Postgraduate ProsPectus - Aston University

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
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