can benefit from
high quality teaching, work with researchers who are making a real impact on
society and develop a truly global perspective.
Aston has been a leading
University for graduate
employability since its
foundation in 1966.
89.2% graduate level
employability - better
than Oxford.
Aston University is ranked in
the top 50 in an index of the
world’s leading universities
under the age of 50. The
league table is designed to
identify who might become
‘the next Harvard’ and provide
the ‘next generation of global
thought leadership’.
Aston University is ranked
27th in the UK in the
Complete University Guide
2014 with three subject areas
rated among the UK’s top 10.
Students from over 120
countries provide a truly
international experience.
According to the Daily
Telegraph, Aston is in the Top
Ten for producing millionaires.
Birmingham, one of Europe’s
liveliest cities, is home to
70,000 students.
The new £215 million student
accommodation on campus
provides 2,300 new rooms
built to the highest standard.
Relationships with business
Aston and Warwick Universities are leading on a new Enterprise
Research Centre that will help develop understanding of the
factors affecting business investment, performance and growth.
The new £2.9 million centre will become a national and
international focal point for research, knowledge and expertise
on small and medium-sized businesses.
Relationships with business through KTP programmes
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme is a
Technology Strategy Board initiative which aims to deliver
transformational change through innovation; by improving the
competitiveness, productivity and performance of UK businesses,
increasing the commercial relevance of UK academic research
and teaching, and enhancing the personal skills and commercial
awareness of recently qualified people entering the workplace.
Aston University is working in partnership with companies on
13 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and has completed over
100 since their creation. Aston is currently one of the top 10
Universities most actively involved in KTPs in the UK.
For example, Aston Business School are working on a KTP with
award winning local law firm, Higgs & Sons. This partnership will
implement an innovative cultural change programme that will
impact on sector performance by better understanding client
needs, re-examining pricing strategy and challenging operational
processes.
Academics in the School of Life & Health Science are working
on a KTP with the Macular Society, a UK charity for macular
conditions, to educate people about the impact of nutrition in
Age Related Macular degeneration (AMD). 513,000 people in the
UK are currently affected by late stage AMD and this figure is
expected to double by 2050.
What is postgraduate
study like?
Whatever the reasons
behind your decision to
choose postgraduate
study, you will need to be
committed, hardworking
and enthusiastic about
your subject. Obtaining a
postgraduate qualification
isn’t easy – it isn’t meant
to be – but the sense
of achievement and
pride when you receive
your degree makes it all
worthwhile.
Fortunately, along with
the perspiration comes
inspiration. At Aston, you
will have the opportunity
to work with internationally
renowned academics who
will nurture your talent and
help to bring out the best
in you.
Aston fosters a culture
of academic quality and
rigorous research principles
which make it a stimulating
yet enjoyable place to study.
To find out more, visit:
www.aston.ac.uk
04 www.aston.ac.uk
05

VICE-CHANCELLOR
JULIA KING
I am delighted that you are considering Aston
University for your postgraduate studies.
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966,
Aston has a strong focus on innovation in teaching
and excellence in research, employability and
scholarship.
To reflect the changing needs of our postgraduate students, industry, business and
the professions, we are constantly improving our programmes. You will be joining a
highly regarded, vibrant, research-led University that specialises in Life and Health
Sciences, Engineering and Applied Science, Languages and Social Sciences, and
the study of Business. Many of our courses hold professional accreditation and Aston
Business School is one of an elite group of business schools in the world holding
triple accreditation for the programmes it offers.
Our postgraduate students benefit from high quality taught and research-based
programmes linked to pioneering research in areas including photonics, forensic
linguistics, entrepreneurship and healthy ageing.
Global citizenship is a strand that runs through all of our programmes to reflect the
fast changing world in which we live. With students from over 120 countries, you will
benefit from a truly global perspective.
Aston University offers a superb environment for postgraduate study. Our compact
and sustainable campus is situated in the middle of the City of Birmingham, and
our new £215 million Aston Student Villages development provides top quality
accommodation for Aston students.
The Aston postgraduate community is highly motivated and energetic, and works
alongside forward-looking and research active academic staff who are focussed on
student achievement and success. Postgraduate programmes at Aston will prepare
you for success in the future by advancing your career with new skills, by making you
more attractive to employers, or by building the foundations for an academic career.
Whatever direction your future success takes, Aston can help you achieve your goals.
I look forward to welcoming you in person should you decide to join us here at Aston.
“You will struggle to find a
University in Britain more
keenly attuned to the needs
of business and industry.”
The Sunday Times University Guide 2012
“Aston University is ranked
in the world’s leading
universities under the
age of 50.”
Guardian QS - Top 50 Under 50
“As one of the Top Fifty
universities in the world
who are less than fifty
years old we have a strong
international outlook
and we are focussed
on research which is
applicable and impactful.”
Professor Dame Julia King
“The RAE 2008 confirmed
the quality and depth of
Aston University’s research
where all research areas
submitted ranked in the
top 12 in the UK, and 45%
of the research submitted
evaluated as excellent or
world-leading.”
The Sunday Times University Guide 2012
Contents
08 Why Choose Postgraduate Study?
10 Employability and Entrepreneurship
12 Excellence in Teaching and Research
14 A Green, Sustainable Campus
16 High Quality, Affordable Accommodation
18 Library and IT Facilities
20 A Welcoming, Vibrant Place To Be
22 A Great Place for Sport
24 Helping and Supporting You
27 Students with Disabilities and Specific
Learning Difficulties
28 Supporting Global Citizenship in an
International University
29 International Entry Requirements
30 Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
31 Pre-sessional Programmes in English
for Academic Purposes
32 Birmingham – An Amazing Place to Live
35 School of Engineering & Applied Science
Degree Programmes
64 How To Find Us
66 Campus Map
67 Where is Aston University?
With best wishes
Professor Dame Julia King DBE FREng
Vice-Chancellor
06 www.aston.ac.uk
07

postgraduate
study?
Whatever the reasons behind your decision to choose postgraduate study, you
will need to be committed, hardworking and enthusiastic about your subject.
At Aston, you will have the opportunity to work with internationally renowned
academics who will nurture your talent and help to bring out the best in you.
Aston fosters a culture of academic quality and rigorous research principles
which make it a stimulating yet enjoyable place to study.
Types of postgraduate study:
There are three types of postgraduate programmes at Aston:
Taught (MA/MSc/MRes)
Research (PhD/MPhil)
Executive and Professional Development (EPD).
Taught programmes
A taught programme (Masters) is ideal if you are looking for a
competitive advantage in the jobs market or to develop extra
knowledge and skills that will help you in your career. It can also
be useful if you wish to have a change in career direction. Masters
programmes typically last one year full-time or two years part-time.
An MRes (Master of Research) degree is a Masters level award. The
special significance of an MRes degree is that it reflects a thorough
grounding in research methods.
How to apply
You normally need a good honours degree but you may be eligible
with equivalent professional qualifications.
The contact listed for each programme will be able to advise you
on your eligibility. Entry dates vary from programme to programme,
depending on the method of study, so it is best to contact the
relevant School to check when and how to apply.
As our programmes are very popular, it is advisable to apply at
least three months before the programme is due to start.
Research programmes
Many people think that research degrees are only relevant if you wish
to become an academic. Lots of PhD students do pursue a career in
academia but a PhD also opens up many opportunities in industry and
the public sector. A research degree involves the in-depth study of a
particular aspect of your specialist subject and typically lasts three
years full-time or six years part-time, though this can vary. Aston also
offers an MPhil which can be completed in two years.
How to apply
You need to complete the online Aston application form and submit
a detailed research proposal outlining your intended research topic,
its objectives, proposed method of research and an indication of
how the proposed research topic relates to previous work by other
researchers. You need to submit details of two references with your
application form.
There are four possible research start dates: 1st October, 1st
January, 1st April and 1st July and your enrolment onto the
programme will normally be as close to the relevant research start
date as possible. Some programmes only allow entry in October
and January or October and April – contact the relevant School for
more information.
Executive and Professional Development
Executive and Professional Development (EPD) courses can help you
maintain, improve and broaden your professional knowledge and
skills – advancing your career and boosting your employability. Many
of our courses are accredited by professional organisations, and are a
necessary requirement for you to gain or maintain membership. EPD
at Aston is flexible and accessible. We offer short and long courses,
distance learning, certificates, diplomas and Masters Degrees across
a wide range of subjects. If you are an employer, our EPD courses can
develop your staff and benefit your business.
How to apply
If you do not see a course which meets your needs, it may be
possible to arrange bespoke courses. Please contact the School to
discuss your needs. You can also go to www.aston.ac.uk or see the
individual contact details in each programme/research group entry.
Part-time study and distance learning
Part-time study is an increasingly popular way of obtaining a
postgraduate qualification as it enables you to earn a salary and
progress in your career, whilst improving your knowledge and
skills, and enhancing your future job prospects. It also means you
can spread the cost of your study over a longer period. Distance
learning is the perfect solution for people who cannot attend the
University in person, but wish to take a postgraduate qualification.
It involves studying at home, with course materials generally
delivered via the Internet or by post. Distance learning also enables
you to study in your own time, which may be an advantage for
students with a busy professional or family life.
Please note: Not all of Aston’s programmes are available part-time
or via distance learning.
You can apply online at
www.aston.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply
or contact us at apply@aston.ac.uk
08 www.aston.ac.uk
09

Strong Industry Partnerships
entrepreneurship
Over 200 employers come onto campus each year to meet our students; here are a few…
3M
Accenture
Aldi
Armed Forces
(Army; Royal Air Force;
Royal Navy)
Aston Martin
Lagonda
AXA
BAE Systems
Balfour Beatty
Barclays
Bentley Motors
BMW
Boots
BT
CapGemini
Caterpillar
Co-op
Corus
Deloitte
E.ON
Enterprise
Rent-a-car
Ernst & Young
ExxonMobil
Foreign and
Commonwealth
Office
Fujitsu
GlaxoSmithKline
Harrods
Hewlett Packard
HM Revenue and
Customs
HSBC
IBM
Intel
Jaguar Land Rover
Kraft Foods/Cadbury
KPMG
L’Oreal
Lloyds Banking Group
Marks & Spencer
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
NHS
Orange
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Procter & Gamble
Rolls-Royce
Sainsbury’s
Santander
Tesco
Unilever
Vision Express
We can equip you for success in the
global market place
At Aston, we recognise that graduates are a key part
of a more dynamic and mobile global marketplace.
Our students have the chance to gain the skills and
confidence to be successful global citizens, and
we can offer access to exciting work and study
opportunities through our extensive network of worldwide
partnerships with employers and universities.
We provide the services and support
you need to get ahead
High quality careers guidance, education and
information services are delivered through individual
appointments, group sessions and online education
services. Working closely with the Schools, the
Careers Service provides career management skills
tailored to individual programmes.
The Careers Service helps bring students and
employers together by advertising vacancies and
arranging on-campus employer presentations,
interviews, recruitment fairs and special interest
events. The Careers Service has extensive links with
national and international graduate employers as well
as smaller and local employers.
We encourage enterprise and
entrepreneurship
There is a good reason why Aston is in the top ten
Universities for producing millionaires – we educated
2.3% of UK millionaires based on recent research
(CoreData Research UK on behalf of Skandia) and we
encourage our students to develop an enterprising
mind-set and support those who want to build their
own business.
Aston’s high achievers have a fantastic track record,
from winning national prizes to starting successful
businesses. Developing entrepreneurship skills is
important if you want to start your own business.
Aston’s student achievements
At Aston we work hard to make sure our students
develop the technical, professional and transferable
skills they need to be successful entrepreneurs.
Hundreds of our students and graduates have set
up their own successful businesses. For example,
Nick Holzherr, runner-up on the BBC show, The
Apprentice (pictured left)
has already launched
two successful business
ventures. His new concept
‘Whisk’ is a web tool offering
a new way to create recipes
and purchase ingredients.
To find out more, visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/careers
To find out more, visit:
www.astonentrepreneurs.com
10 www.aston.ac.uk
11

Prof. Burns
Dr Topham & Dr Sutherland
Dr Kurtoglu-Hooton
Dr Dey
Prof. Talcott
Paul Knobbs
Kevin O’Reilly
Dr Nathaniel Golden
Dr Karen Woodhall
First class teaching
teaching and
research
Aston promotes and supports academic excellence in everything that we do. You will be taught
by academic staff with international reputations in their fields. You will benefit from their insight,
expertise and skills. Access to quality library resources, learning resources and information
technology is an essential part of any university experience and at Aston this is given a high
priority. Our learning and teaching facilities are modern, easy to access and user-friendly.
As a postgraduate student you will be
self-motivated, enthusiastic and driven.
You will be taught by staff who are passionate and
inspirational. Your learning experience is our focus.
Tutorials and seminars expand on the subject area of
a lecture and cover theories, new ideas and connections
between subjects. Seminars give you an opportunity to
discuss topics linked to your subject.
Laboratory classes help you develop subject-specific
skills and practical sessions can give you an idea of
how experienced practitioners of your subject area think
about problems.
Supervisions are small-group teaching sessions
where you can explore and discuss particular aspects
of the course.
IT facilities There are more than 50 computer labs
across the Aston Campus, many of which can be
accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. IT facilities
are free to students and are linked by our Local Area
Network, which provides high speed access to other
networks worldwide.
Many teaching rooms are equipped with ICT facilities for
presentations, and specialist rooms are equipped with
facilities to support research activities. An increasing
number of events and lectures are also recorded in
multimedia and made available online for students
working remotely or for later review.
Postgraduate students can also benefit from dedicated
working areas complete with computing facilities and
access to a range of specialist software.
Blackboard is our virtual learning platform which gives
you access to one central resource for learning. You will
benefit from a simple and more efficient learning tool
where all course information, including course content,
assignments and discussion topics, are stored and
accessible from one place.
MAP – My Aston Portal is a web based system which
is a single point of contact for many of the University
services you use as a student. With MAP you can
access your personalised teaching timetables, module
lists, finance and accommodation information. You can
also use MAP to keep the University up-to-date with your
current addresses and personal details.
Aston Replay is a service allowing staff to record their
teaching sessions. Students can then search and view
material in their own time.
Aston has an excellent reputation for
research that makes an international
impact. We focus on research which
is exploitable and makes a substantial
and beneficial difference to people,
organisations and society.
EBRI waste to energy technology awarded
‘Best Technological Breakthrough’
The European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University
has won ‘Best Technological Breakthrough’ for its innovative
bioenergy technology, which transforms multiple waste products
into cost effective heat and power. EBRI’s Pyroformer won the
breakthrough category at the national Climate Week Awards. The
technology works by heating and chemically treating waste in a single,
sealed process and produces oil and gas as by-products.
ARCHA researchers launch Extra Care
Well-being Study
ARCHA researchers at Aston University are working with ExtraCare to
create a Well-being Programme which is the first of its kind in the UK.
The programme is part of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, a charity
that helps older people to live a healthier, active and more independent
lifestyle in its specially built retirement villages and smaller housing
developments. The research will carry out a range of assessments
such as recording blood pressure scores, cognitive testing scores and
mobility assessment scores. It will also look at how physical health,
psychological health and people's environment and opportunities
interact and the associated care costs.
Give your business the edge
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme provides
high quality, structured and practically focused support to leaders in
small business and social enterprises who are seeking to grow their
business. Participants learn alongside other ambitious small business
owners, and with the support of Aston Business School and a range
of experienced practitioners from the business community. At the end
of the programme, participants join an active and enthusiastic 10,000
Small Businesses national alumni network consisting of hundreds of
the UK’s most exciting small businesses.
Intermittent fasting could help prevent diabetes
Intermittent fasting could help prevent type 2 diabetes and heart
disease, according to a new report by Aston University researchers.
The British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease report suggests
that intermittent/alternative day fasting can be as beneficial as having
weight loss surgery for treating obesity and reducing the risk of related
conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Aston Awards
Funded by
European
Commission
19/01/2012
Won by Aston Teams
Dr Paul Topham
Dr Andy Sutherland (EAS)
Research Support lead – Paul Knobbs
Ensuring Stability
in Organic Solar
Cells - ESTABLIS
Aston Awards
Aston Awards
Funded by
UK-India Education
and Research Initiative
10/02/2012
Aston Awards
Funded by
E.C. Marie Curie-Initial
Training Network
01/10/2012
Won by Aston Teams
Prof. Anne Burns (LSS)
Dr Nur Kurtoglu-Hooton (LSS)
Research Support lead – Kevin O’Reilly
Action Research as a tool
for enhancing professional
practice in the secondary
school teaching of modern
foreign languages
Funded by
The British
Academy
02/04/2012
Won by Aston Teams
Dr Prasanta Dey (ABS)
Research Support lead – Dr Nathaniel Golden
Thematic Partnership -
Climate change issues
and environmental
performance of SMEs
in India and the UK
Won by Aston Teams
Prof. Joel Talcott (LHS)
Research Support lead – Dr Karen Woodhall
‘LanPercept’ Training
next generation
researchers at the
interface of language
and perception
12 www.aston.ac.uk
13

As an Aston student, you’ll get the best of both worlds:
a green, well-equipped, friendly campus in the heart of a
vibrant city. Plus, all of our social, support and academic
facilities are based on campus, so you never have far to
go. Our self-contained, green campus in the centre of
Birmingham is something we are very proud of. Trees,
shrubs and water features, including the ‘Chancellor’s
Lake’ give our campus a natural feel. We are improving
our facilities all the time and as we do, we are working
on a number of projects to improve our sustainability and
reduce our environmental impact.
Committed to becoming a more sustainable
University
People and Planet Green League
We are very proud that our commitment to sustainability here at Aston
has been recognised in this year’s ‘People and Planet Green League’.
Aston has been awarded ‘First Class Honours’ for our ranking at
number 11 out of the 152 UK universities and HE institutions. It is the
fourth year running that Aston University has achieved a top 20 ranking.
Platinum EcoCampus award
EcoCampus provides a framework to embed best practice in carbon
and environmental management, and is widely recognised as a source
of support and guidance for Higher Education Institutions in target
setting and in the delivery of carbon management strategies and
plans. We have achieved the Platinum EcoCampus award for our
Environmental Management System, one of only 7 universities to have
reached this level.
Aston has also been a Fairtrade accredited University since 2007 and
we are proud of our commitment to Fairtrade products which help
producers in other countries to achieve a better standard of living.
“Congratulations to Aston University for becoming one of the UK’s
greenest universities, and to all its staff and students who have
shown a collective commitment to Fairtrade and for recognising their
global responsibility. The awareness that this is raising among the
student population will help make a better future for producers in the
developing world”.
Veronica Pasteur
Head of Campaigns at Fairtrade.
Aston100
no. 71
campus
To live and study
Aston is in the top
ten of the ‘People
and Planet Green
League’, making
the University one
of the most
environmentally
friendly
universities in
the UK.
14 www.aston.ac.uk
15

High quality accommodation
accommodation
The University’s attractive, safe and compact campus
makes living in residences a very sociable and
enjoyable experience. Studying and living away from
home is a big decision, but you can feel assured that
our modern accommodation provides a high quality
and affordable place to live. Living on campus will
allow you to experience the full range of academic and
support services the University has to offer.
Living on campus
Choosing to live on campus means that you’re only ever a couple
of minutes walk from all of the University facilities and services and
less than 10 minutes’ walk from Birmingham City Centre. It’s also
really easy to make friends, as there are over 3,000 other students
living within close proximity.
We guarantee accommodation for international fee-paying
students for the duration of their course, who apply by the
deadline each year.
Our accommodation is managed by friendly and professional
University residential services staff, ensuring that it is clean, safe
and secure, with 24/7 welfare provision. Residences are also
supported by a 24 hour on-site security team with swipe card
access to all of the residences.
Rooms are currently offered on a 39 week licence period for
returning and new Home students, 40 week licence for International
and EU (non-British) students and 52 weeks for care leavers. This
means that the room is yours throughout the academic year, so
there’s no need to move out during the Christmas and Easter
holidays.
Low cost, high speed broadband with WiFi provided by an external
service provider is available in all bedrooms on campus for an
additional, but affordable, annual charge of £9.99.
For more information contact:
Accommodation Office
Tel: 0121 204 4704/4707
Email: accom@aston.ac.uk
Find us online at:
www.aston.ac.uk/accommodation
Allocation policy/rents
For more information, visit our
website at: www.aston.ac.uk/
accommodation
Students with disabilities
We have a number of specially
adapted rooms on campus to
cater for those with disabilities.
Please discuss your individual
needs with the Accommodation
Officer once you have been
made an offer by Aston
University.
You are encouraged to view
the accommodation before or
after you apply so that you can
see the campus and discuss
arrangements well in advance.
Car parking
We are unable to offer students
car parking spaces on campus.
Parking is however, available
for students with specific
disabilities. Pay and display car
parking is available close to the
campus at the time of going
to press but we recommend
you visit our website or contact
the accommodation office for
confirmation of prices.
Brand new student residences
We have completed Phase 1 of our new residences project, providing
1,307 brand new, en suite bedrooms on campus. Phase 2, due for
completion in September 2013, will have retail facilities and 3,000
bedrooms on campus, all of which are self-catering and en suite with
a fully fitted, ergonomically designed and spacious study space and
excellent storage. Flats are available in five and seven bedroom units
with the five bedroom flats having a larger floor area and shower pod,
more storage and larger size beds, each flat sharing a well-equipped
kitchen and communal area.
Lakeside
Lakeside residences provide 647 bedrooms on campus, arranged
into flats for between six and ten students, with shared kitchen
facilities. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom, and telephone and
television points are available in every room. Launderette facilities are
also provided.
Accommodation prices 2013-14
39 weeks (40 weeks for international students)
The prices quoted below also include all utility costs and communal
cleaning charges, so budgeting whilst living on campus is easy.
All rooms are single study bedrooms.
Lakeside
William Murdoch
James Watt
Mary Sturge
Harriet Martineau
Rent (per week) £121 £126 £134
Utility bills Included Included Included
High speed internet New and improved high speed internet
available to ALL residences at a nominal fee
En-suite Yes Yes Yes
No of students per flat 6 – 10
7 bed
units
5 bed
units
Please note: this information is correct at the time of going to press but we
recommend you visit our website or contact the accommodation office for
confirmation of prices.
16 www.aston.ac.uk
17

Library and IT facilities
The University Library
offers you a welcoming and
flexible space for group and
individual study.
The Library has four floors and
contains 150,000 volumes with over
800 reader places. There is online
access to over 20,000 electronic
journals in all subject areas and all
journals, e-books and other key
online information resources can
be accessed from any computer
on campus, or other locations offcampus.
Access to a modern, quality library,
learning resources and information
technology is an essential part of
your University experience and at
Aston University this is given high
priority. Our facilities are extensive
and accessible.
Access to modern IT and
computing facilities 24 hours
a day, seven days a week
Specialist staff provide support
on IT and library resources
throughout your studies
Wireless internet access
available in all accommodation
and most cafés, common
rooms and academic areas.
IT facilities
There are more than 50 computer
labs across the Aston Campus,
many of which can be accessed
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You will have access to a range
of networked software packages,
database systems, modelling tools
and online research tools.
IT facilities are free to Aston
University students and are linked
by our Local Area Network,
which spans the campus and
provides high speed access to
other networks worldwide. We
also have an extensive wireless
network throughout campus which
allows you to use your own laptop
to access the internet and many
University services.
Many teaching rooms are equipped
with ICT facilities for presentations,
and specialist rooms are equipped
with facilities to support research
activities. An increasing number
of events and lectures are also
recorded in multimedia and made
available online for students
working remotely or for later review.
Library development - Phase two
Phase two of the refurbishment of the Library will bring
both the second and third floors up to the high standards
of the ground and first floors.
The second and third floors of the Library will be
transformed, with more study spaces, new furniture,
additional group study rooms, enhanced wireless access
and improved heating, lighting, ventilation and décor.
Library facilities
Our online Library SmartSearch
discovery tool tells you what is in
the Library, enables you to check
the recommended reading for your
course, and lets you reserve and
renew books. You can issue and
return books yourself by using our
self service machines. Multiple
copies of titles on reading lists are
available in the library and copies of
core texts can also be found in the
short loan section.
With PC labs, laptops for
loan, wireless internet access,
photocopiers, printers, group and
silent study areas, the Library is
an ideal place to study. The entire
ground floor is a modern social
learning space with a cafe and
vending area. This is our major
group study area with a range of
seating, plus meeting ‘pods’ where
you can work as a group in a more
isolated atmosphere. Specialist
equipment for students with
additional needs is also available
on the ground floor. The emphasis
is on accessibility and userfriendliness.
The Library has 24 hour access,
six days a week, at key times
throughout the year. The Library
is also open during all University
vacations, except for those days
when the University is closed.
As a new student you will be given
an induction to the Library to ensure
you are aware of all the facilities
and services available to you. Our
experienced and knowledgeable
Library staff are on hand to help
and online support is available
through the ‘Library Matters’ virtual
learning module.
IT facilities
An ideal place for study
18 www.aston.ac.uk
19

A warm welcome
vibrant place
to be
TEDxAstonUniversity
TED is a nonprofit organisation and
started as a four-day conference in
California 26 years ago. It has since
grown to support those world-changing
ideas with multiple initiatives. At TED,
the world’s leading thinkers and doers
give short, key talks which are freely
available at TED.com.
TED speakers have included Bill Gates,
Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir
Richard Branson, Benoit Mandelbrot,
Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
Isabel Allende and former UK Prime
Minister Gordon Brown.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading,
TEDx is a local, self-organised event
that brings people together to share
knowledge and experience.
The first university TEDx in
Birmingham
Aston Welcome Week
Aston University holds an International Orientation Week for
international students, followed by a Freshers’ Week for all new
students, which is designed to help you settle in and adjust to
student life.
Benefits of International Orientation Week:
meet specialist staff who can assist you with any queries
help you adapt to a new culture, language, food, the British
climate and your surroundings at Aston University
introduce you to Aston University and its services
help you meet other International and EU/EEA students
assist you with all the practical arrangements such as shopping
for food and other necessities and opening a bank account
introduce you to the services provided by the Students’ Union
including clubs and societies, student sports clubs and sports
provision
introduce you to the academic system at Aston University, study
methods and approaches to learning
introduce you to cross cultural communication and basic
presentation skills through workshops and group interaction.
For more information visit:
www1.aston.ac.uk/new-student/international-students/orientation
Aston University – The Students’
Union that works for you
The Students’ Union aims to provide a wide
range of services and support, to help make
student life as easy and enjoyable as possible.
As the Union is run by students for students,
we’ll always do our best to provide whatever
you want, and help you out if you run into any
difficulties.
The Union offers: Advice & Representation
Centre (ARC); Clubs and Societies; Students’
CopyShop; Students’ JobShop; Subway
sandwich outlet; a shop selling magazines,
newspapers, stationery, food, sandwiches;
Cash Points; a Bookshop; the Strand Hair
Salon; The Loft (a social study area with IT and
presentation facilities) and Prayer Rooms.
The B4 Bar is open throughout the day serving
good quality food at affordable prices and the
Union Hall hosts a variety of daytime events from
Careers’ Fairs to poster sales.
The Union team work hard to keep students up
to date with all the latest campus news, details of
events, and anything else they might find useful.
To find out more, visit:
www.astonunion.com
TEDxAstonUniversity celebrates the
creatvity that takes place at Aston
through the research done by our
exceptional academics, and raises our
profile through innovation and idea
sharing.
The event included TEDTalks video and
live speakers who combined to spark
deep discussion and connection in
small groups. Speakers from the four
schools: ABS, LSS, LHS and EAS,
presented their own interpretation of the
event theme, ‘Design Thinking.’
Through TEDxAstonUniversity, the
Postgraduate Committee of 2012-2013
successfully managed to bring Aston
University together on one night and
the event was attended by University
executives, staff members, academics
and students from all four schools.
Aston has an active Postgraduate Student Society and
Mature Students Society. There are also many societies for
international students, and various religious societies. It’s very
easy to become involved and our societies are run by students
for students.
Here are a few you may be interested in….
African Caribbean
AIESEC (Business)
ALFA – (Modern Languages)
Alternative Music
APA (Pharmacy Students
Association)
Asian Society
Aston Business School
Chinese Overseas
Fusion – (Dance Music)
Hellenic (Greek & Cypriot)
Hindu
Investment Society
Irish Society
Islamic Society
Japanese Anime
J-Soc – Jewish Society
LGB – Lesbian, Gay
and Bisexual Group
Moflava (Music)
Music (Wind, string
and choir)
Optics (Vision Sciences)
People & Planet
PsychoSoc (Psychology)
Sikh
Singaporean
SIS (Student Industrial
Society)
Theatre
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21

High quality sport facilities
place for
sport
Aston University students have the benefit of accessible and
affordable high quality sports facilities right on the doorstep.
Whether you want to train, compete, keep fit or just have fun with
friends, Aston can provide you with a great range of opportunities.
Campus sports facilities are typically open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday
and from 10am to 7pm at weekends. Access is through your Aston University ID card
and prices provide excellent value-for-money with discounts for multi-visit passes.
Our facilities are staffed by trained instructors, first-aiders and lifeguards.
The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre
25m swimming pool, sauna and steam room
Fully equipped 100+ station fitness suite with a variety of cardiovascular,
resistance and free weight stations
Dance and martial arts studios
Fitness and yoga classes including aerobics, aqua aerobics and spinning classes
Large sports hall for badminton, netball, volleyball, basketball etc with seating and
viewing gallery.
In spring 2013, The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre had a new, large sports
hall for football, netball, basketball, indoor cricket, badminton and volleyball. It also
had glass back squash courts and additional changing facilities.
Sport Aston Gym at the Sir Doug Ellis
Woodcock Sports Centre
100+ stations including cardiovascular, fixed resistance, plate
loaded equipment and dumbbells. Cardiovascular machines
have individual TVs and headphone jacks to enhance your
workout. Fitness appraisals, personal fitness programmes, and
personal training from a team of qualified gym staff are also
available. Membership of the gym for Aston University students
costs the equivalent of around £4 per week.
Classes and courses
We offer a full programme of instructed classes including
aerobics and dance classes, yoga, Pilates, badminton
and squash. Instruction is available for both beginners and
improvers. National Pool Lifeguard Qualification courses are
also run throughout the year. This qualification is required for
lifeguard work in swimming pools and leisure centres across the
UK. The course is typically run over three weekends, minimising
the impact on studies, and is heavily subsidised for Aston
University students.
Clubs, tours and competitions
Over 35 sports clubs are run by the University Athletic Union
and whether you are a total novice or an elite performer, they
are always on the lookout for new members. All clubs attend
the Freshers’ Fair to meet and recruit new members. Clubs train
and compete, many in the British Universities & Colleges Sport
(BUCS) leagues, but they also organise lots of events for the
less sporty members to take part in.
Sports scholarships
Aston University’s scholarship programme is designed to
develop potential excellence in a wide range of competitive
sports. A bursary may be available to students who have
achieved a level of excellence within their chosen sport.
A wide range of activities, instruction, training and clubs can
be found at our sport centre on campus and at the off campus
recreation centre.
Outdoor recreation centre – off campus
Six miles north of campus the recreation centre, covering 46
acres, is the site for Aston University’s grass football, rugby,
hockey and cricket pitches. A full size floodlit synthetic pitch
provides facilities for hockey and other team sports. A minibus
service operates to and from campus on competition and
training days.
To find out more visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/sport
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23

SUPPORTING YOU
Aston University has a wide range of services to
support and help you during your postgraduate studies
There is a wide range of support on offer to Aston postgraduate students to ensure your
time here is a success in academic, social and personal terms. The close-knit community
on campus helps to ensure that our students know where and who to turn to if they have
issues or concerns. This support is available whether you are living on or off campus.
Academic support
Personal Tutor system
All campus-based postgraduate taught students will
be allocated a named personal tutor, who will be a
member of academic staff from Aston University.
Personal Tutors are there to help discuss academic
and, in some cases, personal issues.
Learning Development Centre
The Learning Development Centre (LDC) brings
together a range of services to support learning
including advice on writing for assignments and
research, a maths support centre staffed by specialist
tutors, programming support and general study skills
guidance covering exam and revision techniques,
presentations, working in groups and much more.
Located on the first floor of the Library, the LDC
provides a range of online resources and equipment
for student use, such as wireless internet access,
laptop computers and bookable audio visual student
support equipment to support group work and
presentations. Expert advice is also available for
students using or requiring adaptive software and
technologies.
English language support
International students can benefit from free English
language support tutorials provided by the Centre
for English Language and Communication at Aston
(CELCA). The tutorials are one-to-one and last for one
hour. Our friendly and supportive staff can help to
improve your accuracy and fluency when using spoken
and written English; teach you how to write academic
assignments and improve your pronunciation.
The number of hours available to each student will
depend on individual need and is subject to availability.
The Postgraduate Mentoring Scheme
The Postgraduate Mentoring Scheme supports the
integration of first year postgraduate students by
matching them with highly experienced postgraduate
student mentors who are further along in their studies.
Mentors are available throughout the year and offer
advice, guidance and practical tips on life as a
postgraduate student at Aston University.
For more information email: pgmentoring@aston.ac.uk
Student volunteering and outreach
Volunteering looks great on a CV and can help give
you skills that employers look for. Aston’s Outreach
Office supports student volunteering and outreach
initiatives.
JobShop
The JobShop is based in the Students’ Union.
All term time work offered to Aston students is
advertised here as well as unskilled work for
vacation periods. Skilled vacation work is handled
by the Careers and Employability Centre on the first
floor of the South Wing. The JobShop follows the
university policy that paid work must not detract from
academic work, with a recommended maximum
number of weekly hours during term time.
Personal support
The Hub Advice Zone
Based on the ground floor of the Main Building, staff
at the Hub Advice Zone reception desk will provide
you with information, give you a leaflet or application
form or arrange for you to see a specialist adviser.
The Hub desk also acts as the reception, and makes
appointments, for the Counselling Service and the
Disability and Additional Needs Unit (DANU).
The Hub is the place to visit for queries which range
from council tax to counselling; disability support to
academic advice; student finance to student visas and
work visas.
Advice & Representation Centre (ARC)
The ARC is the Student Union’s independent
representation centre. Contact the ARC if you need
representation at hearings or if your query requires
advice which is independent of the University. The ARC
also manages Aston ‘Studentpad’ the best source of
non-campus accommodation for Aston students.
Counselling service
Accessed through the Hub, the Aston University
Counselling Service is a well-established, professional
service, staffed by qualified and experienced
counsellors. Meeting with a counsellor offers the
opportunity to talk about a range of issues that may be
affecting you personally or impacting on your studies.
Counsellors do not tell you what to do. Their role is to
help you understand your difficulties and to identify
ways of coping with or resolving them.
University Health Centre (Halcyon Medical)
The University provides a full confidential health
service from our modern Health Centre based in
Boots the Chemist, opposite Marks and Spencer,
less than a ten minute walk from the campus. All
treatment is given under the NHS and students
are encouraged to register at the start of term.
Our team of male and female doctors and nurses
offer a full range of medical advisory services and
there is emergency cover at all times for registered
students. All students on courses of six months or
more are eligible to register with the Health Centre.
During term time and open weekdays, a Student
Health Centre, run by Halcyon, operates from the
Health Clinics Building as does a dental surgery
(open all year) and an optician (open term times).
Security and safety on campus
Aston’s team of fully trained and friendly security staff
ensure the safety and security of the Aston University
community. Our campus is safe and friendly and
covered by extensive CCTV and security patrols.
Crime on the campus is very low (the lowest of any
Midlands university) and our security measures and
friendly atmosphere aim to keep it that way.
Contact
T: +44 (0)121 204 4007
E: thehub@aston.ac.uk
F: 0121 204 4739
W: www.aston.ac.uk/current-students/hub
International students – student visas
We welcome international students and our highly
regarded, free visa advice service will help you to
make a Tier 4 visa application to link you to your
Aston University course. We will not be able to
enrol you if you have a Tier 4 visa for a different
university/college so please make sure you apply
in plenty of time. We recommend about 2-3
months before your course is due to start.
If you are making an application from within the
UK you should speak to an International Student
Adviser in the HUB first; we will be able to help you
with the process and submit your visa application
for you (if you do not send the application through
the Hub you may not be able to enrol on your
course).
Aston is a Highly Trusted Sponsor and holds a Tier
4 sponsor licence. For information about how the
International Student Advisers in the Advice Zone
at The Hub can help you with your visa application
please see www1.aston.ac.uk/currentstudents/hub/issu
select visa advice and then
student visas.
Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS)
Aston University is normally able to issue you with
a Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) to
enable you to make one Tier 4 application, to cover
both your pre-sessional and your main course,
when your pre-sessional course is for 12 weeks
or less.
If either your pre-sessional course lasts for
more than twelve weeks, or your main course is
conditional on you successfully passing the presessional
course, the CAS can only be issued for
the pre-sessional course. A second CAS will be
issued when you are in the UK for you to extend
your Tier 4 visa for the main course and our advice
team will help you with the application.
Aston University has an experienced team of
International Student Advisers who provide free
visa advice to help you make a perfect Tier 4
application for your Aston University studies.
For more information visit:
www1.aston.ac.uk/
current-studentshub/iss/visas
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25

Support for You
Nursery
The Aston University Nursery, for children of staff
and students, is run by our team of fully qualified
and experienced staff who provide specialist
developmental and fun activities for children aged
between six weeks and five years.
Religious provision
University Chaplains provide a welcome for all. There
is a programme of events at the Martin Luther King
Multi-Faith Centre which is based on campus near the
Library entrance. Faith societies and other groups use
the Centre for meetings, reflection and worship.
There is also a prayer facility within the Students’
Union.
Mature students
We encourage applications from mature students and
will consider each application on its individual merits.
You will usually need to provide us with evidence
of successful recent study in relevant subjects, or
relevant professional qualifications and/or experience.
New students are invited to a ‘Mature Students’
Induction’, where you can meet other mature students
and find out about academic skills sessions and more
informal activities.
The Society, run by a student committee, has its own
common room based in the Students’ Union, offers
guidance and support.
Finance Centre
The Finance Centre provides a ‘One Stop’ environment
where you can get expert advice on resolving financial
issues, all in a safe and secure environment and
discuss financial matters arising from tuition and
accommodation fees. The staff work closely with
colleagues in the Hub and Registry, to provide you with
a complete financial advisory service on paying fees.
The Finance Centre is based on the Ground Floor of
the Main Building, adjacent to the Hub.
For more information visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/current-students/finances/paying
Students with disabilities and
specific learning difficulties
We welcome applications from students with disabilities
or long-term medical conditions. Your application will be
considered on academic merit, and any support needs
you may have will be considered separately by our
Disability and Additional Needs Unit.
Applications
We advise you to disclose any disability or support needs via
your application form. A copy of your application will be sent to
the Disability Team who may ask you for additional information
relating to disability issues. We may invite you for an interview
so you can discuss any arrangements in advance.
Information
For more information, advice or for
information in an alternative format,
please contact the DANU team:
Tel: 0121 204 4007
Email: danu@aston.ac.uk
Campus access
All teaching is carried out on our single site, flat, campus,
where our student residences are also located. The distance
from residences to most facilities is no more than 400 metres.
Most buildings are equipped with lifts, and kerbs have been
lowered to allow ease of access for wheelchair users.
You can check out campus maps and guides on the web site
www.aston.ac.uk/about/directions
Accommodation
We have a number of specially adapted rooms on campus, catering
for students with disabilities. Accommodation on campus may
be guaranteed for the duration of your course if your individual
circumstances warrant this. You can talk to our Accommodation Officer
and the Disability and Additional Needs Unit (DANU), for advice, once
you have been made an offer. Rooms are available which have ground
floor/lift access, larger floor space, en suite bathrooms, vibrating alert/
doorbell systems, shower seats, grab rails etc.
The Disability and Additional Needs Unit
To help you plan and prepare for university life, DANU, accessed
through The Hub, can provide advice and support to applicants and
students with disabilities and additional needs. All enquiries are dealt
with on a confidential basis. The Disability Team assist and organise
academic related support for students with disabilities, utilising in-house
specialist support services and external support workers through Clear
Links. Support work can include note taking, reading, transcription,
photocopying, keyboard manipulation, mobility assistance, access to
qualified British Sign Language interpreters and dyslexia/study skills
tutors, amongst others.
We may assist you by liaising with other departments in the University
on your behalf, helping with applications for funding, through to the
provision of information at open days and interview visits, as well as
general advice and support throughout your studies.
26 www.aston.ac.uk
27

in an
international
university
International students are especially attracted to study in the UK as Masters
Programmes typically take one year to complete. UK Masters are intensive programmes
and students are expected to focus as soon as they start but the challenges and
rewards offered are great. An Aston Masters Programme means a shorter period of
study so is more cost effective for living costs and reduced loss of earnings.
Accommodation
New postgraduate students are
guaranteed a room on campus
providing an accommodation
application is submitted before
the deadline (available on the
accommodation web site).
There is a wide variety of
accommodation, all located on
campus, giving you easy access
to all facilities and eliminating
travel costs. All rooms are single
occupancy, en suite rooms and
are self-catering. We are sensitive
to individual student needs
and can also offer single sex
accommodation, although this is
not guaranteed. Residence Tutors
will support you if you need any
help.
The University also provides
support for students wishing to
live off campus.
Campus community
Aston has a diverse student
population of over 10,000
full-time students, from over 120
countries, all living and studying
in a lively, safe, close-knit and
friendly atmosphere.
Our students make the most of
their time on campus with a high
level of participation in clubs,
societies and sports. Most of our
international students choose to
live on campus so that they can
benefit from living and studying
in a campus environment right in
the city centre of Birmingham, the
UK’s second city.
There are a number of international
student societies at Aston, which
provide you with the opportunity
to make new friends and take
part in a variety of social and
cultural activities. Examples
include African Caribbean; Asian
Society; the Chinese Student
Scholar Association and the
Hong Kong Society.
For more information visit:
www1.aston.ac.uk/study/
postgraduate/student-life/clubs
Sources of funding
Once you have been accepted
for a programme at a British
university, you may be eligible for
an Overseas Research Students
Award. Some departments at
Aston also offer bursaries for
international research students.
These are allocated on a very
competitive basis and further
details can be obtained from the
academic department that has
offered you a place.
You are encouraged to contact
your local Ministry of Education,
or local British Council office
as you may be eligible to apply
for scholarships and awards
such as the British Chevening
scholarships. The Advice Zone
at The Hub can help you identify
sources of funds available to
assist EU and international
students who experience
unexpected hardship resulting
from a change in circumstances,
such as the loss of your sponsor.
Restrictions apply so not all
students may be eligible for
funds.
Entry qualifications
We welcome applications from candidates with good degrees or equivalent qualifications. In general,
you will need to have the equivalent of a UK first or upper-second class Honours Degree from your
country. Entry requirements vary between the different programmes and the Grade Point Average
(GPA) marks/overall percentage will also vary.
Students are requested to submit their certified University transcripts (translated into English), with
their application. The list below gives an indication of the qualifications we consider from some
countries.
For more details on English language requirements, please refer to individual programme entries or
visit our website at www.aston.ac.uk
Aston warmly welcomes international postgraduate students and recognises the valuable contribution
they make to academic life at the University. There are currently over 1,000 non-UK students enrolled
on postgraduate programmes at Aston from 120 countries around the world.
Sample entry requirements for entry onto Masters programmes
If your country is not listed,
please contact the International
Office as these are just
some examples of entry
requirements.
China Minimum average of
75%-85% in Bachelors Degree
(four years study) from a
recognised university.
Greece A.E.I. Minimum G.P.A.
6.5; T.E.I. Minimum G.P.A. 7.0.
India First class Bachelors
Honours Degree (minimum
60- 70% depending on
institution and subject area)
from a recognised institution.
Indonesia A good Bachelors
honours degree, typically with
a GPA of between 2.0 and 3.0
out of 4.0 from a recognised
institution.
Japan A good Bachelors
honours degree, typically
with a score between 70% to
75% or B+ from a recognised
institution.
Kazakhstan Good Bakalavr
from a recognised university
with a minimum average of 4
out of 5.
Malaysia A good Bachelors
honours degree, typically with
a GPA of between 2.0 and 3.0
out of 4.0 from a recognised
institution.
Middle East Bachelors Degree
with a minimum GPA of 3 out of
4 from a recognised Institution.
Nigeria Good Bachelors
Honours Degree equivalent to a
2:1 or higher.
Pakistan Bachelors Degree
(four years) with a minimum
GPA of 3.0/ first class from a
recognised institution.
Russia Good Bakalavr or
a specialist Diploma from a
recognised Institution with a
minimum average of 4 out of 5.
Taiwan Bachelors Degree (four
years study) with good GPA
(usually 75% from a national
university; usually 80% from a
private university).
Thailand Bachelors Degree
with good GPA (usually 3.0 from
a good university).
Turkey Lisans Diplomasi with
minimum GPA of between 2.8 -
3.0 out of 4.0 from a recognised
institution.
Vietnam Good Bachelors
(Tot Nghiep Dai Hoc) Degree
(usually 7/10) from a recognised
Vietnamese university.
28 www.aston.ac.uk
29

Tuition fees and cost of living
Tuition fees for international (non-EU) students are fixed for the
duration of your programme at Aston. Most of Aston’s Masters
programmes are one year in duration and this offers considerable
savings when compared to other countries where Masters
programmes can take two years to complete. MPhil programmes
usually take two years to complete while (full-time) PhD/ DBA
programmes take three years to complete.
Your expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and the
type of accommodation you choose, but the cost of living in the
Birmingham area is generally lower than many other parts of
the UK. As a guide, we recommend international students allow
approximately £800 per month to cover accommodation on
campus, food, books, clothes, local travel and spending money.
This amount is based on the living costs for a single person living
on campus.
Welfare and support
We take the needs of international students very seriously and
provide excellent support and advice throughout your time at Aston,
to ensure it is as worry-free as possible.
The University’s extensive welfare and support services for all
students include on-campus health services; the Advice Zone at
The Hub; the Students’ Union Advice & Representation Centre; the
Martin Luther King Multi-Faith Centre and campus prayer rooms.
We also have a team of full-time International Student Advisers
based in the Advice Zone at The Hub who can provide advice
and assistance on a range of issues such as immigration or Visa
renewal.
The International Student Advisers organise a welcome programme
as part of your orientation programme as a new student to help you
settle into University life. All international students will receive a predeparture
information pack, which includes useful information on
preparing to come to the UK.
Pre-sessional Programmes in English for
Academic Purposes
Key facts
4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 week programmes available
Start date
April, May, June, July or August depending on the programme (please
check our website for details.)
Entry requirements
To join one of the programmes, you will need to have taken an
internationally recognized English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL
IBT or Pearson Academic. The English language entry requirements
vary according to the length of programme (refer to our website).
If you have already met the English language entry requirements
for your MA/MSc/PhD, you can follow our new 4-week preparatory
course in academic skills. Please see our website for further
information.
Modules
For module details please visit our website.
Key benefits:
Gain the relevant language and
academic skills necessary for
success on your future course
Develop your English language
competence and communication
skills
Become more confident about
studying in a linguistic and cultural
environment different from your own
Develop your intercultural
awareness and competence within
culturally diverse contexts
Work with highly qualified
teaching staff with broad teaching
experience.
Scholarships
For information on scholarships provided by Schools visit:
www1.aston.ac.uk/international-students/finance/
internal-scholarships
English language entry requirements
To ensure that you will be successful in your studies at Aston,
we look for strong evidence that you have a good level of written
and spoken English before you are accepted onto any of Aston’s
programmes. This is to ensure that you are able to cope with the
demands of our programmes.
To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy
the University’s English language requirements. The level required
will depend on the programme you are applying for.
Aston University runs a selection of pre-sessional English language
programmes for students. There is an IELTS test centre so you can
register for IELTS classes and tests.
For more information visit our website at:
www.aston.ac.uk/international-students/admissions-advice/
english-language-requirements
IELTS and the IELTS
Test Centre
IELTS is the International English
Language Testing System. It measures
ability to communicate in English across
all four language skills – listening,
reading, writing and speaking - and has
been developed for people who intend
to study or work where English is the
language of communication.
IELTS is the internationally recognised
system for assessing the English
language proficiency of non-native
speakers and is jointly managed by the
British Council, Cambridge ESOL and
IDP Education in Australia.
More than 6,000 education institutions,
government agencies and professional
organisations recognise the IELTS
testing system globally.
The test is taken by over one million
people a year, across 120 countries
worldwide.
Aston University has a fully accredited
IELTS Test Centre.
Learning and teaching methods
We use a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods which
include interactive workshops, seminars, tutorials, lectures as well as
small-group work and private study. A variety of multimedia materials
are regularly used in class and can be accessed online via our Virtual
Learning Environment. There are also opportunities for individual
project work and off-campus visits.
Assessment and feedback
These are intensive programmes which require commitment to
studying and learning. The assessment of your performance on
the courses will be based on attendance, punctuality, participation
in class, team-working ability, written assignments, individual and
group oral presentations, class tests, examinations and an individual
research project.
Your lecturers will provide you with support and guidance throughout
your course and you will receive detailed feedback on your progress at
regular intervals in tutorials.
Programme overview
Our 20, 16, 12 and 8 week Pre-sessional Programmes in English
for Academic Purposes are intended for international students who
plan to study at Aston University and who have not yet achieved the
English Language test scores needed for entry onto their course.
The 4 week programme is a preparatory course in academic skills
and is intended for students who have already met the direct
English language entry requirements.
Normally the department which you are applying to for your
Masters or PhD will specify in your offer letter which course
you need to take. These programmes aim to equip you with the
language and academic skills necessary for success in your future
chosen subject area. You will also develop your communication
skills so that you feel more confident communicating in a cultural
environment different from your own.
Application & contact
T: +44 (0)121 204 3751
E: pre-sessional@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/presessional
-english-programmes
30 www.aston.ac.uk
31

– an amazing
place to live
Aston University is in the centre of the exciting and vibrant
city of Birmingham, home to over 70,000 students.
Birmingham, the UK’s second city, is internationally
recognised as a leader in leisure, entertainment, business,
shopping and sport. The city centre is a fusion of
attractive squares, fantastic shops, stunning architecture,
clubs, restaurants, museums, theatres and art galleries –
truly a world city.
To find out more, visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/birmingham
Multicultural diversity
Birmingham is a city of diverse cultures. The mix
of heritage and culture of people from across the
globe, who have brought with them new talents
and skills, has formed the distinctiveness of the
city and created a unique community.
Culture, entertainment and leisure
Living in Birmingham you can enjoy great nightlife,
shopping, sport and entertainment. The city’s parks
and gardens offer space to relax in the open air,
and there are plenty of opportunities to see and do
something new.
Birmingham’s cosmopolitan atmosphere really
shows itself in the variety of eating places in the city.
The Balti Triangle offers an unparalleled selection
of Indian restaurants, or visit Birmingham’s Chinese
Quarter for great food set in a colourful and vibrant
community that exists in the heart of the city.
Birmingham also hosts many festivals including the
International Jazz Festival, the Moseley Folk Festival
and the Comedy Festival, attracting big names. The
NEC and NIA host many of the UK’s major events,
concerts and exhibitions. The O2 Academy hosts
many big name indie, R&B, Hip Hop and dance
acts. There are a number of venues in the city
centre where you can see jazz and blues bands.
If you enjoy classical music, the Symphony Hall
is home to the City of Birmingham Symphony
Orchestra and the Birmingham Hippodrome is the
base for the Birmingham Royal Ballet and hosts
many touring musicals and theatre productions.
Some of the finest art collections in the world are
to be found in Birmingham. The City Museum and
Art Gallery, the Gas Hall and the Barber Institute of
Fine Arts provide spectacular settings for classical
and modern works, while the IKON Gallery hosts
contemporary exhibitions and installations.
Superb shopping is only a short walk from the
University Campus. The Bullring, Europe’s largest
city centre shopping development, has the
equivalent of over 26 football pitches worth of
shops, boutiques and restaurants.
Birmingham is at the heart of sporting action.
Football clubs, including Aston Villa and
Birmingham City, are within the city. Warwickshire
County Ground hosts International Test and county
cricket games; major tennis tournaments are held
at Edgbaston Priory; international golf tournaments
at The Belfry and the National Golf Centre (including
the Ryder Cup). A number of athletics events are
held at the Alexandra Stadium and the NIA.
Business and industry
Birmingham is a global centre for business,
commerce and industry. The city is home to
numerous UK and overseas banks, law firms
and Europe’s second largest insurance market.
The UK’s top accountancy and management
consultancy firms have their largest offices outside
London here, and the city has a thriving small
enterprise community. Aston’s strong links with
business and industry benefit our students.
Our courses are professionally relevant and leading
business men and women often come to Aston
to share their knowledge and experience through
guest lectures. There are fantastic opportunities for
our students to build valuable business networks
and contacts whilst at Aston, and many secure jobs
right here in Birmingham.
Discover Birmingham
on Twitter
#bullring
#birmingham
#mailbox
#brumlife
32 www.aston.ac.uk
33

School of Engineering & Applied Science
School of of Engineering & Applied & Science
Engineering
& Applied
Science
Why choose us?
We are proud that our School of Engineering & Applied
Science has a long tradition of quality teaching and a
reputation for cutting-edge research, which is at the
forefront of new and exciting developments essential for
society’s current and future needs such as sustainable
energy, global communications, understanding of
complex data through mathematics and computer
science, and novel materials for healthcare.
Taught Programmes
38 MSc in Data Communication Networks
39 MSc in Engineering Management
40 MSc in Industrial Enterprise Management
41 MSc in IT Project Management
42 MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Modelling)
43 MSc in Product Design Enterprise
44 MSc in Product Design Innovation
45 MSc in Professional Engineering
46 MSc in Software Engineering
47 MSc in Supply Chain Management
48 MSc in Telecommunications Technology
49 MSc by Research in Mathematics of Complex
Systems
50 MSc in Wireless Communications and Networking
New for 2013.
Research Groups
51 Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies
52 Adaptive Communications Networks
Research Group
53 Bioenergy Research Group
54 Biomedical Engineering Research Group
55 Computer Science Research Group
56 Engineering Education Research Group
57 European Bioenergy Research Institute
58 Nanoscience Research Group
59 Non-linearity and Complexity Research Group
60 Power Engineering and Power Electronics
Research Group
61 Polymers and Advanced Materials
Research Group
62 Project and Supply Chain Management
Research Group
63 Sustainable Environment Research Group
Aston achieved the Athena Swan Bronze
Award in recognition of our commitment
to the advancement and promotion of the
careers of women in Science, Engineering
and Technology.
To find out more, visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/eas/postgraduate
T: +44 (0)121 204 3400
E: engineering@aston.ac.uk
34 www.aston.ac.uk
35

School of of Engineering & Applied & Science
Studying at postgraduate level
The content of our MSc programmes typically relates
to industrially relevant work carried out by our research
groups, enabling you to experience the benefits of the
latest research. In the last British Research Assessment
Exercise we were ranked in the top 12 in the UK and
have world renowned research groups in a number of
areas.
Studying for an MSc
An MSc programme typically lasts one year full-time, although
some are offered on a part-time basis, and usually you will need at
least a lower second class Honours Degree, or equivalent from an
overseas institution, to join us. Minimum English requirements also
apply. Applications can be made online at www.aston.ac.uk/eas/
postgraduate/apply, or contact the MSc Admissions Officer at
seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Scholarships
We expect to offer a number of international student scholarships
worth £5,000 each for the 2012/13 academic year. All scholarships
are awarded on the basis of academic merit and require application
by specific dates.
For current details please see
www.aston.ac.uk/eas/ postgraduate/fees-andscholarships
MSc English Language Requirements
International students whose native
language is not English will need to
demonstrate English language ability
as follows:
IELTS 6.5 overall with min 6.0 in each
section for all MSc’s except for
Supply Chain Management
which is 6.5 overall (with a minimum
score of 6.5 in writing and speaking
and 6.0 in listening and reading).
TOEFL IBT 100 overall with minimum
of 21 in writing and listening, 22
in reading and 23 in speaking
for all MSc’s except for Supply Chain
Management which is a score
of 100 overall (with a minimum score
of 23 in writing and speaking and 20
in listening and reading).
Pearson Academic score of 61
overall with minimum 59 in each
area for all MSc’s.
To find out more, visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/eas
T: +44 (0)121 204 3400
E: engineering@aston.ac.uk
New programmes
Our latest programme is the MSc Wireless Communications and
Networks (info to be supplied) (see page 50). For current details
please see www.aston.ac.uk/eas/postgraduate
Distance and work-based learning
We understand it can be difficult to take a year off work for full-time
study, so some of our programmes are available by distance and
work-based learning, allowing you to combine study with full-time
employment:
www.aston.ac.uk/eas/postgraduate/distance-learning
Read more about our Msc Professional Engineering course on
page 45.
Continuing Professional Development
We offer the opportunity to take individual modules for certification
as part of your Continuing Professional Development – please
contact the MSc Admissions Officer for further information.
Studying for a PhD
From the world’s longest laser, to Europe’s largest trial of ultralow
carbon vehicles, research in the School of Engineering &
Applied Science continues to push in new directions to benefit
society. A PhD programme lasts three years fulltime, and you will
normally need at least an upper second class Honours Degree, or
equivalent from an overseas institution, to join us. Minimum English
requirements also apply. You will be affiliated to one of our research
groups and will have both a principal and associate supervisor
to guide your work. Regarding funding, about half of our PhD
students receive some level of financial support from the School,
and we have several new awards and partial bursaries for the right
candidates. For further information please visit www.aston.ac.uk/
eas/research/prospective-research-students
Generic training for research students is delivered through an integrated
programme of Research Skills Training. All students take the School
Research Skills Module in the first year of their PhD. Our students are
expected to present their work at international conferences, and the
School was praised in the last RAE results for the achievements of our
students winning several ‘best paper’ awards at these conferences.
Across the School there are facilities dedicated for student use and
all research students are supplied with individual computers. We
also provide our own parallel processing machines including a 256
node SGI cluster computer for computational work. In addition,
research staff and student at Aston have arrangements to access
supercomputers elsewhere in the UK and in Japan.
Students can benefit from our vibrant research environment centred
on our research institutes and groups which hold many seminars
throughout the year. The School is currently investing substantially
in research infrastructure with the construction of several new
laboratories including, for example, a completely new building
dedicated to research in bioenergy.
We also have a vibrant and active PhD research student society
providing academic and social support in a number of areas:
www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/student-research-society
36 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
37

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Data Communication Networks
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Engineering Management
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project, possibly within industry.
Also available via distance learning.
Students taking this option usually take
2-5 years to complete the programme
(2-3 years of taught modules delivered
through the University’s virtual learning
environment and a project of 1-2 years).
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific entry requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree from a UK academic
organisation in a relevant engineering
field, science or closely related
discipline. Qualifications from outside
the UK or a combination of qualifications
and experience will also be considered.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Prepares students for an
intellectually challenging career
as a qualified engineer
Provides students with a thorough
grounding in the principles and the
requisite specialist knowledge and
skills to develop, manage and adapt
current systems
Accredited by the Institution of
Engineering and Technology (IET).
An industrial advisory group reviews
the programme on a continual basis
An industrial advisory group reviews
the programme on a continual basis
Guest lectures presented by acknowledged
experts drawn from industry
An active alumni group on LinkedIn
Free student membership of the IET.
What are my career prospects?
This programme will be of interest to you
if you are a student wishing to develop
your technical career in areas related
to the design and development of data
communications networks, or if you
wish to enter research in this field.
Programme overview
This programme aims to provide students with a thorough grounding
in the principles underlying the inside of modern computer and data
networks. It is designed to develop the requisite specialist knowledge
and skills of the students who will be able to adapt with the changing
face of data network technology. To ensure its continuing relevance
the programme is monitored by an industrial steering committee which
includes representatives from major employers.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This MSc integrates a taught component of nine modules with a major
project and a project preparation module, constituting in total 180
credits. The project, equivalent to six months of full-time study, is either
undertaken in an industrial laboratory or at the University, often with
guidance and direction from industrial partners.
Modules:
Telecommunications Perspectives
Information Theory and Coding and Traffic Theory
Internetworking
Software Engineering
Introductory Programming
Distributed Network Applications
Mobile Data Networks
Realtime Communication Networks
Project Preparation
MSc Project.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Xiaohong Peng
Dr. Peng teaches mobile data networks in this MSc programme. His
research areas range from wireless and multimedia communications
and networks to sensor networks for healthcare and wellbeing. He
has led research projects in both theoretical developments and
practical system realisation through collaboration with industry
in telecommunications, data storage and mobile communication
networks. Dr Peng is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineers (SMIEEE).
Programme overview
The Engineering Management programme is designed for those
who have a first degree in a technical discipline and aspire to gain
a management role in an engineering or technical organisation. The
programme addresses the full range of management knowledge and
skills needed for a successful career. By being accredited by the
Chartered Management Institute, the programme is shown to meet
the rigorous demands of a high quality management education that
is recognised across the globe.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This programme requires you to undertake 11 taught modules and to
complete a Major Project with a dissertation of approximately 15,000
words. Each taught module involves up to 22 teaching hours including
tutorials, seminars and project classes. The programme runs from
October to September with examination weeks in December and
March/April. The project occupies the final six months.
Core modules:
Research Methods
Management of Change
Lean and Agile Manufacture
Project Management
Strategic Management
Strategic Finance
Management of New Product Development
Strategic Marketing
Quality Management
Corporate Social Responsibility
Managing in Engineering Enterprises
MSc Project.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Jane Andrews
Jane’s background is in Management Education; her PhD is
from Aston Business School. She has several years’ experience
working in the UK Public Sector. Her research interests focus on
Engineering Education, Education Policy and the Management of
Higher Education.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 30 per year (including
Management students)
Specific entry requirements
Minimum of a good UK Honours Degree.
Two years experience in an appropriate
engineering post is an advantage.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Provides knowledge and
understanding of the principles
underlying the strategic
management of engineering and
technology businesses
Enables you to use the techniques
required for the analysis of strategic
issues
Designed for graduate engineers
from all disciplines
Fully accredited by The Chartered
Management Institute.
What are my career prospects?
This programme is suitable for those
seeking a career in the engineering
and manufacturing sectors, particularly
those who aspire to senior management
levels. Project management roles
are a common first destination.
38 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
39

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Industrial Enterprise Management
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc IT Project Management
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 30 per year (including
Engineering Management students)
Specific subject requirements
Minimum of a good UK Honours
Degree. Two years experience in an
appropriate engineering post is an
advantage. International students
whose native language is not English
will also need to demonstrate English
Language ability (please see page 37
for details). The MSc Admissions Office
can provide advice on the suitability of
particular overseas qualifications.
Key benefits
Provides knowledge and
understanding of the principles
underlying the setting up and
strategic management of
engineering and technology
businesses
Enables you to use the
techniques required to develop your
entrepreneurial skills
Designed for graduate engineers
and managers
Fully accredited by The Chartered
Management Institute.
What are my career prospects?
This programme is suitable for
those seeking to set up their own
businesses in the engineering,
manufacturing or technology sectors.
Programme overview
The Industrial Enterprise Management programme is designed for
those who have a first degree in a technical discipline and aspire to
set up their own businesses in the engineering or technical sector.
The programme addresses the full range of management knowledge
and skills needed to set up a successful business. By being
accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, the programme is
shown to meet the rigorous demands of a high quality management
education that is recognised across the globe.
Outline of programme
Module guide
The programme requires you to undertake 11 taught modules and to
complete a Major Project with a dissertation of approximately 15,000
words. Each taught module involves up to 22 teaching hours including
tutorials, seminars and project classes. The programme runs from
October to September with examination weeks in December and
March/April. The project occupies the final six months.
Modules:
Research Methods
Management of Change
Logistics and Transportation
Project Management
Strategic Management
Strategic Finance
Entrepreneurial Strategies
Strategic Marketing
Quality Management
Corporate Social Responsibility
Managing in Engineering Enterprises
MSc Project.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Jane Andrews
Jane’s background is in Management Education; her PhD is
from Aston Business School. She has several years’ experience
working in the UK Public Sector. Her research interests focus on
Engineering Education, Education Policy and the Management of
Higher Education.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Programme overview
The programme is designed for students with a prior degree in
computing who wish to develop their career further into Project
Management. Graduates will be equipped with advanced problemsolving
skills necessary for planning, monitoring and controlling
software projects. Students will develop a detailed understanding
of the project management issues involved in creating software
systems and how they can be addressed from the viewpoint of the
organisation, the software developers and the end-users. Practical
experience of an IT project to design and implement a substantial
IT project plan, or analyse a business environment and design an
appropriate IT strategy is provided through the Major Project.
Outline of programme
Module guide
The MSc requires you to study seven taught modules and to complete a
Major Project resulting in a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words:
Modules:
Professional Skills in Computing
Software Process and Management
Project Management
Enterprise Computing Strategies
Reliability in Software Engineering
Foundations in Business Systems*
Business Intelligence*
Major Project.
*Module delivered by Aston Business School.
The programme runs from October to September with examinations
held in December and March/April. The Major Project must be
completed by the end of September. The taught part contributes 100
credits and the Major Project accounts for 80 credits, totalling the 180
credits required for successful completion of the MSc programme.
There is an option to study for a Postgraduate Diploma, based on
the same taught modules as the MSc plus a smaller Diploma Project
accounting for 20 credits, to be completed by June.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Aniko Ekart
Aniko teaches Software Lifecycle and Design and Professional Skills
in Computing. She is part of the ADVANCE project funded by the
European Commission, which aims to develop a computer system to
improve goods delivery across large-scale European transport networks.
Her research interests include: data mining, machine learning, genetic
programming theory and applications, evolutionary computation.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project, possibly within
industry.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree in Computer Science from a UK
academic organisation or an alternative
degree with substantial computing
content. International students whose
native language is not English will also
need to demonstrate English Language
ability (please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Teaching delivered by the School of
Engineering & Applied Science and
Aston Business School
Many MSc projects have external
industrial clients
Graduates of the programme will have
knowledge and understanding of:
- project management
methodology applied to IT
projects
- business systems and their
relation to IT strategy
- the role of the computing
professional in managing IT
projects.
What are my career prospects?
This programme is suitable for those
seeking to develop their career
towards IT Project Management and
potentially reach a leadership role. The
programme will advance knowledge,
understanding and skills in professional
practice in the management of software
systems. Practical experience of IT
projects from the initial analysis of a
problem, through design and planning,
implementation and documentation
is provided, in order to prepare for
effective participation in the IT industry.
40 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
41

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Mechanical Engineering (Modelling)
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Product Design Enterprise
Key facts
1 year full-time
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or second class UK Honours
Degree in engineering, physical science,
mathematics or a related subject or
overseas equivalent. We would expect
to see significant mathematics content in
a student’s academic profile. A score of
55% or above from the Aston University
Pre-Masters Programme is required for
applicants not meeting the lower second
class or English language requirement.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need
to demonstrate English language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
This programme will provide handson
experience of using some of the
latest Engineering Modelling software
along with their mathematical basis
A project–work focus enables newly
learning to be tried and tested
The range of modules reflects the
nature of engineering modelling and
the uses it is put to in engineering and
commercial practice
The individual major project can be
tailor made to match interests.
What are my career prospects?
The programme puts practical
engineering modelling, research
and project management skills into
the hands of graduates. This helps
career progression in industries
where computer based technology
is required, including manufacturing,
R&D, science, IT, design and academia.
Recent graduates have gone on to PhD
studies and been employed in a range
of jobs including: manufacturing and
simulation engineer with an automotive
manufacturer; product development
with a manufacturer of domestic
heating products; and computeraided
design with a manufacturer of
military/surveillance equipment.
Programme overview
Computational modelling is an essential part of Mechanical
Engineering and is becoming very important in industrial product
development; the manufacturing sector in particular has been
experiencing a significant uptake of computational engineering
technologies to increase its competitiveness in the global
market. This programme is designed for engineering and science
graduates, providing a wide exploration of these new and advanced
technologies. Problem based learning facilitates the application of
the modelling techniques.
Outline of programme
Core modules:
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Applications
Practical Numerical Methods
CAD Principles and Materials Selection
Advanced CAD
Research Literature Review
Research Dissertation
Renewable Energy
Sustainable Design.
Elective modules:
Finite Element Analysis and Solid Mechanics
Strategic Finance
Project Management
Management of New Product Development
Innovation Business Development.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. J Gregory
Dr. J. Gregory Swadener is an internationally recognized expert in
nanomechanics and solid mechanics modelling and has on-going
collaborations in the UK and internationally. Dr. Phillip Davies is a
leading expert in sustainability engineering with a particular focus
on applications for developing countries. Other academic members
provide expertise in design, CAD, dynamics, thermal/fluid sciences,
business development, project management and innovation.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Programme overview
The MSc in Product Design Enterprise will help you to develop a
high level of creativity and produce design ideas as a part of your
response to possible market opportunities. The programme will also
enable you to develop a critical understanding of sustainable factors
and their importance and relevance to all our futures.
The programme creates opportunities for students to originate
new ideas and model or prototype design solutions that will
meet perceived manufacturing, marketing and consumer needs.
Developed ideas can be manufactured using a variety of techniques,
including a range of specialist rapid prototyping equipment, as well
as dynamic testing equipment which helps in the testing of prototype
ideas. Modelmaking and Engineering Workshops are available to
develop physical models and prototypes. Examples of recent Major
Projects: Green Product development in Taiwan, Life Cycle Analysis
of Shell Eco Car and innovative folding storage.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This programme requires you to study ten taught modules and
to complete a major design project. Each taught module involves
up to 22 contact hours including lectures, tutorials, seminars and
project classes.
The programme runs from October to September with
examinations/assessments held in December and March/April.
The Research Project explores fully the feasibility of the Major
Project, which is then completed by the following September.
Core modules:
Design Realisation
Strategic Management
Entrepreneurial Strategies
Sustainable Design
Innovation Business Development
International Studies
Management of New Product Development
Research Project
Major Project.
Elective modules:
Advanced Computer Aided Design
CAD Principles and Materials Selection
Renewable Energy Management of Change.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Chris Evans
Chris has 20 years of design experience in a wide variety of industries
and design groups before joining Aston University in 2001. His many
research interests include Assistive Techniques and Transport Design.
He has recently published a new book on Design and Designing.
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
Minimum of a first or good second
class UK Honours Degree in a product
design, engineering or business related
course. Two years experience in
relevant design work is an advantage.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Developed to interest graduates
from a business or design
background
Enhances knowledge and
understanding of the principles
underlying professional product
design
Enables the student to develop
appropriate entrepreneurial skills
enabling viable manufacturing,
marketing or business realities
Fully accredited by the Institution
of Engineering Designers leading to
Chartered Engineering status (CEng).
What are my career prospects?
This programme is suitable for graduate
designers with product, industrial or
engineering experience, who seek
the opportunity to develop exciting
and innovative ideas with the aim of
turning them into viable manufacturing,
marketing or business realities.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
42 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
43

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Product Design Innovation
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Professional Engineering
Work Based Distance Learning
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
Minimum of a first or good second
class UK Honours Degree in a product
design, engineering or business related
course. Two years experience in
relevant design work is an advantage.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Developed to interest graduates
from a business or design
background
Enhances knowledge and
understanding of the principles
underlying professional product
design
Enables the student to develop
appropriate innovation and
entrepreneurial design skills
enabling viable start-up
manufacturing, marketing or
business enterprises
Fully accredited by the Institution
of Engineering Designers leading
to Chartered Engineering status
(CEng).
What are my career prospects?
This programme is suitable for
candidates seeking to develop their own
product ideas and innovations ‘ready for
manufacture and marketing’, start their
own design business enterprise, or enter
new product development organisations
at a higher level of responsibility.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Programme overview
Creativity, Ideas Generation and the development of Innovative
Concepts underpins the interactive design work on this course. We
aim to provide a dynamic balance between knowledge acquisition and
practical hands-on skills. Much of the teaching and learning take place
in the Design Suite or CAE facility where we have the latest commercial
Computer Aided Design tools (including Solid works, Alias, Fluent,
Ansys), and lecture rooms equipped with modern AV/IT facilities.
Developed ideas can be manufactured using a variety of techniques,
and Modelmaking and Engineering Workshops are available to
create physical models and prototypes. This also includes a range
of specialist rapid prototyping equipment as well as dynamic testing
equipment. These resources can help in the testing of prototype ideas
ranging from small products to full sized transport proposals.
Examples of recent projects: Development of innovative Rigging for
Stunt Kite Boarding, Race Car Suspension using composite materials,
use of Solar Energy to cool conservatories, Educational Learning Toys,
Futuristic Kitchens and Vehicle Design.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This programme requires you to study ten taught modules and to
complete a major design project. Each taught module involves up to
22 contact hours, including lectures, tutorials, seminars and project
classes.
The programme runs from October to September with examinations/
assessments held in December and March/ April. The Research
Project explores fully the feasibility of the Major Project, which is then
completed by the following September.
Core modules:
Product Design Innovation
Design Realisation
Sustainable Design
Innovation Business
Development
International Studies
Management of New Product
Development
Research Project
Major Project.
Who is it taught by?
Elective modules chosen from:
Advanced Computer Aided
Design
CAD Principles and Materials
Selection
Strategic Management
Renewable Energy.
Programme Director
Chris Evans
Chris had 20 years of design experience in a wide variety of
industries and design groups before joining Aston University in
2001. His many research interests include Assistive Techniques and
Transport Design He has recently published a new book on Design
and Designing.
Programme overview
The MSc Professional Engineering provides, and demonstrates, the
advanced engineering knowledge and understanding needed for
CEng status. Each engineer on the programme has their own unique
programme made up of a series of work based projects. Learning is
specifically focused on employment needs, and gives immediate benefit
to your employment value. You will receive frequent mentoring support
in the workplace from a Chartered Engineer and high quality academic
mentoring from an Academic Supervisor. The result is cost effective
engineering staff development to the highest professional standards.
The MSc Professional Engineering is suitable for people who
aspire to fully qualified professional engineer status (CEng) and are
already part way there, normally through a UK accredited Honours
Degree at bachelor’s level (BEng or BSc), supported by several
years of employment experience gaining practical competence and
responsibility. We can also accept people without an Honours Degree
(eg qualified to HND level) but with greater relevant experience.
Outline of programme
Module guide
Core modules:
Electives chosen from:
Professional Development Scientific Foundations
Audit
Current Technologies and
Applications
Emerging Technologies
Design Methodologies
Major Project.
Who is it led by?
Programme Director
Bill Glew
Bill is a senior Chartered Engineer and member of the Institution
of Mechanical Engineers with many years of industrial experience.
He started his career as an Engineering Officer in the merchant
navy then worked as an engineer in a number of industries, before
eventually moving into production management. In 1992 he became
a University lecturer where he used his industrial experience to
increase the relevance of engineering degree programmes for
manufacturing companies.
Application and contact
Professional Engineering Support Team
T: +44 (0)121 204 3555
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: msc_profeng@aston.ac.uk
Engineering Analysis
Sustainability
Project Management
Further Topics in Engineering
Management
Product Delivery
Professional Literature Study
Extended Integrative Option.
Key facts
2-5 years work-based distance learning.
Start date: October, January, April or
July
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree at bachelor’s level (BEng or BSc).
Qualifications from outside the UK or a
combination of qualifications (eg HND level)
and experience will also be considered.
To study for the MSc Professional
Engineering, you must be employed in
the engineering field in which you hope
to advance and already be a member
of, or be willing to join, an engineering
institution covering your chosen
engineering field. Your employer will need
to be supportive of you, and willing to
ensure you can undertake a good range
of workplace projects to build the learning
needed for the MSc and additionally the
competences to qualify for CEng.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see 37 for details).
Key benefits
Developed in conjunction with the
UK Engineering Council
Progression to Chartered Engineer
status
Requires no time away from
employment
Uses learning through immediate
application to real-life work problems
to reduce costs or increase value for
the employer and integrates theory
with practical application, using
critical thinking skills to generate
breakthrough knowledge.
What are my career prospects?
Successful completion of the MSc
Professional Engineering combined
with membership of a suitable
engineering institution provides
access to the institution’s process
for professional review for CEng
registration.
44 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
45

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Software Engineering
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Supply Chain Management
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
BSc Honours in Computer Science or
an alternative degree with substantial
computing content with a first or good
second class grade (or equivalent).
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Students will develop expertise in the
following areas, which are all key to
a professional software engineering
career:
Conduct requirements analysis
and specification
Create and evaluate software
architecture and design solutions
Develop dependable software units
Verify software systems and
make informed decisions in the
management of software projects.
What are my career prospects?
Students will acquire analytical,
presentation skills, team working,
report writing, negotiation and IT
skills necessary for a successful
software engineer career. This
programme is suitable for candidates
seeking to develop their career
towards Software Engineering.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Programme overview
The programme aims to enable students to develop a systematic
understanding of the software development process and the associated
professional skills necessary in software engineering practice.
Graduates will be equipped with the essential analytical skills and
knowledge for development and maintenance of large-scale software
systems, and with the ability to apply this knowledge to real-world
applications.
Deep knowledge of object- oriented analysis and design, making use of
UML-based techniques and the intellectual skills to create well-designed
solutions will be developed.
Students will develop an understanding of the management issues
involved in creating software systems, and how they can be addressed
from the viewpoint of the organisation, the software developers and the
end users.
Practical experience of a substantial software development project
from the initial analysis of a problem, through design and planning,
implementation, testing, evaluation and documentation will be provided.
Outline of programme
Module guide
The MSc requires you to study seven taught modules and to complete a
Major Project resulting in a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words.
Core modules:
Professional Skills in Computing
Software Process and Management
Requirements Engineering
Software Architecture
Reliability in Software Engineering
Interaction Design
Information Security
Major Project.
The programme runs from October to September with examinations
held in December and March/April. The Major Project must be
completed by the end of September. The taught part contributes
100 credits and the Major Project accounts for 80 credits, totalling
the 180 credits required for successful completion of the MSc
programme. There is an option to study for a Postgraduate Diploma,
based on the same taught modules as the MSc plus a smaller
Diploma Project accounting for 20 credits, to be completed by June.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Aniko Ekart
Aniko teaches Software Lifecycle and Design and Professional Skills
in Computing. She is part of the ADVANCE project funded by the
European Commission, which aims to develop a computer system
to improve goods delivery across large-scale European transport
networks. Her research interests include: data mining, machine
learning, genetic programming theory and applications, evolutionary
computation.
Programme overview
On successful completion of this programme, you are expected to
have knowledge and understanding of:
Strategic decision-making/ policy and practice in the context of
the business environment locally, nationally and internationally
The contribution of wider aspects of business areas, to be able to
integrate supply chain strategy/ policy and practice with business
and organisational strategy
Theoretical and applied perspectives of Supply Chain
Management and Logistics
Specific areas of Supply Chain Management through the study of
specialist modules. These areas include: relationships, partnering,
ERP, simulation, purchasing, contracts, planning and optimisation.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This programme requires you to study 9 taught modules, plus the
completion of a Major Project with a dissertation of up to 20,000
words. Each taught module involves up to 22 teaching hours
including tutorials, case studies and guest lectures. The programme
runs from October to September with examinations/assessments
held in December, March/April and June. The Major Project occupies
the final six months, being submitted in September.
Core modules:
Research Methods
Managing Multiorganisation Enterprises *
Logistics and Transportation
Managing Projects *
Strategic Management
Strategic Finance
Operations Management *
Simulation for Managerial Decision Making *
Supply Chain Management
MSc Project.
*Module delivered by Aston Business School
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Jane Andrews
Jane’s background is in Management Education; her PhD is
from Aston Business School. She has several years’ experience
working in the UK Public Sector. Her research interests focus on
Engineering Education, Education Policy and the Management of
Higher Education.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree from a UK academic organisation
or an overseas degree recognised by
Aston, or a degree-equivalent professional
qualification. Qualifications from outside
the UK or a combination of qualifications
and experience will also be considered. The
MSc Admissions Office can provide advice
on whether non UK qualifications are the
equivalent of the level of Honours Degree
required.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Designed to meet the needs of
recent graduates and those already
in employment who wish to acquire
specialist skills and knowledge in
Supply Chain Management, in order
that they may embark or progress
successfully on their chosen careers
Teaching delivered by staff from
Aston Business School and the
School of Engineering & Applied
Science
Fully accredited by the Chartered
Institute of Purchasing and Supply
(CIPS)
Fully accredited by the Chartered
Management Institute.
What are my career prospects?
This programme is suitable for
candidates seeking a career in the
Supply Chain Management sector,
particularly those who aspire to senior
management levels.
46 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
47

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Telecommunications Technology
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc by Research in Mathematics of Complex Systems
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project, possibly within industry.
This programme is also available via
distance learning within the UK or flexible
CPD study (this option usually takes 2-5
years: 2-3 years of taught modules delivered
through the University’s virtual learning
environment and a project of 1-2 years).
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree from a UK academic organisation
in a relevant engineering field, science or
closely related discipline. Qualifications
from outside the UK or a combination of
qualifications and experience will also be
considered. International students whose
native language is not English will also
need to demonstrate English Language
ability (please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Prepares students for an
intellectually challenging career as
a qualified engineer
Provides students with a thorough
grounding in the principles and the
requisite specialist knowledge and
skills to develop, manage and adapt
current systems
Accredited by the Institution of
Engineering and Technology (IET)
An industrial advisory group reviews
the programme on a continual basis
Guest lectures presented by acknowledged
experts drawn from industry
Free student membership of the IET.
What are my career prospects?
The programme will be of interest
to students in technical careers
related to the design/development
of telecommunications systems,
or to those wishing to enter
telecommunications research. The
programme provides a means whereby
graduates from nontelecommunications
technical degrees can move
into this high demand area.
Programme overview
Aston’s long-established MSc in Telecommunications Technology
is designed to develop or update the wide range of technical
understanding, engineering “know-how” and professional skills
needed to contribute effectively to the design and development of
telecommunications systems. To ensure its continuing relevance the
programme is monitored by an industrial steering committee which
includes representatives from major employers.
Outline of programme
Module guide
Taught modules and examinations/assessments are completed during
six months, October to March. After successful completion students
may then progress to the six month individual research project during
April to October. The project is either undertaken in an industrial
laboratory or at the University, often with guidance and direction from
industrial partners.
Core modules:
Radio Systems and Personal Communications Networks
Internetworking
Information Theory and Coding and Traffic Theory
Software Engineering
Introductory Programming
Digital Transmission
Optical Communications
Mobile Data Networks
Realtime Communication Networks
Project Preparation
MSc Project.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Xiaohong Peng
Dr. Peng teaches radio systems and mobile data networks in this MSc
programme. His research areas range from wireless and multimedia
communications and networks to sensor networks for healthcare
and wellbeing. He has led research projects in both theoretical
developments and practical system realisation through collaboration
with industry in telecommunications, data storage and mobile
communication networks. Dr Peng is a senior member of the Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (SMIEEE).
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Programme overview
This programme is designed to train aspiring scientists and budding
IT professionals who wish to rely on numerical proficiency to further
their career goals. The programme consists of a training aspect of
taught components (4 modules, first 3 months) and a significant
interdisciplinary research project in complex systems (9 months).
Research topics are chosen by students from a list of topics ranging
from biology to finance and are supervised by academics from the
Non-linearity and Complexity Research Group (NCRG) at Aston.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This MSc integrates a taught component of four modules over three
months (50 credits) with a substantial individual research project
lasting nine months (130 credits).
Core modules:
Algorithms and Computational Mathematics (10 credits):
Linear algebra, optimisation and numerical analysis
Introduction to Methods of Statistical Physics (10 credits):
Statistical physics and its applications
Statistical Pattern Analysis and Probabilistic Modelling (15 credits):
Probabilistic models, Bayesian inference, decision theory & Monte
Carlo methods
Stochastic and Non-Linear Dynamical Systems (15 credits):
Dynamics of deterministic and random systems using ODEs,
applications in biology & finance
Research Project (130 credits): Research work in the general field of
complexity to be jointly chosen by the supervisor and student.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Amit K Chattopadhyay
After obtaining a Ph.D. in theoretical physics (2001), Dr. Chattopadhyay
took up high profile research positions in Germany, UK, Italy and
India. He has authored and co-authored over 30 publications in
international peer reviewed journals and has been awarded the
Alexander von Humboldt fellowship and the Marie Curie Incoming
International Fellowship, the two highest research awards in Europe for
his researches in mathematical biology and statistical physics. He is
a co-author of a leading textbook in `Heat and Thermodynamics’ with
the same title.
Application and contact
Research Student Coordinator
T: +44 (0)121 204 3663 +44 (0)121 204 3500
F: +44 (0)121 204 3685
E: seasres@aston.ac.uk
Key facts
1 year full-time: three months of taught
modules and a nine month individual
project.
2 years part time.
Start date: October
Intake: Approximately 10 per year for
UK/EU students and 15 per year for
international students
Specific subject requirements
Applicants must achieve a minimum
of a 2:2 Honours Degree in a numerate
science from a UK University, or an
equivalent international qualification.
The Programme Director may conduct
an interview in person or by telephone.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Unique training in theoretical
interdisciplinary research
Engagement with internationally
recognised scientists
Possibility to achieve (funded) PhD
as a follow-up programme
High demand for skilled individuals
in R&D sectors in industry and in IT.
What are my career prospects?
The programme has been designed to
meet the demand for mathematically
skilled experts in the modelling and
analysis of complex systems both in
the academic and industrial arena.
Graduates may be employed in a
broad range of positions: research
and development teams as a part of
a large company, in start-ups, or as
consultants. We expect a substantial
fraction of graduates from this
programme to join research teams in
high-tech engineering and IT sectors.
Previous evidence suggests that such
employment prospects are good.
Projects in collaboration with industrial
partners provide excellent opportunity to
forge links with industry that may result
in subsequent employment.
48 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
49

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Wireless Communications and Networking
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project, possibly within
industry.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree from a UK academic
organisation in a relevant engineering
field, science or closely related
discipline. Qualifications from outside
the UK or a combination of qualifications
and experience will also be considered.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Prepares students for an
intellectually challenging career as a
qualified engineer
Provides a thorough grounding in the
principles and the requisite specialist
knowledge and skills to develop,
manage and adapt current systems
An industrial advisory group reviews
the programme on a continual basis
Guest lectures presented by
acknowledged experts drawn from
industry
An active alumni group on LinkedIn
Free student membership of the IET.
What are my career prospects?
Potential employers include wireless
communication equipment, infrastructure
and service providers, mobile network
operators, mobile phone manufactures,
and telecommunications regulators.
A Masters degree in this area may
also act as a pre-requisite for a
research career built on emerging
technologies in communications,
computing, data storage, information
and signal processing.
Programme overview
The Wireless Communications and Networking programme is
designed to address the rapidly increasing demand for qualified
engineers and managers well equipped with knowledge in wireless
and mobile communication systems and networks. This one-year
programme offers six-month taught modules covering a wide range
of subjects from fundamental information and communications
technology (ICT) to contemporary developments in wireless and
mobile industry. It also includes a six-month individual project with
opportunities of collaborations with industry partners. This programme
is suitable for those who want to develop knowledge and skills needed
for a successful career in these specific and related areas.
The programme is supported by dedicated facilities in the Electronic
Engineering Department and across the University, such as teaching
and computing laboratories, and the involvement of experienced
members of staff. Our research facilities in the Adaptive Communications
and Networks Research Group and Wireless Network Laboratory
are also available for use on MSc projects. To ensure its continuing
relevance the programme is monitored by an industrial steering
committee which includes representatives from major employers.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This MSc programme integrates a taught component of nine modules
plus a major project and a project preparation module, constituting
in total 180 credits. Taught modules and examinations/assessments
are completed during six months, October to March. After successful
completion students then progress to the six month individual research
project during April to October. The project is either undertaken in an
industrial laboratory or at the University.
Core modules:
Radio Systems and Personal Communications Networks
Mobile Data Networks
Broadband Wireless Networks
Pervasive and Mobile Communication Networks
Realtime Communication Networks
Information Theory and Coding and Traffic Theory
Digital Transmission
Internetworking
Introductory Programming
Project Preparation
MSc Project.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Dr. Xiaohong Peng
Dr. Peng teaches radio systems and mobile data networks in this MSc
programme. His research areas range from wireless and multimedia
communications and networks to sensor networks for healthcare
and wellbeing. He has led research projects in both theoretical
developments and practical system realisation through collaboration
with industry in telecommunications, data storage and mobile
communication networks.
Institute overview
The Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies has a
world recognised record of achievement in fibre optic
component and system research for applications in
communications, sensing, metrology and biosciences.
The Institute has established collaborations with
industrial sectors, including aerospace, transport,
medical, defence, energy and communications. More
recently, its activities have expanded in the fields
of biomedical photonics and nanophotonics. PhD
students can enjoy both fundamental science research
and very practical applications of this research.
Research interests
Fibre grating technology and its applications
High-capacity fibre transmission systems
Fibre optic sensors
Mathematical modelling of optical communication
systems
Bio-photonics and medical applications of
photonics
All-optical processing
Femtosecond laser processing of materials
Polymer fibre optics
Non-linear photonics
Fibre laser systems
Nano materials, devices and applications.
Current projects
We would be interested in supervising projects in
the areas of high-speed optical communications
including information theory of non-linear fibre
channels, non-linear photonics, fibre lasers, polymer
fibres, bio-medical photonics and optical fibre
sensing. Please contact us to discuss specific topics.
Specialist equipment
The group has state-of-the-art high-speed optical
communication laboratories. It operates UV laser
grating inscription systems for fibre and planar device
fabrication. It also has three operational amplified
femtosecond pulse systems for advanced fabrication
capability of microstructuring and laser machining. In
addition, a class 1000 clean room facility is equipped
for photonic/nano fabrication processing.
Application and contact
Director of the Institute
Professor Sergei Turitsyn
T: +44 (0)121 204 3538
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: s.k.turitsyn@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/photonics
50 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
51

School of Engineering & Applied Science
Adaptive Communications Networks Research Group
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Bioenergy Research Group
Group overview
We focus on a range of networking architectures
from wireless LANs to mobile cellular systems to
adhoc wireless sensor networks. The research
includes investigations of novel network architectures
and protocols/algorithms for improving network
performance, quality assessment of video streaming
and applications of wireless networks (e.g. for
e-health, ITS and smart grid).
Research interests
We would be interested in supervising projects in the
areas of mobile cellular networks, video transmission,
ad-hoc sensor networks, traffic analysis and parallel
computing.
Current projects
Architectures and resource optimisation
LTE resource management
Smart grid
Vehicle networks
Wireless video streaming
Internet traffic statistics and models
Parallel computation.
Specialist equipment
We have access to extensive simulation facilities
and specially designed software for modeling and
analysing the behaviour of networks and concurrent
systems. Prototype designs can be developed using
modern digital electronics CAD facilities. Designs can
be synthesised and implemented using state-of-theart
FPGA’s including SoC (System on Chip) devices,
miniature wireless sensor nodes, DSP devices,
microprocessors and microcontrollers. We also have
state-of-the-art graphics processing boards used for
parallel computation.
Funding sources
The group has industrial support from Xyratex and
RIM. We have also received funding from EPSRC
and the TSB.
Collaboration
The group collaborates with the Centre for Scientific
Computing at Warwick University, Toshiba Research
Laboratory and Bristol University.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Professor Keith Blow
E: k.j.blow@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/acnrg
Group overview
The aim of the Bioenergy Research Group is to
apply chemical engineering science and technology
to the development of advanced processes for the
production of liquid and gaseous fuels, chemicals,
heat and electricity from biomass and wastes.
The Bioenergy Research Group is a founding member
of EBRI (page 97) where all its facilities and activities
are based.
Research interests
The current activities of the group focus on
fast pyrolysis and gasification of biomass with
complementary work on system design and technical,
economic and commercial evaluation. These include
biomass preparation, fast pyrolysis for bio-oil,
design, modelling, catalytic pyrolysis, optimisation,
characterisation, upgrading of bio-oil, biorefineries.
Current projects
Member of the EPSRC sponsored SUPERGEN
Bioenergy Consortium
EC sponsored DibaNet working with Latin America
EC sponsored BRISK infrastructure project
Norwegian Research Council on fast pyrolysis for
biorefineries
European EERA Bioenergy consortium
IEA Bioenergy Pyrolysis Task UK member.
Specialist equipment
The Research Group has four continuous fluid bed fast
pyrolysis reaction systems for production of bio-oil with
extensive supporting analytical and characterisation
facilities, including micro-reactor pyrolysis with close
coupled GCMS- FID and continuous micro-reactor
processing systems for upgrading.
Funding sources
Funding comes mostly from the European Commission
and other national funding agencies in Europe and also
the EPSRC and DECC.
Collaboration
There is extensive formal and informal collaboration
in 44 countries around the world through international
collaborative projects and international agreements as
well as informal arrangements.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Professor Tony Bridgwater
T: +44 (0)121 204 3381
E: a.v.bridgwater@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/berg
52 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
53

School of Engineering & Applied Science
Biomedical Engineering Research Group
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Computer Science Research Group
Group overview
The Group has five academic staff with international
track records of working at the interfaces between
engineering and medicine, biology, manufacturing and
design. The group produces innovative state-of-the-art
devices for use in surgery, medicine and rehabilitation.
Research interests
Medical devices including artificial heart implants,
neurosensory devices (cochlear)
Robotics including micro-robotic surgical tools
Smart sensing systems for discriminating tissues,
cells, proteins on the micro and nano scale
Biomechanics including cell mechanics,
computational and experimental bloodflow
dynamics.
We would be interested in supervising projects in the
areas of novel medical devices, sensing and diagnosis
systems, modelling in biomedical engineering.
Current projects
Development of a smart catheter for endovascular
intervention
Microsystems for medical diagnosis
Occular alignment for ophthalmic instruments
Development of a combination optical coherence
tomography and high resolution imaging system
Chronic intermittent mechanical cardiac support
Modelling of carotid atherosclerotic plaque stability
Modelling of anterior eye tissues.
Specialist equipment
State-of-the-art facilities such as confocal
microscopes, microlaser tracking systems, atomic
force microscope, scanning micro laser vibrometer,
EMG monitoring equipment, robotic manipulators and
rapid prototyping facilities.
Funding sources
Our research is funded by a range of research councils,
government bodies, charity foundations and industrial
sponsors.
Collaboration
We work closely with hospitals and international
institutions, such as the QE hospital in Birmingham,
St George’s hospital in London, University of Illinois
and the World Academy of Biomedical Technology of
UNESCO.
Group overview
The Computer Science Research Group brings
together expertise from a wide range of Computer
Science areas. Group members pursue funded
research in five main themes: computational
intelligence, software engineering, pattern analysis,
visual information processing and cognitive science.
The theory and tools developed by the group are used
in application domains ranging from health informatics
to geoinformatics. The group has close links with the
Non-linearity and Complexity Research Group.
Research interests
We are interested in supervising projects in:
Health informatics, specialising in clinical decision
support and ontologies
Computational intelligence: agent-based systems,
evolutionary computation, semantic web, and
spatial systems
Software engineering: reliable software, adaptive
computer systems
Visual Information Processing: visual 3D inference,
video analysis
Cognitive science: computational models of
decision processes, human-computer interaction
(HCI), including mobile HCI.
Current projects
GRiST tool for mental health decision support
GeoViQua improving data from earth observation
systems with applications in ecology and
meteorology
ADVANCE: improved decision support for logistics.
Specialist equipment
Aston Interactive Media Lab: for the design and
evaluation of novel interaction technologies and
computer vision
High-performance computer clusters run by the
School.
Funding sources
UK research councils and National Health Service,
industry (Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and CASE
studentships), charities, and the EU.
Collaboration
Collaborations are organised around the development
of real-world applications, and have led to innovative
systems that are used in industry and the health
service.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Professor Ian Nabney
T: +44 (0)121 204 3645
F +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: i.t.nabney@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/csrg
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr Xianghong Ma
T: +44 (0)121 204 3592
E: x.ma@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/biomedical
54 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
55

School of Engineering & Applied Science
Engineering Education Research Group
School of Engineering & Applied Science
European Bioenergy Research Institute
Group overview
Ensuring the highest quality and most relevant
engineering education for students is a goal of every
university engineering department. The Engineering
Education Research Group is focused on developing
the understanding that will enable colleagues across
the sector to introduce innovative and relevant learning
and teaching practice that addresses the needs of
industry whilst engaging students in their learning.
Research interests
The group, which is made up of both engineering and
social science academics, is not only concerned with
HE, but the whole ‘engineering education pipeline’ from
primary school to the employment of engineers and
their continued learning.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr. Robin Clark
T: +44 (0)121 204 3567
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: r.p.clark@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/eerg
Current projects
Evaluation of active learning
The importance of relationships, variety and
coherency in engineering education
Bringing business and engineering together
Attributes of the graduate engineers of the future
Introducing engineering at primary school level
Peer mentoring and strategies to aid transition into
university.
Specialist equipment
State-of-the-art facilities such as confocal
microscopes, microlaser tracking systems, atomic
force microscope, scanning micro laser vibrometer,
EMG monitoring equipment, robotic manipulators and
rapid prototyping facilities.
Funding sources
National HE STEM Programme, Royal Academy of
Engineering, HEFCE/Paul Hamlyn Foundation, EU,
Higher Education Academy.
Collaboration
The group collaborates extensively with universities
and organisations in the UK, Europe and beyond,
particularly through the national and international
Engineering Education Research networks associated
with the HEA, SEFI, A2E2, ASEE and REEN.
Group overview
Launched in 2007, the European Bioenergy
Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University has
created a unique platform for the development
and implementation of bioenergy systems in local,
national, European and international contexts.
Research interests
EBRI performs research and knowledge transfer in
all aspects of bioenergy, by acting as a demonstrator
of these technologies and by providing industrial
research collaborators the opportunity to run process
trials, evaluate feed materials and study combinations
of processes prior to investment. Research at
EBRI focuses on topics such as thermo-chemical
conversion techniques (lsuch as pyrolysis, gasification,
combustion) of biomass, optimisation of reaction
parameters by the study of formal kinetic parameters
and hot gas filtration. EBRI also investigates special
kinds of feedstock like algae by cultivating them in
photo bio-reactors. The application of biochar on
agricultural land is also being investigated.
Specialist equipment
Research equipment includes giant photo bioreactors
harnessing algae, thermal reactors, bench and
laboratory scale pyrolysers, gasifiers, combustors,
catalytic refiners for biorefinery and synthesis of fuels,
and fluidised bed reformers.
Funding sources
Funding sources are from the European Union as well
as UK research funding councils. EBRI also hasmany
projects with industry and academia from all over
Europe. These partnerships are on a project basis,
consulting basis or based on studentships.
Collaboration
EBRI is collaborating with partners both from industry
and the academic community. Industrial partners
include Severn Trent Water, Utilicom, E.ON, Schnell
Motors, Moser Engines, Varicon Aqua Solutions,
Oxford Catalysts, Johnson Matthey, Tenmat, WGD
and WSE.
EBRI is also working with local governing bodies
including Birmingham City Council.
EBRI was recently awarded £8.2 million from the
European Regional Development Fund to build a new
world-class facility on the Aston University campus
to support businesses explore the high growth field
of bioenergy. The new EBRI building opened in 2013.
Facilities include six bioenergy topic laboratories
exploring new biomass, micro-reactors, catalysis,
syngas, pyrolysis and analytics.
Application and contact
Director of the European Bioenergy Research Institute
Professor Andreas Hornung
T: +44 (0)121 204 3391
E: a.hornung@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/ebri
56 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
57

School of Engineering & Applied Science
Nanoscience Research Group
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Non-linearity and Complexity Research Group
Group overview
The Nanoscience Research Group (NRG) is a recently
established research group in carbon-based materials
including diamond, diamond-like carbon, carbonnanotubes
and graphene.
Research interests
We would be interested in supervising projects in the
areas of:
Growth of diamond, carbon-nanotubes and
graphene using chemical vapour deposition
methods
Electrospun carbon fibres and nanocomposites
Electronic devices and strain sensors, femtosecond
laser inscription on diamond
Nanodiamond particles for drug delivery
Nanomaterials synthesis by laser ablation and
chemical routes
Nanomaterials surface functionalization
Optical Spectroscopy of nanomaterials
Nanomaterials for Photonic and Biological sensor
applications.
Current projects
EPSRC: Nanodiamond additives for Cold Water
Cleaning
EPSRC: Diamond based pressure sensors for high
temperature harsh environments
EPSRC Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer
Network Industrial Case Studentship:
Nanodiamond Coatings for Advanced Engineering
Application
Nanodiamond Fibres for Biomedical Applications,
Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
Electrospun Nanodiamond Fibres, British Council
Windsor Treaty Programme
Royal Academy of Engineering Distinguished
Visiting Fellowship Awards
Marie Curie IIF, CNTBUS Project
Marie Curie IIF, MPIS-FET Project
Marie Curie IRSES, CarbonNASA Project
Marie Curie IRSES, TeLaSens Project
The Science for Peace NATO Project: “Novel
Macromolecular Complexes for Rapid Detection of
Hazardous Agents”
JSPS London Furusato Award: “Functionalisation
Carbon Nanotubes for Biological Sensors”
The Royal Society Research Grant: “Functional
nanomaterials for photonic and sensor
applications”.
Specialist equipment
Chemical Vapour Deposition, Electrospin, Hall Effect
Measurement, Surface Contact Angle Measurement,
Photolithography, Sputtering, UV-Near IR absorption/
transmission Spectroscopy, Photoluminescence
Excitation- Emission Spectroscopy, Micro Raman
Spectroscopy, Laser Ablation System based on Cu
Vapour and Yt Fibre Lasers, Ultrasonic Processors,
Ultracentrifuge.
Funding sources
EPSRC, DBIS, Daiwa Foundation, EU FP7, British
Council, The Royal Society, JSPS, NATO, Advantage
West Midlands.
Collaboration
Warwick University, NIMS (Japan), Chinese Academy
of Sciences (China), Queen Mary University of
London, University of Aveiro (Portugal), Alfred
University (USA), Norfolk State University (USA),
Saga University (Japan), Max-Planck Institute
for Mathematic in Sciences (Germany), Tampere
University of Technology (Finland), University of Tokyo
(Japan), NAS (Ukraine), Novosibirsk State University
(Russia), Brno University of Technology (Czech
Republic).
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr. Haitao Ye and Dr. Alex Rozhin
T: +44 (0)121 204 3526/3494
F +44 (0)121 204 3682
E: h.ye@aston.ac.uk a.rozhin@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/nrg
Group overview
The main strength of the group is in the application of
principled mathematical and statistical approaches to
a broad range of problems, mostly related to the area
of complexity. Complementing activities in pattern
analysis, the group has a highly visible programme
in the application of statistical physics methods to
complex systems, and substantial activities in nonlinear
and stochastic partial differential equations
with applications ranging from photonics to financial
mathematics.
Research interests and current projects
Theoretical
Statistical physics of complex systems;
optimisation and emergent behaviour in
telecommunication, noisy circuits, routing and
coupled oscillator systems
Probabilistic and Bayesian networks, statistical
machine learning and advanced inference methods
Propagation of optical solitons in fibre transmission
Navier-Stokes equations applied to shear flow;
bifurcation theory
Theoretical immunology; agent based optimisation
Complex dynamics of molecular and biomolecular
systems.
Application orientated
Data fusion in biomedical data analysis
(EEG/ECG/fMRI)
Uncertainty modelling and visualisation of high
dimensional genomic data
Steganography for communications and medical
biopatterns
Statistical meteorological forecasting
Molecular dynamics of protein ligand interaction
Biomedical signal processing.
Industrially funded
Prediction of energy prices
Visualisation and analysis of biological screening
data
Design risk modelling in jet engines
Optimisation and management of smart-grids
Mixing in turbulent flow.
Specialist equipment
Local computing facilities include three dedicated
computer clusters and an Informatics Laboratory.
Funding sources
Research Councils, EU, the Royal Society, the Royal
Academy of Engineering and the Leverhulme Trust.
Industrial collaborations include Cardionetics, British
Gas, British Aerospace, E.ON, Pfizer, Key Traffic, Met
Office, Dow Corning, Alstom and Rolls-Royce.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Professor David Saad
T: +44 (0)121 204 3685
F +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: ncrg@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/ncrg
58 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
59

School of Engineering & Applied Science
Power Engineering and Power Electronics Group
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Polymer and Advanced Materials Research Group
Group overview
The Power Engineering and Power Electronics Group
undertake research into theoretical and practical
aspects of power electronics and in particular its
impact on electrical power networks primarily at the
distribution level. The group has extensive links to
industry and undertakes undergraduate teaching
(primarily foundation degree) to major Power Utilities.
Research interests
We are interested in supervising projects in the areas of:
Smart Grid Systems – especially applied to LV
Distribution Systems
HVDC – topologies, control and systems
Battery energy storage – impact on networks and
converter technologies
Power electronics – industrial and transportation
applications.
Current Projects
Power electronic converters for smart grid LV
networks (Case Award with WPD)
Inverter connected battery technology for network
benefits (EPSRC)
Multi-level power converters for HVDC applications
(Case Award with Alstom Grid)
Project FALCON (Tier 2 LCNF with WPD).
Specialist equipment
The Group’s laboratory facility is equipped with
purpose-built power supplies, LeCroy high-speed
oscilloscopes and probes, Agilent network/impedance
analyser and DSpace and OPAL-RT rapid prototyping
systems for power engineering research work.
Funding sources
The group has been funded from EPSRC, TSB (KTP
programme), Case Awards and from companies
including Alstom Grid, WPD and E.ON UK.
Collaboration
The group has existing partnerships with a growing
number of utility companies and specialist suppliers to
the power industry, including National Grid, E.ON UK,
WPD and Alstom Grid.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr. Andrew Cross
T: +44 (0)121 204 3731
F +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: a.m.cross@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/pepe
Group overview
The Group is a leading broad-based polymer
research group of national and international standing
with expertise in basic and applied multidisciplinary
research into polymers and biomaterials; from novel
design and synthesis, to melt processing and the role
of specialty additives and antioxidants, through to their
performance in service for industrial, biological and
medical applications. The activities of the Group are
delivered through three Research Units:
Advanced Materials Research Unit (AMRU)
Biomaterials Research Unit (BRU)
Polymer Processing and Performance Research
Unit (PPP).
Research interests
The research activities of the group focus on three
main areas: design and development of biomaterials,
synthesis of polymers, and processing, performance
and applications of polymer materials.
AMRU is concerned with the design and synthesis
of bespoke monomers and controlled polymerisation
for production of novel materials with applications in
solar cell technology, drug delivery, cellular delivery,
sensors and polymeric ligands for nanoparticles.
BRU focuses on the synthesis and behaviour
of biocompatible and biomimetic polymers and
analogues of biological fluids such as tears, lung
surfactant and synovial fluid, and on the design and
fabrication of new soft tissue analogues for biomedical
applications.
PPP deals with a broad range of cross-disciplinary
topics related to polymer durability, degradability and
performance including antioxidant chemistry and
reactive processing and modification of polymers,
blends and nanocomposites.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Professor Sahar Al-Malaika
T: +44 (0)121 204 3372
F +44 (0)121 204 3679
E: s.al-malaika@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/polymer
Current projects
Synthesis of polymers for irreversible
immobilisation and stabilisation of quantum dots
Synthesis and evaluation of polymer beads for
cellular delivery
Spin-coating mechanism of photoactive polymer
blends and copolymers
Improving the lifetime and efficiency of organic
solar cells
Nanofibrous membranes for water purification
Mechanistic studies of polychloroprene
crosslinking, using controlled polymerisation and
spectroscopic analysis
The synthesis and in vivo performance of
ophthalmic biomaterials
The development of novel biomimetic surfactant
systems
Injectable soft tissue analogues for bodily repair
and regeneration
Vitamin E antioxidant in orthopaedic implants
Non-migratory antioxidants for polymers in
human-contact applications
Stabilisation of polymers by natural (rosemarybased)
antioxidants
Biopolymer-based nanocomposites: performance
and durability
Reactive melt processing and stabilisation of
polymer-clay nanocomposites
Degradable polymers: mechanistic role of additives
and nanoclays in TPUs.
Specialist equipment
The Group has extensive facilities for polymer
synthesis and characterisation, state-of-the-art
polymer melt processing, testing and analytical
facilities including extruders and moulding machines,
accelerated environmental exposure and ageing
devices, thermal, mechanical, spectroscopic
and chromatographic equipment. State of the art
facilities are available for biological and biochemical
characterisation of biomaterials performance.
Funding sources
The Group has a continuous stream of funding from
a broad range of sources including the EU, national
and international companies, EPSRC, BBSRC, Royal
Society and Government bodies, for funding of
studentships and research fellowships.
Collaboration
The Group has a large network of international and
national collaborators from industry, research institutes
and universities in the UK, EU, USA, Australia and Asia.
60 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
61

School of Engineering & Applied Science
Project and Supply Chain Management Research Group
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Sustainable Environment Research Group
Group overview
This is a new and rapidly developing group of
established researchers in supply chain and project
management. We conduct qualitative, quantitative
and modelling based research across a wide range of
settings, including health, automotive, construction,
engineering design, agri-food, retailing, humanitarian
and third party logistics. Our work often crosses
disciplinary, functional and organizational boundaries,
and is at the intersection of technology, policy and
management practice.
Research interests
We are interested in supervising projects in all areas
of project or supply chain management, including in
particular:
Innovation: developing products, services and
markets
Construction: whole life costing, sustainability,
design and process improvement
Supply management and business strategy
Sustainable/resource efficient supply chains.
Current Projects
Current projects include:
Risk and uncertainty in supply markets in the
energy from waste sector
Logistics: parcel delivery, RFID and 3PL;
warehousing
The implementation of ultra low carbon vehicles
Technology management in export-oriented SMEs
in Pakistan
Supply chain visibility and pharmaceuticals
shortages
NHS and medical device manufacturers -
collaboration for innovation
Project risk management in the electric power
sector.
Several of these projects involve collaboration with
other research groups at Aston University and
externally.
Specialist equipment
The Group’s laboratory facility is equipped with
purpose-built power supplies, LeCroy high-speed
oscilloscopes and probes, Agilent network/impedance
analyser and DSpace and OPAL-RT rapid prototyping
systems for power engineering research work.
Funding sources
The group has been funded from Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council; Economic and
Social Research Council; various manufacturing
companies, third party logistics companies and public
organisations.
Collaboration
Several projects involve collaboration with other
research groups at Aston University and externally,
for example EBRI (see page 57) and the Work and
Organizational Psychology group in Aston Business
School. Students work closely with companies and
public organizations such as Birmingham City Council
and the NHS.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr. Louise Knight
T: +44 (0)121 204 3605
F +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: l.knight2@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/pscm
Group overview
The Sustainable Environment Research Group (SERG)
aims to develop sustainable solutions for vital services
in the areas of energy, water, food and transport.
It is an interdisciplinary group that brings together
experts in mechanical engineering, product design,
remote sensing, computer modelling, and engineering
management – all having a common interest in meeting
the challenges posed by the impact of human activities
on the environment. Research falls under four main
themes:
Green transport and alternative fuels
Resource efficiency in product design and
supply chains
Solar energy for cooling and desalination
Land resource assessment.
Current projects
Current projects include:
BUMILLA – Business Model Innovation in Living
Labs
CABLED – Coventry and Birmingham Low
Emission Vehicle Demonstrators
Desert Agriculture Research Initiative
Resource-efficient agri-food supply chains
Science Bridge Project – Bioenergy: Technology
and Business Solutions for UK and India
Water use rates of fenland.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr. Philip Davies
T: +44 (0)121 204 3724
F +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: p.a.davies@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/serg
62 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
63

How to find us
Aston University is a campus
University located in the centre of
Birmingham. We recommend that
visitors use public transport as
Birmingham city centre is well served
by train, coach and air from all parts
of the UK and is close to hundreds of
local bus routes. Car parking is not
normally available on campus itself
for visitors due to our new residences
development but is available close by
in pay car parks.
By train
Birmingham New Street Station is the nearest mainline
station to Aston University, a short 15-20 minute
walk away. New Street is the UK’s most well connected
station and direct services arrive here from all parts of
the UK. Some regional and national services arrive at
Birmingham Snow Hill and/or Birmingham Moor Street
stations (including trains from London Marylebone) –
please check your timetable. All stations are marked on
the city centre map shown.
Our website also includes interactive walking routes via
google maps: www.aston.ac.uk/about/directions
To walk to the campus from Birmingham New Street
Station along Corporation Street.
To find out more visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/directions
The Aston University campus is an easy flat 15-20
minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station
along Corporation Street. New Street Station is being
redeveloped so specific directions below may change
during 2013. Visit www.aston.ac.uk/directions for the
latest information.
1. Exit New Street Station by the main exit from
the concourse, following signs for New Street/
Corporation Street. Ask for directions if you are
unsure.
2. From New Street (a pedestrianised Shopping
Street) turn left onto Corporation Street, next to the
Lloyds TSB Bank on the corner of New Street and
Corporation Street.
3. Cross New Street on to Corporation Street, straight
ahead towards the Phones 4 U store, then follow
this main shopping street to the campus. You will
pass a Mothercare store on your right, and later a
large House of Fraser department store on your left.
Keep walking towards the rocket-shaped tower of
the Central Methodist Hall.
4. Keep walking straight ahead down Corporation
Street. You will then pass the Victorian redbrick law
courts on your left and the Central Methodist Hall
on your right, until you reach the pelican crossing
on James Watt Queensway (a main road) on the
right-hand side.
5. After the crossing, go straight ahead on to the
campus past Lakeside Residences and to the left of
the campus lake. The Main Building is signposted
from here around 200m away.
Taxis can be hired from the taxi rank at New Street
Station and cost around £5 to Aston University.
Follow Taxi signs from the main station concourse.
There is also a taxi rank on Campus on Aston
Street to return to New Street Station.
Train enquiries:
+44(0)345 484 950
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Approximate direct journey times to
Birmingham by train:
London
1h 20m
Manchester
1h 35m
Leeds
2h
Bristol
1h 30m
Nottingham/Leicester
1h 15m
Cardiff
2h
Southampton
2h 45m
Newcastle
3h 30m
Some regional and national services arrive at
Birmingham Snow Hill or Moor Street stations,
a short 10 minute walk from campus. The
map also shows the locations of these. Please
check your timetable. The Midland Metro Tram
service from Wolverhampton and North West
Birmingham also terminates at Snow Hill station.
By coach/bus
Most coach services operate from the new Digbeth
coach station, which is a short taxi ride or 20 minutes’
walk from the campus. National Express enquiries:
+44 (0)990 80 80 80
www.nationalexpress.co.uk
www.megabus.com
Network West Midlands – regional bus
services
Aston University campus is close to over 100 bus
service stops in the city centre from across the West
Midlands. Details on bus services into Birmingham City
Centre can be found on the website:
www.networkwestmidlands.co.uk
By air
There are regular international and domestic flights
to Birmingham International Airport, one of the
UK’s largest. Frequent trains run from Birmingham
International rail station to Birmingham New Street. The
journey time is 15 minutes. Birmingham International
Airport enquiries: +44(0)121 767 7145 www.bhx.co.uk
By car
From whichever direction you are approaching
Birmingham, Aston University is best reached from the
M6 motorway (NOT the new M6 Toll, which bypasses
the city) and A38M. The university is located in the
North East part of the City Centre, close to the A4540
central ring road, and is marked on most city centre
plans in road atlases.
Travel to the Aston University campus by car
1. Exit the M6 at Junction 6, and follow signs for the
A38(M) to the City Centre. Ignore signs to ‘Aston’. We
are located in Birmingham City Centre, not Aston.
2. Stay on the A38(M) (Aston Expressway) for about
two miles until you reach the third exit to the left (a
filter lane). This is just after you pass the overhead
‘end of motorway’ signs. Aston University/University
of Aston is signposted from here. You will see the
Aston University Main Building on your left.
3. Take the LEFT filter lane here, and at the Lancaster
Circus roundabout (next to the Fire Station) take the
first exit left into James Watt Queensway.
4. Ignore the first left turn into Aston Street (this is
not a through road) but keep going in the left hand
lane, through three sets of traffic lights, passing the
redbrick Lakeside university residences.
5. After passing the Lakeside Residences follow signs
for parking at Millennium Point/Thinktank Science
Museum, a left turn onto Jennens Road. The multistorey
car park entrance is on Jennens Road, B4
7AP. Parking charges are around £5 for a full day,
less for 1-4 hours.
6. After parking your car the Aston University campus
is across Jennens Road and is clearly visible from
the multi-storey car park.
7. Cross Jennens Road (dual carriageway) using the
pedestrian crossing.
8. After crossing Jennens Road turn left and then
turn immediately right next to the new Student
Residences – you are now on campus. Follow
the map and signs for the Aston University Main
Building about 200 metres away straight ahead
across the campus. The Main Building and
university reception is here.
64 65

Cardigan St
Dartmouth Middleway A4540
Campus map
Where is Aston University?
1 Main Building and Reception
2 North Wing
3 South Wing
4 Library
5 Aston Business School & Conference Aston
6 Lakeside Conference Centre
7 Aston Brain Centre
22 Aston University Engineering Academy
23 Nursery
24 Car Park 1
25 Car Park 3 (unloading)
26 Car Park 6 (evenings)
27 Car Park 12 (inc underground car park)
28 Car Park (Millennium Point pay parking)
E
Entrance to Main Building & Reception
Walking Route from Millennium Point Car Park
Route by Car to Millennium Point
For information about accessibility
on campus, visit:
www.aston.ac.uk/about/directions
The Aston University campus
is located in the centre of
Birmingham, the centre of the
national road and rail network,
making it within easy reach of
most of the UK and beyond.
8 Health Clinics
- Vision, Audiology & Neurosciences Research
9 Aston University Day Hospital
- Optegra
- BCH Cochlear
- Life & Health Sciences
10 European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI)
11 Students’ Union
12 Lakeside Residences
29 Gosta Green Pub
30 Sacks of Potatoes Pub
31 Birmingham Metropolitan College
32 BCU Art & Design Institute
33 Old Fire Station
34 Science Park Reception
35 Millennium Point and Thinktank
36 Birmingham City Council Offices
A4540
Dartmouth Circus
To M6 J.6
13 Mary Sturge Residences; Harriet Martineau
Residences
A38
14 James Watt Residences
15 William Murdoch Residences
16 Stafford Tower
17 Martin Luther King Multi Faith Centre
Aston Rd
N
W E
S
Glasgow
M8
Edinburgh
18 Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre and Pool
19 Gosta Green Sports Pitch
M74
20 Gem Sports Hall
21 Sports Pitch
A38 (To City Centre)
A34
Lancaster Circus
Flyover
33
Corporation St
Potter St
24
3
2
1
E
25
11
32
30
10
19
Holt St
29
Love Lane
34
Lister St
22
23
Belfast
4-5 Hrs
3 Hrs
M6
M62
2 Hrs
Manchester
Newcastle
Leeds
M1
Sheffield
Woodcock St
Walking route to Main Building
between Stafford Tower and
Lakeside Residences
City Centre (via Corporation St)
Birmingham New St
/ Snow Hill Station
15 min walk
Dale End
Moor St Station
10 min walk
Chapel St
James Watt Queensway
12
16
31
13
6
Coleshill St
Aston St
20
27
21
17
15
14
4
Jennens Rd
5
Aston St
9
7
8
26
18
36
Birmingham
Science
Park
Ashted Circus
M4
M5
M6
Aston University
Birmingham
3 Hrs
2 Hrs
Cardiff
M5
Bristol
M42
1 Hr
M6
M40
M4
Nottingham
M1
Southampton
2 Hrs
London
Bullring
10 min walk
35
28
66 67

Aston University
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET, UK
+44 (0)121 204 3000
www.aston.ac.uk
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