Aston UG Prospectus 2012

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Undergraduate Prospectus 2012


Aston University Aston Triangle Birmingham B4 7ET, UK

+44 (0)121 204 3000 www.aston.ac.uk

UCAS code: ASTON A80

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Aston University: Employable Graduates

Exploitable Research

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World-class reputation

League table rankings – 2011 University Guides:

The Complete University Guide (The Independent): 17th out of all 115 UK universities

The Times: 29th out of all 115 UK universities

Employable graduates

Aston University has an outstanding graduate employment record – 82% of our 2008-10 graduates entered graduate level employment. This was the 10th highest proportion of all UK universities (UK average is less than 70%).

Source: Sunday Times University Guide 2008, 2009, 2010.

Exploitable research

All four broad subject areas submitted to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise ranked in the top 12 in the UK*. 86% of the research submitted for assessment was evaluated as being internationally significant.

*based on 4* and 3* ratings

Academic excellence leading to high student achievement

We are committed to Academic Excellence and to providing the highest standard of education to our students. We blend leading edge and innovative research with top quality teaching. As an Aston student you will have opportunities to take part in teaching led research. Our teaching programmes are delivered by research active staff.

Global citizenship

Students from over 120 countries are currently enrolled at Aston. We recognise and welcome the importance of our International students and the cultural diversity they bring to the learning environment and our campus.

We promote the concept of ‘global citizenship’ amongst our students by offering free language tuition and creating opportunities for everyone to benefit from the global nature of the Aston community.

Ten reasons why you should choose Aston University

www.aston.ac.uk

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World-class reputation

League table rankings – 2011 University Guides:

The Complete University Guide (The Independent): 17th out of all 115 UK universities

The Times: 29th out of all 115 UK universities

Employable graduates

Aston University has an outstanding graduate employment record – 82% of our 2008-10 graduates entered graduate level employment. This was the 10th highest proportion of all UK universities (UK average is less than 70%).

Source: Sunday Times University Guide 2008, 2009, 2010.

Exploitable research

All four broad subject areas submitted to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise ranked in the top 12 in the UK*. 86% of the research submitted for assessment was evaluated as being internationally significant.

*based on 4* and 3* ratings

Academic excellence leading to high student achievement

We are committed to Academic Excellence and to providing the highest standard of education to our students. We blend leading edge and innovative research with top quality teaching. As an Aston student you will have opportunities to take part in teaching led research. Our teaching programmes are delivered by research active staff.

Global citizenship

Students from over 120 countries are currently enrolled at Aston. We recognise and welcome the importance of our International students and the cultural diversity they bring to the learning environment and our campus.

We promote the concept of ‘global citizenship’ amongst our students by offering free language tuition and creating opportunities for everyone to benefit from the global nature of the Aston community.


www.aston.ac.uk

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Welcome to Aston University, Birmingham


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Positive placements

A placement year spent with an employer has been proven to enhance a student’s graduate employment prospects. The majority of students at Aston take a placement year with employers or a year abroad programme, giving them valuable work and cultural experiences and a head start in finding a graduate level job.

Satisfied students

Aston students rate their experiences very highly. In the National Student Survey overall satisfaction ratings have been above the UK average since the survey started in 2005.

High quality student accommodation

Aston has a first year guarantee scheme in place for student residences which are all located on campus, with many places available for final year students too. Over 80% of our accommodation is ensuite.

A sustainable, green campus

Our green campus situated in the centre of Birmingham gives our students the best of both worlds – a well equipped, safe campus ranked 5th in the People and Planet survey, within a vibrant city.

There’s a buzz about Birmingham

Studying in the UK’s second city, Aston students have access to excellent nightlife, culture, sport, shopping and work - all just a short walk from the University campus.

Choose Aston and you will

t Be Employable - you will be more likely to get a graduate level job on graduation

t Be a Global Citizen - you will benefit from a diverse campus community and you will have new language skills

t Be Well Qualified - you will benefit from teaching and research that is academically excellent and rigorous.

Employable Graduates Exploitable Research

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Come and see us OPEN DAYS: 21 June and 20 September 2011

www.aston.ac.uk/opendays


Contents

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www.aston.ac.uk

ContentsHelping you on your journey 5

Get ahead in your career 7

Positive placements 9

Academic excellence in teaching and research 11

A green and sustainable campus 13

High quality student accommodation 15

An ideal place for study 19

A welcoming, vibrant place to be 21

Student facilities and services 23

Student support 25

Careers & Employability Centre 29

International students - a world class education 31

International Foundation Programme 35

Joint Honours programmes 37

Students with disabilities 41

A great place for sport 43

Birmingham - an amazing place to live 47

Degree Programmes

Aston Business School 55

School of Engineering & Applied Science 77

School of Languages & Social Sciences 111

School of Life & Health Sciences 135

Work-based learning 151

Applying to Aston University 157

To find out more 161

Terms and conditions 163

Maps and directions to Aston University 165

A-Z Index 169


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A welcome from the Vice Chancellor of Aston University

Thank you for considering Aston University. We hope you like what you see in our 2012 Prospectus.

At Aston we focus on academic excellence, delivering high quality teaching and research in an inspiring, creative environment.

A degree is probably the best investment you will ever make. University can open up more opportunities, and more doors to more jobs. Over the course of a working life a graduate will on average earn well over £100,000 more after tax than those who stopped studying at A Level or equivalent.

There are many good universities and we know you have to make a choice. Every prospective student reading this prospectus will be thinking ‘Why Aston – what are the benefits for me?’

Let me outline what makes Aston different:

t Aston graduates are highly employable with 82% of our graduates getting a graduate level job within six months

t around 70% of our undergraduates take a sandwich or year abroad programme which enables you to develop the confidence and employability skills that employers are looking for

t we link research and teaching closely, so Aston students are able to work with leading researchers and engage with the latest research findings

t we value and welcome International students, and over 120 nationalities are enrolled on campus

t we are committed to Global Citizenship: we encourage all our students to take advantage of our free language tuition; sustainability is a key theme for our environment, our teaching and our research, and we make the most of the wide range of experiences and cultures in our diverse campus community

t our research is internationally recognised and has real impact in many areas such as new drug design, sustainable energy sources, business and strategy and forensic linguistics.

We hope you will come and see us at one of our Open Days and we look forward to meeting you.

If you are a prospective UK or EU student there is important information on this page about the proposed changes to student finance and tuition fees which you should refer to.

With best wishes

Professor Julia King CBE FREng, Vice Chancellor

Helping you on your journey

2012 tuition fees for UK and EU studentsAt the time of printing, major Government reforms to student finance are underway – these will allow universities to charge tuition fees of up to £9,000 a year from 2012-13. Universities that want to charge more than the new basic fee of £6,000 will have to meet additional conditions to promote access. At the time this prospectus goes to print, we do not know what the conditions will be. As a result we have not yet set our fee levels and support levels for the coming year. As soon as we have done so we will update our website. We therefore recommend you to consult our website (www.aston.ac.uk) for this information before you submit your UCAS application for entry to university in autumn 2012. Any fees published on our website will be provisional and subject to change until approved by the Office of Fair Access (expected deadline of June 2011).

www.aston.ac.uk


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What do the changes to tuition fees actually mean to students and most importantly, to graduates?

No eligible student will be asked to pay up front to come to Aston – their degree will be free of charge at the point of entry. A student will not pay tuition fees until they graduate and get a job earning at least £21,000. The repayment amount will only apply to any income over £21,000. So if a graduate earns £25,000 a year the repayment will apply to £4,000.

In this example, the graduate would pay back £6.92 per week. If the graduate earned £45,000 the amount would be £41.45. Any outstanding debts after 30 years would be written off. Any outstanding loan after 30 years will be written off. Anyone earning below £21,000 will not pay anything back at all.

Tuition fees - a timelineProvisional fees: published on www.aston.ac.uk April/May 2011

Fees approved by Office of Fair Access: end of June 2011

Approved fees: published on www.aston.ac.uk June/July 2011

Regular updates on progress and timings will appear on our website.


www.aston.ac.uk

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The employability of our graduates - and their continuing success - is of huge importance to us. It is a reason so many students come to Aston University. Year after year, across all degree programme areas, our graduates have outstanding success in finding graduate level employment and of building great careers.

For over 20 years Aston has consistently featured in the top ten UK universities for graduate employment. In 2008-10, 82% of our graduates entered graduate level employment within six months of graduating (UK average less than 70%).

It comes as no surprise that in the annual ‘High Flier’ survey our final year students are therefore some of the most optimistic in the UK about finding graduate employment.

We give you the skills you need to get a good job

t High quality careers support and advice

t Aston’s close and established links with business, the public sector and leading industries ensure that our degree programmes are relevant, professional and constantly updated

t Partners such as E.ON work with us to consistently to improve our offer

t Emphasis on the development of key transferable skills such as communication, presentation, IT, leadership and team building.

We give you the experience you need to get ahead

t Around 70% of our students choose to take placement or year abroad programmes and gain valuable experience of the professional world, making them particularly attractive to employers, not just on graduation but over the course of their career. We see our placement year as a springboard to help you get ahead.

t Placements are relevant, challenging and usually paid; despite the current economic climate we have many employers signed up as partners. See page 8.

Aston University Careers & Employability Centre The Aston University Careers & Employability Centre provides high quality careers guidance, education and information services delivered through individual appointments, group sessions and online services.

Our relationships with employers are extremely important and we place a high value on their input to our activities. We facilitate recruitment by:

t Advertising graduate opportunities and vacation work, arranging and publicising presentations, drop-ins, recruitment fairs and special interest events

t Marketing Aston University, its programmes, placement year opportunities and students to potential graduate employers

t Providing advice, information, help and university contacts to graduate recruiters planning their recruitment activity

t Encouraging graduate recruiters and other opportunity providers to input into the planning of our services and facilities. See pages 29-30.

Get ahead in your careerAn outstanding track record of graduate employment


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Aston University - Midlands Enterprising University of the Year In the 2011 Midlands Business Awards, Aston was recognised for promoting entrepreneurship and for overall outstanding performance. The awards, now in their fifth year, recognise and reward organisations in the region which are adding value to the economy. For more information visit: www.midlandsbusinessawards.com

What graduate employers think of us...

“KPMG recognises the breadth and depth of talent graduating from Aston University. We actively target Aston students and find they are well prepared for the recruitment process and go on to achieve great things in the workplace.”

Lizzie McCoy, KPMG.

3M

Accenture

Aldi

Armed Forces (Army; Royal Air Force; Royal Navy)

AXA

Barclays

Bentley Motors

Boots

BT

Cap Gemini

Caterpillar

Deloitte

E.ON

Ernst & Young

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Fujitsu

GlaxoSmithKline

Harrods

HM Revenue and Customs

HSBC

IBM

Jaguar Land Rover

KPMG

Lloyds Banking Group

Marks & Spencer

Microsoft

Morgan Stanley

NHS

Orange

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Procter & Gamble

Rolls-Royce

Tesco

Unilever

A sample of companies and organisations who target and/or recruit Aston University graduates:

We will equip you for success in the global market place

t At Aston, we recognise that the balance of economic power in the world is shifting. Graduates are now part of a more dynamic and mobile global marketplace. New companies are constantly being launched, creating new products and new opportunities.

New programmes are being developed to help Aston students stay ahead

t We offer free extra language tuition (in a range of European and non-European languages) to all students

t We support students who want to develop their own business and enable enterprise and entrepreneurship

t We create opportunities for everyone to benefit from the diverse, global nature of the Aston student community in ways that help support global mobility and citizenship.


A placement year gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learnt on their course, whilst at the same time gaining valuable professional and paid experience with an employer. A placement year in the UK or abroad has been proven to enhance students’ graduate employment prospects and can often help them with their career choices when applying for graduate employment.

A sandwich placement is a validated work experience opportunity which forms part of a university degree programme (usually in the third year of a four year course). This could involve working within your chosen field, studying abroad, or a mixture of both.

During your placement, you have the opportunity to put into practice theory learnt through your first two years of study at Aston University and see how this applies to real work place situations.

At Aston University we have developed relationships with a large number of organisations and each year we advertise a wide variety of placements to students via our dedicated placement websites. Aston Careers and Employability Centre also provides a wide range of guidance and resources to support students seeking a placement. During the autumn term, a placement fair is organised on campus so that students can network with employers and find out more about placement opportunities.

The application process for a placement is similar to applying for a graduate job, which is excellent experience in itself. You will be supported throughout the application process, with CV workshops and presentations, sample application materials and one-to-one advice sessions available.

Positive placements and year abroad programmes

Around 70% of our undergraduate students take a placement year, pre-registration year or year abroad, and our placement support networks and links are unrivalled.

Aston University: Employable Graduates, Exploitable Research

A placement year spent with an employer has been proven to enhance student/graduate employment prospects. Aston has over 50 years of experience in providing students with integrated employer placement opportunities and was one of the pioneers of this approach to university degrees.

Placements for languages students – the year abroad

A placement year or year abroad is compulsory for most students studying a modern foreign language. Your third year will be spent in a French, German or Spanish speaking country, increasing your fluency in your language and adding value to your degree by immersing yourself in an exciting new culture and society.

Aston University has a flexible approach to the year abroad, and students are able to work abroad, study abroad or become a language teaching assistant – some choose to combine several of these different options! If you are studying two languages you will normally divide your time equally between the two countries where each of your languages are spoken.

You will be given plenty of help and guidance in choosing and arranging your placement plus lots of support when you are abroad.

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An independent recruitment survey of the UK’s 100 top employers rates Aston University among the top 20 UK universities they turn to for graduate employment.

Rolls Royce, GlaxoSmithKline and IBM, were among the leading businesses surveyed by High Flyers Research, with Aston ranked 17th overall.


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11 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.

How you will learn Our staff are passionate. Our teaching sets out to be inspirational. Your learning experience is our focus.

We offer a variety of learning, teaching and assessment methods tailored to suit the subject area and the aims and learning outcomes of your course.

Lectures are delivered by experienced, enthusiastic academic staff who can discuss the latest developments in their area.

Lectures often ‘set the scene’; giving you the first insight into your programme and an idea of the areas you should study in more depth. They also form the basis of your independent study, provide inspiration for further discussion and reading, and provide an introduction to the module learning outcomes.

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 and clarify anything in the lecture that needs further explaining.

Laboratory classes will help you develop subject-specific skills but you will also learn generic skills, such as team work. Practicals can give you a sense of how experienced practitioners of your subject area think about problems.

Supervisions are small-group teaching sessions. During supervision sessions you can explore and discuss particular aspects of the course, and you are positively encouraged to use these sessions to explore new approaches to learning and topics outside of the lectures.

Blackboard 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.

The CDIO Initiative was developed with input from academics, industry, engineers and students. It allows you to tackle real problems and engage in practical, cross-disciplinary project-based work.

Engaging in practical projects can really help to develop your learning and technical knowledge and allow you to build on your personal skills, attributes, teamwork and communication.

CDIO is currently being piloted in our School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Academic excellencein teaching

www.aston.ac.uk


Research

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www.aston.ac.uk

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.

Working alongside star researchersAs a student you will learn from star researchers and in some cases work alongside them, for example...

The fight against MRSA

MRSA could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to research conducted by Aston University, the University of Southampton and Selly Oak Hospital.

The study found that surfaces containing copper kill a wide range of potentially harmful micro-organisms, including the superbug, MRSA. This could have significant implications for the battle to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals.

Using forensic linguistics to convict criminals

Aston’s Centre for Forensic Linguistics has been instrumental in the conviction of several criminals thanks to their expertise in analysing language.

Professor Malcolm Coulthard was instrumental in securing the conviction of David Hodgson for the murder of Jenny Nicholl, a teenager from North Yorkshire who disappeared in 2005. By analysing

text messages sent from Jenny’s phone after she disappeared, and comparing those with messages sent before her disappearance and those from the defendant’s phone, Professor Coulthard was able to deduce that Hodgson had sent the messages on Jenny’s behalf. His expert testimony was instrumental in securing the conviction.

Improvements in drug design

Drug design could soon be more intelligent thanks to pioneering research led by Aston University’s School of Life & Health Sciences.

Membrane proteins act as a cell ‘gatekeeper’, controlling which substances are allowed to flow in and out of a cell, and which substances should be blocked. Eight out of ten of the world’s top selling drugs are already targeted at membrane proteins, but tend to have been developed through large-scale screening rather than an in-depth understanding of how membrane proteins work. Further research could enable more specific drugs to be developed, to be used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, from cancer to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Renewable and sustainable energy sources

The search for renewable and sustainable energy sources is on at Aston, with a significant new project to build bioenergy plants here and in India.

Aston was recently awarded a prestigious Research Councils UK Science Bridge grant to create two decentralised energy systems, based in West Bengal and Birmingham.

The £3 million grant will enable the universities to tackle energy poverty in India, and promote renewable energy in the UK. Both here and in India, Aston Business School academics will be creating a viable economic blueprint to ensure the long-term security of the projects.

But that’s not all - our research has also....

t Created the world’s longest laser

t Helped the NHS to manage processes and systems more efficiently saving the taxpayers revenue, and helping support patients

t We are investigating how Financial Institutions can learn from Islamic financial practices in their recovery from the global economic crisis

t The Global Entrepreneurship Programme is an annual assessment of the national level of entrepreneurial activity.

Academic excellencein research


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A green and sustainable campus to live and study

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 scale. We are improving our facilities all the time but as we do, we are working on a number of projects to improve our sustainability and reduce our environmental impact. We have particularly focused on transport, waste and incorporating sustainability into all aspects of University life.

We’re very proud that our commitment to sustainability here at Aston has been recognised in this year’s ‘People and Planet Green League’, where we came 5th out of over 130 universities. This is a huge achievement, smashing our target of getting into the top 10.


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Living on campusChoosing to live on campus means that you’re only ever a couple of minutes walk from all of the University facilities, and less than 10 minutes walk from Birmingham City Centre. It’s also really easy to make friends, as there are over 2000 other students living within close proximity.

Brand new student residencesWe have recently completed Phase 1 of our new residences project, which has provided 1,300 brand new, en-suite bedrooms on campus. Phase 2 of this project is due for completion in September 2013.

We have over 2,300 bedrooms on campus, all of which are self catering, and the majority (around 2000 rooms) are en-suite. Each flat shares a well equipped kitchen and communal area, and internet access is available in all bedrooms (for an additional, affordable charge). We guarantee accommodation on campus for all first year students who choose Aston as their Firm Choice University. Please see opposite for further information about the allocation policy.

Friendly and professional staff manage our accommodation, ensuring that it is clean, safe and secure, supported by 24 hour security and swipe card access to all of the residences.

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High quality student accommodationStudying and living away from home is a big decision, but you can feel assured that our modern, safe and sociable 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.

The University’s attractive, safe and compact campus makes living in residences a very sociable and enjoyable experience.

www.aston.ac.uk


Allocation policyYou are guaranteed a place in University-owned residences on campus for your first year providing you:

t Hold Aston University as your ‘firm choice’ (CF/UF) university

t Have returned your accommodation application form and UCAS acceptance form (AS12) to Aston University by the deadline (usually July/August, but exact dates will be published on our website)

t International fee-paying students are currently guaranteed accommodation for the full duration of their programme, provided that they apply each academic year by the date published each year for returning students.

Although not guaranteed, we also endeavour to accommodate students who:

t Hold Aston as their ‘insurance choice’ (CI/UI) university

t Apply through clearing

Applicants holding Aston as their firm/insurance (CF/UF/CI) choice can apply online for accommodation and are able to express a preference for the type they would like to live in, although we cannot guarantee your first choice of accommodation type.

Our halls of residenceAll accommodation is self catering, with individual study bedrooms, a shared kitchen and communal area, and bathroom facilities. There are also common rooms and launderettes available within the accommodation.

Rooms are offered on a 39 week licence period for returning and new Home students, and 40 week licence for International and EU (non-British) students. 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.

Internet access is available in all bedrooms on campus, but will incur an additional charge. Prices are available from the accommodation website and upon arrival.

Stafford Tower

355 rooms are available in Stafford tower, which is our high rise accommodation located in the centre of campus, providing excellent views of the City Centre. There are nine single study bedrooms in each flat, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Lakeside

Lakeside residences provide 647 bedrooms on campus, arranged into flats or maisonettes 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.

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The prices quoted below also include all utility costs and communal cleaning charges, so budgeting whilst living on campus is easy.

Stafford Tower Lakeside New Residences

Rent (per week) £72 £110 £115 £125

Utility bills Included Included Included Included

High speed internet Available to ALL residences. Price available on request

En-suite No (wash basin in rooms) Yes Yes Yes

No of students per flat 9 6 - 10 7 bed units 5 bed units

Accommodation prices (2011-12)

Aston Student Village New Residences

Phase 1 of our New Residences opened in September 2010, providing 1,307 rooms on campus. Each bedroom features a fully fitted study space, storage and an en-suite bathroom. Flats are available in five bed and seven bed units. All the rooms are ergonomically designed and spacious, with the five bedroom flats having a larger floor area and shower pod, more storage and ¾ size beds.

www.aston.ac.uk


Living off-campus (second and fi nal year students)

In Birmingham, privately rented accommodation for students is easy to fi nd and falls into two categories: private halls of residence and small shared houses. In recent years the private halls of residence have proved to be a very popular choice because of their location close to the University and rent that includes bills.

Private halls of residence near to Aston University include:

t The Heights

t Londonderry House and Curzon Gateway (run by UNITE)

t Jennens Court and Studios 51 (run by Mainstay)

t Canalside (run by Derwent Living)

t Opal 1 (run by OPAL).

The average room rent in private halls of residence is £110 per week.

Small shared houses remain popular with some students and offer a different experience to life in halls. Popular areas are Erdington and Edgbaston. The average rent for a room in a shared house is £60 per week, but bills are payable on top of this and travel also has to be considered. However, bus services to the city are frequent, extensive and cheap with a termly Birmingham student travel card costing £120.

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Help and advice with off-campus accommodation

The Advice & Representation Centre in the Students’ Guild has a website advertising available student accommodation which only shows properties that meet the standards set by the Guild: www.studentpad.com/aston

This includes private halls of residence, small shared houses and fl ats. An ARC adviser can advise on tenancy agreements, tenant’s rights and help sort out any problems which may arise.

Students with disabilities

We have a number of specially adapted rooms on campus to cater for students with disabilities. These rooms have ground fl oor/lift access, larger fl oor space, en suite bathrooms, vibrating alert/doorbell systems, shower seats, grab rails and hoists.

Please discuss your individual needs with the Accommodation Offi cer 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 not able to offer students car parking spaces on campus on a day-to-day basis as our city centre location means that space is limited for cars. However, there are a small number of campus parking permits for students with specifi c disabilities.

Pay car parking is available close to the campus on visits and open days.

Contact

Accommodation Offi ce

T 0121 204 4704/4707

E [email protected]

W www.aston.ac.ukaccommodation

www.aston.ac.uk


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Access to 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.

t Access to modern IT and computing facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week

t Specialist staff provide support on IT and library resources throughout your studies

t 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.

Services to help your study

www.aston.ac.uk

An ideal place for study Library and IT facilities


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Library facilities

Our online catalogue 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, 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 user-friendliness.

The Library is normally open for 90 hours a week during term-time, including Saturdays and Sundays, but there is 24 hour access, six days a week, at key times throughout the year. The Library is also open during all University vacations.

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. We look forward to welcoming all students to the University Library.

The University Library offers you a welcoming and flexible space for group and individual study.

In 2010 we completed Phase I of our library development. The facilities and the resources we offer are designed to make study and learning easy.

The Library has four floors and contains 200,000 volumes with over 800 reader places. There is online access to over 14,000 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 off campus.

www.aston.ac.uk


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The Student Charter Aston is working with Universities UK and the National Union of Students to develop our Student Charter.

The Student Charter will set out the general principles of partnership between Aston University and its students.

The University will publish the Student Charter online at www.aston.ac.uk

A welcoming, vibrant place to be

Aston Fresher’s Week is rated as one of the best in the country for enjoyment and support


www.aston.ac.uk

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Aston University – The Students’ Guild Aston Students’ Guild is the equivalent to what other universities call their Students’ Union and houses the majority of the social life that takes place on campus, as well as a wide range of services, societies and clubs.

Freshers’ WeekAston University holds an International Welcome Week followed by a Freshers’ Week for all students, which is designed to help you settle in and adjust to student life. The Students’ Guild uses Aston second and final year students as helpers called ‘Aston Aunties’ who will help to look after you for the week. The Aunties provide a friendly face and help guide you around the campus, show you the sights and answer any questions that you may have.

Throughout the week the Guild organises activities with the aim of welcoming you to the University lifestyle. Day trips and tours introduce you to Birmingham and the key features of the city and in the evening the Guild hosts different themed events from stand up comedy to fancy dress.

At the end of the week all of Aston’s clubs and societies promote themselves to new students through a Freshers’ Fair. External organisations such as nightclubs, banks and supermarkets will be there to tell you about what they offer. Various independent magazines and guides rate the Aston Freshers’ Week as one of the best in the country for enjoyment and support.


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Services include:

t Aston Times: the student newspaper providing ‘hot off the press’ news from in and around the University

t Wotsup?: a fortnightly events listings newsletter

t Student representation

t Campaigns and Entertainment Committees – working towards your best interests

t Services provided by the Equalities, International Students and Postgraduate Officers are designed to meet different groups’ needs.

www.aston.ac.uk

Aston University has a wide range of services to support and help you during your time here.

Some services are run directly by students along with trained staff who are always friendly and happy to offer advice and support for anyone who has any concerns or problems. The Guild is run by students for students so any surplus revenue generated is invested back into improving facilities and welfare provision.


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EntertainmentB4 Bar, on the lower ground floor, is open throughout the day serving good quality food at affordable prices. The bar shows most of the major live sporting events and there are pool tables too.

The Base offers a comfortable area for students to relax in during the day and events such as promotional fairs and sales are held here. After dark, The Base turns in to the Guild Hall where all of the major evening events are held, catering for every taste in music and entertainment. The regular Friday club night is called ‘Juicy Fridays’ and usually has a fancy dress theme. The Guild Hall also hosts the Freaker’s Ball, end of year parties and other special events, such as live bands and comedy events.

The Guild also offers: Subway sandwich outlet; coffee bar; shop (selling magazines, newspapers, stationery, food, sandwiches); cash point facilities; Advice & Representation Centre (ARC); JobShop; student activities area; students’ CopyShop; bookshop and the Strand Hair Salon.

The Loft is a social and study space on the second floor while the RAG office and prayer rooms are on the third and fourth floors.

Clubs and societiesIt is very easy to become involved in clubs and societies at Aston with around 80 (sporting and non-sporting) to choose from. All are run by students for students so if you cannot find a club that suits you, you can always set up your own.

Student facilities and services to help and support you

For more information visit www.astonguild.org.uk

www.aston.ac.uk


The Hub

Based on the ground fl oor of the Main Building, The Hub brings together all Aston’s key student support services to ensure students can get answers to their most frequent queries without having to go from one part of the University to another. Staff on the reception desk will either be able to give you an immediate answer to your query or refer you to a team of specialist staff who will be able to help. The Hub is the place to visit for queries which range from council tax to counselling; disability support to tuition fee calculations; student fi nance to student visas.

University Health Centre

The University provides a confi dential health service from our modern Health Centre (in partnership with Boots), less than

a ten minute walk from the campus. All treatment is given under the NHS and students are advised to enrol 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 for three months or more are eligible to register with the Health Centre. There is also a satellite health clinic as well as an Aston dental surgery and optician on the campus itself.

Personal tutor system

You will be allocated a Personal Tutor or equivalent and will be encouraged to make regular contact with him or her throughout your studies. Personal Tutors are there to help discuss academic and, in some cases, personal issues. If appropriate they will

refer you to the other specialist advisory services available at Aston. Personal Tutors can also often offer support by writing references for placement/graduate employment and academic research.

Learning Development Centre

The Learning Development Centre (LDC) provides innovative and practical support to enhance your learning at Aston. The LDC is an inclusive service, committed to helping all Aston students develop the skills necessary for their academic and professional success.

The 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

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Student support we’re with you all the way

There are a wide range of services on offer to Aston 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 of concern. This support is available whether you are living on or off campus.

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Student support

techniques, presentations, working in groups and much more. The LDC provides a range of online resources and equipment for student use, such as wireless internet access, laptop computers and bookable audio visual equipment to support group work and presentations. Expert advice is also available for students using or requiring adaptive software and technologies. The LDC is located on the fi rst fl oor of the Library.

Counselling service

Accessed through The Hub, the Aston University Counselling Service is a well established, professional service, staffed by qualifi ed 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 diffi culties and to identify ways of coping with, or resolving them.

Advice & Representation Centre (ARC)

The ARC is the Guild’s independent representation centre providing practical assistance to students, the ARC offers extensive independent advice and representation to students. The ARC also manages Aston student pad, the best source of non campus accommodation for Aston students.

JobShop

Students looking for part-time work are welcome to use the Students’ JobShop based in the Students’ Guild. 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 University Careers Service via the Graduate Advantage Offi ce. 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.

www.aston.ac.uk


Security and safety on campusAston’s team of fully trained security and porter staff are there to help ensure the safety and security of the Aston University community. Our campus is safe and friendly and is covered by extensive CCTV and security patrols. We enjoy excellent relations with the local West Midlands Police with offi cers covering the campus ‘beat’. 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.

Students with disabilities and specifi c learning diffi cultiesAccessed through The Hub, the Disability and Additional Needs Unit (DANU), provides practical help and support for students with disabilities and specifi c learning diffi culties.

NurseryThe Aston University Nursery, for children of staff and students, is run by our team of fully qualifi ed and experienced staff who provide specialist developmental and fun activities for children aged between six weeks and fi ve years. Children up to the age of 11 can also join the half term and summer holiday club which offers a range of activities tailored to the age and developmental stage of your child.

Student volunteering and outreachAston’s Outreach Offi ce supports the University’s student volunteering and outreach initiatives. Students provide support and role models in local schools and colleges to pupils of all ages – from primary to sixth form. Students can also work in the local community as volunteers with a focus on sport, drama, music and the arts.

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www.aston.ac.uk


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Peer mentoring programmeAston has pioneered a fl exible one to-one mentoring scheme where fi rst year students are matched with those in their second year who can offer support on learning, life and study skills. Second year students are also matched with those in their fi nal year who can offer advice on the benefi ts and challenges of placement years.

Religious provisionThe University Chaplains are there for students of all faiths or of none. The Chaplains provide a welcome for all. There is a programme of events at the Martin Luther King Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre which is based on campus. Faith societies and other groups can use the Centre for meetings, refl ection and worship. There are a range of Guild societies which offer you the chance to meet, talk and worship with other people who share your faith. There is also a prayer facility within the Students’ Guild.

Help with fi nanceThe Financial Assistance Unit, accessed through The Hub, assess eligibility and entitlement to the Access to Learning Funds. These funds are there to assist you if you are experiencing fi nancial hardship but restrictions apply so come into The Hub to fi nd out if you are eligible. There are also some limited funds to assist you if you are an EU or International student who is experiencing fi nancial hardship resulting in an unexpected change in circumstances, such as the loss of sponsorship.

The welfare adviser in The Hub, and the welfare adviser in the ARC, offer advice and guidance on benefi t entitlement and debt management.

www.aston.ac.uk


The Careers Centre provides careers advice and support for Aston students.

You can use our services throughout your study years and up to three years after graduation.

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Aston University Careers & Employability Centre

www.aston.ac.uk

Aston’s outstanding record for graduate employment is supported by our award winning Careers and Employability Centre which was one of the first in the UK to achieve the Matrix quality award for information, advice and guidance. We provide high quality careers advice, guidance, education and information services to Aston’s students and graduates.

Speak to a Careers Adviser to discuss:

t Course selection

t CV construction

t Interview preparation

t Employer research

t Job offer decisions

t Finding the right occupation for you

t Any other careers related issues you may have.


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We have PCs and work stations available for you to begin you career planning and research or conduct group discussions and activities. We have a large screen for you to view careers related films and a library offering a varied range of specialist careers literature for you to borrow.

Our website, which is password protected to Aston students and graduates, will provide a starting point for your career research and job search.

Online, you can:t Book a careers advice appointment the day before your visit

t View graduate jobs, placements and work experience opportunities added by employers targeting Aston students

t Receive regular email alerts when new jobs arrive in your chosen area.

t View the timetable and book for forthcoming careers events, employer visits and Industry specific fairs

t Access our exclusive online guidance packages; including psychometric practice, virtual mock interviews, international information and careers management tools

t Access careers information written by our experts on all relevant topics, including: networking, postgraduate study, assessment centres, placement support, employability skills, telephone interviews, commercial awareness, self employment, volunteering, giving presentations and much more

t Find out what Aston graduates have gone on to do with statistical information by course, and case studies about life after University

t View the weekly Careers Newsletter keeping you up to date with graduate news and views.

Drop into the Careers Centre to find out how we can help you and pick up a Careers Centre Guide to read about all of our services (also available online). We are located on the upper ground floor of the South Wing Building accessible via the main entrance.

On-line support at

www.aston.ac.uk/careers

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International students a world-class education

Students from over 120 countries study at Aston University each year, living 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.

Aston University is a popular choice for international students. We recognise and welcome the important academic contribution and cultural diversity international students bring to our University environment.

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Internationally recognised degreesBritish universities are highly respected throughout the world for the quality of their education and at Aston we demonstrate this clearly in the excellent teaching quality and research ratings of our degree programmes. Many of our degree areas have world-class research and teaching rankings.

Excellent employment prospectsAston University graduates are highly sought after by major international companies. Aston University is consistently near the top of the league tables for graduate employment year after year.

www.aston.ac.uk

Our degree programmes are continually being reviewed and updated to ensure that you will have the necessary skills demanded by companies.

Professional work experience/study placementsInternational students have the opportunity to undertake a year of paid professional experience relevant to their degree subject by choosing to follow a sandwich degree programme. With the globalisation of business, graduating from Aston with professional experience will make you highly attractive to future employers.

Guaranteed accommodationWe currently guarantee a place in University campus accommodation for all of our international students for the full duration of their degree programme (applications need to be made by the deadline each year). All students living on campus have their own single study bedroom and a choice of standard or ensuite residences. We are sensitive to individual student needs and can also offer single sex accommodation (see page 15).

For more information visit www.aston.ac.uk/study/accommodation/internationalstudents


For more information visit our website: International Office www1.aston.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/

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The University also provides support for students wishing to live off campus, including details of estate agents in Birmingham who can offer family accommodation. The city centre location of the campus means it is easily accessible for students commuting in from private accommodation.

Reasonable cost of livingYour living expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle, but the cost of living in Birmingham is generally lower than in many other areas of the UK. As a rough guide we would recommend you allow approximately £700 per month for living expenses. This is to cover accommodation, food, books, clothing, travel and other incidentals.

Contact the ISSU:

T + 44 121 204 4567

E [email protected]

W www.aston.ac.uk/current-students/studentsupport/issu/

International student scholarshipsSome programmes offer scholarships to international students proven to excel in their subject area. A scholarship is based on merit, given to applicants with a record of academic excellence. For more information please visit the international pages of our website.

Advice and support for International StudentsThe International Student Support Unit is based in The Hub, our centralised student support services area. The ISSU staff will not only help you settle in to University life by organising International Welcome Week but will also offer you all the support you need to obtain your visa to travel to the UK as a student.

Once you are here, ISSU staff can assist you with any immigration issues such as renewing your student visa, inviting your family to visit you whilst you are in the UK, registering with the police and supporting you with work permit visas once you have completed your course. Staff are also available to provide general support and guidance.

International student societiesThere are a number of international student societies at Aston University where you can make new friends and take part in a variety of social and cultural activities and events.

These include societies such as African, Caribbean, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Korean, Asian, Kazakh and Vietnamese. You can also set up your own society if there is not one already! Other sports and general interest societies are also popular with our international students.


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English language supportIf you need help with academic English while you are on your degree programme at Aston University, free support is available from the Centre for English Language and Communication at Aston. The staff can give you advice on essay, report and project writing, giving presentations, understanding lectures and reading effectively and efficiently.

Aston junior year abroad programmeThis programme is for students outside the UK who wish to improve their English ability and gain experience of studying in the UK. Most students are near the end of their undergraduate studies or have completed them. The programme has two strands according to your level of IELTS (or equivalent score) on entry. For further information contact the International Office.

Applications and entry qualificationsAll undergraduate applicants must apply through UCAS, details of which can be found on pages 158-160.

For our degree programmes we consider international applications throughout the year, but recommend that you apply as early as possible in the UCAS cycle. Entry requirements are listed in this prospectus in terms of A Level qualifications; the University accepts equivalent international qualifications and international access/foundation programmes.

We are also happy to consider suitably qualified UCAS applicants for advanced standing into the second year of selected programmes. Direct entry to the final year of any of our degrees is not permitted, reflecting the high quality and professional integrity of our programmes.

For the International Foundation Programme (see pages 35-36 for details), you need to make a direct application on our website.

International visitsStaff from the International Office and the academic schools frequently travel overseas to attend education exhibitions and hold information seminars. This is an ideal opportunity to come and talk to us and find out more information. We also work with a network of overseas educational representatives in many countries, who can provide support throughout the application process, assist with any visa requirements and pre-departure arrangements.

English language requirements for direct entry to undergraduate programmes We want to ensure that you do well in your studies and we therefore look for evidence of competence in written and spoken English. The minimum IELTS requirements for each School’s programmes are as follows:

School Reading Writing Listening Speaking Overall

Aston Business School 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5

Engineering & Applied Science* 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.0

Life & Health Sciences 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5

Language & Social Sciences 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.0

www.aston.ac.uk

*Different scores may be required for Engineering Management and Combined Honours. Please contact the International Office for these and TOEFL equivalents.


Aston University’s International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one-year programme designed to fully prepare international students for a university education in Britain.

Progression to an undergraduate Bachelors degree at Aston is guaranteed upon successful completion of the IFP at a satisfactory standard. Students are registered with Aston University from the day they start the programme and will be able to use all the University facilities on offer. Aston’s International Foundation Programmes are managed by Interdisciplinary Studies who provide student support during your foundation year at Aston.

International Foundation Programmefor International Students

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The programme provides:t An excellent introduction to

studying your chosen subject

t A good grounding in the study skills needed to be successful at a high quality British university

t Coaching to help improve your English language skills.

The International Foundation Programme is a one year course designed for International students who do not have the required GCE A Levels or equivalent qualifications for entry to Aston University undergraduate degree programmes. The programme is equivalent to the UK’s Year 13. The programmes also provide students whose first language is not English with the opportunity to improve their academic English communication skills.

There are three subject streams available, which act as an excellent introduction to studying your chosen subject at Undergraduate level.

t Business & Social Sciences stream: progress onto Business degree programmes or Social Science degree programmes (excluding language & translation programmes)

t Engineering stream: progress onto Engineering & Applied Science degree programmes

t Health Science/Science stream: progress onto Life & Health Sciences degree programmes

You will be enrolled as a full time student at Aston University and have access to all the University facilities. Your English language ability will determine which language stream you will take.

The minimum English language requirements for the IFP are:

t IELTS: Min 5.5 overall, with a min 5.0 in each section

t TOEFL iBT: Min 71 overall, with a min 17 in each section

If you hold the minimum listed, you will be required to follow the Academic English language stream of the relevant IFP (see our website for further details).

Learning, teaching and assessmentThe International Foundation Programme is externally examined so you can be assured of the high quality. The Academic English language modules are taught by CELCA (Centre for English Language & Communication at Aston) which has a long tradition of teaching excellence in the field of English as a Foreign Language. The programme is taught over three teaching terms, beginning at the end of September and ending in June the following year. It has been designed to ensure that you gain the right skills, experience and knowledge for degree level study. A combination of teaching methods is used so that you will be prepared to progress onto the undergraduate programme of your choice.

Progression onto the undergraduate Bachelors degree programmeYou are guaranteed a place on an undergraduate Bachelors degree programme if you successfully complete the International Foundation Programme at a satisfactory standard and meet the specific grades for the relevant degree programme.

Entry requirements for International Foundation Programme

You must be at least 18* years old at the start of the IFP in September and must have attained excellent grades in your secondary school leaving certificate (Year 12) or equivalent. You will also need to have a recognised English language qualification. IELTS or TOEFL are the most common ones but we also accept other English language qualifications; please contact us for further information.

* We may consider 17 year olds in exceptional cases and upon evidence of a UK based guardian.

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How to applyApplication forms and further information can be obtained from:

The International Office, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom

T +44 121 204 4888

F +44 121 204 3888

E [email protected]

W www.aston.ac.uk/ international

FeeThere is a non-refundable £25 administrative fee for each application.

www.aston.ac.uk


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Dedicated student supportJoint/Combined Honours students benefit from subject-based academic support just like Single Honours students. You will have access to all the usual University support services including careers advice, welfare and learning support.

Benefits of Joint/Combined Honours

t Study two subjects to Honours level

t Keep your career options open and develop multiple skills

t Combine new subjects with familiar favourites

t 4 year sandwich degrees

t Paid and voluntary placement opportunities in the UK and abroad

t Excellent career prospects for graduates offering employers two subjects to Honours level

t Teacher Training placements in Mathematics.

Applying for Joint/ Combined HonoursYou apply to Joint/Combined Honours in the same way as for any other course – see the grid on page 40 for the UCAS code and typical offer points. Some combinations require specific subjects and grades at GCSE or A Level – see the detailed descriptions to find out more.

Typical offers represent our normal requirement – individual offers will be based on the information provided on the UCAS application form. Specific A Level and/or GCSE subjects are also required for many programmes: see each programme entry for details.

If you are made an offer you will be invited to an Open Day to meet staff and Joint/Combined Honours students. You will have a tour of the University and student residences, enabling you to ask questions and get a feel for what it would be like studying at Aston.

We accept a range of other qualifications including IB, Scottish and Irish Highers, Indian Standard XII, European qualifications, Access awards, BTEC certificates and diplomas, and some International Foundation courses. We also consider mature applicants who have no formal academic qualifications.

We may call candidates with non-A Level qualifications for an informal discussion about their academic and professional background.

International students are normally required to provide evidence of their ability to use English in academic contexts, for example by holding IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in any section.

If you declare a disability on your UCAS form we normally invite you to visit us so you can assess the support we offer.

Honours degrees in two subjects

Over 900 Aston University students choose to take two subjects to Honours level in the multidisciplinary programmes run by Interdisciplinary Studies. Nearly all our applicants choose ONLY a Joint/Combined Honours degree at Aston – it is not an easier fall back from Single Honours!

www.aston.ac.uk

Joint/Combined HonoursProgrammes


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Placement year – gaining real world experienceNormally all Joint/Combined Honours students are expected to undertake a placement as part of their third year study. Aston University is famous for its professional placement year and many of our third year Joint/Combined Honours students take this opportunity. It provides a boost in life skills and specific work-based knowledge to bring back to the final year, and usually some much needed cash.

A placement increases the chance of gaining a better class of degree and a good job soon after graduation, greatly enhancing your CV with a year’s professional experience.

Aston University has a programme of placement and employment training running from week one of its undergraduate programme, equipping you with the necessary skills for gaining a placement, summer internships, and a graduate job. We will assess your placement experience and this contributes to your degree result.

Learning, teaching and assessmentYou will learn mostly alongside single honours students in each subject, having the same access to academics, resources and specialist facilities as the single honours students.

www.aston.ac.uk

You can study Joint Honours in the following combinations

t Business and International Relations

t Business and Politics

t Business and Sociology

t Business and Public Policy

t Business and Mathematics

t Mathematics with Economics

t Business and Psychology

t Psychology and Sociology

t Psychology and English Language

t Plus a range of programmes offered by the School of Languages & Social Sciences


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Joint Honours degrees at Aston University allow you to take two separate subjects to Honours level. The combined degree reaches the same level as a single honours degree, but each subject covers less ground to allow you to diversify across two academic areas. This section spells out the advantages of taking two-subject degrees, a popular option in the UK higher education system.

www.aston.ac.uk

Joint Programmes Combined Honours, Lifelong Learning


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For all combinations, offers are normally in the range of 320-360 points, based on details in your UCAS form. We consider the best 3A2 or 2A2+2AS in different subjects. For those taking the Advanced Diploma, we consider the Project as equivalent to AS level. Some subjects have specific A Level, AS or GCSE requirements – see the subject entry for details. We accept a wide range of alternative UK, EU and overseas qualifications – see pages 158-160.

We also offer a Mathematics Major with Economics Minor (G1L1).

LSS – School of Languages & Social Sciences

For combinations of languages and politics/international relations see International Politics and Languages (page 122)

For combinations of languages and business see International Business and Modern Languages (page 71)

LN21 GN11 LN2C CN81 LN41 LN31 Business page 62

Economics 66

LN21

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LSS LSS LSS English Language page 125

LSS LSS LSS LSS French pages 119-120

LSS LSS LSS LSS LSS German pages 119-120

LSS LSS LSS LSS International Relations page 128

Mathematics* page 100

LSS LSS LSS LSS Politics page 129

CQ83 CL83 Psychology page 149

LSS LSS LSS LSSPublic Policy and Management page 131

LSS LSS LSS LSS CL83 LSS LSS Sociology page 133

LSS LSS LSS LSS Spanish pages 119-120

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Students with disabilitiesand 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 Unit.

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ApplicationsWe advise you to disclose a disability or support needs via your UCAS 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.

Campus accessAll teaching is carried out on our single flat campus, on which 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/directions

AccommodationWe 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, Diane Lacey, and 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.

www.aston.ac.uk

For more information, advice or for information in an alternative format, please contact the DANU team:

T 0121 204 4007

E [email protected]

The Disability and Additional Needs UnitTo help you plan and prepare for university life, the Disability and Additional Needs Unit (DANU), accessed through the HUB, can provide advice and support. All enquiries are dealt with on a confidential basis. We run a Personal Assistance Scheme which assists students with disabilities and other support needs to live, study and enjoy student life as independently as possible. Support work such as note taking, reading, transcription, photocopying, keyboard manipulation and mobility assistance, access to qualified British Sign Language Interpreters, Dyslexia/Study Skills Tutors may be arranged. The Hub is based on the ground floor of the Main Building.

We may assist you by liaising with other departments in the University on your behalf, helping with applications for funding, provision of information at Open Days and interview visits, as well as general advice and support throughout your studies.

The Disabled Students’ AllowanceStudents with disabilities from the UK may be eligible for extra financial support. The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a non-means tested grant, paid by Student Finance Companies (SFC), designed to help meet the costs of extra study support needs. When you have accepted an offer from the University, contact your SFC and ask them for further advice about applying for a DSA. As this process can take a few months, you are encouraged to apply early, so that all your support needs are known by the time you start university. For non-UK students, please contact DANU as soon as possible to discuss your support needs in more detail.


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A great placefor sport

A wide range of activities, instruction, training and clubs can be found at our two sports centres on campus and at our off campus Recreation Centre.

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The newly refurbished Woodcock Sports Centre – on campus

t 25m swimming pool

t Fully equipped 120 station fitness suite with a variety of cardiovascular and resistance stations

t Two two-storey dance and martial arts studios

t Large sports hall for badminton, netball, volleyball, basketball etc with seating and viewing gallery

t Yoga room

t Activities room (including table tennis)

Gem Sports Centre – on campus

t Large sports hall for a variety of sports including football, basketball, indoor cricket nets, badminton and volleyball

t Athletics

t Netball

t Rock climbing

t Rugby

t Squash

t Thai boxing

See our website for more information on sports clubs.

Outdoor recreation centre – off campusSix miles north of campus our outdoor recreation centre, covering 46 acres, is the site for Aston University’s grass football, rugby, hockey and cricket pitches. There is also a large pavilion with changing rooms, bars and catering facilities. 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. There is plentiful free parking.

ASV all weather 3G pitch (three X 5-a-side or one X 8-a-side) – on campusCustom built 3G all weather 5-a-side ‘Gosta Green’ pitch.

Aston University students have the benefit of accessible and affordable sports facilities right on their 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.

On 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 first-aiders and lifeguards.

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Sport Aston Gym120 stations including cardiovascular, fixed resistance and plate loaded equipment are housed. Television screens have been installed to further enhance the gym environment.

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 around £4 per week.

Classes and coursesThere is a full and growing programme of instructed classes including various aerobics and dance classes, yoga, pilates, badminton and squash. Instruction is available for both beginners and improvers.

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification courses are 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 competitionsOur sports clubs are run by the 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. Over weekends or during vacations, clubs are involved in many exciting trips including competitions in Florida, the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Tenerife, Hungary, Spain and France.

Sports scholarshipsAston University’s scholarship programme is designed to develop potential excellence in a wide range of competitive sports. A bursary sum may be available to students who have achieved a level of excellence within their chosen sport.

For more information visit www.aston.ac.uk/sport


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Birmingham is Britain’s second city and internationally recognised as a leader in leisure, entertainment, shopping and sport. Birmingham is an international centre for business, commerce and industry, housing numerous UK and overseas banks, over 500 law firms and Europe’s second largest insurance market. Birmingham attracts 25 million visitors each year and contributes billions to the national economy through manufacturing and engineering.

Birminghaman amazing place to live

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Easily accessibleWhether by road, rail or air, travelling to and from Birmingham is easy. The University campus is central to an extensive network of motorways and railways - Birmingham International Airport is only ten minutes away and London is only ninety minutes by train. Within the city getting around is easy, with cheap and efficient buses, trains, trams and taxi services. The central location of the campus and pedestrianised city centre means walking is safe and easy.

NightlifeWith over 60,000 students Birmingham is one of Europe’s liveliest cities. With over 100 bars, clubs and pubs Birmingham has something for everyone, from dance, house, drum and bass to hard rock, 70s, 80s, lounge, soul, jazz and garage. Most are only a short walk from Aston’s campus. Each night you can be guaranteed some kind of student event, whether it’s ‘Propaganda’ at the O2 or ‘The Full Moon Party’ at the HMV Institute, you will never be short of a night out. Most of the clubs, including Snobs, Oceana, Island Bar and Reflex are within walking distance or no more than a five minute taxi ride away.

Eating out

‘Birmingham’s food and drink scene is bursting with award winning restaurants, creative talent and fresh local produce. With over 200 restaurants serving cuisine from 27 countries, the city certainly has something to suit everyone’s taste buds.’James Martin, Chef

Student discounts are widely available throughout the city so if you don’t want to cook, there are plenty of tempting alternatives. From Brindley Place on the canal side to the Balti Triangle, Birmingham boasts hundreds of restaurants and a wide range of cuisines, many within a short walk of the Aston campus.


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Europe’s shopping capitalBirmingham is ‘Europe’s new shopping capital’. With the £500 million Bullring shopping mall in the city centre you will only be a short walk from the equivalent of over 26 football pitches worth of shops, boutiques and restaurants, including the iconic Selfridges store. Situated next to the Bullring is the Bullring market, housing over 1,000 stalls. The city centre has a compact pedestrian centre with many undercover malls offering both major High Street names and smaller high fashion boutiques.

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‘Birmingham has lots of style. And it is even better now, just look at the Bullring.’ Gok Wan, Fashion Stylist


Entertainment Birmingham has one of the highest concentrations of live theatre outside of London’s West End and over 50 cinema screens, from the large multi-screen complexes to the IMAX and smaller art house cinemas. Many are within walking distance of the University’s campus.

A number of fine art collections can 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.

For music, the LG Arena (NEC) and the National Indoor Arena (NIA) showcase major artists, whilst the

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Birmingham O2 Academy and HMV Institute host indie, rock and alternative acts in a more intimate setting. For classical music the Symphony Hall is home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

The city hosts many festivals throughout the year including the Clothes Show Live; the BBC Good Food Show; the Frankfurt Christmas Market and Astonbury Festival (on campus).

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‘To me, Birmingham is the greatest place in the world.’Mark Lewis Francis, Olympic Gold Medallist

‘Astonbury was one of the best gigs I have performed at.’ Radio 1 DJ, Zane Lowe

Sport and leisureBirmingham is at the heart of sporting action. Football clubs, including Aston Villa and Birmingham City, have their home grounds within the city. Warwickshire County Ground at Edgbaston provides International Test and county cricket games. Major tennis tournaments are held at Edgbaston Priory and international golf tournaments at The Belfry and the National Golf Centre (including the Ryder Cup). A number of large athletics events are held in the City at the Alexandra Stadium and the NIA. Leisure activities include indoor climbing, snowboarding and skiing.


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Degree Programmes

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t Aston Business School

t School of Engineering & Applied Science

t School of Languages & Social Sciences

t School of Life & Health Sciences

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Why choose us?

t Outstanding record of graduate employment success. 80% of graduates go straight into graduate level employment (UK average approx 60%)

t Full range of business subjects available - including broad-based and specialist degrees

t Integrated placement year gives you real world business experience: over 30% of our students are offered jobs with their placement employer on graduation

t 35 years’ experience of building relationships with employers; many big name companies actively target our business students for recruitment

t The Times Good University Guide 2010 – 11th for Business; The Guardian University Guide 2010 – 14th for Business and Management and the Complete University Guide 2010 (The Independent) – 10th for Business Studies.

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To find out more visit: www.aston.ac.uk/abs

T 0121 204 3030

E [email protected]

Aston Business School


Degree ProgrammesBSc Page

t Accounting for Management 61

t Business (Joint/Combined Honours) 62

t Business and Management 63

t Business Computing & IT 65

t Economics and Management 66

t Finance 67

t Human Resource Management 68

t International Business and Economics 69

t International Business and Management 70

t International Business and Modern Languages 71

t Management and Strategy 73

t Marketing 74

LLB

t Law with Management 75-76

Related programmes

t Computing for Business 86

t Logistics 96

t Public Policy and Management 131

t Transport Management 97

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A UK business school with an international reputation

Our undergraduate degrees have one simple aim – to get students ready for a life in the forefront of business. To this end, our curriculum is robust, relevant and rooted in the real world. A deep understanding of the needs of business, combined with a thorough, practical approach, mean that our graduates are able to contribute from the moment they start their first job. The knowledge and skills our students acquire has resulted in our enviable track record in graduate-level employability.

We were one of the first UK business schools to introduce a placement year for undergraduate students, and we’re proud that a third of our graduates are then offered full-time employment at their placement companies.

You can be reassured with regard to the level of expertise within the Business School because 96% of our academic staff were included within the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise with the majority of this published research judged to be either ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Aston is very proud of its reputation and is amongst just 1% of business schools worldwide that have triple accreditation from three leading business authorities EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA.

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The first year of all our Single Honours degrees (excluding Law with Management) covers a range of modules designed to give you a broad foundation and knowledge of business and management.

You will be introduced to the key areas of business as well as carrying out project work which will help draw together the subjects you have studied.

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Transferring between degrees at the end of your first yearOur common first year gives you the opportunity to experience different areas of business and management. This feature is particularly useful if you have not studied business before and/or are not sure which element of business particularly interests you. Upon completion of the first year you will have a better understanding of the various areas of management and may find that you would like to transfer from your broader degree in Management and Strategy or Business and Management to one of our specialist degrees, or vice versa - see website for more details.

First year modules include:

t Business Decision Analysis

t Economic Environment of Business

t English Legal Method and Contract Law

t Foundations of Management

t Information Technology in Business

t International Perspectives on Organisations

t Introduction to Economics

t Introduction to Financial Accounting

t Introduction to Management Accounting

t Introduction to Marketing Management

t Organisational Behaviour

t Principles of Operations Management.


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Professional accreditationOur degrees are designed to offer accreditation from a wide range of professional bodies, giving exemption from many of their exams. Further information on specific degree accreditation can be found within the relevant subject entry and on our website.

The placement yearThe professional placement year is an essential and integral part of Aston Business School (ABS) degree programmes. This period of paid employment will give you experience of the practical problems of management, lay the foundations for your final year, and is highly attractive to potential employers.

You will benefit from ABS’s excellent links with the business world. Opportunities exist in a wide range of organisations, from large multinationals to small firms, in both the private and public sector. Our specialist Placement Office staff will help you secure an appropriate placement and provide you with support throughout the year. In addition to our work placement opportunities, all students have the chance to study at one of our partner institutions abroad. Students studying International Business & Modern Languages or International Business and Management are expected to spend their placement year abroad.

The average salary for a placement year is around £15,000 per year. Some placements within the voluntary sector are also available. Each year, many of our students are offered a graduate job by their placement employer - proof that the placement year is an excellent ‘springboard’. Please see pages 9, 10 and 164 for information on tuition fees and bursaries for the placement year.

Please note: the placement year is compulsory for all students except for those paying overseas fees.

Learning, teaching and assessmentYou will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

t Lectures, tutorials and seminars

t Business games and case studies

t Group and individual project work

t Extensive use of on-line learning resources.


Graduate profiles and destinations are featured on individual degree pages and at:

www.aston.ac.uk/careers

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Excellent career prospectsAs an ABS graduate, you will be able to draw on the goodwill which exists towards our programmes and has built up over many years.

Over 6,000 of our graduates can be found throughout the business world, many of whom are in senior management positions. Many well-known organisations actively ‘target’ our students when they are in their final year of study, and after graduation.

Recent employment figures show that 80% of our graduates found graduate level employment within six months of graduation compared with a national average of around 60%. This is one of the highest graduate level employment rates in the UK.

Recent graduates have found positions within:

t Accountancy and auditing

t Marketing and market research

t Sales administration

t Personnel and human resources

t Information management

t Operations management

t General management

t Business consultancy

t Civil Service and local government

t Police and armed forces

t Banking and finance

“Employers target our students, as they know that an Aston Business School student can make a real difference and can offer a valuable, commercial contribution. We have a wide range of resources available for our students, including a placements website where we advertise around 2,000 placement jobs from some 1,000 companies and international partner universities every year. We also hold in-depth briefing sessions and workshops on topics such as CV preparation, writing covering letters and application forms, and on interview and assessment centre techniques. Students are also expertly supported by placement tutors (academic staff) during their placement year.”

Nicola Bullivant, Placement Manager, Aston Business School

“The placement team offers a dedicated, professional service to our students, ensuring that they are well prepared for their placement experience.”

”

Companies who target our graduates and placement students include:

Accenture

Goldman Sachs

BMW

IBM

Caterpillar

Intel

Citibank

Johnson & Johnson

Danone

Mattel

Deloitte

Microsoft

Disney

Morgan Stanley

E.ON

NHS

Ernst & Young

Warner Brothers

General Motors

Xerox


Key benefits

t An accounting degree set within a broad management context

t Internationally recognised for research

t Paid professional placement year and excellent graduate opportunities

t Extensive accreditation and professional exemptions.

Career prospectsOf our most recent Business graduates, 80% went into graduate level employment within six months of graduation. Below are examples of the graduate positions they have obtained:

Barclays - Financial Analyst

BP - Trainee Chartered Accountant

Deloitte - Graduate Accounts Manager

Deloitte - Tax Associate

Ernst and Young - Auditor

Grant Thornton - Audit Trainee

Heartlands Foundation - Accountant

IBM - Financial Management Consultant

KPMG - Associate Auditor

Kroll Ltd - Accountant

Mazard - Tax Advisor

Nasdaq OMX - Graduate Scheme

PwC - Accountant

RSM Bentley Jennison - Internal Auditor

Xerox - Financial Analyst

To find out more visit www.aston.ac.uk/careers

Key facts 4 year sandwich course 3 year course without placement available for non-EU students only

UCAS code: N420

Typical offer level A Level: AAB-AAABTEC National Diploma: DDD IB: 35 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade C

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Year 2Explore financial and management accounting and finance in depth, participate in events organised in conjunction with accountancy firms, visit businesses and undertake an interactive business game. Modules include: Business Policy; Business Game; Public Policy & Public Management; Strategic Finance & FinancialManagement; Financial Accounting; Making Managerial Decisions Using Accounting Information; Principles of Intellectual Property Law; International Business Economics; Advanced Spreadsheet Systems.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a professional placement gaining valuable practical business experience. See page 59 for further information.

Final yearAccounting studies are taken to a more refined level, similar to professional qualification standard, but retaining theoretical analysis.

Modules include:Strategic Management; Advanced Financial Accounting; The Organisational Context of Management Accounting; Management of Taxation; Company Law; Auditing & Professional Ethics.More detailed module information is available on our website.

Professional recognitionOur graduates can claim exemptions from the examinations of a number of professional bodies including:

t The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

t The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

t The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

t The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting

t The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

t The Association of International Accountants

t The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply

t The Chartered Insurance Institute.

Accounting for Management BScProgramme overviewAccountants play a key role in the formulation and implementation of business decisions, both strategic and tactical, through their uniquely analytical approach to the assessment of the financial implications of business plans. Accounting for Management focuses on the crucial role which financial information plays in decisions made by management teams, and in the monitoring and planning of a business organisation’s objectives.



www.aston.ac.uk/ids

Business (Combined/Joint Honours)

Programme outlineThe first two years deepen your understanding of how businesses operate and how to recognise and analyse the economic, technical, financial and social parameters within which modern managers make decisions. Final year - specialise in an area of particular interest and relevance to your chosen career through selecting options.

Year 1Principles of Financial Accounting; Economic Environment of Business; Organisational Behaviour; Quantitative Techniques; Business Decision Analysis; IT in Business.

Year 2Marketing; Operations Management; Business Economics; Management Accounting; Business Game; Business Policy.

Year 3We strongly encourage you to choose our 4 year sandwich programme which incorporates the opportunity to spend your third year in a professional placement, gaining valuable practical experience. Interdisciplinary Studies has a comprehensive placement and employability training programme starting in your first year of study.

Final YearFinance; Value Based Strategy. Options including: International Business Economics; Effective Management Consultancy;

Key facts3 year full-time/4 year sandwich course

* For all possible Combined Honours combinations and UCAS codes please refer to pages 37-40

Typical offer levelA Level: AAB-ABB (320-340 UCAS points) IB: 33 points

Specific subject requirements A2 Level: No specific A-level is required for Business General Studies accepted GCSE: English and Maths at Grade C

Key benefits

t Wide range of combinations are offered

t Extensive choice of final year options

t Professional accreditation and placement year opportunities

t Strong track record of graduate employment success

t Excellent reputation for student satisfaction and research.

Career prospectsCombined Honours Business graduates have a consistently strong track record in finding graduate jobs in the private and public sectors. This includes positions in management, finance, marketing, HR, administration and sales roles with companies such as the BBC, Co-operative Bank, Deloitte, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, HSBC, IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, KPMG, Marks & Spencer, the NHS, PwC and Tesco.

Programme overviewAs a manager you will be a problem solver, planner and leader, challenged with meeting your organisation’s objectives by deploying key resources such as time, people and money efficiently and effectively. Our combined Business programme aims to prepare you for this challenge and for a successful career in management.

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“Through the Combined Honours Programme, Aston offers unique opportunities through which students may gain a breadth of

knowledge in more than one area of interest adequately equipping them for later life when lateral thinking and multi-disciplinary knowledge are often advantageous. I have enjoyed identifying connections between various concepts across both of my subjects which provide novel opportunities for critical analysis while enhancing an organic understanding of the course and recognition of possible applications in later life. Additionally, throughout the course, the Combined Honours office/staff remain especially informative, supportive and friendly creating a familial environment which engenders personal development in everyone.”

Oyindamola Asekun BSc Business Administration and Psychology

Marketing Psychology; Psychology & Work; Innovation; International Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management.

For more information visit our website at www1.aston.ac.uk/ids/combined-honours

Contact

T 0121 204 4288

E [email protected]


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Programme outlineYear 1Common first year covering all major business functions to help underpin your studies. See page 58 for further information.

Year 2Choice of two subject streams – four modules from each – in addition to four core modules. See table below for list of subject streams and modules.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a professional placement gaining valuable and practical business experience. See page 59 for further information.

Final yearA double core module of Strategic Management along with ten optional modules from your subject streams. See below for list of subject streams and modules.

Professional recognitionAs an ABS graduate, you can claim exemptions from examinations of a number of professional bodies, depending on the specific options you have followed including:

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Association of International Accountants (AIA)

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Key facts 4 year sandwich course 3 year course without placement available for non-EU students only

UCAS code: NN12

Typical offer level A Level: AAB-AAABTEC National Diploma: DDD IB: 35 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsGCSE: Maths and English Grade C

Key benefits

t Flexible broad-based degree allowing specialisation in two areas of business and management

t Aston Business School is ranked highly for its business degrees in university league tables

t Outstanding reputation for research (RAE 2008)

t Excellent paid professional placement and graduate opportunities.

Career prospectsOf our most recent Business graduates 80% went into graduate level employment within six-months of graduation. Below are examples of the graduate positions they have obtained:Accenture – Business Analyst

Ford Motor Company - Human Resources Officer

O2 - Marketing Manager

Deloitte – Corporate Finance Associate

E.On UK – Graduate Trainee

Deutsche Bank - MIS Analyst

IBM - Information Systems Analyst


Programme overviewThis degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the various functions of management, whilst allowing the opportunity to focus your studies within two specific areas. You will develop the breadth and depth of knowledge required by managers in the 21st century.

Business and Management BSc

“The first year of Business and Management is so broad that I was able to gain an insight in to every aspect of business in order to find the area that I was interested in the most.

I am now a Supply Chain Graduate at Kimberly-Clark. My time at Aston introduced me to the key concepts and theories that I use in my day-to-day role and the placement year ensured that I had the experience to support my knowledge. Aston graduates are renowned for their employability and, even graduating during a recession, this is still true!”

Nicola Maxfield Business and Management

“When I started at Aston University I was still unsure what I wanted to do in my future career.”

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Choose two: Four modules in each of your chosen subject streamsAccounting Financial Accounting; Making Managerial Decisions.

Business & Government Strategic Management & Leadership in Public Services; Marketing & Communications for Public Services; Public Expenditure Management; Resource Management for Public Services.

Business Psychology Theories of HRM*; Psychology & Work.*

E Business Doing E-Business; IT & Web Development; Principles of Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer; E-Marketing.

Economics Principles of Microeconomics; Principles of Macroeconomics; Industrial Organisation & Strategy; Introduction to Econometrics.

Information Systems Systems Analysis; Systems Analysis project; IT & Web Development; Databases; Decision Support Systems.

International Management International Business Environment; International Business Economics; Emerging & Transition Economies.

Law Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer; Tort Law; Criminal Law; Aspects of Business Law; Comparative Legal Studies.

Management Science Operational Research Techniques 1 & 2; Management Science Method; Introduction to Econometrics; Decision Support Systems.

Marketing Market Research*; Marketing Management; E-Marketing; Services Marketing.

Operations Management Doing E-Business; Enterprise Resource Planning; Total Quality Management*; Operational Research Techniques.

Choose two: Ten modules from your chosen subject streamsAccounting Advanced Financial Accounting*; Organisational Context of Management

Accounting*; International Finance; Financial Management for International Business.

Business & Government Local Economic Development & Planning*; Public Context of Globalisation; Managing the Public Health.*

Business Psychology Contemporary Issues in HRM*; Leadership; Employee Relations & Legal Issues in HRM.

E Business Computing; E-Business Systems Development; Supply Chain Management*; Innovation.*

Economics Economics of Business Organisations; Economics of Multinational Enterprises; Competition Policy & Economic Regulation; Applied Econometrics & Forecasting; Economics of Innovation.

Information Systems Business Design*; World-Wide Management of IT; Knowledge Management; Advanced Business Computing.

International Management International Finance; Financial Management for International Business; International Marketing*; International Operations.*

Law Company Law*; Employment Law; Employment Law 2; International Business Law.*

Management Science Data Envelopment Analysis; Simulation; Effective Management Consultancy.*

Marketing International Marketing*; Marketing Strategy*; Marketing Communications; Advanced Marketing Communication.

Operations Management Operations Strategy*; Supply Chain Management.

Second year subject streams

Final year subject streams

*double module


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Business Computing & IT BSc



Year 2Focus on Business Computing and IT, which will involve ‘hands-on’ work with applications ranging from spreadsheets and databases to simulations and knowledge-based systems.


Final yearA double core module will be studied along with some optional and compulsory modules.

Modules include:Business Policy; Strategic Finance; Business Game; Public Policy & Public Management; Advanced Spreadsheet Systems; Decision Support Systems; IT & Web Development; Databases; Systems Analysis; Systems Analysis Project; Strategic Management; Worldwide Management of IT; Effective Management Consultancy; Advanced Business Computing; Knowledge at Work.

More detailed module information is available on our website.

Key facts4 year sandwich course 3 year course without placement available for non-EU students only

UCAS code: NG45

Typical offer levelA Level: AAB-AAABTEC National Diploma: DDDIB: 35 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsGCSE English and Maths Grade C

Key benefits

t Integration of business with computing and IT

t Paid professional placement year

t No previous IT knowledge assumed

t Excellent paid professional placement opportunities and graduate prospects.

Career prospectsThe outstanding reputation of Aston Business School, the experience gained on the placement year and the broad-based nature of our degrees means that BCIT graduates are well prepared. Our recent graduates were extremely successful in finding employment in specialist business IT, consulting and general management roles with companies such as:Accenture - Business Analyst

Capgemini - IT Consultant

Desk Force - IT Consultant

Fujitsu - Project Manager

Jaguar Land Rover - Graduate IT Systems and Business Analyst

Network Rail - Project Manager

Rolls Royce - Graduate Trainee

Sintom - Development Manager


Programme overviewInformation Technology (IT) is vital to the management and communication of information in the modern business, and effective business computing requires managers with knowledge of human and managerial issues, as well as technical ones.

This programme meets the needs of students interested in pursuing careers that will provide organisations with management support, advice and consultancy where computing and IT is involved.

“This helped me get my placement at Exxon Mobil and my graduate job as an editorial trainee with Pearson Education.

Business is an unusual subject background in the publishing industry, particularly in editorial.

My Aston degree gave me the confidence to jump straight into the commercial discussions going on in the office. The IT focus was certainly an advantage too. My extra-curricular activities meant I had plenty to talk about at the assessment centre, and provided me with practical skills to draw upon in my day-to-day job.”

Mae Dagre Business Computing and IT

“During my time at Aston University I was involved with RAG, Beta Gamma Sigma, the staff/student committee and the Student Ambassador Scheme. ”

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Economics and Management BSc


Year 2Develops a theoretical understanding of economics whilst remaining true to Aston’s practical and relevant teaching tradition.

Modules include:Business Policy; Business Game; Strategic Finance; Public Policy & Public Management; Principles of Macroeconomics; Principles of Microeconomics; Introduction to Econometrics; Industrial Organisation & Strategy; International Business Economics; Emerging & Transition Economies.


Final yearA double core module of Strategic Management will be studied along with some compulsory and optional modules including:

Strategic Management; Applied Econometrics & Forecasting; Economics of Multinational Enterprise; Economics of Innovation; Advanced Financial Management; Macroeconomic Policy; Competition Policy & Economic Regulation.

Final year choice of modules include: Final Year Project; Financial Management for International Business; International Finance.



UCAS code: LN12



Key benefits

t Application of economics theory and practice in a real world business context

t Sandwich placement year means that graduates are sought after and well regarded by high profile employers

t Develops understanding of how changes in the economic environment influence business success

t Aston Business School is highly ranked in university league tables.

Career prospectsOf our most recent Business graduates, 80% went into graduate level employment within six months of graduation. Below are examples of the graduate positions they have obtained:JP Morgan – Investment Banker

Société Générale – VP, Sales for Germany and Austria

Beiersdorf UK Ltd – National Account Executive

Birmingham Midshires – Campaign Analyst

KPMG – Business Consultant

Fujitsu - Management Accountant

Royal Bank of Scotland - Business Operations Consultant

Deloitte - Capital Allowances Consultant


Programme overviewThis degree will give you a deep knowledge of economics, providing a theoretical and conceptual outlook in the world of business. With the broad management skills that are also taught on the programme, students have the potential to become highly competitive in the graduate employment market. Many employers regard economics graduates as highly sought-after members of a business team.

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“You will learn a lot about what it is like to do a full-time job and have real responsibility within an organisation. I spent my work placement at E.ON UK, a German-owned energy company. I improved many of the forecasting performance systems and created new ones that are now regularly used by the team today.”

Naveed AhmedEconomics and Management

“I would definitely recommend doing a work placement.” ”


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Finance BSc

To find out more visit: www.aston.ac.uk/careers


Year 2Explore finance in more depth and undertake an interactive team-based business game module. Other modules include: Business Policy; Strategic Finance; Business Game; Public Policy & Public Management; Financial Accounting; Making Managerial Decisions Using Accounting Information; Operational Research Techniques; Introduction to Econometrics; Principles of Microeconomics; Principles of Macroeconomics; Industrial Organisation & Strategy; Financial Management.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a professional placement gaining valuable, practical business experience. See page 59 for further information.

Final yearFinance studies are taken to a more refined level, similar to a professional qualification standard. Modules include: Strategic Management; International Finance; Financial Economics; Derivatives; The Organisational Context of Management Accounting; Management of Taxation; Competition Policy; Applied Econometrics & Forecasting.



UCAS code: N300



Key benefits

t A finance degree set within a broad management context combining theoretical knowledge and practical capability is appealing to a wide range of potential employers


t Paid professional placement year that is well regarded by high profile employers.

Career prospectsOn successful completion of this degree, the specialist finance knowledge gained provides excellent preparation for graduate entry into finance related careers such as investment or retail banking, financial analysis, stock broking or insurance. Also, because this degree combines broader-based business knowledge, it provides an excellent foundation for careers in general management and imparts skills that will be highly valued by graduate recruiters in both the private and public sectors.

Aston Business School has an outstanding record of producing successful, highly sought after graduates. Of our most recent business graduates, around 80% were in graduate level employment within six months of graduating.

Programme overviewThis degree will provide you with an excellent preparation for a career within a financial environment equipping you with a balanced mix of finance, economics, accounting and more general management knowledge, skills and expertise. You will explore many aspects of finance such as capital markets, derivatives, corporate finance, exchange rate risks, asset pricing and international finance. In addition, this degree is designed to give you a range of transferable and practical skills to help you succeed within your chosen career.

www.aston.ac.uk/abs



UCAS code: N600



Key benefits

t A specialist HRM degree set within a broad management context, combining theoretical knowledge and practical capability appeals to a wide range of potential employers


t Teaching draws upon our outstanding reputation for research

t Paid professional placement year that is well regarded by high profile employers

t Professional accreditation is available.

Career prospectsOf our most recent Business graduates, 80% went into graduate level employment within six months of graduation. Below are examples of the positions they secured and the organisations that employed them:Britten Norman - Human Resources Officer

Comet - Training and Development Advisor

Goodman Mason - Consultant (HR)

HBOS - Manager

Jaguar Land Rover - HR Consultant

Nestle - HR Graduate

PPS Works - Resource Consultant

United Biscuits - HR Officer


Programme overviewUnderstanding the human side of organisations is central to their performance and effectiveness. As organisations change, grow, divide, develop and operate internationally, professional knowledge of the part played by their people is essential at both operational and board levels. This programme considers how people, processes and structures interrelate. It focuses on the crucial part played by individuals and groups in organisations, such as decision making, planning and managing new technology.

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Human Resource Management BSc


Year 2Management of people and the strategies of human resource management. Modules include: Business Policy; Strategic Finance; Business Game; Public Policy & Public Management; Psychology & Work; Theory & Practice of Human Resource Management; Effective Teamwork; Developing Creativity at Work; Strategy for Future Leaders.


Final yearYou will explore how organisations relate to their wider context from both a socio-psychological and socio-economic prospective. Modules include: Strategic Management; Global Working; Business Ethics; Employee Relations & Legal Issues in HRM; Learning, Training & Development in Organisations Leadership; Success & Failure at Work.


Professional recognitionAssociate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (Assoc CIPD) is open to HRM graduates. This option is only available to students who complete a placement.

“Since then, I joined the PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity. I work as a PetAid Hospital Manager for two animal hospitals in the Southeast. This role has allowed me to combine my education with one of my main passions in life - animals. I feel that my time at Aston has given me the tools to develop my future. I doubt I would be able to say that I would be in such a promising graduate position without the help and support of all those at Aston throughout my degree.”

Maria MartinHuman Resource Management

“In my placement year I worked for Citigroup in London. On leaving Aston I joined the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. ”

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International Business and Economics BSc



Year 2Focus on developing your understanding of economics, the international business environment and international operations of business. Modules include:Business Policy; Strategic Finance for Decision Making; Foundations of Management 2: Business Game; Public Policy & Public Management; Principles of Microeconomics; Principles of Macroeconomics; Introduction to Econometrics; Industrial Organisation & Strategy; International Business Economics.

Further optional modules available include: Language modules at beginners, intermediate or advanced levels: French, German or Spanish. Beginners or intermediate Arabic or Mandarin.

Year 3 - placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a professional placement gaining valuable and practical business experience. If you prefer, you can study overseas at one of our partner institutions. See page 59 for further information.

Final yearFocus on the implications of managing the major functions of finance and marketing within the international context – the application of economic theories in understanding international business, analysing policy and carrying out economic research. Modules include:

Core modules: Strategic Management; Economics of Business Organisations; Applied Econometrics & Forecasting; Competition Policy & Economic Regulation; Economics of Multinational Enterprise; Economics of Innovation; International Business oriented modules: International Operations; Financial Management for International Business; International Marketing; International Finance.

Further optional modules available include a Final Year Project; Language modules at beginners, intermediate or advanced levels: French, German or Spanish. Beginners or intermediate Arabic or Mandarin.

More detailed module information is available on our website

Key benefits

t Highly relevant for understanding and interpreting the world economy and globalisation of business

t Excellent placement opportunities

t A sound base for a career in international business and as an applied/business economist.

Career prospectsRecent graduate positions include:Allied Irish Bank - Corporate Banking Graduate

Big Red - Recruitment Consultant

BT - Graduate Scheme Trainee

BVCA - Private Equity Analyst

HKS Retail - Analyst Data

HSBC - Foreign Exchange and Money Market Dealer

IGI - General Manager

JP Morgan - Analyst

RBS - Credit Derivatives Officer

Rode Ltd - Importer

The Southwestern Company - Organisational Field Leader


Programme overviewWith the increasing globalisation of business and the revolution in communications, no company can afford to ignore the international dimension. The international business component of the programme will develop the knowledge and skills required for assessing and developing international strategies and operations of businesses. The economics component will develop skills required to make an assessment of the economic environment of companies and their strategies within the context of national and international environments. The combination of international business and applied economics on this programme provides a good introduction to the world of business and a solid foundation for a career in international commerce, or as an applied/business economist.


UCAS code: LNC1




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International Business and Management BSc

Programme outlineYear 1Common first year covering all major business functions to help underpin your studies. See page 58 for further information. This year includes studies in International Perspectives to provide a strong foundation for the second and final years. Although not compulsory, a language can be included as an extra-curricular subject.

Year 2 and final yearThis degree offers a great deal of flexibility for you to begin tailoring your degree. In the second and final year you will specialise in two areas of management.

You will select the ‘International Management’ stream and/or the ‘International Business Communication’ stream. If only one of these streams is chosen, students may select any other stream from the comprehensive range of specialisms on the Business and Management programme (see page 64 for the list of streams).

Year 3 - placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year either working or studying abroad in an English speaking environment.

See page 59 for further information.

Subject streams include: International Management:

Modules include: International Business Economics; Emerging & Transition Economics; International Business Environment.

International Business Communication:

Modules include: French, German or Spanish language modules (from beginners, intermediate or advanced levels) or Arabic or Mandarin (beginners or intermediate), plus Intercultural Business communication; Management Styles in Writing; Intercultural Presentations.



UCAS code: NNC2



Programme overviewInternational Business and Management offers a core strategic management focus within an international business context. This exciting degree offers the opportunity to spend your placement year abroad either working or studying in an English speaking environment.

Key benefits

t Aston Business School degrees are highly ranked in the UK’s University league tables

t Aston Business School is among just 1% of business schools worldwide to have secured triple accreditation from the main international kite marks (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB)

t Work or study placement opportunities overseas in the third year

t Option to learn or improve in French, German, Mandarin, Arabic or Spanish.

Career prospectsOf our most recent Business graduates, 80% went into graduate level employment within six months of graduation. Below are examples of the organisations that employed them:Alumwell BEC - Trainee Teacher

Anisa International - Sales Manager

Bank of Latvia - Accountant

BT - Graduate Scheme - Professional Services

Deloitte - Audit Associate

Financial Services Authority - Financial Associate

Gist - Operations Management Trainer

Hewlett Packard - Project Manager

HSBC - Graduate Analyst

KPMG - Trainee Auditor

Kraft Food UK - Graduate Management Trainee

Tangible Branding - Market Researcher



Key benefits

t A degree with a first class reputation and excellent career prospects

t An integrated programme involving Business taught in French, German or Spanish (as well as English)

t Opportunity to study in a partner business school and/or undertake a work placement during your year abroad

t Highly regarded for research

t Birmingham is a major centre of European and international business, adding context to your studies.

Career prospectsOf our most recent graduates 83% went into graduate level employment within six months of graduation. Recent graduate positions include:Morgan Stanley – Stock Analyst

L’Oréal – Graduate Management Trainee

BNP Paribas – Administrator

Nintendo Europe – Marketing Manager

Reuters – Market Analyst

Harrods – Executive Trainee

Warner Music – Financial Analyst

Rolls-Royce – Executive Assistant to the Board

Estée Lauder – Account Coordinator


Programme overviewInternational managers need to have qualities such as drive and leadership. They need to be particularly good communicators and be sensitive to different cultures and traditions. Learning a language to a high level and living and working abroad help to develop these qualities. International Business & Modern Languages at Aston started in 1984 and its unique structure sets itself as a market leader for students who want to study business and languages.

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International Business and Modern Languages BSc

Programme outlineThis programme has been designed so that the language and business subjects support each other. In particular, part of the business teaching is carried out in French, German or Spanish. You will develop your fluency, accuracy and confidence in using the language, both in business situations and more generally.

The integrated nature of the degree means that it has been designed as a whole and the structure of it is the same, whichever language(s) you are taking.

Year 1Modules taught in English:

Principles of Financial Accounting; International Accounting; Economic Environment of Business; Information Technology in Business; International Business Environment; Organisational Behaviour; Quantitative Techniques.

Modules taught in French, German or Spanish:

International Business Environment; (France, Germany or Latin America/Spain); Language – Written & Spoken; History & Society (France, Germany, Spain).

Year 2Modules taught in English:

Strategic Finance; Management Accounting; Data Analysis & Modelling for Management; International Business Environment; Marketing; Operations Management.


International Business Environment (France, Germany or Latin America/Spain); Language – Written & Spoken; Law; Contemporary Society.

Placement yearStudy and/or work in a French/German/Spanish speaking country. This year offers a great deal of flexibility with the option of studying, working, or doing a combination of both.

If you choose to do a study placement you will spend time in one of the prestigious Business Schools that we have exchange agreements with in Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico and Spain.

Further information on the placement year and partner institutions is available on our website.

Key facts4 year sandwich course with integrated year abroad

UCAS codes: French NRF1French & German NRF9French & Spanish NR11German NRC2German & Spanish NR12Spanish NR14

Typical offer levelA Level: AABBTEC National Diploma: DDDIB: 34 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA-level grade B in relevant language(s)GCSE: Maths and English Grade C


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Final yearModules taught in English:

International Marketing or International Operations; International Finance; Finance; International Business Economics; Policy Analysis & Decision-Making (Strategy).


International Business Environment (France, Germany or Latin America/Spain) Language – Written & Spoken; Research dissertation.

More detailed information is available on our website.

“I spent nine months at ESCP-EAP European School of Management and had a work placement at Christian Dior. I chose to study abroad as I felt I would have a better chance of meeting people my own age and learning more about the culture. I saw a huge improvement in my spoken French after coming back, as well as being able to apply theory learnt in lectures to a real world focus.

Today, my French helps me significantly at work and having a year abroad experience on your CV is always an interesting talking point during interviews!”

Dinal LimbachiaIBML French

“My university experience at Aston was unforgettable, in particular my year abroad in Paris.”

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Management and Strategy BSc



Year 2 and final yearsYou will have the opportunity to continue with a broad programme of study following core modules encompassing business policy and strategic management. Modules include:

Business Strategy for Future Leaders; Public Policy & Public Management; Strategic Finance; Business Policy; Business Game; Business & Government; Business Psychology/Human Resource Management; Economics & International Management; Finance; Information Systems & E-business; Law; Management Science & Operations Management; Marketing; Sociology; Language Modules.



Key benefits

t Our broadest based business management degree with a wide range of optional modules

t Degree programme well recognised by employers

t Internationally renowned for research

t Paid professional work placement year.

Career prospectsOf our most recent Business graduates 80% went into graduate level employment within 6 months of graduation. Below are examples of the graduate positions they have obtained:BT – Graduate Business Manager

Capgemini – Application Consultant

Civil Service – Graduate Trainee

Comet – Assistant Buyer

Conrad Electronics – Category Manager

Co-op Group – Projects Officer

Deloitte – Tax Associate

Empathica – Project Coordinator

Globaleye – Business Development Manager

Home Office – HR Advisor

IBS – Human Capital Management Consultant

Intel – Customer Business Manager

Xerox – Procurement and Contracting Support Analyst


Programme overviewThis programme provides a comprehensive education in management. The strategy element of the programme is reflected in the choice of optional modules available. This aims to prepare students to be flexible, well-rounded management graduates who have experienced a selection of business functions ranging from Finance, Accounting and Business Law to Marketing, Business Psychology, Public Sector Management and Economics.


UCAS code: N211


Specific subject requirementsGCSE: English and Maths Grade C

“This allowed me to gain a broad base of knowledge and skills vital in the current workplace, which has led to me securing a graduate position at one of the world’s most revered car makers – Jaguar Land Rover - in Marketing, Sales and Service.Aston gave me not only the academic ability to prepare me for the big wide world, but also people skills, which are vital in the ever competitive modern workplace and in which Aston graduates really stand out. No matter how much teaching happens in a lecture theatre nothing makes you learn faster than experience.”

Adam HendersonManagement & Strategy

“MAS at Aston gave me the flexibility to tailor my degree to suit me.” ”


Programme overviewMarketing is concerned with the dynamic relationships between organisations and their customers or clients, and involves focusing organisational resources in order to identify and satisfy the needs and wants of customers better than the competition does. This programme places great emphasis on a marketing-orientated approach to business and management.

Key benefits

t Outstanding reputation for research

t Paid professional work placement year

t Specialist marketing skills built on a broad foundation of management

t Close links with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

t Marketing professionals participate in our undergraduate teaching.

Career prospectsOf our most recent Business graduates, 80% went into graduate level employment within six months of graduation. Below are examples of the graduate positions they have obtained:Axiel – Market Researcher

Barclays – Relationship Support Manager

BMW – Marketing Executive

BT – Business Development Manager

Fujitsu – Accounts Manager

General Motors – Product Analyst

Janssen-Cilag Ltd – Marketing Intelligence Executive

Lloyds TSB – Business Development Manager

Marketforce – Retail Information Analyst

Reading Room – Project Manager

RWE Npower – Senior Planning Coordinator

Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants – Commercial Marketing Executive


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Management and Strategy BSc Marketing BSc


Year 2The second year is designed to help our students gain a holistic view of marketing as a function by integrating various aspects of marketing through the different modules. Which include:

Marketing Management; Marketing Psychology; Market Research Techniques; Principles of Services Marketing; Business-to-Business Marketing; E-Marketing.


Final yearThis year provides greater specialisation in areas including marketing strategy, distribution and retailing, international marketing and marketing communication.

Other modules include: Services Marketing Management; Marketing for Nonprofit Organisations; Advanced Marketing Communications.


Professional recognitionAfter completing the Aston BSc Marketing programme, you will be able to gain entry to the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s (CIM) Professional Series Stage 3*.

* Exemptions may change from time to time. You are advised to check with admissions staff regarding the current range of exemptions.


UCAS code: N500


Specific subject requirementsGCSE: English and Maths Grade C

”


Aston Law We aspire to provide commercially intelligent legal education, building on our teaching experience and research expertise. Our aim is to help Aston LLB graduates stand out from the crowd. Competition for entry to the legal profession is fierce. Our LLB programme is designed with this in mind and combines legal and management studies in order to develop students’ commercial acumen and their understanding of the law in action.

Law has been taught at Aston University for many years. Our LLB degree is recognised by the legal profession as a ‘qualifying law degree’ and therefore enables our law graduates to proceed directly to the vocational stage of training in order to become a solicitor or barrister.

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Commercial awareness is key because successful lawyers need more than legal knowledge to succeed. The placement year, for students on our four year LLB, provides the opportunity for students to develop their soft skills and enhance their CV. The year can be spent in a legal or commercial environment.

At Aston, our experienced law lecturers deliver all of our law lectures, tutorials and seminars, graduate students do not do any of the law teaching. All LLB students have an academic mentor – one of the law lecturers – to guide them throughout their time at Aston. We know our students individually and are proud of the friendly, supportive environment we provide. In addition we have excellent resources: a mock court room, key legal texts and access to the leading law databases.

Your formal studies at Aston University will be supported by the activities of our thriving Student Law Society. The Society arranges careers and social events throughout the academic year. There is an annual mooting competition – where students prepare arguments based on fictional cases – to help students develop advocacy skills. Visits to local courts, and those in London, will take place throughout your time at Aston. Guest lecturers, drawing on our excellent links with the local legal profession, will provide you with extra insights.

The market for legal services is changing. The lawyer of the future will be expected to perform many roles. Legal knowledge is not enough. Our law degrees will provide you with the knowledge, skills and commercial awareness you need to succeed.


Programme overviewLegal practice is changing. A successful legal career requires more than legal knowledge – business awareness and management skills are also essential. This exciting degree programme has been designed with the changing nature of legal practice in mind. This programme enables you to acquire a qualifying law degree along with management knowledge and skills.

Key benefits

t A qualifying law degree that equips you with highly sought after commercial awareness and business skills

t Harnesses the research and teaching expertise in Business related Law at Aston Business School

t Developed with input from the legal profession to reflect industry needs

t One of the few UK Law degrees with an integrated work placement year

t Aston Business School is highly ranked in UK university league tables.

Career prospectsThis degree will appeal to anyone wishing to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister. A degree in law also provides an excellent foundation for a variety of careers in the private and public sectors where legal knowledge is needed, including taxation, accountancy, consultancy and human resource management. All Aston LLB students have an academic mentor to provide support and advice about work and careers.


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Law with Management LLB

Programme outlineYear 1You will study a range of legal and management subjects including contract law; constitutional law; legal research; accounting; organisational behaviour and economics.

Modules include:Contract Law; Constitutional Law; English Legal System; Legal Study & Research Skills; Organisational Behaviour; Foundations of Management; Financial Accounting; Management Accounting; Economics.

Year 2You will study tort law and criminal law as well as business related legal subjects including intellectual property law. Your management and business skills are developed further through your participation on Aston Business School core modules including the Business Game.

Modules include: Criminal Law; Tort Law; Intellectual Property Law; Business Law; Land/Property Law; Business Game; Business Policy; Business Economics.


Final yearBuilds on the first two years of study and experience and will provide you with a thorough knowledge of law as it affects corporate activity and employer/employee relationships.

Modules include: Equity & Trusts; Company Law; International Business Law; Employment Law; EU Law; Strategic Management.


Professional recognitionThis is a qualifying law degree. It is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board as satisfying the academic stage of legal training for solicitors or barristers. Aston LLB graduates can therefore proceed directly to the Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course.

Key facts4 year sandwich course 3 year course without placement available

UCAS codes: M1NF 3 year degreeM1N2 4 year degree with placement

Typical offer levelA Level: AABBTEC National Diploma: DDDIB: 34 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade B


Degree ProgrammesChemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry

t Biological Chemistry BSc 81

t Chemical Engineering BEng 82

t Chemical Engineering MEng 83

t Chemistry/Applied Chemistry BSc 84

Computing

t Computing Science BSc 85

t Computing for Business BSc 86

t Multimedia Computing BSc 87

Construction

t Construction Management BSc 88

t Construction Project Management BSc 89

Electronic Engineering and Communications

t Communications Engineering BEng 90

t Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng 91

t Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng 92

t Electronic Engineering and Computer Science BEng 93

t Electronic Engineering and Computer Science MEng 94

t Internet Systems BSc 95

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School of Engineering & Applied Science

To find out more visit: www.aston.ac.uk/eas

T 0121 204 3400

E [email protected]


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Degree Programmes

Logistics and Transport Management

t Logistics BSc 96

t Transport Management BSc 97

Mathematics

t Mathematics BSc 98

t Mathematics with Computing BSc 99

t Mathematics (Joint/Combined) BSc 100

Mechanical Engineering

t Design Engineering BEng 101

t ElectroMechanical Engineering BEng 102

t Mechanical Engineering BEng 103

t Mechanical Engineering MEng 104

www.aston.ac.uk/eas

Product Design

t Industrial Product Design BSc 106

t Product Design and Management BSc 107

t Transport Product Design BSc 108

Foundation Years

t Engineering 109

t Science/Computing 109

t International 35

Work-based learning

t Logistics 155

t Electrical Power Engineering 156


www.aston.co.uk

Placement YearAll courses offered by the School of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) have been developed to include an integrated one-year placement in industry, business, or research and development and are designated 4 or 5 year sandwich courses.

The Placement Year is an exciting opportunity to spend a year improving your long-term career prospects and developing the knowledge and skills you have acquired on your degree programme in a relevant workplace environment. We encourage all our students to undertake a placement year as not only will you gain a much better appreciation of both the application and the context of your academic studies, you will also receive valuable work experience that will help you to differentiate yourself from other graduates. A dedicated Placements Office is available to support you throughout the placement process.

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79 The benefits of a placement year include:

t Increase your employability prospects, employers prefer to employ students with placement experience.

t You will be given the opportunity to put the theory of your degree into practice.

t You will gain an insight into your chosen career and gain a clearer understanding of your preferred career direction by taking on a role in a professional organisation.

t There is the potential to receive a salary as most placements are paid work experience.

t You will gain an appreciation of the workplace through meeting specified targets and working regular hours.

t Some employers use the placement year as a 12 month interview, and have offered students graduate positions following completion of their placement.

t You will gain invaluable industry experience helping to differentiate yourself from other graduates.

t The skills and knowledge learnt during the placement will aid your work during your final year - it has been noted that students’ grades improve following an Industrial Placement Year.

t You will return to Aston enthusiastic about your experience and with a desire to succeed.

For those students who do not wish to take the opportunity of the integrated placement year, all courses are also available on a 3 or 4 year full-time basis.

Learning, teaching and assessmentYou will benefit from a wide range of teaching methods and learning styles including: formal lectures, seminars and group tutorials, laboratory exercises, practical classes, computer-aided learning, and individual and group projects. Where applicable, our courses incorporate plant visits. You will also be involved in project work; developing essential problem-solving skills with specialist supervision from staff and industrial consultants. This hands-on experience will involve learning a wide range of techniques.


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Each course entry contains a key facts box which has information on UCAS codes and entry requirements.

Please note that these entries are correct at time of going to press, but changes do occur - please visit

our website www.aston.ac.uk/eas for up-to-date information and contact details.

All our courses normally include formative and summative assessments. Summative assessment is by a combination of written exams and project, laboratory and course work. The proportion of exams and coursework varies according to each module chosen.

Learning to learnAston University has always prided itself on being a university able to provide practically relevant courses at all levels. The School of Engineering and Applied Science wants to make sure we continue to do this, and to this end is evolving our courses to allow you to develop your learning by engaging in practical, cross-disciplinary project-based work. We strongly believe, and research backs this up, that the essence of you becoming an engineer, scientist or designer is not only dependent on you developing technical knowledge, but also being able to combine this with practical skills, social awareness, team and project management abilities, and competences in many other fields to solve engineering problems.

Most traditional courses struggle to achieve this and so we work with you using a much more practical, project-based approach to teaching and learning. We want to move away from intense and assessment-heavy teaching and move to a culture where students have space and encouragement, learning to learn for themselves.

This approach is particularly evident in what is known as the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement & Operate) initiative and is supported by around 50 of the world’s top technical institutions. Universities we work with on this initiative include Liverpool and Queens (Belfast) in the UK, MIT and Purdue in the United States, Chalmers and the Danish Technical University in Scandinavia and Tsinghua in China.

At present CDIO is run in all the courses under the Mechanical Engineering & Design subject group (see pages 101-108).

AccreditationThe School of Engineering and Applied Science is very proud of the number of its courses which have received accreditation from the relevant professional organisation. Gaining accreditation involves inviting the professional organisation to review the content and quality of the course and its delivery – a strict quality assurance process which enables our students to feel confident they are involved with a university where recognised industry and academic standards are being met.

New courses We are pleased to announce our 4 year fast-track MEng courses in the Electronic Engineering subject group, which feature an integrated placement year. This will allow you to compress what would normally

be a five year degree into four years – see MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering (page 92) and MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science (page 94) for more details.

Facilities and ITOur modern, purpose-designed labs and teaching facilities include excellent IT facilities. You will have access to an extensive network of computer facilities including high performance PCs for industrial standard CAD, as well as a large number of embedded processors for practical work. Tailored computing courses and self-tuition packages ensure the development of IT and word processing skills.

These resources are complemented by specialist electronics, telecommunications and networked laboratories and research facilities.

All computer workstations are linked by the University Intranet, and have Internet access.



Programme overviewOur Biological Chemistry course is aimed at students interested in the flourishing interface between chemical and biological science, processing and biotechnology. The course is based on a core of chemistry modules with a strong additional content of biosciences subjects. You will be well equipped to meet the needs of the wide variety of rapidly developing industries looking for skills in these closely inter-related fields. Some of the most important research advances in biology over the last twenty years have been made by chemists. This is a specialist course designed for students contemplating a future in research at the interface between chemistry and biology. It focuses on the themes of advanced, modern organic synthesis, analysis and chemical and molecular biology.

Subject guideYear 1 Fundamental Chemistry; Kinetics; Physiology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Mathematics; Health and Safety.

Year 2 Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; Polymers; Biomolecules; Biomaterials; Human Disease; Nutrition; Genetics; Endocrinology.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement gaining valuable and practical experience.

Final year Biomolecules; Biomaterials; Metabolism; NMR Techniques; Drug Manufacture and Delivery; Microbiology; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Science.

A full list of current modules is available on the website.

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Biological Chemistry BSc

Key facts3 year full-time or 4 year sandwich course

UCAS code: C720

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including Chemistry and Biology at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Chemistry and BiologyGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade C and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t This course is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

t Close industrial links for excellent placement opportunities

t Transfer to BSc Chemistry/Applied Chemistry or BEng/MEng Chemical Engineering is possible in the first year.

Career prospectsYour broad grounding in the principles of chemistry will prepare you to enter research, development or production in the chemical process industries, or to undertake postgraduate research leading to a PhD or teaching or postgraduate teaching certificates (PGCE). Alternatively you may pursue a career in areas as diverse as commerce, administration, accounting, banking or the civil service. There are also opportunities in a wide variety of modern exciting industries including pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals, biotechnology, environmental control, water, renewable energy and materials.

“I chose BSc Biological Chemistry at Aston for the broad range of subjects and skill sets offered by the course; the University’s great reputation for

graduate employment, research studies, and the opportunity to take a placement year finalised the decision for me.

The course itself has been a challenging and rewarding experience, with a good balance between lectures and practical experience in the laboratory. The staff have supported and encouraged me from the beginning, in order to help me decide a future career path, and I am aiming to become part of Aston’s Biomedical and Biosciences Research Group and to complete my PhD degree.

Aston’s location is ideal, Birmingham is a vibrant and friendly city that has been the perfect ‘home from home’ during my undergraduate years, and I am really looking forward to spending my Postgraduate years with Aston.”

Gwen Chimonides BSc Biological Chemistry


Key benefits

t Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

t Aston University was ranked 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2011 for Chemical Engineering – ‘the practical application of chemistry on a large scale, and how products can be manufactured – including chemical, process and energy engineering’

t Consistently high levels of student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS).

Programme overviewChemical engineers are very much at the forefront of working to improve the quality of our lives - every day we use products which require the skills of a chemical engineer. As a chemical engineer you will combine a detailed knowledge of chemistry with an understanding of engineering principles in order to design, construct and operate chemical process plants. It is a challenging and fascinating profession with extensive career opportunities. In addition to the traditional oil and chemical-based industries you will be well equipped to go into a wide range of careers, including:

t food production

t environmental protection

t energy conservation

t waste recovery and recycling

t medical science

t health and safety

t alternative energy sources

t research, management and consultancy.

The BEng in Chemical Engineering is designed to develop your engineering skills, in the context of a firm grounding in chemistry. To ensure this you share a common first year with chemists. In later years you go on to specialise at a more advanced level in the core engineering topics such as heat transfer and separation processes. In addition you study the important topics of business, management and sustainability, continuously developing and applying problem-solving skills. Your computer modelling skills will also be developed with a strong emphasis on process simulation.

Subject guideYears 1 and 2Chemical Engineering Operations; Design of Chemical Processes and Equipment; Management; Mathematics; Fluid Flow; Heat Transfer; Thermodynamics; Process Instrumentation; Chemistry; Chemical Kinetics; Process Simulation; Process Control and Safety; Reaction Engineering; Materials.


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Chemical Engineering BEng


UCAS code: H803

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including Chemistry at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Chemistry required, Maths preferred but not essentialGCSE: Maths Grade C and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Career prospectsRecent graduates have found lucrative graduate engineering/consultancy positions with companies including: Stone and Webster, BP, ExxonMobil, Kodak Ltd, Unilever, Corus, AMEC, British Energy, BT, Foster Wheeler and Sellafield Sites Ltd.Of our most recent BEng/MEng Chemical Engineering graduates, 87% went into employment or on to further study.

Final yearAdvanced Chemical Engineering Operations; Advanced Transfer Processes; Pollution Prevention and Control; Design Problem; Process Economics; Management; Process Control; Reaction Engineering and a Sustainability Project.

A full list of modules is available on the website.

“A key feature of Aston is the focus on industrial placements. I undertook my work placement at the chemical company Basell, where I had a great time, along with it being a tremendous learning opportunity. I am now working as a production management engineer at Kodak, where, thanks to my time at Aston, I am relishing the challenges.”

Mohammed Atiq BEng Chemical Engineering

“I had an enjoyable time at Aston and feel that I made the most of the vast academic, social and sporting opportunities.”

”



Programme overviewBuilding on the BEng course, the MEng is an extended, broader-based qualification requiring four years of academic study, as well as an optional industrial placement year. The course is enhanced by additional subjects including strategic finance, renewable energy and a major research project. An emphasis on group work will help you develop further the extensive range of skills required by the professional engineer. It is a challenging and demanding course which will take you deeper into your subject and enable you to progress more readily after graduation to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, which in turn will enable you to aim for the highest levels in industry.

Subject guideYears 1 and 2Chemical Engineering Operations; Design of Chemical Processes and Equipment; Management; Mathematics; Fluid Flow; Heat Transfer; Thermodynamics; Process Instrumentation; Chemistry; Chemical Kinetics; Process Simulation; Process Control and Safety; Reaction Engineering; Materials.

Third yearAdvanced Chemical Engineering Operations; Biomaterials; Advanced Transfer Processes; Pollution Prevention and Control; Design Problem; Process Economics; Management; Process Control; Reaction Engineering and a Sustainability Project.


Final yearTo gain your MEng status you will undertake a major research project and advanced management and energy modules.


Chemical Engineering MEng


UCAS code: H804

Typical offer levelA Level: AAB-AAABTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National Diploma (including A Level Chemistry and Maths at Grade B)IB: 34 points (including minimum Grade 6 in Maths and Chemistry at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Chemistry and MathsGCSE: English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t MEng Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

t Aston University was ranked 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2011 for Chemical Engineering – ‘the practical application of chemistry on a large scale, and how products can be manufactured – including chemical, process and energy engineering’

t Consistently high levels of student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS).

Career prospectsRecent graduates found lucrative graduate engineering/consultancy positions with companies including: Stone and Webster, BP, ExxonMobil, Kodak Ltd, Unilever, Corus, AMEC, British Energy, BT, Foster Wheeler and Sellafield Sites Ltd.Of our most recent BEng/MEng Chemical Engineering graduates, 87% went into employment or on to further study.

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“I decided that Aston was the university for me when I attended an Open Day. Of all the institutes I had visited it had the warmest, friendliest atmosphere and it

was very well situated within the city. The fact that Aston was smaller than many other universities was a welcome factor. It felt like each student counted as an individual. I found that the course was not confined to the lecture theatre, but gave ample opportunities to sample the practical side of engineering.

I did my industrial placement with BP Oil Ltd, which not only improved the skills I was learning, but also enhanced my CV a great deal. One thing I have noticed since graduating is that an engineering degree from Aston seems to impress people. I am now part of the Aston European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI), evaluating the potential of marine biomass as a source of energy, as well as how ammonia can be made from biomass instead of fossil fuels.”

Sarah Alexander MEng Chemical Engineering

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Key benefits

t Recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

t Transfer to BEng/MEng (Chemical Engineering) possible in the first year

t Emphasis on industrial and applied chemistry

t Close industrial links provide excellent placement opportunities.

Programme overviewThis vigorous, fast developing science lies at the heart of most technological developments, contributing enormously to our economy. Countless consumer and industrial products, medicines and pharmaceuticals are produced on processes developed from the fundamental principles of chemistry. Our courses emphasise the commercial, as well as the industrial application of chemistry, aiming to expand your fundamental chemical knowledge, refine your professional, scientific and technical skills and to develop your personal, communication and management skills.

The BSc courses in Chemistry/Applied Chemistry are designed to develop your chemistry skills, supported by a firm grounding in chemical engineering. To ensure this, you share a common first year with chemical engineers. In later years you go on to specialise at a more advanced level in the core chemical topics such as organic and physical chemistry.

Subject guideYears 1 and 2 Inorganic; Organic; Physical; Biological and Polymer Chemistry; Thermodynamics; Mathematics; Chemical Processes and Process Design; Chemical Kinetics; Polymer Science; Bioscience; Spectroscopy.


Final yearAdvanced Chemistry topics; Polymer Science; Biomaterials; Analytical Techniques; Management.


The 3 year course results in a BSc in Chemistry – if you choose to extend your study to the 4 year degree by including a placement year, the degree awarded is the BSc in Applied Chemistry.

Chemistry BSc Applied Chemistry BSc

Key factsChemistry: 3 year full-time courseApplied Chemistry: 4 year sandwich course

UCAS codes: Chemistry F100Applied Chemistry FC10

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National Diploma IB: 32 points (including Chemistry at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Chemistry General Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade C and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Career prospectsUltimately you will be equipped for a successful career in chemistry, the chemical industries or a vast range of alternative scientific, business and professional occupations. According to the most recent student destination statistics, 89% of our BSc Chemistry/Applied Chemistry students went into employment or on to further study.

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“I wanted to see the larger picture. Aston provided a course that not only included core modules of chemistry but also aspects of chemical engineering, biochemistry and business. The lecturers have all had previous experience working in the “real world” - together with their approachable nature and outgoing personalities, they have made my time as an undergraduate student a memorable and enjoyable experience.

For my sandwich year I worked at Exova Laboratories. For a chemist having industrial experience and Aston University on the CV sets you apart from the rest. I am currently developing injectable intra-ocular lenses with impregnated radiopaque contrast agents as part of my PhD.”

Tarnvir Bhamra Applied Chemistry

“I enjoyed studying chemistry at A Level and wanted to enhance my understanding further, but pure chemistry was not for me.”

”


Subject guideYear 1 Programming; Problem Solving; Computer Systems; Information Systems and Databases; Internet Computing; Communications Skills; Mathematics for Computer Professionals.

Year 2 Software Engineering; Data Structures and Algorithms; Group Project; Human Computer Interaction; Operating Systems; Programming Language Concepts; Internet Applications and Techniques; Artificial Intelligence; Professional Aspects of Computing; Computer Graphics.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement gaining valuable and practical business experience.

Final yearThe core of the final year comprises:

Software Project Management; Testing and Reliable Software Engineering; Individual Project.

Final year options currently include:

Information Security; Image and Video Processing; Interaction Design; Enterprise Computing Strategies; Computer Animation; Natural Language Processing; Programming Language

Computing Science BSc


UCAS code: G400

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths or Computing preferred but not essentialGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t Accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS)

t The research expertise of Computing Science staff is integrated into undergraduate teaching

t Gain practical skills in designing software systems

t Includes elements of software engineering, programming, internet computing.

Career prospectsStudents typically find work with major organisations such as IBM UK, Ford, 3M, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Intel, BT, Corus, Toyota, Cap Gemini, Intergra-Net UK, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Logica CMG and TNT.

Of our most recent BSc Computing Science graduates, 82% went into employment or on to further study.

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Implementation; Distributed Systems; Multimedia Information Retrieval; Multi Agent Systems; Data Mining; Game Development; Geographical Information Systems; Enterprise Application Technology.

FacilitiesSee the section under Multimedia Computing.

Programme overviewRevolutionary developments in computing science affect almost every area of modern life. The wider the workplace applications of computers, the greater the challenge for IT professionals. BSc Computing Science aims to produce Graduate Software Engineers who specialise in object-oriented software design and implementation. Graduates will be highly attractive to employers and well prepared for a rewarding career as a computing professional adaptable to a wide range of employment opportunities, delivering the next generation of high-quality software systems.

Students opting for the sandwich course enhance their career preparation through a period of structured professional training. Your final year project and options will enable you to follow specialisms of particular interest.

We provide a participation route leading to professional computing employment that is accessible to students who have demonstrated good intellectual aptitude rather than subject-specific preparation.

“Studying a Combined Honours degree in Business and Computer Science opened up many opportunities as well as giving my career a head start.

The dedicated Aston University placements Office helped me secure a 12 month position at IBM which made a massive impact on my CV. I’ve realised that many top companies seek applicants with the Aston University ‘brand’ knowing that they have been moulded for the real world theoretically and practically. Since graduating I have been employed on the graduate schemes at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), and now at Computer Sciences Corporations (CSC). There is a family-type of environment at Aston helping students settle in quickly and comfortably.”

Amit Katwa BSc Computing Science and Business Administration


Key benefits


t Endorsed by e-skills as an ITMB programme (see www.e-skills.com/itmb)

t Learn practical software design skills relevant to your career

t Study the application of computing in a business context

t Meet industry leaders and ask them questions

t Get direct feedback on your CV and interview technique from employers

t Link up with ITMB students from other universities, giving you access to an exclusive network.

Programme overviewThe BSc Computing for Business aims to produce Graduate Software Developers who specialise in managing software development for business. Graduates will be highly attractive to employers and well prepared for a rewarding career as a computing professional, specifically prepared to respond to the computing challenges of the business world.

As an e-skills ITMB programme, Computing for Business is designed with the help of some of the world’s biggest employers. This degree programme is a great option if you’re interested in both business and IT. Not only does it provide you with the sophisticated skills you need to get ahead in the IT industry, it also gives you the chance to regularly meet and network with industry leaders from over 60 leading organisations. You might even meet your future employer while you’re studying on the course!

Computing for Business will focus your mind on how to provide computing solutions that solve the problems of business, concentrating on the design, construction and application of computing systems to meet the requirements of business organisations. The programme provides students with a thorough grounding in IT, project management skills and entrepreneurial ways of thinking.

Subject guideYear 1 Programming; Information Systems and Databases; Internet Computing; Computer Systems; Communications Skills; Organisational Behaviour; Economics; Accounting; Business Decision Analysis, Quantitative Techniques.

Year 2 Programming; Software Lifecycle and Design; Group Project; Internet Applications; Human-Computer Interaction; Professional Aspects of Computing; Project Management; Business Policy; Management Accounting; Marketing.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement gaining valuable and practical experience in business and in the operation of information systems.

Computing for Business BSc


UCAS code: G460


Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths or Computing or Business preferred but not essentialGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Career prospectsRecent graduates found positions with companies such as IBM, ICL, Yahoo, BAE Systems, Merrill Lynch, Pilkington, Welsh Assembly, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ford, Oracle, Credit Suisse First Boston, HSBC, Vodafone, UBS Bank, Jaguar, BP, Goldman Sachs and Caterpillar.

Of our most recent BSc Computing for Business graduates, nearly 80% went into employment or on to further study.


Software Project Management; Enterprise Computing Strategies; Individual Project.

Final year options include:

Finance; Effective Teamwork; Value Based Strategy; Interaction Design; Information Security; Data Mining; Natural Language Processing; Market Research; e-Marketing; Marketing Psychology; Knowledge at Work; Entrepreneurial Strategy; Geographical Information Systems; Enterprise Application Technology.

FacilitiesSee the section under Multimedia Computing.

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An e-skills Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) Programme


Programme overviewThe BSc Multimedia Computing aims to produce Graduate Software Developers who specialise in using the computer as a communication tool. Multimedia is about conveying information as effectively as possible through the integrated use of different media. Learning how to exploit multimedia enables you to explore the potential of text, still and moving images, sound and computer animation. You will learn new and interesting ways to combine those components into software applications and make them accessible through the internet, CD, DVD and broadcast media.

Graduates will be:

t Well prepared for a rewarding career as a technical professional

t Adaptable to a wide range of opportunities in the design and application of information communication systems, typically making use of a combination of multimedia, internet and computer software technologies

t Highly attractive to employers.

Subject GuideYear 1 Multimedia Software and Applications; Programming; Problem Solving; Information Systems and Databases; Computer Systems; Internet Computing; Communication Skills; Mathematics for Computing Professionals.

Year 2 User-centred Multimedia Group Project; Software Lifecycle and Design; Java Program Construction; Human-Computer Interaction; Computer Graphics; Computer Animation; Multimedia Science; Internet Applications; Professional Aspects of Computing.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement gaining valuable and practical experience in business and in the operation of information systems.


Interaction Design; Game Development; Image and Video Processing; Multimedia Information Retrieval; Individual Project.

Final year options include:

Information Security; Software Project Management; Enterprise Computing Strategies; Operating Systems; Multi Agent Systems; Geographical Information Systems; Enterprise Application Technology.


FacilitiesAston University recently invested £4m in a major upgrade of its campus IT network. The facilities provided for our computing students include six large teaching laboratories, each typically containing 50 or more PCs running both Windows and Linux operating systems with fast and reliable internet access. Additional labs provide high performance workstations reserved for project work and specialist teaching. Our Programming Support Office is available to help you with computer programming modules. The computing facilities are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Multimedia Computing BSc


UCAS code: G450


Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths or Computing preferred but not essentialGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits


t Created to meet the growing professional and technical demands of the multimedia industry

t Combine multimedia with internet software applications

t Gain practical skills with computer graphics, computer animation and game development

t 24 hour access to high-specification computing and specialist multimedia facilities.

Career prospectsMultimedia computing has numerous application areas including entertainment, education, commerce, engineering, medicine and scientific research.

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There is a need for people with the right technical and software development skills to work hand-in-hand with creative designers to deliver high-quality multimedia productions.

Career opportunities exist in areas such as website design and development, multimedia information editing and management, the internet and e-commerce.


Key benefitst Accredited by the Royal Institution

of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - under its partnership with Aston University, graduates are eligible to enter the RICS’s Assessment of Professional Competence Training Scheme

t Application for accreditation has also been made to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Programme overviewThere is always a demand for competent construction and project managers without whom the infrastructure, so necessary to today’s society, could not exist. The BSc in Construction Management develops the management skills that enable the construction manager to take responsibility for planning and implementing construction projects. It also draws upon those technical subjects which are necessary to enable you to solve the challenging problems encountered on construction sites. In the second year, the business, financial management, legal and planning aspects introduced in the first year are developed further, as are the more technically oriented construction subjects. The final year enhances your management and technical capabilities and provides you with the opportunity to explore a topic of your choice.

Subject guideYear 1 Introduction to Business Management; Construction Technology; Drawing & CAD; Study Skills; Surveying; Law; Financial Accounting; Introduction to Logistics; Design; Geology & Soil Science (including a four-day field course).

Year 2 Construction Law; Project Management; Estimation Measurement and Scheduling; Management Accounting; Inventory Control; Materials; Health Safety and Risk; Building Control; Construction Technology 2; Database Management; Principles of Economics.


Final yearContract Administration, Human Resource Management, Materials Durability & Assessment, Green Building, Operations Research, Value Risk and Whole Life Costing, Individual Project (triple module).

In addition to the core modules listed, the specialist Final Year subjects you will study are: Health Safety and Environmental Law, and two elective subjects.

Construction Management BSc

Key facts 3 year full-time or 4 year sandwich course

UCAS code: K220

Typical offer levelA Level: BBC-BBBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: A science or technical subjectGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted 88

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Career prospectsWhen you graduate you will possess the necessary skills and technical knowledge to work for construction and civil engineering contractors, building and project management consultants, local government and in the service industries. Alternatively you could choose to progress to postgraduate studies.

Of our recent Construction Management/Construction Project Management graduates, 80% went into employment.

The management, transferable and technical skills developed during your degree will also be attractive to other professions and there is significant potential for successful careers in such diverse fields as finance, logistics and general management.

Charlotte and Katrina were employed during their sandwich year by Balfour Beatty Construction. Their placements were so successful that Balfour Beatty sponsored them through their final year at university and on graduation they joined the company as full-time employees. As graduates, Charlotte and Katrina are now working on the construction of the Birmingham New Hospital Joint Venture Scheme, a £550 million project.

Charlotte is Site Manager with responsibility for the infrastructure and external works on a sector of the site. As an Assistant Engineer/Site Manager, Katrina has responsibilities for slip forming, quality control and aspects of general site management.

Charlotte Neilson and Katrina Shannon BSc Construction Management Balfour Beatty Construction

“We were impressed by the relevance of the modules. Our choice of Aston University, because of its emphasis on sandwich placements, was fully justified and we would recommend all students to seize the opportunities offered by placement years.”

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Programme overviewThe project management skills necessary for the commercial manager and quantity surveyor to play an integral part in finance, planning and operation of major construction projects are developed during our Construction Project Management degree. The first year provides a foundation to your degree by introducing a range of fundamental management and construction subjects. Your second year studies will centre on finance, resource management and logistics, together with the necessary knowledge of the construction process. Your management and technical capabilities are further developed during the final year, which also enables you to explore in depth a construction related topic of your choice through a research project. Subject guide

Year 1 Introduction to Business Management; Construction Technology; Drawing and CAD; Study Skills; Surveying; Law; Financial Accounting; Introduction to Logistics; Design; Geology and Soil Science (including a four-day field course).

Year 2 Construction Law; Project Management; Estimation Measurement and Scheduling; Management Accounting; Inventory Control; Materials; Health Safety and Risk; Building Control; Construction Technology 2; Database Management; Principles of Economics.


Final yearContract Administration; Human Resource Management; Materials Durability and Assessment; Green Building; Operations Research; Value Risk and Whole Life Costing; Individual Project. In addition to the core modules listed, specialist subjects in the Final Year are: Inbound Logistics; Facilities Management; and one elective subject.

Construction Project Management BSc


UCAS code: K221

Typical offer levelA Level: BBC-BBBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 pointsOther qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: A science or technical subjectGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

t Application for accreditation has also been made to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

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Career prospectsThe subjects covered in this degree will give you the necessary management skills and knowledge base for a career in construction project management. You could find yourself working for any one of a range of diverse organisations, including building and project management consultants, quantity surveying firms, contractors, local government and in the service industries.

The transferable and management skills developed during your studies will also be attractive to other professions and there is significant potential for successful careers in such areas as finance, logistics and general management.

Of our recent Construction Management/Construction Project Management graduates, 80% went into employment.

“My placement is with the Parliamentary Estates Directorate, at the Houses of Parliament. My role is to assist Project Managers

and Leaders on a wide range of projects, including attending meetings, prioritising work schedules, taking part in the procurement process, creating presentations and site visits.

I am currently working on an array of interesting projects from improvement Mechanical and Engineering aspects, to renovation of areas in the Palace and also developing rundown buildings. Working here I have been able to meet and work with a range of professionals including contractors, directors, engineers, conservation architects and project leaders.

The placement provides a fantastic experience that is highly relevant to my course, putting many modules I have studied into practice, and certainly helping immensely for my final year studies. From many professionals I have spoken to, and from my own experience, I believe going on a placement and gaining professional experience gives you the edge when it comes to looking for a graduate career.”

Henry Crockett Construction Project Management


Key benefitst A hands-on, project orientated

approach and close industrial links

t The Electronic Engineering subject group is internationally recognised for research in communications and this is reflected in the final year project opportunities

t Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with University funded student membership

t Student enterprise opportunities – support in setting up semi-commercial enterprises

t Consistently high level of student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS).

Programme overviewThe field of communications technology has expanded rapidly over the last twenty years, driven by the expansion of the internet, the development of smart phones and smart sensing networks. By studying in a subject group with an international reputation for its research in this area you will acquire a broad level of knowledge in electronic engineering and specialist knowledge in communications.

There is a strong emphasis on project work in all years allowing you to develop your engineering and management skills by working on engaging projects.

The practical experiences you will gain in the course, where ‘doing’ is as important as ‘knowing’, will give you a distinct advantage in the graduate communications engineering market.

Subject guideIn the early part of the course studies in electronic engineering including digital, analogue and programmable electronics are complemented with work on communications principles and optical, data and radio networks.

Year 1 The first two years are taught in common with other Electronic Engineering courses giving a flexible modular approach. Starting with the basic principles of analogue, digital and programmable electronic systems, you will rapidly develop the analytical skills to understand electrical circuits and systems. You will also take courses in computing and mathematics. Project work will allow you to develop skills in team working, business and communications.

Year 2Here you will study digital and programmable systems, communication systems, electronic systems and electrical systems in more depth. A themed design project and business course will enable you to develop your professional design and management skills.


Final yearIn the final year you will chose from a selection of specialised communications courses in areas such as high frequency, optical communications, data communications and telecommunications network design and management. You will also complete an extended individual project in an area of communications that interests you.

If you prefer to follow an even more challenging course, you should consider the fast track MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with an integrated placement, and specialise in Communications Engineering in the third and fourth year. Students on this BEng degree can transfer to the MEng course towards the end of the second year, subject to satisfactory performance.

Communications Engineering BEng


UCAS code: H640

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including Maths and Physics at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physical Science or ElectronicsGCSE: English Grade C

Career prospectsOur graduates are working in a number of different areas including research and development, design and manufacture, management and marketing, consultancy and innovation.

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Career prospectsSome of our recent graduates are currently commanding high salaries working in Government, the public sector and private industry.Employers include Intel, Olympus, Corus, HSBC, Hewlett Packard, Cogent Defence, BAE Systems, Npower, Siemens, Vodafone, QinetiQ, National Grid, Rolls Royce, Jaguar Cars and Microsoft.

Programme overviewElectronic engineers have enabled many of the technological advances which shape the way we live today and the way we view the future. With its impact on so many facets of modern-day life it is perhaps no surprise to find that electronic engineering is the most extensive and pervasive of all the engineering disciplines.

In addition to giving you the knowledge base of science and mathematics needed to excel in the field, you will develop the techniques and skills required to analyse problems and engineer solutions. There is a strong emphasis on practical work in all years allowing you to develop your engineering and management skills by working on engaging projects.

Our redesigned degree courses emphasise ‘doing’ as well as ‘knowing’, developing the practical, intellectual, business and communication skills which will give you a real competitive edge in the search for industrial placements and graduate employment.

Subject guideThis course will provide you with a broad-based education to give competence in a comprehensive range of electronic and electrical engineering disciplines.

Year 1Starting with the basic principles of analogue, digital and programmable electronic systems, you will rapidly develop the analytical skills to understand and begin designing electrical circuits and systems. You will also take courses in computing and mathematics. Project work will allow you to develop skills in team working, business and communications.



Final yearIn the final year you can take a broad range of options or specialise on one particular area such as communications, sensing, computing or electrical power. You will also complete an extended individual project in an area that interests you.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng

Key facts3 year full-time or 4 year sandwich

UCAS code: H600


Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physical Science or ElectronicsGCSE: English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t Consistently high level of student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS)

t A hands-on, project oriented approach and close industrial links

t The Electronic Engineering subject group is internationally recognised for research and this is reflected in final year project opportunities

t Transfer to 4 year fast-track MEng possible subject to satisfactory performance in years 1 and 2

t Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with University funded student membership

t Student enterprise opportunities – support in setting up semi-commercial enterprises.

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To find out more visit: www.aston.ac.uk/easwww.aston.ac.uk/eas


Key benefits


t Electronic Engineering has a consistently high level of student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS)

t The Electronic Engineering subject group is internationally recognised for research and this is reflected in the final year project opportunities

t 4 year fast-track MEng which includes an integrated 12 month placement

t Accreditation is being sought from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)


Programme overviewWith its impact on so many facets of modern-day life it is perhaps no surprise to find that electronic engineering is the most extensive and pervasive of all the engineering disciplines.

This ground-breaking, fast-track, higher level qualification allows to you gain an MEng qualification in four years and includes a 12 month industrial placement. In most other institutions this path takes five years to complete. The course gives you the opportunity to study electronics more deeply and decreases the time it will take you to achieve Chartered Engineer status.

The design of the course emphasises ‘doing’ as well as ‘knowing’, developing the practical, intellectual, business and communication skills. Taken with the experience you will gain on the placement, this course will give you a real competitive edge in the search for graduate employment.

Subject guideIn addition to giving you the knowledge base of science and mathematics needed to excel in the field, you will develop the techniques and skills required to analyse problems and engineer solutions. There is a strong emphasis on practical work in all years allowing you to develop your engineering and management skills by working on engaging projects. A full list of modules is available on the website.

Year 1Starting with the basic principles of analogue, digital and programmable electronic systems, you will rapidly develop the analytical skills to understand and begin designing electrical circuits and systems. You will also take courses in computing and mathematics. Project work will allow you to develop skills in team working, business and communications.


Year 3The final two years allow you to develop your skills in engineering and engineering management to a much greater depth and gain important experience working on an engineering placement. The placement is academically assessed and by taking additional modules after the end of the second year you can incorporate the placement within a four year course – saving you both time and money.

Year 4In the final year you can take a broad range of Masters level courses or specialise in one particular area such as communications, sensing, computing or electrical power. You will also complete an extended individual project in an area that interests you.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng (fast-track with integrated placement)

Key facts4 year fast-track with integrated 12 month placement

UCAS code: to be confirmed

Typical offer levelA Level: AAB-AAABTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National Diploma (including A Level Maths Grade B)IB: 34 points (including minimum Grade 6 in Maths and Physics at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physics or ElectronicsGCSE: English Grade C 92

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Career prospectsGraduates have found employment in areas as diverse as hardware engineering, IT consultancy, system programming, systems analysis, software engineering.Employers include Accenture, TRW Lucas, IBM, Reuters, Schlumberger, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Smith Aerospace.


Programme overviewDigital electronics and computer systems are pervasive in commerce, industry and the home and have an ever increasing impact on the way we work and live. They form one of the most rapidly changing and influential technologies in modern society. To gain the competitive edge over its global rivals British industry and commerce needs trained computer systems engineers with skills in both hardware and software who can assess, contribute to, harness and influence the growth of information technology.

Engineering is a practical subject and so importance is placed on project work in all years of the course. Working on engaging projects will enable you to develop the engineering and management skills needed to give you a competitive edge in the search for industrial placements and graduate employment.

Subject guideThe Electronic Engineering and Computer Science BSc course at Aston aims to meet the requirements of today’s workplace by expanding the breadth and depth of our students’ knowledge in electronics, internet technology, computing, digital systems and software design. It also enables the development of essential professional skills.

Years 1 and 2In the first two years you will gain a solid grounding in software engineering and computing systems which will be complemented by engineering expertise in digital electronics and telecommunications. Our degree programme places emphasis on gaining a specialist and extremely valuable set of skills that form a bridge between the hardware and

Electronic Engineering and Computer Science BEng


UCAS code: GH46


Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physical Science or Electronics or ComputingGCSE: English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits



t Transfer to the 4 year fast-track MEng available subject to satisfactory performance in the first two years

t Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and by the British Computer Society (BCS)

t University funded student membership of IET



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software; to achieve this you will study computing and electronics with single honours students from the Electronic Engineering and Computer Science subject groups.


Final yearIn the final year you will chose from a range of options allowing you to specialise in the areas of electronic engineering or computer science that you find most interesting. You will also complete an extended individual project.

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Key benefits

t Consistently high level of student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS)

t A hands-on, project-oriented approach and close industrial links

t Internationally recognised research group which is reflected in the final year project opportunities

t 4 year fast-track MEng which includes an integrated 12 month placement

t Accreditation being sought from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and from the British Computer Society (BCS)

t University funded student membership of IET


Programme overviewDigital electronics and computer systems are pervasive in commerce, industry and the home, and have an ever increasing impact on the way we work and live. They form one of the most rapidly changing and influential technologies in modern society. To gain the competitive edge over its global rivals British industry and commerce needs trained computer systems engineers with skills in both hardware and software who can assess, contribute to, harness and influence the growth of information technology.

This ground-breaking, fast-track, higher level qualification allows to you gain an MEng qualification in four years and includes a 12 month industrial placement. In most other institutions this path takes five years to complete. The course gives you the opportunity to study electronics more deeply and decreases the time it will take you to achieve Chartered Engineer status.

There is a strong emphasis on project work in all years allowing you to develop your engineering and management skills by working on engaging projects.

Subject guideThe Electronic Engineering and Computer Science course at Aston aim to meet the requirements of today’s workplace by expanding the breadth and depth of our students’ knowledge in electronics, internet technology, computing, digital systems and software design. It also enables the development of essential professional skills.

You will gain a solid grounding in software engineering and computing systems which will be complemented by engineering expertise in digital electronics and telecommunications. This degree places emphasis on gaining a specialist and extremely valuable set of skills that form a bridge between the hardware and software; to achieve this you will study computing and electronics with single honours students from the Electronic Engineering and Computer Science subject groups.

Years 1 and 2The first two years are common with the BEng degree.

Electronic Engineering and Computer Science MEng (fast-track with integrated placement)

Key facts4 year fast-track with integrated 12 month placement

UCAS code: to be confirmed

Typical offer levelA Level: AAB-AAABTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National Diploma (including A Level Maths at Grade B)IB: 34 points (including minimum Grade 6 in Maths and Physics at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physics or ElectronicsGCSE: English Grade C

Year 3Subject to meeting the qualification requirements, the final two years allow you to develop your skills in engineering and engineering management to a much greater depth and gain important experience working on an engineering placement. The placement is academically assessed and by taking additional modules after the end of the second year you can incorporate the placement within a four year course – saving you both time and money.

Year 4In the final year you can take a broad range of Masters level courses taken from both Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. You will also complete an extended individual project in an area that interests you.

Our redesigned degree programmes, where the practical aspects of designing and building systems incorporating both electronics and software is emphasised, should leave you strongly positioned to become a professional in the field.

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Career prospectsGraduates attract offers to work in multimedia, internet and communications industries.Of our recent Internet Systems graduates, 80% went into employment or on to further study.


Programme overviewThe internet pervades almost every aspect of modern society, providing information on demand and allowing us to experience life in new, exciting and unexpected ways. Used wisely the internet transports information effectively and efficiently presenting instant information for human interpretation through the integrated use of text, audio, graphics, animation, video and human-computer interaction.

How do these technologies work? Can we make them more energy efficient? How are they going to develop in the future?

Clearly digital electronic, computing and communications technologies form the tangible products we use to gather information, record, transport and interpret the data and to present the results in a user friendly way. The interaction between hardware, software and user is the crucial element defining the way these products will evolve and determining which will be successful and which will fall by the wayside.

Our redesigned degree programmes emphasise ‘doing’ as well as ‘knowing’, developing the practical, intellectual, business and communication skills to give you a real competitive edge in the search for industrial placements and graduate employment.

Subject guideBSc Internet Systems is for those of you who want to contribute to the internet revolution at the conceptual level. It considers the internet and the end-systems in all their various forms. It is not just looking at webpage design but the whole system from clients, servers, communication channels to end-user systems using every medium. It encompasses software and hardware design, the communications infrastructure, the protocols and procedures required and the key network management skills.

Internet Systems BSc


UCAS code: H620

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including Maths or Physics at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths or Physical Science or Electronics or ComputingGCSE: English Grade C, Maths required at AS level if not offered at A levelA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t A hands-on, project-oriented approach and close industrial links


t University funded student membership of the IET



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You will take modules from both Electronic Engineering and Computing Science programmes that will enable you to understand both the hardware and software aspects of the internet.

“I spent my placement year with Reuters. My job was as a Web Developer – I played a key role in helping to build some of their internal web systems and

was treated as very much part of the team. I’m very glad I took a placement – the experience of working in a business isn’t something that can be gained via lectures and I’ve definitely benefited from the training I received whilst at Reuters – both in my final year and my new job as a freelance web designer.”

Mark Boosey BSc Internet Systems Freelance Web Designer

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Key benefits

t Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

t Major companies offer high salaries for Logistics graduates

t One of the UK’s few Defence Academy (DTUS) Universities

t Ideal for students interested in business or business related subjects.

Programme overviewLogistics is concerned with the flow of materials in the supply chain: from source through the total industrial process to the customer and then on to disposal or re-use/re-cycling. By co-ordinating all resources, logistics ensures that service levels are acceptable to customers. This course will provide you with a detailed understanding and knowledge of logistics and its place in all types of industries. The range of professional and general management skills you will develop will be invaluable for careers in logistics and many other areas of graduate employment. Logistics occurs in all industries and by its very nature is the key to their efficiency and effectiveness. Consequently there are excellent career prospects for Logistics graduates.

Year 1Introduction to Logistics; Planning and Controlling Logistics; Law; Principles of Economics; Financial Accounting; Literature Review Project; Introduction to Business Management; IT Career Management and Communication Skills; Data Analysis; Marketing Goods and Services.

Year 2 Facilities Design and Management; Inventory Control; Outbound and Reverse Logistics; Environmental Economics; Project Management; Operations Research I; Management Accounting; European Transport; Maritime Transport; IT 2; Multimodal Transport Management.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement.

Final yearInbound Logistics; Air Transport; Human Resource Management; Operations Research II; Purchasing and Strategy; Major Project; International Trade Law; Statistical Methods; Manufacturing Logistics; Geographical Information Systems.

Logistics BSc


UCAS code: J9N9

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Business or Economics preferredGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade C and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Career prospectsRecent graduates have found positions in companies such as: DHL, Royal Mail, Debenhams, L’Oréal, Caterpillar, Bloomberg, Panasonic UK, Adidas-Salomon, Unilever, Virgin Atlantic Airways, BMW, Fujitsu, Hays Distribution, Omega Logistics, Rolls-Royce, Wincanton, Exel, Interbrew, GSK, Gist, TNT, Procter & Gamble and Atkins. Some of our graduates chose to join Officer Training Schemes in the Army and Royal Air Force and Aston University’s position as one of the select few UK Defence Academy (DTUS) universities makes us ideal for those wishing to pursue their careers in this area.

Of our recent Logistics graduates, 89% went into employment or on to further study.

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“I gained a fantastic understanding of the professional and general skills related to logistics in different industries which now have a tremendous impact on my career. After graduating, I was offered a job at Saudi Aramco as a Storehouse Specialist. Saudi Aramco is the biggest oil company in the world, controlling 25% of the world’s oil production. My time at Aston helped improve my self-confidence and put my studying into practice. I would recommend Aston University as a prestigious place to be and the Logistics course is excellent for those who are looking for guaranteed jobs and strive for challenging experiences.”

Faisal Alharb BSc Logistics graduate Saudi Aramco

“My time spent studying Logistics at Aston University have been the most fascinating four years of my life.”

”

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Career prospectsOf the recent graduates from our Transport degrees, 100% went into employment or on to further study.Approximately one third of our graduates seek careers in non-transport areas. Recent graduate positions include:

Programme overviewTransport and distribution are of crucial importance to our economy and society, and are being brought sharper into focus with issues such as congestion and public transport in the news virtually every day. Our Transport Management courses examine the economic, operational, societal and environmental issues related to the transport and distribution industries. Coupled with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the transport and distribution industries, you will gain the professional, academic and management skills necessary to enter any sector of the industry, and to move between sectors during your career. Your management skills will also prepare you for a large number of alternative graduate jobs.

The BSc in Transport Management is designed as a general management degree, using examples, illustrations and case studies from the transport and distribution industries. Your studies will incorporate all the relevant management skills: accounting, marketing, human resources and operations management. All are set within the context of the transport related industries, including passenger and freight modes. Your business skills will also be enhanced by courses such as economics, data analysis, operations research, computing and information management.

Year 1Introduction to Logistics; Planning and Controlling Logistics; Law; Principles of Economics; Financial Accounting; Literature Review Project; Introduction to Business Management; IT; Career Management and Communication Skills; Data Analysis; Marketing Goods and Services.

Year 2Transport Planning Systems; Environmental Economics; Project Management; Operational Research; Management Accounting; European Transport; Maritime Transport; IT 2; Multimodal Transport Management; Implementing Transport Policy;

Environmental Management and Audit.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement.

Final yearPassenger Service Provision; Traffic and Transport Engineering; Human Resource Management; Operational Research II; Geographical Information Systems; Major Project; Air transport; Statistical Methods; Transport Impact Assessment; International Trade Law.


Transport Management BSc


UCAS code: N921


Specific subject requirementsA Level: Business or Economics preferredGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade C and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

t Ideal for students interested in business or business related subjects

t Major employers include transport consultants and government institutions

t A leading programme in transport and distribution management

t Excellent sandwich placement and graduate employment record.

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Arriva – Marketing Assistant

Atkins – Transport Planner

Chilterns Railways: Transport Planner

First Group – Management Trainee

Intel Corporation – Transportation Analyst

JMP Consulting Ltd – Graduate Transport Planner

National Express Group – Graduate Trainee

Network Rail – Graduate Trainee

Oscar Faber Group – Transport Consultants

Post Office – Graduate Management Programme

South West Trains – Graduate Trainee

Stagecoach UK – Graduate Management Trainee

TNT Logistics – Graduate Trainee


Key benefits

t Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)

t Health informatics: analysis and management of medical data requires pattern analysis and information hiding techniques

t Finance: stock market forecasting and portfolio management are based on time series analysis and game theory techniques

t Networks: smart power grids, social networks and other complex systems require mathematical tools for analysing and understanding the emerging structures as well as for managing them efficiently.

Programme overviewAs the e-revolution becomes more established new tools are required for handling the emerging challenges of the information age. Mathematics requires the use of advanced tools and techniques which provide the principal methods needed for facing the new tasks. Mathematics and computing are expected to take an increasingly more significant role in future developments, complementing advances in IT. In today’s rapidly changing information age many employers in the most dynamic and well-paid industries have massive demand for graduates with a combination of strong mathematical skills and IT knowledge.

The BSc in Mathematics focuses on the mathematical and analytical skills required to address the new challenges of the information age. Combining both principal and specialised subjects, the course prepares students to high-level careers in industry. Dedicated modules are aimed at preparing students to model, analyse and understand complex and volatile systems.

Subject guideYear 1Mathematics: Transition Mathematics: Vector Algebra and Geometry; Statistics and Probability; Introduction to Analysis; Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations; Introduction to Numerical Methods; Computational Mathematics.

Computing and Information Technology: Introduction to Matlab; Java Programming Foundations; Academic Writing and Study Skills.

Year 2 Mathematics: Linear Mathematics; Multivariate Calculus; Real Analysis; Abstract Algebra; Investigative Skills; Statistical Pattern Analysis; Mathematical Methods; Probability Distributions; Computational Mathematics; Stochastic Processes.

Computing and Information Technology: Data Structures and Design with Java; Java Program Constructions.


Final yearMathematics Project; Complex Analysis; Chaos and Dynamical Systems; Partial Differential Equations. Plus additional modules to be chosen from the following:

Mathematics BSc


UCAS code: G100

Typical offer levelA Level: ABB-AABBTEC National Diploma: DDD (including A Level Maths Grade B)IB: 32 (including minimum Grade 6 in Maths at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths Grade BGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted 98

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Mathematics: Financial Mathematics; Time Series; Simulation Techniques; Approximation Theory and Methods; Classical Mechanics.

Computing and Information Technology: Data Mining.

Career prospectsOf our recent Mathematics graduates, 100% went into employment or on to further study.

“When applying to universities I wanted something more than just an academic qualification. I found Aston supported the idea of placements and helped students

in finding placements that suited them best. I completed my sandwich placement as a Financial Operations Analyst at IBM. My role consisted of dealing with financial projects within the North Region (covering the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands and South Africa). The placement year has given me a real taster of what is required in the real world which has been of great benefit to me since graduating from Aston University.”

2010 update: Meera started on the Fujitsu Graduate Scheme in 2007 and worked in Project Management, looking after a number of projects linked into Resourcing. She then moved into the Service Desk area and is now Team Manager, managing up to 30 people. She graduated from Fujitsu’s Graduate Scheme in 2009; Meera says “I really do like the people development/management side of things.”

Meera Dodhia Mathematics graduate

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Career prospectsGraduates may be employed in a broad range of positions; for instance in research and development teams as part of a large company or in start-ups, as trainee analysts and consultants, in finance, IT, education and consultancy.

Of our recent Mathematics with Computing graduates, 100% went into employment or on to further study.

Programme overviewAs the e-revolution becomes more established new tools are required for handling the emerging challenges of the information age. Mathematics requires the use of advanced tools and techniques which provide the principal methods needed for facing the new tasks. Mathematics and computing are expected to take an increasingly more significant role in future developments, complementing advances in IT. In today’s rapidly changing information age many employers in the most dynamic and well-paid industries have massive demand for graduates with a combination of strong mathematical skills and IT knowledge.

The BSc in Mathematics with Computing provides an unique combination of analytical and computational skills required for an in-depth understanding of new technologies and prepares graduates for high-level careers in the rapidly growing areas of finance, computing and telecommunication.

Subject guideYear 1 Mathematics: Transition Mathematics; Vector Algebra and Geometry; Statistics and Probability; Introduction to Analysis; Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations; Computational Mathematics.

Computing and Information Technology: Introduction to Matlab; Java Programming Foundations; Internet Computing; Academic Writing and Study Skills.

Year 2Mathematics: Linear Mathematics; Multivariate Calculus; Real Analysis; Introduction to Numerical Methods; Investigative Skills; Statistical Pattern Analysis; Mathematical Methods; Probability Distributions.

Computing and Information Technology: Computer Graphics; Information Systems and Databases; Java Programme Constructions.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement

Mathematics with Computing BSc


UCAS code: G190


Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths Grade BGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)

t Internet: e-commerce requires the transfer of confidential information (such as credit card details) securely through publicly accessible transmission lines; this is achieved through the use of public-key cryptography. Search engines are typically based on data mining techniques

t Telecommunications: mobile phones and satellite communication require the use of error-correcting codes to compensate for noise corruption to the message during transmission

t Bioinformatics: the huge database of DNA sequences is a typical data mining and pattern analysis problem.

gaining valuable and practical business experience.

Final yearMathematics Project; Complex Analysis; Chaos and Dynamical Systems; Partial Differential Equations. Plus modules to be chosen from the following:

Mathematics: Financial Mathematics; Time Series; Computational Mathematics; Approximation Theory and Methods; Classical Mechanics; Simulation Techniques; Portfolio Analysis; Option Theory; Harmonic Analysis; Stochastic Processes.

Computing and Information Technology: Data Mining; Contractual Software Development; Information Security; Strategic Information Systems; Web Development; Geographic Information Systems.


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Key benefits

t Emphasis on Applied Mathematics relevant to business, industry and computing

t Extensive range of final year options to suit your interests

t Sandwich placement opportunities and excellent graduate employment record.

Programme overviewOur courses provide a balanced blend of basic mathematical techniques, a rigorous examination of their validity, the development of underlying structures common to a number of concepts and the application of mathematics to solve complex problems that arise in the real world. We reflect the awareness of the excitingly complex patterns and systems that can arise from simple mathematical ideas.

You can choose from Major and Combined/Joint courses in mathematics. In the first year, your studies incorporate an expansion of A level mathematical techniques. The final year allows you to choose specialist options to change the emphasis of your degree programme. Over the course of your degree you will consider:

t differential equations, which are vital to the modelling of many real problems

t the problem of obtaining approximate solutions to those questions which cannot be resolved by analytical mathematical methods

t the underlying concepts in analysis and algebra

t the benefit of research into chaos

t the development of mathematical techniques as we know them today.

Mathematics (Combined/Joint/Major) BSc

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Career prospectsMathematics graduates have had considerable success in finding relevant lucrative employment and training in areas such as Business Management, Accountancy, Actuary, Teaching and IT. Our recent graduates are now working for organisations such as IBM, Deloitte, Bank of New York, BAE Systems, Ministry of Defence, British Airways, Grant Thornton, British Energy, KPMG, Transco, Xerox, NHS, Mori, Baker Tilly, Severn Trent Water and The Environment Agency.

Qualified Teacher Status: Aston University is collaborating with Newman University College, Birmingham and has received approval for a BSc Combined Honours with Qualified Teacher Status for selected students taking Mathematics combinations at Aston University.


UCAS codes: Mathematics with Economics: G1L1 Business and Mathematics: GN11


Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths Grade BGCSE: English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

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Subject guideYear 1 Combined MathematicsTransition Mathematics, Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations; Introduction to Analysis; Statistics and Probability; Vector Algebra and Geometry.

Major MathematicsAs for Combined Mathematics plus; Introduction to Matlab; Computational Mathematics.

Year 2Combined MathematicsIntroduction to Numerical Methods; Linear Mathematics; Real Analysis; Mathematical Methods; Introduction to Matlab; Multivariate Calculus.

Major MathematicsAs for Combined Mathematics plus; Probability Distributions; Abstract Algebra; Investigative Skills.


Final year Combined MathematicsComplex Analysis; Partial and Differential Equations; plus four options from the list below.

Major MathematicsAs for Combined Mathematics plus five or six options from: Approximation Theory and Methods; Statistical Pattern Analysis; Time Series; Chaos and Dynamical Systems; Computational Mathematics; Financial Mathematics; Classical Mechanics; Stochastic Processes; Simulation Techniques; Portfolio Analysis; Option Theory.


Career prospectsOur graduates work for automotive, aerospace, electronics and software companies, pharmaceutical and chemical organisations.Recent graduates found graduate engineer and consultancy positions with companies such as Corus, IMI Plc, Army/Royal Air Force, Yamazaki Mazak, Carillion, BOC, BAE Systems, Nissan, Lloyds TSB, Phillips, Jaguar, TRW and EDF Energy.

Of our recent Design Engineering graduates, 100% went into employment or on to further study.

Programme overviewThis course aims to bridge the gap between Mechanical Engineering and Product Design, for students who wish to incorporate additional design-led modules within a technical Mechanical Engineering context. The first year encompasses a broad study of the fundamental disciplines of mechanical, electrical and design engineering, and is structured to suit students from all backgrounds. The second and final years incorporate a combination of core material and elective modules which give you the opportunity to explore areas of particular interest or professional relevance.

Subject guideYear 1Design and Exploration - CDIO 1-1; Prototyping and Development - CDIO 1-2; Electrical Science; Engineering Science Fundamentals; Transition Mathematics for Engineers; Mathematics for 1st Year Engineers.

Year 2 Engineering Mathematics 2; Dynamics and Control; Thermodynamics and Fluids; Engineering Materials; Solid Mechanics; Design and Engineering for the User; Engineering for Industry; Industrial Design 2.


Final yearAdvanced Dynamics and Control; Design Failure Analysis; Energy Efficiency; Thermodynamics & Fluids; Solid Mechanics and FEA;

Design Engineering BEng


UCAS code: H150

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including Maths and Physics or appropriate subject at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physics preferred, but will consider Further Maths, Design Technology, Engineering Science and ElectronicsGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits

t Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)

t Application for renewal of accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has been made

t Aston students have been designing, building and racing a single-seater car since 1999 as part of the IMechE Formula Student competition

t We compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon competition, requiring design efficiency and innovation

t Every year our students organise ‘Aston Inspired’, a design show showcasing work to employers and academics

t One of the few DTUS universities with close links to officer training in the Armed Forces

t Students benefit from innovative teaching using CDIO - see page 80

t Flexible structure of our degrees enables transfer between Mechanical, ElectroMechanical and Design Engineering courses during the first two years.

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Advanced Systems and Design; Sustainability Project; Design and Engineering Competition; New Product Proposal.

“I spent my third year placement at Airbus UK based in Bristol. This was one of the most challenging opportunities and the most rewarding. It has given me a huge

range of skills that I wouldn’t have got with a straight academic course. It has also given me much more confidence in applying for graduate jobs. I would really recommend the Design Engineering course, as it is unique.”

Alexandra Rush BEng Design Engineering

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Key benefits






t Students benefit from innovative teaching using CDIO – see page 80.

Programme overviewOur exciting multidisciplinary approach offers a broad-based engineering education with specialist skills and knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering. In your first two years you will study alongside our Mechanical Engineering students gaining a broad insight into the fundamental disciplines of mechanical, electrical and design engineering. The final year incorporates a combination of core material and elective modules, ranging from power systems to quality engineering. Electives give you the opportunity to study areas of particular interest or professional relevance in the electromechanical field. Throughout our courses we emphasise business and communication skills coupled to sound engineering skill and a desire to embrace the emerging technologies and social issues, such as sustainability, which will shape the direction of engineering well into this century. This multidisciplinary approach provides an ideal preparation for a career in the energy and power, industrial processing and electromechanical industries, as well as consultancy and business.


Year 2 Engineering Mathematics 2; Dynamics and Control; Thermodynamics and Fluids; Engineering Materials; Electrical Engineering; Solid Mechanics; Design and Engineering for the User; Engineering for Industry.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement gaining valuable and practical business experience. Companies currently involved in student placements include National Grid, RWE, npower, Hyundai, BMW and GKN. Your paid professional

ElectroMechanical Engineering BEng


UCAS code: HH36

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including Maths and Physics or appropriate subject at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physics preferred, but will consider FurtherMaths, Design Technology, Engineering Science and Electronics.GCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

placement may count towards the training requirements of the Engineering Council and can be taken either in the third year of your programme or before your first year.

Final yearAdvanced Dynamics and Control; Design Failure Analysis; Energy Efficiency; Electroheat; Solid Mechanics and FEA; Power Systems; Advanced Systems and Design; Sustainability Project; Design and Engineering Competition.


FacilitiesState-of-the art computing facilities and laboratory equipment, including CAD labs, numerically controlled machine tools, design studios and computer suites. High-end flexible product development laboratories, allow students to develop highly advanced, intelligent prototypes.

Career prospectsOf our recent ElectroMechanical and Mechanical Engineering graduates, 92% went into employment or on to further study.The benefits of designing our courses in cooperation with industry have been amply illustrated by our graduates rapidly progressing to senior management posts in a wide range of companies.

Recent graduates have found engineer/consultant positions with companies including Alstom, Ove Arup, Ricardo (Automotive Consultancy), Rolls-Royce, British Energy, Calor Gas and in PhD Research.

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Career prospectsClose links with industry and the broad basis of our degrees ensure our students’ attractiveness to a wide range of employers. Recent graduates found graduate engineer and consultancy positions with companies such as Corus, IMI Plc, Army/Royal Air Force, Yamazaki Mazak, Carillion, BOC, BAE Systems, Nissan, Lloyds TSB, Phillips, Jaguar, TRW and EDF Energy.

Of our recent ElectroMechanical and Mechanical Engineering graduates, 92% went into employment or on to further study.

Programme overviewThe fast-evolving nature of mechanical engineering means that future generations of graduates must embrace change and thrive on a love of innovation. The challenges and rewards for skilled engineers who can design, manufacture and manage advanced products and processes are greater than ever.

The first year encompasses a broad study of the fundamental disciplines of mechanical, electrical and design engineering. The second and final years incorporate a combination of core material and elective modules, providing the opportunity to explore areas of particular interest or professional relevance. Throughout the course we emphasise the need to be able to apply engineering knowledge, technical skill, strong management skills and innovation to successfully solve engineering problems.


Year 2 Engineering Mathematics 2; Dynamics and Control; Thermodynamics and Fluids; Engineering Materials; Solid Mechanics; Quality Engineering; Design and Engineering for the User; Engineering for Industry.


Mechanical Engineering BEng


UCAS code: H300

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including Maths, Physics or appropriate subject at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and Physics preferred, but will consider FurtherMaths, Design Technology, Engineering Science and Electronics.GCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Key benefits






t Students benefit from innovative teaching using CDIO – see page 80

t Flexible structure of our degrees enables transfer between Mechanical, ElectroMechanical and Design Engineering courses.

Final yearAdvanced Dynamics and Control; Design Failure Analysis; Energy Efficiency; Electroheat; Solid Mechanics and FEA; Power Systems; Advanced Systems and Design; Sustainability Project; Design and Engineering Competition.


FacilitiesState-of-the art computing facilities and laboratory equipment, including CAD labs, numerically controlled machine tools, design studios and computer suites. High-end flexible product development laboratories, allow students to develop highly advanced, intelligent prototypes.

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Key benefits

t Application for accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has been made





t Students benefit from innovative teaching using CDIO – a problem-based method of teaching and learning which encourages students to find hands-on solutions to problems - Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate.

Programme overviewThe fast-evolving nature of mechanical engineering means that future generations of graduates must embrace change and thrive on a love of innovation. The challenges and rewards for skilled engineers who can design, manufacture and manage advanced products and processes are greater than ever.

An advanced, broad-based qualification requiring four years of academic study, the MEng is a challenging and demanding course which will take you deeper into your subject than a BEng degree. It is enhanced by modules in Smart System Design, Advanced Computer Aided Design, Engineering Management and modules developed to help you understand and be able to exploit emerging technology.


Year 2 Engineering Mathematics 2; Dynamics and Control; Thermodynamics and Fluids; Engineering Materials; Solid Mechanics; Quality Engineering; Design and Engineering for the User; Engineering for Industry.


Year 3Advanced Dynamics and Control; Design Failure Analysis; Energy Efficiency; Electroheat; Solid Mechanics and FEA; Power Systems; Advanced Systems and Design; Sustainability Project; Design and Engineering Competition.

Mechanical Engineering MEng


UCAS code: H301

Typical offer levelA Level: AAB-AAABTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National Diploma (including A Level Maths Grade B)IB: 34 points (including minimum Grade 6 in Maths and Physics at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Maths and PhysicsGCSE: English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Final yearManagement of New Product Development; Computational Fluid Dynamics and Applications; Finite Element Analysis and Solid Mechanics; Advanced Dynamic Systems; Renewable Energy; CAD Principles and Materials Selection; Sustainable Design; Innovation Business Development.

Career prospectsRecent graduates have found graduate engineer and consultancy positions with companies such as Corus, IMI Plc, Army/Royal Air Force, Yamazaki Mazak, Carillion, BOC, BAE Systems, Nissan, Lloyds TSB, Phillips, Jaguar, TRW and EDF Energy.Of our recent ElectroMechanical and Mechanical Engineering graduates, 92% went into employment or on to further study.

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“Aston gave me an excellent base to develop as a professional engineer. The MEng degree is both challenging and rewarding. My placement year with

Goodrich Engine Control Systems allowed me to build on the concepts and principles learned within the degree and put these into practice in a leading edge global aerospace company.”

Richard Carpenter MEng Mechanical Engineering


www.aston.ac.uk/eas

Product Design at Aston

There are three Product Design courses available at Aston University

t Industrial Product Design

t Product Design and Management

t Transport Product Design (formerly Automotive Product Design)

Learning to learnAt Aston, you will benefit from innovative learning and teaching with the use of CDIO – Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate. This is a problem-based method of teaching and learning which encourages students to find hands-on solutions to problems. This approach is employed on all the courses under the Mechanical Engineering and Design subject group (see pages 101-108).

FacilitiesState-of-the-art computing facilities, including 3D-CAD (Computer Aided Design) labs loaded with some of the latest 3D-CAD software, PCs for word-processing and self tuition. Extensive laboratories to demonstrate design, engineering and manufacturing principles as well as model making workshops for project work, with a range of rapid prototyping equipment to support innovative design projects.

Competitions and exhibitionsAston University Product Design students are encouraged to showcase their design work through end of year Design Shows both on campus and at national events such as the New Designers Design Show in London.

We also recognise the benefit of students entering work in prestigious design competitions and encourage final year students to undertake designs in this area. Product Design students also play a key part in the annual Formula Student race car and Hydrogen Concept car projects, culminating in competitive racing against other universities from around the world.

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“I chose to study at Aston because of the Automotive Product Design course, which can also include a year in industry. I saw this as a great opportunity

to develop my skills and then match them to a working environment. When I wrote to car companies to apply for placements, they all gave a positive response and I feel that being at Aston gave me an edge over students studying elsewhere. I managed to get a placement at BMW Group in Oxford. The placement was great and gave me an opportunity to apply what I had learnt at University in a real work environment and also helped me learn additional skills, such as work etiquette. I was given a trusted role working on the prototype cars. The placement year benefited me in a big way, and has helped me to understand the context of the final year work I am completing. In addition to this, it has given me a good reference for employers when I leave, as they will be able to see that I can work effectively as well as just complete academic work.”

James Riley BSc Automotive Product Design industrial placement at BMW


Key benefits



t Benefit from innovative teaching using CDIO – see page 80

t Design projects are run like a modern design consultancy

t Management and commercial focus integral to the course.

Programme overviewThe exciting spectrum of product design work undertaken on this degree has a strong focus on the interface of consumer products and their users. The design led specialist modules are underpinned by workshop practice, engineering principles and the development of professional design skills including CAD. Our forward-facing design agenda aims to address the future needs of people as well as the issues of energy and global change. BSc Industrial Product Design is an ideal balance between creative ideas and technical design skills.

www.aston.ac.uk/eas

Career prospectsOur students are able to demonstrate creative design skills alongside sound technical knowledge and experience, a balance which employers consider to be an advantage. Recent graduate destinations include design or technical roles for companies such as Laing, Goodrich, Husio International, The Eden Project, J Engineering, SMK, The Marketing Company, Sainsbury’s, TNA Europe, Hives, Rolls Royce, Calsonic Kansei and Jaguar Land Rover.

Of our recent Product Design graduates, 82% went into employment or on to further study.

Subject guideYear 1Introduces new design skills and techniques and encourages practical experimentation. This will explore the principles of design and mechanics. The first projects will engage you in a range of design, creativity and model making in our design workshops.

Year 2 Focuses on more complex projects, addressing issues of design methods, advanced manufacturing techniques and bringing a professional focus to your work. In some projects you will collaborate with other designers and begin to work within your specialist design area.

Placement yearThe 4 year sandwich course incorporates spending the third year in a paid professional placement. This is an opportunity to get hands-on experience within a professional environment, to enhance your design and CAD skills, create a useful network of contacts and possibly secure your first job after graduation. Recent Product Design placements include positions at Perkins, BMW, Airbus, TRW, Jaguar, AMEC Capital Projects, Creda, Ricoh UK and Rolls-Royce.

Industrial Product Design BSc


UCAS code: H772

Typical offer levelA Level: BBB-ABBBTEC National Diploma: DDD in relevant National DiplomaIB: 32 points (including a science subject at Higher Level)Other qualifications see pages 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: A Science or Technical subjectGeneral Studies acceptedGCSE: Maths Grade B and English Grade CA suitable combination of two A Level and two AS Level subjects may be accepted

Final yearDefines your interests and develops your strengths, creating your personal design identity and working towards your professional future in design. Visiting professional designers will work with you to enhance your techniques and creative solutions to meet market needs. Many students progress onto one of our specialist Masters degree programmes as part of their career progression.

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Product Design and Management BSc


UCAS code: H773




Programme overviewDesign is increasingly used as a strategic commercial tool to make a difference beyond the boundaries of simply the physical product. Companies use design to change culture and develop new business models. This course will appeal to those designers who wish to work across a broad range of business functions and design opportunities in a rapidly-changing international market.

We aim to develop a new generation of creative designers with knowledge, skills and concepts that will be valued by all sectors of design, development, production and business. Live projects will be undertaken on campus and you are encouraged to work with students from other courses ranging from Business to Engineering, covering a range of disciplines, sharing experiences and ideas, just as in industry. Projects can range from: new modes of transport, consumer products, sustainable design solutions, business design enterprise through to advanced technology concepts to address emerging global challenges.

Key benefits





Career prospectsOur students are able to demonstrate creative design skills alongside sound technical knowledge and experience, a balance which employers consider to be an advantage.


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“Whilst at Aston I had the opportunity to get involved with research, working with a PhD student in the summer before my second year. This was my first

experience of working on a research project prior to my dissertation in my final year. Now that I have graduated I am going to Cambridge University to complete an MPhil in Micro and Nanotechnology Enterprise. This programme will allow me to remain right at the cutting edge of modern research in this field.”

Suvi Ellilä BSc Product Design and Management

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Key benefits






Programme overviewA fast-moving and rapidly-developing design sector, this course encompasses a wide range of design opportunities using a mix of technological applications and innovation with function and style. Live projects include the Formula Student racing team and Hydrogen powered Shell Concept car - design, build and race a car competing against other universities.

Students are encouraged to explore the diversity of transport design, including human powered vehicles, alternative fuelled vehicles and environmental pressures that make this an exciting area of development. We have excellent placement links with the UK automotive industries as well as specialist staff involved with international research.

Career prospectsOur students are able to demonstrate creative design skills alongside sound technical knowledge and experience, a balance which employers consider to be an advantage. Recent graduate destinations include design or technical roles for companies such as Laing, Goodrich, Husio International, The Eden Project, J Engineering, SMK, The Marketing Company, Sainsbury’s, TNA Europe, Hives, Rolls Royce, Calsonic Kansei and Jaguar Land Rover.





Transport Product Design BSc


UCAS code: H130



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Programme overviewAt Aston University we deliver Foundation Year courses designed to help students from a wide range of backgrounds who have an interest in any scientific or engineering area, but who do not have the correct mix of entry requirements to join our mainstream degrees immediately. The courses offer a preparatory year, with the emphasis on the engineering relevance of mathematics, physics and chemistry, at a standard equivalent to A Level.

You will study the mathematical, physical and chemical concepts that underpin engineering, including algebraic relationships, differentiation, integration, mechanics, physical and electrical properties of materials, chemical structure and bonding. You will also develop your knowledge of engineering graphics and computer-aided techniques. No previous engineering or IT knowledge is required, and you will be given plenty of hands-on laboratory and IT experience during the year.

Your week will typically contain 18 hours of lectures, tutorials and lab/project work. You will also be expected to supplement this with self-study for a similar length of time. You will be given regular feedback on your progress throughout the year. Assessment will cover coursework as well as end-of-year exams.

Key benefits

t Did arts subjects at A Level but would like to change to science? The Foundation Year allows you achieve the science qualifications required to change direction.

www.aston.ac.uk/eas

Engineering Foundation Year Our Engineering Foundation Year is specifically planned to lead into the main engineering disciplines, to produce BEng and MEng graduates. It has been designed for students from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to progress into engineering but do not have the correct entry requirements. The long-term demand for engineers and technologists is high and career prospects are excellent. This Foundation Year gives you the opportunity to become a professional engineer through access to our high quality degree courses.

Successful completion of the Engineering Foundation Year at the appropriate Level/percentage guarantees access onto:

t Chemical Engineering

t Electrical and Electronic Engineering

t Any of our Electronics degrees

t Mechanical Engineering

t BEng Electro Mechanical Engineering

t Any of the Product Design degrees.

Foundation Years in Science and Engineering

Key facts 1 year full-time course

UCAS codes: Engineering Foundation Year: H102 Science Foundation Year: H190

Typical offer levelWe accept well motivated and able students with a wide range of qualifications, including Applied A levels, BTEC National, Access, non-science A levels, as well as those with a science A level background. Offers are made on an individual basis - please contact us for further details.

Applicants with non-standard academic backgrounds may be invited for an informal interview by the Admissions Officer. Students who apply for our standard engineering degrees who do not meet our entry requirements may be considered for entry onto the Foundation Years, if they lack the appropriate science subjects.

Science Foundation YearThe Science Foundation Year is designed to prepare candidates for a successful transfer to a range of degree courses leading to BSc degrees within the School of Engineering & Applied Science. The year concentrates on elements of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics at a standard equivalent to AS or A Level modules. The focus is to provide you with experience of those scientific and mathematical concepts that are required for success on the Undergraduate degrees in chemistry, science, but you will also develop your knowledge of IT and computing. We don’t expect you to have advanced science qualifications, but an enthusiasm for science and a desire to learn are essential.

Successful completion of the Science Foundation Year at the appropriate level/percentage guarantees access onto our Chemical Engineering and Chemistry degrees.

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Computing streamThis will prepare you to join the BSc degrees in the Computer Science group (pages 85-87) - the first stage of a career in IT, computing or software related areas.

Successful completion of the Science Foundation Year – Computing Stream at the appropriate level/percentage guarantees access onto:

t Computing Science

t Computing for Business

t Multimedia Computing.


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“I got 68% and was able to progress onto the three year BSc course studying Construction Management. I got 68%, 67% and 66% respectively and came out with a solid 2:1 at the end of it. This was all the more worthwhile when I was offered a place on the graduate scheme for a company called ‘8build’.

To be honest it was all due to Dr Carpenter, Dr Hedges and Aston University, who helped me along the way – many thanks!”

Andrew Nightingale Foundation Year/BSc Construction Management Assistant Construction Manager

“I enrolled in September 2006 on the Engineering Foundation course. I took it seriously as I knew it was my only real chance to achieve a decent grade and career.”

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Key features of the School

t Outstanding reputation for student satisfaction, teaching quality and research

t Integrated year abroad or sandwich placement with excellent student support

t Strong record of graduate employment success for students

t Recognised as a leading School in the UK for the integrated study of language and society

t International staff profile adds value to LSS programmes

t Excellent student support, including a personal tutor system

t Recently refurbished teaching and e-learning facilities.

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School of Languages & Social Sciences

To find out more visit:

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]

W www.aston.ac.uk/lss


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Degree Programmes

t Modern Languages – French, German, Spanish 119

t Modern Languages and English Language or Sociology 121

t International Business and Modern Languages (IBML) 71

t International Politics and Languages (IPL) 122

t Translation Studies - French, German, Spanish 123

t English Language (Single and Joint Honours) 125

t Politics and International Relations (Single and Joint Honours) 127-129

t Public Policy and Management (Joint Honours) 131

t Sociology (Single and Joint Honours) 133

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University Wide Language Programme

All Aston University students have the opportunity to learn a new language or to develop their existing language skills through the University Wide Language Programme.

Linguistic competence and cultural awareness will enable you to communicate with confidence. This will enhance your prospects when you start job hunting. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy learning a language and to enhance your future career prospects at the same time.

We currently offer:

Arabic at beginners, intermediate and advanced level

Chinese at beginners, intermediate and advanced level

French at beginners, intermediate and advanced level

German at beginners, intermediate and advanced level

Spanish at beginners, intermediate and advanced level

www.aston.ac.uk/lss

Why Study Languages and/or Translation Studies at Aston?

Excellence in Modern Languages: Relevant and Contemporary Courses

Our Modern Languages degrees – French, German, Spanish and Translation Studies – are taught within the School of Languages & Social Sciences (LSS) and have a contemporary and applied focus. We emphasise the practical application of language in real life and professional situations. Many of our modules – not just language classes – are taught in French, German and/or Spanish, enabling you to rapidly improve your language skills. Our approach to language teaching is a key factor in our outstanding graduate employment record: our students graduate with near-native language skills, making them highly attractive to employers.

The Aston Year Abroad

See page 117 for information on our excellent year abroad opportunities.


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An Outstanding Graduate Employment Record

Our Modern Languages courses are ranked 3rd in the UK for job prospects (source: Guardian University Guide 2010.) Our graduates are consistently successful in securing graduate level positions within European or international business and marketing, accounting and finance, education, European Institutions and research, journalism, public relations and communications.

Recent Aston languages graduates’ first destinations include:

t Graduate Trainee Manager – British Airways, Aldi Stores, John Lewis Partnership and Selfridges

t Journalist – Tatler Magazine

t Account Manager – Smoby (French Toy Company)

t Senior Administrator – Michelin

t European Union/European Parliament Officers/Assistant

t PGCE Secondary Teaching Qualification – French and German Teachers

t Marketing Assistant – Beiersdorf (makers of NIVEA amongst other products)

t German/English/French Translator – Volkswagen, Bechtle Logistik and freelance work

t Bilingual Marketing Assistant – 3Com (an international Internet and Telecomms company)

t Marketing Liaison & French Translator – Allied Engineer

t Trainee Research Executive – Millward Brown

t HR Graduate Consultant – The RBS Group

t Marketing Manager – VG & P

t Trainee Accountant – PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Varied and Exciting Degree Courses

We offer an extensive range of options including Modern Languages (single and joint honours languages), International Business and Modern Languages (IBML), Translation Studies, International Politics and Languages (IPL) and a range of other combinations. There are a varied and exciting range of module choices in areas such as cinema, translation, interpreting, the media and press, contemporary history, culture and linguistics.

Excellent Student Support

We believe that supporting our students is vitally important. Our School has a friendly, close knit community feel which helps you to quickly get to know your lecturers and other students. At enrolment you are allocated a personal tutor who will keep in touch with you throughout your degree to check on your progress and be on hand to help with any general academic queries that you might have. We also have a dedicated Student Support Officer in the School to assist you.

“The great thing about IBML is that it prepares you to do pretty much anything you want afterwards – since I graduated in 2007 I’ve gone on to do an MA in European Studies, worked for two years in an international consultancy on European social policy issues and I’m now doing a traineeship with the European Commission out in Brussels. No one knows for certain what the future holds, but I know at least that I’ve got a very solid basis to build on – and having done my languages ‘Year Abroad’ I know I can handle pretty much anything in the world of work!”

Anne Gibney BSc International Business German and French, graduate

“I chose Aston because it was only one of a few universities offering International Business with French and German and it had one of the best reputations.”

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Modern Facilities – our commitment to innovation in teaching and learning

We are firmly committed to offering the best possible support to our students in their learning and development and have invested heavily in new facilities to help you get the most out of your time at Aston.

Our newly refurbished e-learning centre offers you access to streamed satellite television (French, German and Spanish), The Sanako 1200 Language Lab, TRADOS (industry standard translation tool) and 1000s of hours of self-study language learning material. See www1.aston.ac.uk/lss/undergraduate/support-facilities/ for full details of all of the excellent facilities available to our students.

Translation Studies

Our pioneering undergraduate Translation Programme was the first dedicated Translation Studies programme in England (established 1997). A distinctive feature of our Translation programmes is that we have a specialist Translation department, with teaching conducted by internationally renowned experts in the field. See page 123 for more on our Translation Studies courses.

International Business and Modern Languages (IBML)

Established in 1984, our distinctive IBML degree remains a market leader for students wanting to study business and languages. See page 71 for more details.

Why Study Languages and/or Translation Studies at Aston?

Extracurricular activities

Our students are encouraged to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities organised by the Languages and Translation Studies Group. The Christmas Party, the annual German pub quiz, film evenings and the Sauerkraut Cup – a mixed-gender football tournament are all popular events. The student-led French, German and Spanish societies meet regularly and organise a range of events, ensuring that our students feel part of a closely-knit group.


World class teaching and research

t Outstanding reputation for teaching quality in modern languages

t Relevant, rigorous research – Aston is a research intensive University

t Teaching conducted by research experts, with international reputations in their fields.

www.aston.ac.uk/lss

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]

Blogs

To find out more about our ongoing activities please see our blogs:

German: germanataston.blogs.aston.ac.uk

French: astonfrenchblog.wordpress.com

Spanish: spanishstudies.blogs.aston.ac.uk

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“The mandatory placement year abroad for my course (which Aston University profoundly assists you in) is something that also attracted me very much towards Aston, since it is highly valued by employers and enhances your university experience. With attention grabbing lectures and amazing people, I would highly recommend Aston to any applicant.”

Oscar Dingley BSc International Relations and Spanish, first year

“The great thing about my course is that it focuses a lot on the practical aspects of learning Spanish; linguistically and culturally.”

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A key feature of our year abroad is the flexibility that we offer. You will be able to choose between undertaking a work placement with a company, working as a teaching assistant in a school or studying at one of our partner universities abroad. You may even choose to combine two of these options. If you are studying two languages you will normally divide your time equally between two countries where each of your languages are spoken (this does not apply to students taking one language from beginners level, although you may choose a study placement which will allow you to keep up your new, second language).

Work abroad

A work placement in a company abroad offers you the chance to gain valuable professional experience as well improving your language skills. We have long established links with a range of employers in France, Germany, Spain and Latin America and you will be able to take advantage of these links – which are built on the reputation of Aston students – in obtaining a paid work experience placement for your year abroad. You will also benefit from special CV workshops and individual mock interview practice sessions run by our placements team to ensure that you have all the necessary skills to secure a great position for your year abroad. Recent students have undertaken work placements at Air France, Total, Amadeus, Sanofi-Aventis, Continental, IBM, SAP and Volkswagen.

www.aston.ac.uk/lss


We are extremely proud of the level of preparation, orientation and support that we provide before and during your year abroad. The year abroad is an integral, assessed part of your language studies at Aston University, fully supported by a dedicated placement team alongside academic tutors and directly relevant to your degree programme.

Key benefits

t Full-time dedicated placements team who will give you plenty of individual help and advice when choosing your placement as well as organising a series of talks and workshops to help you get the most out of your year abroad

t Flexible range of work, study and assistantship options in a variety of countries and environments

t We will normally visit you to check on your progress and to help you make the most of this exciting opportunity

t Our placements team provide support throughout the year to help ensure that things go smoothly.


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Study abroad

Another possibility for your year abroad is to study at one of our partner universities in Europe. We currently enjoy excellent links with highly regarded universities in Angers, Lille, Paris, Tours, Bordeaux, Rennes, Seville, Montpellier, Frankfurt Oder, Mainz, Leipzig, Paderborn, Valencia and New Caledonia in the South Pacific. If you choose to study at one of our partner institutions you will follow the same courses as local students and there will be an individual learning agreement between you, us and your exchange university. This ensures that the courses you take are relevant to your degree at Aston.

Teaching assistantship abroad

Spending the year abroad as a paid language teaching assistant is not just for those interested in teaching as a potential career. Whatever your plans after graduation, you will undoubtedly benefit from the improved confidence, interpersonal and communication skills that our students gain from undertaking a teaching assistantship. These skills are highly valued by the employers who regularly recruit Aston graduates. Recently our students have enjoyed teaching assistantships in schools in France, Belgium, Quebec, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain and Argentina.

www.aston.ac.uk/lss


“Studying in two universities has meant that I have continued using my academic skills and think that the transition back into final year will be smooth and simple for me. We are lucky to have the dedicated support of the Placement Officers who provide as much information as possible before you leave for placement. The year abroad at Aston is one of the highlights of the course; I have made friends from all over the world, grown as a person, and as a student.”

Kerry Tripp BSc Translation Studies, French and Spanish, placement year abroad

“This year has been an amazing year for both academic and personal development and the language skills that I have gained have been priceless.”

”


Key benefits

t Ranked 3rd in the UK for job prospects and 9th overall for languages (Guardian University Guide 2010)

t Contemporary and applied focus, with a high level of teaching delivered in the relevant language

t Integrated year abroad, with excellent student support

t Achieve near-native fluency in your language(s) and a broad overview of the modern societies, politics, histories and cultures within which your language(s) are spoken.

Key facts4 year full-time with integrated year abroad

UCAS codes:French R120German R220French and Spanish RR1KFrench and German RR12German and Spanish RR2K

Typical offer level BBB-ABBIB: 33 pointsOther qualifications see page 158-160 For more information see page 113

Specific subject requirementsA Level Grade B/IB Higher 6 in the language(s) to be studied GCSE English Language and Maths Grade C or equivalent

Modern Languages BSc – French, German, Spanish

Programme overviewOur Modern Languages degrees allow you to specialise in either one (single honours) or two languages (joint honours) from French, German and/or Spanish. You will learn languages by studying contemporary topics relating to the cultures, politics, histories and languages of the French, German or Spanish speaking world.

Our degree programmes have been carefully structured to ensure that the development of your written, aural and oral language skills is fully integrated with core modules on the contemporary politics, history, linguistics, culture and society of the French, German or Spanish world. Students opting for a single language will also study a second or new language in their first year (two hours per week), which they may choose to continue to study all the way through their degree programme.

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The LanguagesFrenchOur French studies course is designed to develop your linguistic skills to near-native proficiency and fluency. Our programme is also designed to develop your understanding of French culture and society – its traditions, its complexities, its underlying ideas – and to develop your critical, analytical and collaborative skills. Language classes are supplemented by a series of thematic modules, also taught in French, which focus on contemporary French society, and particularly on French politics, socio-linguistics, media, film and literature. You will be taught by research experts, with international reputations in our fields, in a lively, friendly, experienced and enthusiastic department.

ModulesYear 1Core French Language Skills (written & spoken); Reading the French Press; France since the Revolution; French Media Debates; Introduction to French Culture; History of the French Language; Introduction to Language and Communication; Introduction to Translation; Translation Workshop; Introduction to Film Studies.

Year 2Core French Language Skills (written & spoken); French Society; Conflict and Consensus; Contemporary France: The Fifth Republic; Contemporary French; European Translation Traditions; Introduction to the Study of Meaning; Communication Across Cultures (French); French Translation; Film Studies.

Year 3Year abroad. See page 117.

Final Year Core French Language Skills (written & spoken); The French Media; France of the New Millennium; French Research Dissertation; Advanced Translation French-English; Interpreting French; French Cinema and Globalisation; Vichy France: Occupation, Collaboration, Liberation.

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GermanBy the end of our programme you will be able to work effectively in a professional German-speaking environment. Your linguistic skills will reach near-native proficiency, acquired through a combination of up-to-date modules and a well structured and supervised year abroad. You will also acquire transferable skills such as teamwork and independent research, which will be essential for any of the career choices the course will open up for you. Teaching is conducted in a stimulating environment by internationally renowned experts in their field. Subject specialisms include German society, film studies, sociolinguistics, translation studies, literature, history politics, and business studies. Most courses are taught in German and provide in-depth insights into current affairs.

ModulesYear 1Core German Language Skills (written & spoken); German History & Society; Introduction to Contemporary German Film; The German Language Past & Present; Berlin in the 20th and 21st Centuries; Major German News Media; Introduction to Language and Communication; Introduction to Translation; Translation Workshop.

Year 2Core German Language Skills (written & spoken); Contemporary Germany; Current Trends in German Cinema; German-Jewish Culture; Discourse Analysis; Austrian Cultural History; Communication Across Cultures (German).


Year 4Core German Language Skills (written & spoken); German Research Dissertation; History & Society Reflected in German Film; German Cultural History I & II; Introduction to Yiddish Language and Culture; LSP Advanced Translation German-English; Interpreting German.

SpanishThe Spanish programme at Aston is committed to equipping our students with the tools, skills and knowledge necessary to operate effectively in this global, multilingual and multicultural world. We are devoted to the study of Spanish in context and therefore we consider the understanding of the diverse cultures and societies of the Spanish-speaking world to play an essential role in understanding the world we live in. This means that along with near native proficiency in written and spoken Spanish, students also graduate with in-depth understanding of the issues that shape contemporary Hispanic cultures and societies.

Aston’s Spanish department is the first and only Cervantes Associated Centre in the UK and scored an impressive 93/100 on the Cervantes Teaching Quality Scale during a recent visit. The Spanish department also host a range of Spanish Cultural Events sponsored by the Cervantes Institute.

ModulesYear 1Spanish Language Skills I & II (written & spoken); Spanish History I: the Fall of the Empire to the Spanish Civil War; Spanish History II: From the Civil War to the Democracy; Introduction to Spanish Culture; Introduction to Latin American Culture.

Year 2Spanish Language Skills I & II (written & spoken); Contemporary Spain I: 1975 – 1989; Contemporary Spain II: Since 1990; Sociolinguistics of Spanish; Cultures & Societies of Spain & Latin America.


Final YearSpanish Language Skills I & II (written & spoken); Spanish Research Dissertation & Oral Evaluation; Hispanic Film; 20th-Century Major Hispanic Authors.

www.aston.ac.uk/lss

“You really start to enjoy independent learning, knowing that your lecturers’ help is only an email away. I can’t wait to come back for second year and have the opportunity of more modules and to learn more about France.”

Ria Bush BSc French, first year

“I absolutely love it at Aston! I study straight French and love the friendliness of all the lecturers.””

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


Key benefits

t Excellent career prospects for graduates offering employers two subjects to Honours level


t Combinations with languages create highly employable graduates

t Keep your career options open and develop multiple skills

t Contemporary and applied focus, with a high level of teaching delivered in the relevant language.


UCAS codes:French and English Language QR31German and English Language QR32Spanish and English Language QR34French and Sociology LR41Spanish and Sociology LR34

Typical offer levelBBB-ABBIB: 33 PointsOther qualifications see page 158-160For more information see page 113

Subject specific requirementsA Level grade B/IB Higher 6 in the language to be studiedGCSE Maths and English Language Grade C or equivalent

Modern Languages and English Language or Sociology BSc

Programme overviewOur Modern Languages (French, German or Spanish) and English Language/Sociology courses produce highly employable, multi-skilled graduates, able to pursue successful careers in business and industry, in government and elsewhere in the public sector, or in education and teaching. Our students are in demand from a wide range of employers who value their understanding of different cultures and societies, their communication skills and motivation for team work. In each year of study your language classes are supplemented by a series of thematic modules, which focus on contemporary society, and particularly on politics, socio-linguistics, media, film and literature. Your third year will be spent abroad, undertaking a work placement with a company working as a teaching assistant in a school or studying at one of our partner universities abroad.

To find out more visit: www.aston.ac.uk/lss

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ModulesFor details of the modules that you will study see page 119 for Modern Languages, page 125 for English Language and page 133 for Sociology.

“Where to start….the small friendly campus, and the great mixture of people that you will meet, it is all here at Aston! The course is fantastic and the lecturers are friendly and approachable. It has been an amazing first year.”

Jessica Birch BSc French and English Language, first year

“As soon as I stepped into Aston University, I felt at home! ””

www.aston.ac.uk/lss

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


Key benefits


t Contemporary and applied focus, with a high level of teaching delivered in the relevant language

t Internationally recognised and research active staff, backed by the Aston Centre for Europe (ACE): www.aston.ac.uk/europe

t Fully integrated year abroad, including placements at the European Parliament in Brussels, and international companies across Europe

t We run a range of extra curricular events for students: see europe.blogs.aston.ac.uk for politics and international relations or page 116 for our language programmes

t Opportunity to learn a new language.

Programme overviewIf you want a truly international career, which relies on proficiency in a foreign language as well as an understanding of the international arena, our International Politics and Languages (IPL) degree will be ideal for you. Taught within our School of Languages and Social Sciences, our IPL degree is designed as an integrated degree so that the language knowledge gained will enhance your understanding of international politics. The course combines modules in your chosen language(s) – language skills, media, politics, cultural studies and linguistics – with an emphasis on European politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and modern European history. There is a fully integrated year abroad with extensive preparation and support offered by our dedicated international placements team (see page 119 for details.) You can also choose to learn a new language – Arabic, Chinese, French, German and Spanish from beginners level.

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Key facts 4 year full-time with integrated year abroad

UCAS code: RL92

Please specify the language(s) that you are applying for in Section 3F of your UCAS form. You must study one of French, German and Spanish. You can select a second language from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, or Spanish.

Typical offer level ABB-AABIB: 35 pointsOther qualifications see page 158-160For more information see page 113

Specific subject requirementsA Level Grade B or IB higher Grade 6 in at least one of French, German or Spanish One language can be studied from beginners or post GCSE level GCSE English Language and Maths Grade C or equivalent

International Politics and Languages BSc – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Spanish*

ModulesYear 1Introduction to the EU; Introduction to Politics; Introduction to International Relations; Information Skills.

French/German/Spanish Language Skills (written and oral); modules in French/German/Spanish Film, culture, media, history, politics (see page 119).

Where a second Language is taken at beginners level you will take beginners modules I & II in the relevant language.

Year 2Politics and Policies of the EU; Comparative Government; International Relations Theories and Issues; Research Methods.


Where a second Language is taken at beginners level you will take Intermediate modules I & II in the relevant language.

Year 3Year abroad. Choose from a work placement, exchange at a partner university or teaching assistantship.

Final YearInternational Politics Dissertation; a range of options typically including: Central and East European Politics; The International Relations of East Asia; The US Presidency; Intellectuals and Politics; Law and Politics; Conflict, Intervention and Reconciliation; Political Leaders: Case Studies & Comparative Perspectives.


Where a second Language is taken at beginners level you will take Advanced modules I & II in the relevant language.

*Subject to full approval

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


To find out more visit: www.aston.ac.uk/lsswww.aston.co.uk

Key benefits

t Ranked 9th in the UK for Languages (Guardian 2010) and 1st for languages graduate level jobs after 6 months (unistats.com 2009)

t Aston has been chosen to be part of the exclusive European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network

t Integrated year abroad with excellent student support

t Aston is one of only a few UK universities specialising in translation and interpreting

t Gain translation, interpreting and linguistic expertise through specialist modules

t Aston is a member of the National Network for Translation and has excellent links with the translation profession

t Students who achieve excellent results in LSP Translation qualify for consideration for certification by the CIoL and/or exemption from Paper 1 of the CIoL examination for the Diploma in Translation.


UCAS codes:Translation Studies – French R110Translation Studies – German R210Translation Studies – French and German RRC2Translation Studies – French and Spanish RR14Translation Studies – German and Spanish RR24

Typical offer level BBB-ABBIB: 33 pointsOther qualifications see page 158-160 For more information see page 113

Specific subject requirementsA Level Grade B / IB higher Grade 6 in the language(s) to be studied GCSE English Language and Maths Grade C or equivalent

Translation Studies BSc - French, German, Spanish

Programme overviewDesigned to prepare you for a successful career in translation or allied professions, our Translation degrees aim to give you a detailed understanding of the current approaches, history and concepts of translation studies in intellectual, linguistic and cultural terms. The programmes are based on our well-established degrees in languages incorporating additional specialist subjects and electives, which focus on the practical skills and theoretical aspects of translation. Each year of the programme aims to develop further essential competencies in the areas of French, German or Spanish linguistics, culture and translation. You will benefit from our links with translation companies and professional associations such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL). Subject guide:

Year 1French/German/Spanish Language Skills (written & spoken); Introduction to Language & Communication; Introduction to Translation; Translation Workshop; modules in French/German/Spanish film, culture, media, history, politics (see page 119.) You may have the option to learn a new language via the University Wide Language Programme (see page 113.)

Year 2French/German/Spanish Language Skills (written & spoken); European Translation Traditions; Communication Across Cultures; Introduction to the Study of Meaning; Translation & Technology; modules in French/German/Spanish film, culture, media, history, politics (see page 119.) You may have the option to learn a new language via the University Wide Language Programme (see page 113.)

Year 3Year abroad. Choose from a work placement (including in a Translation Agency), exchange at a partner university or teaching assistantship.

Final YearCore French/German/Spanish Language Skills (written & spoken); Contemporary Translation Theories; Specialised LSP Translation; Advanced Translation French, German or Spanish into English; Interpreting French or German; modules in French/German/Spanish film, culture, media, history, politics (see page 119.) You may have the option to learn a new language via the University Wide Language Programme (see page 113.)

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Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]

www.aston.ac.uk/lss


www.aston.ac.uk/lss

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“Aston University offered an interesting choice, I could study languages as well as Translation Studies and since Aston is one of only a few UK universities genuinely specialising in translation and interpreting, I jumped at the opportunity. In the case of Translation Studies, French and Spanish, this includes Modern French and Spanish society, and the best ways to translate and subtitle a film. I would definitely recommend a language degree at Aston University because it isn’t so focused on literature or historical society, like at other universities. At Aston you learn about how modern day society and culture is formed. The lecturers are fantastic and friendly, and are no less than top of their chosen field.”

Adrien Dansette BSc Translation Studies, French and Spanish, second year

“The lectures are fantastic; you are constantly engaged and challenged about the given subject.”

”


Key facts4 year with integrated placement year/3 years full-time

UCAS codes: Single Honours: Q310

Joint Honours:English Language and Psychology CQ83French and English Language QR31*German and English Language QR32*International Relations and English Language LQ23Politics and English Language QL32Sociology and English Language LQ33Spanish and English Language QR34*

Typical offer level ABB-AAB (depending on the combination)Other qualifications see page 158-160 For more information see page 113

Specific subject requirementsB in A Level English or equivalent required for Single Honours GCSE English Language and Maths Grade C or equivalent

English Language BSc (Single and Joint Honours)Programme overviewOur innovative English Language degrees aim to provide you with a theoretical knowledge and understanding of the English language, how it works in society and its role in the world today. We emphasise the practical application of English Language studies to the real world through our optional placement year and through professionally relevant modules in areas such as Teaching and Learning English or Language in a Legal Context.

Your first year of studying English at Aston will give you a broad introduction to language and meaning, to the influence of form and context and to the role of language in society. In the second year you build upon the themes introduced in your first year through the study of core modules designed to equip you to describe the sounds of speech and the features of written text in technical detail, as well as collecting, managing and working with linguistic data. In the final year you will produce a substantial piece of individual work in the form of a dissertation on an agreed topic of your choice. In addition you can choose from a range of elective modules (see module guide for details).

ModulesSingle HonoursYear 1Introduction to English Language: Across Time & Space; Contexts, Modes & Media; Language in Society; Words & Meaning; Introduction to English Language: Social Applications; Grammar & Meaning; Phonetics & Phonology; Genre.

Year 2The Discourse of Written English; Variations of English; Variations of English: Research Approaches; Research Methods in Language & Communication; Working with Language Data. Electives in areas such as Language in the News Media; Language at Work; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Discourse Analysis for Business; The Language of the Law; Computer Mediated Communication; Psychology of Language & Communication; Stylistics.

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Career prospectsPotential careers for graduates include: publishing, linguistic computing, journalism, law, the Civil Service, the media (including advertising, marketing and public relations) and information technology (including library work), as well as teaching (in the UK or abroad). Aston also has highly regarded masters and postgraduate certificate programmes in English language teaching.

www.aston.ac.uk/lss

Year 3Optional work/study placement.

Final YearResearch Dissertation (on an agreed topic of your choice); The Discourse of Spoken English. Electives in areas such as Corpus Linguistics; Language as Evidence; Language & Gender; Learning English; Advanced TESOL; Linguistics of the Individual; Psycholinguistics; Multimodal Analysis; Critical Discourse Analysis.

“I really liked that the university is a small campus and the good sense of community between the students adds to the friendly atmosphere.”

Yasemin Turan BSc English Language, First Year

“As the lecture and seminar groups are small, the classes are able to be interactive making the content involved more interesting.”

”


Key benefits

t Aston is one of only a few UK universities to offer English Language programmes with a fully integrated, optional placement year

t Recent English Language placements include: Communications Officer at the Science and Technology Facilities Council; English Language Teaching Assistant at Toyo Gakuen University, Japan; Comenius Teaching Assistant, Cyprus; Market Research Assistant, Aston University; Online Activism Volunteer, Friends of the Earth; Publishing Intern, Summersdale Publishers Limited

t Professionally relevant, innovative modules such as language and the law, computer-mediated communication and language in the news media

t Possibility of specialising in Business English, Legal Language or Learning and Teaching English.

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ModulesJoint HonoursYear 1Across Time and Space; Language in Society; Contexts, Modes and Media; Social Applications; Words and Meaning; Grammar and Meaning; plus 60 credits from your other joint honours subject.

Year 2Research Methods in Language & Communication; Variations of English; The Language of the Law or Stylistics; Working with Language Data; options from Language in the News Media; Language at Work; Computer Mediated Communication; Discourse Analysis for Business; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; plus 60 credits from your other joint honours subject.

Year 3Optional work/study Placement Year

Final YearResearch Dissertation (on an agreed topic of your choice); The Discourse of Spoken English; Electives in areas such as: Corpus Linguistics; Language as Evidence; Intercultural Communication in Business; Language & Gender; Culture & Communication; Learning English; Advanced TESOL; Language & Gender; Linguistics of the Individual; Psycholinguistics; Multimodal Analysis; Critical Discourse Analysis; plus 60 credits from your other joint honours subject.

www.aston.ac.uk/lss* this programme includes a compulsory year abroad.

“I also hold ‘lounge time’ sessions in which I speak to students and provide them the opportunity to speak with a native speaker. In addition to this I hold my own extra-curricular classes that explore language through music and culture. I have had excellent support from my organisation. I have had weekly meetings with my supervisor who has offered support and guidance in my work and studies, as well as in more informal meetings outside of these. Help has been readily available to me at all times and I feel I have been treated as any other employee would; if not with more support and special interest. My placement experience has been a great experience in so many ways – I have had the amazing opportunity to live in Japan for a year and gain invaluable knowledge within the field of work that I wish to pursue a career in.

Chrissie Woods BSc English and Sociology, Final Year

“My role is primarily an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in which I assist the permanent teacher in their lessons.”

”

”

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


Career prospectssee page 130

Key facts 4 year full-time with integrated placement year/3 years full-time

UCAS code: L290

Typical offer level ABB-AAB IB: 35 pointsOther qualifications see page 158-160 For more information see page 113

Specific subject requirementsGCSE English Language and Maths Grade C or equivalent

Politics with International Relations BSc (Single Honours)

Programme overviewPolitics and International Relations – two closely related disciplines – are combined in this popular, single honours political science degree. The programme explores politics and international relations in British, European and global settings and examines theories about the nature of politics and international relations from the ancient to the modern world. You will also explore the complex relationship between ethics and international action via co-operation or conflict. The history and present day functionality of the European Union and policy-making at international, national and regional levels is also explored. To prepare our graduates for careers in a global environment, there is also a practical element of language learning via a module in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German or Spanish. The placement year is an optional feature of the programme and is designed to give you real life experience and to act as a springboard to your future career.

Subject guideYear 1Introduction to Politics; Introduction to International Relations; Study Skills; Introduction to the European Union; Modern Europe and the World; British Politics; choice of Government and Governance or a University Wide Language Programme Module.

Year 2History of Political Thought; Comparative Government; Research Methods; EU Politics/Policies; International Relations: Theories and Issues; Security Studies; Political Economy.

Year 3Optional placement in UK or abroad, in public or private sector, work or study placement outside the UK.

Final YearExtended Research Dissertation. Options include: Regions and Regionalism in Europe; Contemporary Political Theory; Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe; Immigration and Citizenship in Western Europe; Political Leaders: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives; The International Politics of the Asia-Pacific Region; Nationalism and Political Power in Europe; The Politics of Post Soviet Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

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Key benefits

t Recent Politics and International Relations placements include: HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Ministry of Defence, Audit Commission, working with local MPs, British High Commission in Ghana, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, House of Lords, African Development Bank in Uganda, TNS

t Internationally recognised research active staff, backed by the Aston Centre for Europe (ACE): www.aston.ac.uk/europe

t Combines history and political theory with a strong present day focus

t We run a range of events for students in the Politics and International Relations Group: see europe.blogs.aston.ac.uk

“My placement allows me to work in almost all the departments of the House of Lords, including for example the Clerk of Parliaments Office, Committee Office, Hansard, Journal Office and Human Resources to name just a few. I feel overall I have achieved something very important working here, I have gained the type of confidence that is only really possible to experience through working in the real world. The placement has given me a real life insight into the world of Politics and increased my employability when I am looking for a job after graduation. I would definitely recommend doing a placement to other students as it gives a real life insight into a career they may be interested in and builds excellent skills that are sure to help during final year. I felt I got excellent support whilst on placement and excellent academic support from my tutor”.

Husna Khan (BSc Politics with International Relations)

Placement at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament

“The course has given me an excellent insight into a subject I am very interested in as well as an excellent foundation upon which to build my career. ”

”

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]/lss


Key benefits

t Distinctive, integrated professional placement and year abroad options. Recent Politics and International Relations placements include: HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Ministry of Defence, Audit Commission, working with local MPs, British High Commission in Ghana, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, House of Lords, African Development Bank in Uganda, TNS

t Wide range of flexible combinations


t Single Honours BSc Politics with International Relations also available.

Programme overviewThe study of International Relations covers politics in the international realm. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the nature of relations between states and also of the roles played by international institutions, other intergovernmental organisations, multinational corporations and NGOs. Year one introduces you to key modules focusing on the international state system and to the structure and purpose of international organisations; you also learn about ethics and international politics. Your second year covers theories and contemporary issues in international relations, security studies and the globalisation of the international political economy. Your final year gives you the chance to explore more specialised topics through the completion of an individual research dissertation and a range of modules covering topics such as the international relations of East Asia, US foreign policy, and the international relations between post Soviet Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Key facts4 year full-time with integrated placement year/3 years full-time

UCAS codes:International Relations and Business LN27International Relations and English Language LQ33International Relations and Public Policy and Management LL2KInternational Relations and Sociology LL2HFor Combinations with Modern Languages see our International Politics and Languages (IPL) degree (page 119)

Typical offer level ABB-AAB (depending on the combination) IB: 34-35 pointsOther qualifications see page 158-160 For more information see page 113


International Relations (Joint Honours)

Subject guideYear 1Introduction to International Relations; Study Skills; Introduction to the European Union; Modern Europe and the World; History of Political Thought; Comparative Government; Research Methods; EU Politics/Policies; Security Studies.

Year 2Research Methods; EU Politics/Policies; International Relations: Theories and Issues; Security Studies; Political Economy.


Final yearExtended Research Dissertation. Options include: Regions and Regionalism in Europe; Contemporary Political Theory; Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe; Immigration and Citizenship in Western Europe; Political Leaders: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives; The international Politics of the Asia-Pacific Region; Nationalism and Political Power in Europe; The Politics of Post Soviet Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Career prospects see page 130

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”

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


Key benefits

t Distinctive, integrated professional placement and year abroad options. Recent Politics and International Relations placements include: HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Ministry of Defence, Audit Commission, working with local MPs, British High Commission in Ghana, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, House of Lords, African Development Bank in Uganda, TNS

t Wide range of flexible combinations


t Single Honours BSc Politics with International Relations also available.

Key facts4 year sandwich with integrated/placement year/3 years full-time

UCAS codes:Politics and Business LN2CPolitics and English Language QL32Politics and Public Policy and Management L201Politics and Sociology LL42For Combinations with Languages see our International Politics and Languages (IPL) degree (page 122)

Typical offer level ABB-AAB (depending on the combination)IB: 34-35 pointsOther qualifications see page 158-160 For more information see page 113


Politics BSc (Joint Honours)Programme overviewOur Politics programmes are concerned with the study of government and political action. In year one you will study introductory modules in Politics, the European Union, and governance. At the core of your second year are modules dealing with the history of political thought, as well as a focus on British foreign and domestic policy. In your final year a Politics research dissertation on an agreed topic of your choice counts for a substantial and challenging part of your programme. Optional modules include political leadership, contemporary political thought, nationalism and political power.

Subject guidePoliticsYear 1Introduction to Politics; Study Skills; Introduction to the European Union; British Politics.

Year 2History of Political Thought; Comparative Government; Research Methods; EU Politics/Policies.


Final YearExtended Research Dissertation. Options include: Regions and Regionalism in Europe; Contemporary Political Theory; Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe; Immigration and Citizenship in Western Europe; Political Leaders: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives; The international Politics of the Asia-Pacific Region; Nationalism and Political Power in Europe; The Politics of Post Soviet Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

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www.aston.ac.uk/lss

“The highlight for me was sitting opposite the UN Secretary-General, behind the UK placard as a United Kingdom Representative at the 12th UN Conference on Trade and Development. I got a glimpse of diplomatic life and it was the School of Languages and Social Sciences that prepared me for it.”

Khalid Miah BSc (Hons) Politics with International Relations

“During my placement year at Aston, I worked for the British Government in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

”

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


Career prospectsOur graduates are in demand from a wide range of employers where a sound understanding of societies, teamwork and communication skills are required. Recent graduate destinations include:Recruitment Consultant – PRO

Assistant Financial Investigator – Serious Fraud Office

Junior Publicist – Warner Bros Pictures

Recruitment Adviser – West Midlands Police

Project Support Manager – Worcestershire County Council

Graduate Trainee – BAE Systems

Project Assistant – Birmingham City Council

Marketing & Sales Manager – Copper Alloys Ltd

Cross Team Communicator – De Dietrich

Administrative Officer – Department of Constitutional Affairs

Orphan Support Officer – Islamic Relief

Assistant Brand Manager – Diageo

Financial Data Analyst – Fed Ex

Office Manager – HSE Recruitment Network

Trainee Probation Officer – National Probation Service

Administrative Secretary – Royal Air Force

Political Group Assistant – Warwickshire County Council

Policy Officer – Wokingham District Council.

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UCAS codes:Business and Public Policy and Management LN41Politics and Public Policy and Management L201Public Policy and Management and English LQ43Public Policy and Management and International Relations LL2KPublic Policy and Management and Sociology LL24

Typical offer level ABB-AAB (depending on the combination) IB: 34-35 points (depending on the combination)


Public Policy and Management BSc (Joint Honours)

Programme overviewPublic Policy and Management is a multi-disciplinary programme that examines the major economic and social issues facing governments across the world, and the policies developed and delivered by governments and other organisations. It builds upon various A-levels, including Politics (e.g. the role of government), Sociology (e.g. modern forms of power), Economics (e.g. market failure), Geography (e.g. globalisation) and Business Studies (e.g. Government support for enterprise).

You will investigate the economic, social and political forces which influence government decision-making, and which give rise to conflicts between the achievement of economic, environmental and social objectives. You will also examine why governments take particular decisions in key policy areas (such as the economy, health, and the environment) and develop a detailed understanding of processes of policy making at global, national and local levels of government. You will also study the nature of policy delivery and management by various organisations, such as local governments, schools and businesses.

Finally, and most importantly, the programme explores in depth the outcomes and consequences of various government policies on the economy and society. Important strengths of the programme include its focus on key contemporary policy issues and decision making, such as the financial crisis and the environment as well as international comparisons of government policies. The programme is strongly geared towards increasing your employability since it is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required of professionals working in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Your first year of studying Public Policy and Management at Aston will give you an introduction to the institutions of government and the nature of the policy process, including the importance of various political, economic and social factors. You will also acquire knowledge and skills relating to the use of different research methods and the critical analysis of policies. In the second year you will examine important elements of government policy making and delivery, such as the comparative analysis of different governments, and the relationship between governments and the economy. In your final year you will examine different key areas of government policy, including economic development, regulation, and health.

Modules Year 1Government and Governance; The State and the Economy; Social Need & Public Services; Managing Public Services.

Year 2Strategic Management and Leadership in the Public Sector; Making Environmental Policy; Risk and Regulation; Government Expenditure and Financial Management; Marketing & Communications for Public Services.

Year 3Optional placement year.

Final YearLocal Economic Development; The Sociology of Health and Illness; The Governance of Economic Development Policy; Globalisation, Multinational Corporations and Power; Managing the Public’s Health.

Learning and teaching methodsYou will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods including: lectures, tutorials, seminars, group and individual project work. You will be able to use our extensive computing facilities.

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www.aston.ac.uk/lss

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


Career prospectsAston Public Policy and Management (PPM) graduates enter a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors or undertake postgraduate research (PhD etc). The PPM degree has been in existence for many years and many employers are aware of the mix of policy, management and society related modules included within it. Combining the programme with business (see page 62) is a popular choice and produces highly employable graduates.Our recent graduates are employed in graduate roles for a variety of companies and organisations including: Civil Service

PricewaterhouseCoopers

NHS

South West Trains

Local Government

Marks & Spencer

Scottish Power

Vauxhall

Smith & Nephew

Superdrug

For further information visit: www.aston.ac.uk/careers

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Key benefits

t Internationally recognised for Public Sector/Policy Research

t Popular combinations include Sociology, Business, International Relations and Politics

t First-class graduate employment record in the public and private sectors

t Extensive placement year opportunities.

“As an undergraduate I secured a placement year with the Audit Commission as a Policy Assistant. Within a month of graduating I found a job offering training and development at Town & Country Housing Group. As a Development Trainee I’ve been project managing acquisitions of street properties and am now moving on to project manage the development of new build affordable housing. The combination of having a respectable degree and work experience means Aston graduates are highly desirable in the job market.”

Emma Szlapak Public Policy and Management

“Choosing to study at Aston University will prepare you for the working world.” ”



UCAS codes: Single Honours: L300

Joint Honours:Business and Sociology LN31Sociology and English LQ33Sociology and French LR41Sociology and International Relations LL2HSociology and Politics LL42Sociology and Psychology CL83Sociology and Public Policy LL24Sociology and Spanish LR34

Typical offer level BBB for single honours; BBB – AAB for joint honours depending on the combinationIB: 33-35 points (depending on the combination)Other qualifications see page 158-160 For more information see page 113


Sociology BSc (Single and Joint Honours)Programme overviewOur Sociology programmes will provide you with an in-depth understanding of social processes, organisational dynamics and inter-group relationships. They combine an introduction to specific skills such as research design and use of the comparative method, with an emphasis on social change. Strengths of the programme include its focus on key contemporary social issues, social policy and decision making, and international comparisons of social structures and policies.

You will also benefit from teaching staff who are active researchers in fields such as ethnic and gender inequalities, educational policy, global change, new technology and employment and theories of social change. The fact that Aston University is distinctive in offering a placement year for our Sociology students gives them a particular edge and our students are encouraged to take up the opportunity of this valuable experience. The personal, professional and intellectual skills you acquire will prepare you for a wide range of educational and career opportunities in areas such as public and private sector management, research organisations, social work, pressure groups, charities and voluntary organisations.

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Sociology Single Honours (all modules required)

Year 1 Social History; Introduction to Research Methods; Global Society; Identities and Inequalities; Classical Social Theory; Popular Culture.

Year 2Social Movements; Contemporary Social Theory; Research Methods; Birmingham and the World; Embodiment and Feminist Theory; Sociology of Racism; Modern Organisations and Social Change; Knowledge and Society; Risk, Regulation and the Financial Crisis.

Placement Year*Placement students undertake independent project work that links their experiences outside the university with their Sociology studies.

Year 3 or 4Sociology Dissertation; Advanced Social Theory; Sociology of Health and Illness; Race, Class and Gender; Culture, Power and Communication; Risk, Environment and Society; Sociology of Work and Society.

“I am currently studying English Language and Sociology Bsc not only because I thoroughly enjoy these subjects but because there are many acknowledged academics in both fields. My lecturers are very enthusiastic, so my lectures don’t just consist of my lecturer talking, students are able to input also, which is great because if someone asks a question, more often than not, others were thinking the same thing! Also I am able to get a lot of contact time with my lecturers due to having lectures, tutorials and workshops. In September, I have been given a fantastic opportunity to undertake a placement teaching English at another university in Japan. The placement team have offered great support, making sure I am equipped with the right information.”

Hayley Chisholm Sociology and English Language, second year

“I chose to study at Aston University because it is a very friendly university with a great reputation of academic excellence.”

”


Key benefits

t Distinctive placement year in the public or private sectors. Aston’s Sociology students have recently completed placements as educational assistants in schools and pupil referral units; coordinating volunteer work in Tanzania and with the charity/advocacy group People and Planet; working in a women’s shelter; working with the Birmingham Youth Offenders Service and West Midlands Police; managing project work for Hertfordshire City Council; Lloyds Bank and teaching English abroad

t Interesting and Relevant Curriculum: we offer courses in a range of specialisations, including ‘race’ and racism; gender, feminism and the body; social movements and social change; knowledge and science; globalization; culture and the media; risk and climate change; health and illness; and work

t Excellent track record of graduate employment success

t Strong links between Research and Teaching.

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Sociology Joint Honours

Year 1 Compulsory: Classical Social Theory; Introduction to Research Methods.

Choice of one from: Social History; Identities and Inequalities.

Year 2Compulsory: Contemporary Social Theory; Research Methods.

Choice of two from: Embodiment and Feminist Theory; Sociology of Racism; Modern Organisations and Social Change; Knowledge and Society.

Placement Year*Placement students undertake independent project work that links their experiences outside the university with their Sociology studies.

Year 3 or 4Choice of any: Sociology Dissertation; Advanced Social Theory; Sociology of Health and Illness; Race, Class and Gender; Culture, Power and Communication; Risk, Environment and Society; Sociology of Work and Society.

* Students are automatically enrolled on a four-year course that includes a placement year, but may choose to complete their degree in three years without a placement.

Career prospectsOur graduates are in demand from a wide range of employers where a sound understanding of societies, organisations, institutions and communication skills are required. Career choices are also broadened by our students’ choice of subjects in combination with Sociology. For example, our recent graduates found employment with a vast number of organisations in a wide range of areas including:NHS, Nestlé, Deloitte, Peugeot Citroen, Staffordshire County Council, Warwickshire County Council – Graduate Trainees

County Council – Graduate Trainees

Focus Housing Group – Housing Manager

PhD Research – Sociology and Social Sciences

BP – Procurement

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Environment Agency – Administration/Project Assistants

English Heritage – Finance Officer

Recruitment Consultants, HR Officers/Assistants (variety of companies and organisations)

Marketing Officers/Assistants (variety of companies and charities)

IBM – Financial Analyst

Marks & Spencer – Human Resources Management

PGCE – Primary/Secondary/College Teaching for teaching careers

Further Study/training in Personnel Management, Journalism and Education.

For further information visit: www.aston.ac.uk/careers

Contact

T 0121 204 3777

E [email protected]


Key features of the School

t Recognised as a leading centre for Health Sciences in the UK due to an outstanding reputation for teaching quality and research

t Aston ranked 1st for Subjects Allied to Medicine in The Times and the Independent (2010 rankings)

t 85% of research undertaken is internationally recognised (RAE 2008)

t Undergraduate teaching is informed by cutting edge research

t Recently refurbished teaching facilities equipped with the latest subject related technology

t Rated very highly for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey

t Excellent graduate career prospects

t 88% of Life & Health Sciences students go straight into graduate level employment or further study.

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The Birmingham School of Pharmacy – providing pharmacy education since 1895 Aston University has a history of educating Pharmacists that goes back over 100 years. The Birmingham School of Pharmacy received the highest possible rating for pharmacy undergraduate education in the QAA subject reviews (24/24) and has had continuous successful accreditations by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain for over 20 years.

From as early as 1923, we have been offering full-time courses in pharmacy and during the early 1970s, the School offered the first postgraduate masters programme in clinical pharmacy. This pioneered the appointments of lecturer practitioners who work in pharmacy and teach undergraduate students.

Now, with opportunities for new treatments that can improve the lives of people throughout the world, our School is at the forefront of cutting-edge, innovative and relevant research.

To find out more

T 0121 204 4101

E [email protected]

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Degree Programmes

BSc Honours Page

t Biological Sciences 139

t Biomedical Science 141

t Cell and Molecular Biology 139

t Human Biology 139

t Infection and Immunity 139

t Optometry 143

t Psychology 147

MPharm Honours

t Pharmacy 145

BSc Joint Honours

t Psychology Combinations include English Language, 149 Business and Sociology

Related programmes

t Chemistry Programmes 84

t Biological Chemistry 81

t Foundation Degrees 152

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Criminal Records Bureau checks and Fitness to Practise

The Biomedical Science, MPharm and Optometry degree programmes within the School of Life & Health Sciences frequently include clinical placements which will include contact with children and the public. Students will therefore be required to undertake an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being allowed to undertake clinical placements or work with children as part of their degrees. Currently the cost of the CRB check is £36 and this cost is borne by the student.

This policy is consistent with all other UK universities and is a requirement of the UK Government. In addition to the normal academic requirements, and, in line with other regulated health professions, continuation on the Programmes and award of these registerable degrees is subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations. For further details see our website www1.aston.ac.uk/lhs/undergraduate/fitness-to-practice-information/

Optional placement year or professional experience

This is a 12-month professional work placement between the second and final years of your degree. It offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experience and set your studies in the context of a working environment alongside professionals. Our recent placements have been with research institutes, breweries, the food industry, pharmaceutical companies (e.g AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline), clinical trials, medical sales, biotechnology companies, the Civil Service, British Energy, Corus, Ford, Marks & Spencer, the Prison Service and National Health Service laboratories.

Students undertaking the sandwich degree are often better organised, more confident and motivated and have improved academic performance when they graduate. The placement year is one of the key factors in Aston University’s employment success and its educational value has been highly praised. You are responsible for choosing and applying for your own placement and there are a wide range of placement opportunities around the UK and abroad. Because we have such extensive experience of placements we are able to provide specialist support and supervision.

To check placement options, please refer to the course page or contact the School for more information.

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Key benefits

t Top Ten for Anatomy and Physiology in The Guardian University Guide 2011

t Paid professional placement year opportunities

t Hands-on research experience with Aston’s internationally recognised research groups

t Close links with industry and hospitals, strong record of graduate success

t Our programmes are consistently highly rated by our own students in the National Student Survey.

Key facts3 year full-time/4 year sandwich with integrated placement year

UCAS codes:BSc Biological Sciences C112BSc Cell and Molecular Biology CC17BSc Human Biology B150BSc Infection and Immunity C550

Typical offer levelNormally ABB from three A Level subjectsOther qualifications: page 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level Biology or Human Biology A Level at Grade B or aboveChemistry at A/AS level welcomed but not essentialGCSE: English Language and Maths Grade C

Biology ProgrammesProgramme overviewThere are currently four BSc Honours programmes available at Aston University which are offered as 3 year full-time degrees or as 4 year sandwich degrees with an industrial placement. These modern degree programmes are specifically designed to promote an awareness of the application of biological knowledge to human health and welfare, and to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in a continually changing dynamic subject.

The four programmes are:

t BSc Biological Sciences

t BSc Cell and Molecular Biology

t BSc Human Biology

t BSc Infection and Immunity.

Biology, derived from the Greek words ‘bios’ (life) and ‘logos’ (reasoned account) is the study of life, from the simplest organism to the complexity of the human species. It can be studied at several levels ranging from molecular interactions at a sub-cellular level to cellular interactions at a tissue level, or even the interactions of whole organisms. Biology therefore encompasses many academic fields that may be regarded as individual disciplines. For example, disciplines including microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics and cell biology study life at the cellular and molecular level, whilst human evolution and physiology explore life on a multicellular scale. In combination, however, these disciplines intertwine to form Biology, the scientific study of life, in both health and disease.

Year 1Common to all programmes: Development & Human Anatomy; Cell Biology; Molecular Biology; Parasitology; Microbiology; Biochemistry; Physiology; Introductory Immunology; Inheritance & Population Genetics and Key Skills.

Year 2Common to all programmes: Biological Basis of Human Disease; Biotechnology; Molecular Genetics; Immunology; Metabolism; Nutrition & Dietetics; Bioethics; Molecular Pathology and Key Skills.

Optional placement year or professional experienceStudents on all Biology programmes can choose to undertake a 3 year degree or a 4 year sandwich degree with industrial placement. The Biology Placement Tutor will help you find a suitable industrial placement and offer support and advice if you choose to undertake the sandwich degree option. Furthermore, during your placement you will be visited by a designated member of the academic staff to discuss your industrial experience.

Final yearAfter a common and broadly based first and second year you will choose five topics for specialisation in your final year. The combination of options chosen will be reflected in, and determine, the degree title as given above. Final year options which are chosen at the end of the second year include: Human Physiology; Immunology; Biological

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Career prospectsGraduate employment for Biology students mirrors the success of Aston University as a whole. We believe that the integration of our teaching with research and a high standard of practical tuition, coupled with the generic skills we impart, enable our graduates to enter a wide range of professional careers. The University Careers & Employability Centre provides comprehensive support for all students past and present who are seeking employment.

30-40% of our graduates go into research, while others enter a wide range of careers in health, welfare and the biological industries. In addition to scientific positions some graduates enter general management and personnel work as well as product development and marketing.

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Basis of Mental Health; Food Microbiology; Applied Molecular Biology; Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Disease; Actions of Anti-Microbial Agents; Cell Biology; Drugs from Natural Products; Microbial Pathogenesis; Medical Biochemistry; Controlled Drug Delivery; Cell Biology of Cancer Metastasis & Toxicology.

Professional recognitionGraduates from our Biology programmes are eligible for graduate membership of the Society of Biology (ASMB), the Royal Society for Public Health and the Royal Society of Medicine.

“The course enabled me to develop and enhance my analytical, communication and problem-solving skills with emphasis on group work and presentations, which I found particularly valuable. I found the lecturers were approachable and helpful, and my supervisor was extremely supportive and allowed me to develop my own ideas.”

Farrah Ali Graduate

“I chose Aston University because of the real sense of community, friendly atmosphere, excellent reputation and impressive graduate employment rate.”

”

Contact

T 0121 204 4101

E [email protected]


Key benefits

t Aston is ranked 1st out of 77 universities for Subjects Allied to Medicine in The Times and The Guardian league tables 2011

t Emphasis on Biomedical and applied aspects of Biosciences

t Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

t Applied Biomedical Science with integrated hospital placement approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC)

t Close links with local hospitals

t Aston University is internationally recognised for research into allied health professions.

Key facts3 year full-time/4 year sandwich with integrated placement year

UCAS codes: Biomedical Science C900Other Biology programmes see page 139

Typical offer levelNormally ABB from three A Level subjectsOther qualifications: page 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Biological subject at A Level Grade B or above Chemistry at A/AS level welcomed but not essentialGCSE: English Language and Maths Grade C

Biomedical ScienceProgramme overviewA Biomedical Science degree offers a springboard for graduates to work within the NHS and many health-related institutions. The Biomedical Science degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). The IBMS was founded in 1912 and is the professional body for Biomedical Scientists in the United Kingdom. The Institute aims to promote and develop Biomedical Science and currently represents approximately 16,000 members. The aim of professional body accreditation is to ensure that a high quality degree is delivered, which equips the students with modern professional skills and a sound knowledge foundation necessary for suitable employment in the dynamic profession of Biomedical Sciences. We currently offer a 3 year full-time route to graduation in Biomedical Science and also a 4 year option which includes a 1 year hospital placement in the third year. Both routes are fully accredited by the IBMS.

3 year full-time degree without clinical placementThe 3 year full-time degree in Biomedical Science without a clinical placement may offer a more favourable route to graduation for those students who wish to study Biomedical Science but do not necessarily wish to practise as Health Professions Council (HPC) registered Biomedical Scientists following graduation, e.g for those graduates wishing to work in other health-related industries such as the pharmaceutical industry. For those students who opt for the 3 year full-time degree and subsequently wish to practise as HPC-registered Biomedical Scientists, an additional Certificate of Competence awarded by the IBMS will need to be achieved following graduation. To achieve the Certificate of Competence the graduate must successfully complete the IBMS training and registration portfolio in an approved clinical laboratory. In this circumstance, the portfolio will be issued to the graduate when subsequently employed as a trainee within the laboratory. The IBMS assesses competency of graduates to practice against HPC Standards of Proficiency and awards the certificate following successful submission of the portfolio.

4 year coterminus degree with clinical placementThe 4 year sandwich degree in Biomedical Science is the optimum route to graduation for those students wishing to practise as HPC-registered Biomedical Scientists following graduation. This option comprises an education and training programme which allows the student to undertake a clinical placement (between the second and final years) in a CPA accredited hospital laboratory. If successful in gaining a placement (note the availability of NHS placements is limited and they are allocated in competition) students transfer at the end of year two to the Applied Biomedical Science programme with integrated placement. The Applied Biomedical Science route is approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC), the regulatory body for Biomedical Scientists, and graduates will immediately be eligible to apply to the HPC for registration as professional Biomedical Scientists.

Transfer between biology programmesBiological Sciences at Aston University allows students some flexibility during their studies. For example, it is possible to transfer from Biomedical Science to other Biology programmes at Aston (page 139) at the end of the first year or at enrolment. However, transfer to Biomedical Science from other Aston Biology programmes is

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Career prospectsGraduates in Biomedical Science leave the University equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required for a variety of career opportunities. Whilst some Biomedical Science graduates choose to undertake careers as HPC registered Biomedical Scientists within the NHS, others will choose to use their degree as a springboard into one of many scientifi c or health-related careers including:Research

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not possible at the end of the fi rst year due to the IBMS accreditation of the Biomedical Science programme.

Modules includeYear 1Molecular Biology; Physiology; Microbiology; Parasitology; Biochemistry; Development & Human Anatomy; Cell Biology; Genetics; Introductory Immunology; Biomedical Key Skills.

Year 2Metabolism; Nutrition & Dietetics; Endocrinology; Immunology; Biomedical Technology; Microbial Pathogenesis; Molecular Pathology; Molecular Genetics; Human Physiology; Key Skills/Professional Development.

Year 3Clinical & Food Microbiology; Medical Biochemistry: Immunology; Haematology & Transfusion Science; Molecular Biology; Cellular Pathology; Research Project; Biological Basis of Human Disease.

Our website www.aston.ac.uk/lhs lists a year-by-year breakdown.

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“The course modules combined with practical work were a great help within my position as a Biomedical Scientist and the placement year allowed me to enter the profession as a newly qualifi ed, HPC registered Biomedical Scientist.

The course material provided a very fi rm basis for the laboratory work I perform on a daily basis and I have a copy of my university notes in the laboratory to refer to. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the lecturers was very inspiring but also the service provided by the careers team was a great aid in fi nding and securing my current job.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aston University and I am certain that without the degree qualifi cation including the placement year, I would not have found employment so quickly.”

Salma KousarGraduate

“As part of my BSc in Biomedical Science degree I also undertook a placement year working in a hospital as a trainee Biomedical Scientist.”

”

Contact

T 0121 204 4101

E [email protected]


Key benefits

t Modern, purpose built building and Aston University Day Hospital with first class teaching facilities, fully operational optometry clinic and thriving research groups

t Aston University Day Hospital is unique in Europe, performing cataract and laser refractive surgery on campus (the only university to have this facility)

t The Hospital also brings together our research into areas such as brain imaging, human myopia (short sight) and epilepsy

t Graduates have an excellent track record of success as optometrists

t 100% gained graduate level employment in 2009-10

t World class reputation for research

t Large intake of high quality students

t Integration of teaching and professional practice and innovative hospital partnerships.

Key facts3 year full-time

UCAS codes: BSc Optometry B510

Typical offer levelAAA from three GCE A Level subjectsApplied A Level: 6 unit award (Grade A considered plus two A Level sciences at Grade A)12 unit award not accepted

Specific subject requirementsA Level: two sciences at A Level, including Biology with either Maths or Physics. Chemistry may be acceptable as an alternative General Studies not acceptedGCSE: English Language and Maths Grade BGCSE Physics Grade B (if not held at A Level) or Dual Award Science Grade BBOther qualifications: page 158-160

OptometryProgramme overviewOptometrists (Ophthalmic Opticians) are professional clinicians responsible for many aspects of vision care. Optometrists undertake examinations of the eye for optical defects and correct them using spectacles and contact lenses. They assess eye health and can detect abnormalities that require medical attention. This programme offers an excellent integrated professional and scientific education in optometry. It emphasises clinical practice and provides an ideal training for careers in private practice, hospitals or research.

First yearThe first year will develop your knowledge of the basic scientific principles that underpin optometry and optometric clinical and visual skills. You will explore human biology, optics (relating to the eye, ophthalmic lenses and medical imaging), clinical optometry (development of skills such as retinoscopy and ophthalmoscopy), visual development and perception. The subjects covered in your first year include: Basic Investigative Techniques; Clinical Optometry; Clinical Visual Biology; Medical Biology & Pathology; Ophthalmic Lenses; Optics & Medical Imaging; Vision & Visual Perception.

Please note that although we have all the general purpose equipment required, Optometry students need to purchase about £1,000 worth of personal equipment during the first term of the first year which will be useful for future professional practice.

Second yearYour skills will be further developed in your second year leading to a full eye examination routine. You will study the intricate biological links between eye and brain. You will also accrue skills in contact lens fitting, optical instrumentation and research methods.

Subjects covered in your second year include: Contact Lenses; Ophthalmic Optics; Primary Optometric Examination; Clinical Professional Development; Vision Science & Research Methods; Advanced Investigative Techniques.

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Career prospectsYou will have excellent career prospects in private practice, in your own practice, in partnership or as an employee of a large optical company, hospital practice, the optical industry, optometry, optical research and any other career recruiting high quality graduates.

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Final yearIndependent clinical and scientific skills will be developed in your final year. You will examine patients in our open clinic and will be able to pursue an area of particular personal interest in more depth through a final year elective study working alongside clinical scientists in the Ophthalmic Research Group. The subjects that are covered in the final year include: Anterior Eye; Posterior Eye and General Ophthalmology; Binocular Vision & Paediatrics; Clinical Practice; Elective Studies; Ophthalmic Drugs & Professional Occupational; and Legal.

Professional experienceThe clinical experience gained in your first and second years will be refined in final year clinics in which you will help to provide patients with a full range of ophthalmic services under the close supervision of our clinical teachers who include ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists and dispensing opticians. Throughout the programme you will be taught techniques of general eye examination, spectacle dispensing, fitting and aftercare of contact lenses. These skills and additional optometry specialties are integrated in the clinical investigation and management of visual problems. To broaden your knowledge and practical experience you will attend a series of visits to local hospital eye departments and we recommend that you arrange vacation work within the ophthalmic profession or optical industry.

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Professional recognitionOur degree is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC). After graduation you must complete a pre-registration period that leads up to a series of examinations. Success in these earns you the qualification MCOptom (Member of the College of Optometrists) and allows you to register with the GOC as a fully qualified optometrist enabling you to practise independently in your own right. Entry to pre-registration training is regulated by the GOC and minimum entry requirements apply. You will need to register with the GOC prior to attending classes. The GOC asks students to disclose any prior criminal convictions that may render them unsuitable for training. All applicants with disabilities will be referred to our Disabilities and Additional Needs Unit at Aston (DANU). We are happy to adopt any reasonable recommendations from DANU to help you succeed on our course but the ultimate decision on reasonable adjustments that can be made for you as part of a professional vocational degree rests with the GOC. The GOC can provide advice if required.

This course involves the assessment of fitness to practise and one of the requirements is to promote the relationship of trust and confidence between clinician and patient. In order to fulfil this requirement students are prohibited from wearing a full veil during clinical teaching sessions or otherwise obscuring their face in a manner that may adversely affect communication and compromise the relationship of trust and confidence.

“I was offered guidance on the career paths available to me upon graduation. Throughout my studies many speakers from various optometry sectors (commercial, NHS and industry) shared their experiences – this all helped me to make an informed career choice.

I now work as a Pre Registration Optometrist in a large teaching hospital. My undergraduate degree at Aston University prepared me thoroughly for my current position and has given me a sound basis for my career in Optometry.”

Amritpreet Kaur Basra Graduate

“The teaching combined lectures with hands on practical sessions which showed me how theory could be applied to the real world.”

”

Contact

T 0121 204 4097

E [email protected]


Key benefits

t One of the largest and most established Pharmacy Schools in the UK, Pharmacy has been taught at Aston since 1895

t Fully accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

t A modern pharmacy programme designed to meet the developing role of pharmacists in all branches of the profession (hospital, community and industry)

t Close links with local hospitals, community pharmacies, GP surgeries, and pharmaceutical companies

t Community pharmacy and hospital based clinical teaching supported by pharmacist teacher practitioners

t Emphasis on professional studies and patient-orientated care

t Active and lively student Pharmacy society (APA)

t Internationally recognised for research.

Key facts4 year full-time

UCAS codesMPharm Pharmacy B230

Typical offer levelAAB from three A Level subjectsOther qualifications: page 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level: Chemistry, plus at least one from Biology, Maths or Physics General Studies not acceptedGCSE: English Language Grade C, Maths Grade B

Pharmacy – MPharmProgramme overviewPharmacists are professional health scientists whose expertise covers all aspects of the design, development, delivery, supply, control and use of drugs. Pharmacists need a broad scientific education and specialist professional training, so we have pioneered an integrated approach to teaching and learning which links professional studies to an extensive core science course. From the start of the programme you will be encouraged to apply your understanding of the scientific principles of pharmacy to patient care through case based workshops and clinical visits. Our modern course benefits from substantial links with the profession. Aston University also has a team of teacher practitioners based in the major Birmingham hospitals.

Year 1In the first year you build the scientific base on which your skills as a pharmacist will be laid. You also start applying your knowledge to clinical situations that you might encounter in a community pharmacy. You will study: Physiology (how the body works); Cell & Molecular Biology & Microbiology; Pharmaceutical Calculations; Formulation of Liquid Based Medicines: drug to medicine and how medicines are made; Drug Molecules, Mechanisms & Analysis: (pharmaceutical chemistry); Dispensing: the law relating to medicines and pharmacy and medical ethics; Responding to Symptoms: in the pharmacy and the role of the pharmacist in providing direct patient care; Personal Development & Key Skills: effective learning and IT skills and career management.

Year 2The second year extends your understanding of the pharmaceutical sciences, and your clinical pharmacy skills. You will study: Pharmacology & Therapeutics of the Life Support Systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal etc); How drugs work and therefore why they are used to treat disease; Pharmaceutical Microbiology; Pharmacogenetics;

Structural Identification of Molecules; Biological Chemistry; Formulation of Solid Dosage Forms; Drug Development; Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy; Scientific Communication and Community Pharmacy Placement.

Year 3In the third year you will complete your study of pharmacology and therapeutics, of medicinal chemistry and of dispensing law and ethics. Your modules will include: Pharmacology & Therapeutics of Drugs; Chemotherapy and Selective Toxicity; Design of Modified Release Formulations; Pharmaceutical Technology and Asepsis; Medicinal Chemistry; Applied Clinical Skills & Pharmacy Supply. In addition, the research methods and statistics course will prepare you for your research project.

Final yearIn your final year you will use and extend all the knowledge and skills you have developed in the previous years. You will develop confidence in applying your pharmaceutical knowledge to maximise individual patient benefit from treatment. You will also consider wider aspects of pharmacy such as evidence-based medicine, and pharmaceutical public health.

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Career prospectsOur established reputation and professional accreditation ensure that career prospects for our graduates are first-class. In 2009, 100% of our graduates gained graduate level employment and preregistration pharmacist places across the UK within six months of graduation. Major employers include:Boots

Lloyds

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Hospital-based pharmacies

For more information visit: www.aston.ac.uk/careers

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Your final year modules include: Advanced drug delivery and targeting; the professional pharmacist; Pharmaceutical patient care, supported by extended clinical placements in local hospitals; Pharmaceutical public health and evidence-based pharmacy; Prescribing and Advances in drug therapy. You will also undertake your individual Research project and professional development portfolio. You will have a choice of projects – many of which lead to publications in national and international journals. Research projects are carried out within one of our internationally recognised and well respected research groups and may be laboratory, hospital, community or surgery based. The opportunity also exists to undertake projects with external companies/healthcare organisations.

Professional recognitionOur programme is fully accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. All pharmacy students are required to abide by a Code of Conduct and are subject to Fitness to Practice regulations. Appropriate CRB and good character checks are required and additional information will be sent to you when you are made an offer. To register with the GPhC and gain the qualification of MRPharmS you need to complete a pre-registration year supervised by a registered pharmacist and pass the Council’s professional exams. Aston University has over 80 years’ experience of training professional pharmacists and a strong reputation amongst pre-registration employers and the industry in general.

Facilities and ITFacilities include modern laboratories, lecture and tutorial rooms, our own purpose-built dispensing practice laboratory, medicines management suite and computer-aided learning labs. Our students also make extensive use of a web-based virtual learning environment.

Student life – APAAston University has a very active society for Pharmacy students, Aston Pharmacy Association (APA). APA organises many social events throughout the year and has close links with the national body for pharmacy students (the British Pharmacy Students’ Association – BPSA). Several Aston pharmacy students/graduates serve on the national executive of the BPSA.

At Aston we are committed to providing an education that will support the developing role of pharmacy and which will provide our students with the skills to develop as pharmacists in the 21st century.

“Aston University has such a high reputation as a Pharmacy School, we were expected to do our best and therefore the support from teaching, administration and student services staff was always of a high standard. There are also brilliant social events where you can mix with other year groups and even some of the lecturers join in!

Now that I’ve graduated and qualified, I am a Pharmacist in-charge at a busy Boots store.”

Katherine Cox Graduate

“A Pharmacy Degree is hard work but I still enjoyed all four years.” ”

The Birmingham School of Pharmacy – providing pharmacy education since 1895 Aston University has a history of educating Pharmacists that goes back over 100 years. The Birmingham School of Pharmacy received the highest possible rating for pharmacy undergraduate education in the QAA subject reviews (24/24) and has had continuous successful accreditations by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain for over 20 years.

From as early as 1923, we have been offering full-time courses in pharmacy and during the early 1970s, the School offered the first postgraduate masters programme in clinical pharmacy. This pioneered the appointments of lecturer practitioners who work in pharmacy and teach undergraduate students.

Now, with opportunities for new treatments that can improve the lives of people throughout the world, our School is at the forefront of cutting-edge, innovative and relevant research.

Contact

T 0121 204 4101

E [email protected]


Key benefits

t Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

t Consistently high ratings in the National Student Survey

t Relevant professional sandwich placement opportunities

t Outstanding research quality contributes directly to undergraduate teaching

t Emphasis on human and applied psychology

t Strong record of graduate employability in a variety of career areas

t Students can specialise in different areas of psychology through final year options.

Key facts3 year full-time/4 year sandwich with integrated professional experience

UCAS codesBSc Psychology, 4 year sandwich C801 3 year full-time C800

Typical offer levelNormally AABOther qualifications: page 158-160

Specific subject requirementsA Level/AS: Science subject/subjects welcomed but not essentialGCSE: English Language, and two sciences or double award science, Grade CGCSE Maths Grade B for Single Honours Psychology (Grade C for Combined Honours Psychology)

Psychology ProgrammesProgramme overviewPsychology as a formal scientific discipline emerged in Europe about 130 years ago as the science of mind and behaviour. Courses which are accredited by the British Psychological Society tend to focus on five main areas of psychology: Cognitive (how people perceive the world, learn, remember, attend to stimuli and think about things), Developmental (how humans develop throughout the lifespan), Social (how people behave in social situations and interact with others), Psychobiology (biological explanations of behaviour including the study of neurophysiology) and Individual Differences (theories and the impact on behaviour of personality types and intelligence). As well as these areas of study, emphasis is given to research design and both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. Year 1

In the first year you will study: Perspectives in Psychology; Brain & Behaviour; Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Research Methods & Statistics; Psychology Practicals & Social Psychology.

Year 2In your second year you will study: Advanced Statistics; Psychological Research Methods; Ageing; Brain & Behaviour; Cognitive Neuropsychology; Social Psychology; Language & Communication; Developmental Psychology; Cognitive Psychology & Individual Differences and Psychometrics.

Optional placement year or professional experienceThe sandwich placement year is an opportunity for you to set your studies in context by taking a psychology or related professional placement, usually in the UK but possibly abroad. This may be paid employment, although research, clinical and forensic placements are usually unpaid. There is an overall placement tutor for the year and all students are allocated an individual placement tutor.

Final yearModules are organised in three streams each indicating a specialisation eg health and developmental psychology, clinical psychology and general psychology. The modules that are available are: Health Behaviours; Neuropsychiatric Disorders; Sexualities; Nutritional Neuroscience; Understanding Language Impairments; Organisational Cognitive Neuroscience; Cognitive Aspects of Auditory Perception; Psychosis; Psychology & Work; Children & Young People with Special Educational Needs; Efficacy of Psychotherapy; Visual Cognition; Neurophysiology; Individual Differences in Learning; Neuropsychopharmacology; Cognitive Neuroscience of Affective Disorders; Behavioural Genetics; Mind & Brain; Psychology of Illness; Philosophical Foundations of Psychology; Models of Psychotherapy; Psychology of Eating.

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Career prospectsOur emphasis on applied and human psychology provides an excellent springboard for careers in professional areas of psychology including occupational, educational and clinical psychology. This degree is also ideal for many careers in local and central government, social services, industry and commerce. Our graduates have proven success in finding clinical psychology placements and are also equipped with a wide variety of transferable skills which are attractive to many potential employers. Recent Aston psychology graduates were successful in finding employment and further training in a variety of areas, for example:Assistant Clinical Psychologists in the NHS

Psychological research in universities (PhDs etc.)

Charities, government and the private sector

Occupational Psychologists (for companies such as QinetiQ)

Masters programmes

Recruitment consultants/ Human Resource Management

Psychology teachers

Civil Servants for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other government agencies

Marketing and market research

Police Constables and researchers

General management and administration.

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FacilitiesAston University has recently invested over £400,000 in order to establish dedicated psychology laboratories for our students. These facilities include tools for psychophysiological measurement, a driving simulator, eye tracking technology, an observation suite (with covert audiovisual recording), motion-capture technology, cubicles for computer-based cognitive experiments and larger labs for focus groups and audience-based experiments. These facilities enable our final year students to conduct high quality research projects under the supervision of our Psychology staff.

Professional recognitionThis programme is recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The programme is accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Status provided the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Training in a specialised area of Psychology is then acquired through Postgraduate education and supervised practice.

For more information visit www.bps.org.uk

“I gained invaluable experience in key skills such as time management, written and verbal communication and research skills, as well as building on my theoretical knowledge of developmental disorders.

I am now working as an assistant psychologist for St Andrews Healthcare in Essex where I complete risk assessments and psychometric tests, assist in specific rehabilitation groups and one-to-one treatment sessions, and write psychological reports.”

Claire Pratt Placement

“During my placement year I worked on a research programme with autistic children at a university in Australia”

”

Contact

T 0121 204 4097

E [email protected]


Key benefits

t Wide range of combinations available

t Choice of project work and advanced final year options including occupational, applied social, clinical and educational psychology

t A solid grounding in the principles of modern psychology

t Strong track record of graduate employment success

t Excellent reputation for student satisfaction and research

t Placement year and work experience opportunities.

Key facts3 year full-time/4 year sandwich courseCombinations are Business, Sociology and English

Typical offer levelA Level: AAB-ABB 320-340 UCAS pointsIB: 33 points

Specific subject requirementsA Level/AS: Science subject/subjects welcomed but not essentialGCSE: English Language, and two sciences or double award science, Grade CGCSE Maths Grade B for Single Honours Psychology (Grade C for Combined Honours Psychology)

Psychology (Combined/Joint Honours)Programme overviewPsychology as a formal scientific discipline emerged in Europe about 130 years ago as the science of mind and behaviour. Courses which are accredited by the British Psychological Society tend to focus on five main areas of psychology: Cognitive (how people perceive the world, learn, remember, attend to stimuli and think about things), Developmental (how humans develop throughout the lifespan), Social (how people behave in social situations and interact with others), Psychobiology (biological explanations of behaviour including the study of neurophysiology) and Individual Differences (theories and the impact on behaviour of personality types and intelligence). As well as these areas of study, emphasis is given to research design and both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods.

Year 1Social Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Psychology and the Brain; Cognitive Psychology; Research Methods and Statistics

Year 2Cognitive Psychology II; Language and Communication; Social Psychology II; Psychological Research Methods and Advanced Statistics.

Final yearPersonality and Intelligence; Brain and Behaviour; Child Development and Final Year Project.

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“Combining two subjects has not only allowed me to study two of my favourite subjects but also widen my future career plans as it enables me to

go into two job fields. Studying a combined degree has allowed me to learn about the same principles as students doing the degree as a single honours, just in a little less detail which is good because it makes the workload a little easier to manage. The course has also prevented me from becoming bored because you get to go from one subject to another and as someone that gets bored easily this was just the course for me!”

Sam Mason-Brown English Language & Psychology, Year 1

For more information visit our website at www1.aston.ac.uk/ids/combined-honours


Career prospectsOur emphasis on Applied and Human Psychology provides an excellent springboard for careers in diverse professions. The decline in manufacturing and the growth of the service sector puts Psychology graduates at a premium – they have insight into motivation and behaviour and know about people, relationships and group dynamics, have excellent communication and teamwork skills, are critical and analytic and can design, conduct and analyse and evaluate research; all of which are valued by employers. Combined/Joint Honours Psychology Graduates go on to pursue a very wide range of career paths. Graduates can enter business and commercial careers, caring and social careers, teaching and local government careers and many others. Progression rate to a first job is very high for Aston students and career prospects are good. We are currently seeking accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS) for all of our combined programmes: please check our website for further details.

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Work-based learning

Employers

Aston University has strong links with business, industry and the public sector, and we have developed Foundation Degrees with organisations such as National Grid, Scottish and Southern Energy, BMW, E.ON UK, Royal Mail, Birmingham City Council, Regional FE Colleges and the NHS.

Foundation degrees can benefit all organisations and businesses, from large multinationals to small local companies, as well as the public sector.

Your employees can:

t Study primarily in the workplace

t Work on problem-based projects aimed at resolving real-world business issues

t Develop transferable skills such as communication, team working and problem solving

t Cascade their knowledge to other colleagues

t Have increased motivation and commitment to your organisation

t Have increased confidence in applying skills and knowledge.

A full-time Foundation Degree usually takes two years to complete. Your employee(s) will undertake work-based learning, supported by a range of online material. They will also attend lectures by block release or another arrangement which suits your organisation.

After completing a Foundation Degree, your employee can progress to the final year of a relevant full honours degree, which will usually take a further year to complete full-time, or two to three years part-time.

Foundation degrees are undergraduate qualifications which universities and employers work together to design and deliver, enabling you to benefit from both academic and work-based learning.

Our Foundation Degree programmes involve a combination of work-based learning, lectures and online study. A full-time programme will usually take two years to complete.

A Foundation Degree is a stand-alone recognised degree in its own right and is equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree.

For further information on our Foundation Degree programmes visit www.aston.ac.uk


www.aston.ac.uk

Programme overviewAudiology is a varied discipline and involves elements of biological sciences, engineering, psychology, physics, electronics, speech and language development and research.

The first year will focus on adult auditory assessment skills. You will be introduced to practice skills in our purpose-built laboratory and you will have the opportunity to use and develop your skills in the workplace. In the second year you will build on the skills you developed in the first year focusing on hearing aid skills. You will also be expected to fully develop all the required competencies to practise.

Key facts 2 years full-time with integrated work-based learning

Typical offer levelTwo A levels, one in science Applicants with non-standard university qualifications will be considered on an individual basis - relevant work experience will be taken into account. We are particularly interested in recruiting students who do not have standard university application qualifications. Successful candidates will be required to pass an enhanced criminal record check prior the start of the programme.

Specific subject requirementsGCSE Maths and English Grade B or higherTwo good A levels, one a scienceIELTS 7.00 with a minimum of Reading 6.5, Writing 7, Listening 6.5, Speaking 7

Specific requirementsApplicants should be in paid employment in which they can achieve the work based learning elements of the programme

Hearing Aid Audiology

Modules - Year 1 Practical Placement I: an opportunity to develop your skills in audiology practice.

Skills Foundations Laboratory I: to develop skills in audiological assessment procedures, following British Society of Audiology (BSA) and British Academy of Audiology’s (BAA) recommended procedures.

Adult Auditory Assessment: a theoretical and practical understanding of audiological test procedures and related clinical issues in adult auditory assessment.

Science in Audiology: to introduce you to the essential sciences in audiology.

Rehabilitation in Audiology: an understanding of the rehabilitative process for the populations involved in audiology and counselling skills required for effective working.

Modules - Year 2 Practical Placement II: an opportunity to further develop your clinical Audiology and professional skills.

Skills Foundations Laboratory II: to further develop skills in audiological assessment and rehabilitative procedures, following BSA/BAA recommended procedures.

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Practice educationPractice education can help you develop the competencies to practise in a staged way. This means by the end of Semester 1 you should be competent to conduct otoscopy, history taking and PTA (air, bone, unmasked) and by the end of Semester 2 you will be able to carry out masked PTA with indirect supervision. Practice education in your second year concentrates on enabling you to provide an adult rehabilitation service.

Your practice education is also very important for the development of interpersonal skills such as working in clinical teams and managing time. All our students in practice are supported by regular contact and visits from the Director of Practice Learning to ensure successful completion of all competency requirements.

Please note that students who are in practice as part of the programme may be required to pay for CRB checks and occupational health checks.

Auditory Sciences – Foundations II: an introduction to the psychophysical methods and the psychophysics of hearing; a key aim of this module is to introduce you to the perceptual effects of deafness.

Quality in Healthcare: to enable you to consider what is required to deliver patient-centred care in audiology by gaining an understanding of patient perspectives and how to provide quality services.

Hearing Aid Audiology: provide an understanding of routine hearing aids systems, how to select and fit them and verify, evaluate and modify their performance.

Learning, teaching & assessmentThe programme utilises a range of teaching methods. These include lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and problem based learning.

We also use the virtual learning environment to support all teaching activities and you will have access to a computerised patient In the Clinical Skills Laboratory to simulate a variety of clinical situations.

Assessments are varied and include exams, essay writing, practicals, report writing, seminars and presentations.


Key facts 3 years durationLocation: Aston University, with delivery involving staff from Birmingham Metropolitan College

Typical offer levelQualifications equivalent to two GCSEs in Maths and English and academic or professional qualifications equivalent to A Level Grade B Other qualifications and/or relevant experience also accepted

Specific subject requirementsApplicants must be employed within a relevant role within a higher or further education institution


HE/FE Management & Administration Foundation Degree

Programme overviewThis part-time course has been developed to offer those working within the HE/FE sector who do not have traditional qualifications, an opportunity to develop academic and practical skills that lead to a recognised Foundation Degree qualification. Obtaining the Foundation Degree also means you can progress onto the final year of an Aston University degree.

ModulesYear 1Organisational Behaviour; Quantitative Techniques; Government and Governance; Financial Accounting; Information Technology for Business; Reflective Practice.

Year 2The Impact of Law and Policy in the Workplace; Interpersonal Skills and Customer Service in the Workplace; Operations Management; Marketing; Economics; Reflective Practice.

Final YearManagement Accounting; Business Policy; Information and Data Systems used in Education and Training; Managing People; Research Proposal; Reflective Practice.

Learning, teaching and assessmentYou will experience a range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, group-working, case studies and presentations. Traditional teaching is supported by a virtual learning environment that is used to host a range of electronic support materials.

Assessment is a mix of coursework and examination.

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Programme overviewThis unique course brings you together with people from the business, public and voluntary sectors to train and inspire you to become leaders.

The course has been specially designed to meet the needs of both students and employers, and maximises opportunities for work-based learning.

Key facts 2 years duration Enrolment in January and February. Course starts in MarchLocation: Central Birmingham, including Aston University

Typical offer levelFormal academic qualifications are not necessarily required for entry Successful applicants should display ability, a spirit of enterprise and social awareness, and be highly motivated

Specific subject requirementsApplicants should be in employment or have access to voluntary work in which they can achieve the work based learning elements of the programme


Leadership for Change and Growth

ModulesLifelong Learning; The Nature of Leadership; Management and Organisation; Financial Planning; Law; Communications and ICT; Culture – Diversity and the Common Good; Enterprising Communities.

Learning, teaching and assessmentA combination of workshops, distance learning, study days, local tutorials, mentors, learning counsellors and e-learning ensures the course fits around your working life so you can gain the qualifications without having to take a career break.

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Key facts2 years or 3 years durationLocation: Various, including Aston University

Typical offer levelPrior knowledge and skills equivalent to BTEC NC, NVQ or similar vocational awards


Logistics Programme overviewThis course will develop an understanding of operational and managerial processes involved. This includes procurement movement, storage, distribution and use of resources throughout the supply chain.

You will develop the specific professional and academic skills required by logistic companies, and gain generic transferable skills which will enable you to make a valuable and long-term contribution to the industry.

ModulesYear 1Introduction to Logistics; Personal Development and Leading People; Continuous Improvement within Logistics; Warehousing; Legal and Environmental Aspects; IT Systems and Project Management.

Year 2Operations Management; Supply Chain Management; Data Analysis; Management Accounting; Work-based Project; Inventory; Sourcing and Procurement; Retail Logistics; Transport Operations.

Learning, teaching and assessmentThis programme is assessed by assignments, formal lectures, tutorial classes, work-based projects and examinations.

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Programme overviewThis degree programme has been designed by Aston University’s School of Engineering & Applied Science in collaboration with the major electricity companies, the Sector Skills Council and partner Further Education (FE) colleges.

The degree lasts two years and requires part-time attendance, with six modules studied in each year.

Key facts2 years durationLocation: Aston University

Typical offer levelGCSE Maths and English (minimum Grade C). Two good A levels, preferably including Maths or Physics Applicants with other qualifications and/or relevant experience will also be considered


Electrical Power Engineering

Year 1Provides an introduction to the basic knowledge and skills required by the electricity industry, and is usually provided by an FE college working in partnership with Aston University.

Year 2Develops these skills to a more advanced and specialised level and is delivered by Aston University. Students will also learn through work with their employer.

Learning, teaching and assessmentThis programme is assessed by assignments, formal lectures, tutorial classes, work-based projects and examinations.

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Applying to Aston University

www.aston.ac.uk


Aston University welcomes students from all parts of the UK and from over 100 countries around the world. This page outlines how to apply to Aston and a brief guide to our admissions policy. We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming you to one of our open days and events.

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University and programme codesThe UCAS code, ASTON A80, should be entered clearly on your application form. UCAS codes for degree programmes are listed throughout this prospectus and on the UCAS website.

Choice of university/collegeYou may apply to five institutions/courses on the UCAS form, but are not obliged to use all five choices. You can enter your choices in any order.

When to applyFor Autumn 2012 you can apply from 1st September 2011 but the last date for the receipt of applications, to qualify for full and equal treatment, is 15th January 2012. Although you should make every effort to let us have your application by 15th January 2012, we are still able to consider applications throughout the year.

Entry requirements and admissions policy 2012 entryUCAS forms are considered by the Admissions Tutor. If you are made a conditional/unconditional offer you will be invited to a post-application open day where you can meet staff, students and see the campus. When making offers the criteria includes:

t Past performance: eg AS grades, GCSE

t School/college reference

t Predicted grades

t Evidence of commitment and motivation via the personal statement

t Relevant experience

t Extenuating circumstances

t Interview performance (if required in a small number of cases).

A and AS levelsThree subjects at A level (A2) in specific subjects are required for entry to many of our degree programmes. We would hope that most applicants will take at least 4 AS Levels in Year 12. Achievement at AS Level in Year 12 may be taken into account when making conditional offers but students who do not have AS results will not be disadvantaged.

AS results may be taken into account at confirmation in August 2012. Additional A/AS subjects above the standard 3-4 qualifications may be taken into account when making offers and at results confirmation.

www.aston.ac.uk

The UCAS code is:

ASTON A80

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)Applications should be made through UCAS. The UCAS scheme covers all full-time (including sandwich) programmes leading to a first degree or diploma at university or college in the UK. For more information on courses, entry requirements and UCAS codes visit www.ucas.com

If your school, college or careers centre is registered with UCAS, you can apply through them, or through the UCAS website. UCAS applications can be made through the UCAS address: Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ.

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Applied A levelsA Single Award Applied A level in place of a third A level subject will be considered for all programmes. A relevant Applied A level double award plus one relevant A level will normally be acceptable, except for programmes in the School of Life & Health Sciences.

UCAS tariffSome Admissions Tutors may use the UCAS points system or ‘tariff’ but we do not normally make offers based just on UCAS points. There will normally be a stipulation of particular grades at A level, BTEC Nationals or other qualifications in the tariff. Where points offers are made they will specify the exact types of qualifications from which the points can be gained, depending on how many units are being taken. The UCAS tariff is available from www.ucas.com

GCSEMinimum English at Grade C or higher. All programmes, except Languages degrees require a minimum of Grade C GCSE Mathematics. Many programmes require higher grades in relevant subjects.

Key skillsEvidence of key skills may be taken into account when deciding to make a conditional offer. Key skills will not be included within any points offer.

BTEC national qualificationsBTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas form part of the UCAS Tariff and offers will normally equate to points required from A levels. Demonstration of breadth of study is preferred: applications with a mix of BTEC and A levels or other qualifications are welcomed.

14-19 DiplomasWe welcome the 14-19 Diploma qualification in the UK and expect to accept relevant high achieving Level 3 Diploma students to relevant subjects at Aston. For more information contact the relevant School.

Scottish and Irish qualificationsAston regularly receives and welcomes applications from Scotland and Ireland for all our degree programmes. As a guide, UCAS tariff points required for A levels will normally equate to similar points from Scottish and Irish Highers.

International Baccalaureate and other international qualificationsWe welcome applications from other qualifications - contact the relevant Admissions Tutor for further information. If you have international qualifications and are not sure if

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they are acceptable for entry, please contact the International Office for advice on pages 31-34.

English LanguageEnglish Language at GCSE Grade A*-C, or Scottish Certificate of Education, or an equivalent English qualification. Further details of acceptable English Language qualifications for foundation programmes are given on pages 35-36.

Mature studentsWe encourage applications from mature students and consider each application on individual merits. You should provide evidence of successful recent study in relevant subjects, or relevant professional qualifications and/or experience. New students are invited to a Welcome Day before the start of term, where they can meet other mature students and find out about the services available to them. Aston has a thriving Mature Students Society with its own

common room in the Guild and services offering advice, guidance and support, both academic and personal. If you need child care our Nursery caters for children up to school age, and half-term and summer holiday clubs are open to children up to 11 years of age.

Access coursesAston University is a member of the Open College Network (OCN). We accept applications from Access course students at colleges which are members of OCN, or from any other QAA-accredited Access course. Offer levels vary depending on the course you are taking, the subject you are applying to and your own qualifications and experience. As a minimum, you will be expected to achieve the Access Certificate, but most subjects will require additional credits at level 3.

Deferred entry acceptedWe recognise the advantages of a gap year and our Admissions Tutors will be happy to discuss deferred entry with you. If you want to apply to Aston but defer entry until October 2013, you should indicate this on your UCAS form. You will usually be considered on the same basis as applicants for 2012 entry and receive correspondence from UCAS and Aston during the application timetable for 2012 entry.

Final year external entry to Aston University Degree programmesWe do not permit external entry to the final year. HND/ Foundation degree holders may be eligible to enter the later years of some of our degree programmes.

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General Open Days: Tuesday 21st June and

Tuesday 20th September 2011www.aston.ac.uk/opendays

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Schools and Colleges LiaisonProvides services for students, teachers, parents, careers advisers, school/college groups, individual visitors and families to our Open Days. All interested parties are welcome to attend and the days include subject presentations and demonstrations, campus and accommodation tours, general seminars and sessions for parents. All UCAS applicants to Aston who receive offers will normally be invited to post-application open days between December 2011 and March 2012.

Teacher and careers adviser visitsWhenever possible we are delighted to host groups of teachers or careers advisers wishing to look around the University, meet lecturers, Admissions Tutors and Schools and Colleges Liaison staff to discuss any aspects of Higher Education, UCAS applications or the University. Every January we hold an Admissions Conference for teachers and careers advisers where you can network with other HE professionals and meet our staff and students. Contact Schools and Colleges Liaison for details of other events held during the year.

Parents and family of prospective studentsThroughout this prospectus you will find information on courses, graduate employment, welfare provision and accommodation on campus. Parents and family of prospective students are welcome to attend Open Days before and during the application process.

On many of these days, we hold specific informal sessions for parents and family, enabling you to talk to us about issues important to you and to find out more about Aston University.

www.aston.ac.uk/parents

Visits to schools and collegesWe can give presentations to students and parents including general talks about Aston University, the UCAS system, life at university, or more specialist subject talks given by a member of academic staff. Speakers can be provided for staff training days or parents’ evenings as well as for groups of school or college students. Services are free of charge.

Masterclasses, Gifted and Talented activities, taster sessionsWe organise a programme of events aimed at providing a taster of university life and study at university. Aston University is the lead partner for the regional ‘Excellence Hub’ for gifted and talented students.

Higher education/ careers fairsRepresentatives of Aston University attend local and national UCAS Higher Education fairs and conventions. These events present the opportunity for students to talk to someone from Aston about our various degree programmes, the University and Higher Education in general. Aston also attends events and fairs across Europe and the World via the International Office.

ContactSchools and Colleges Liaison, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET

T 0121 204 4771

E [email protected]

W www.aston.ac.uk/schliaison

Degree programme informationFor detailed information about degree programmes please contact the Admissions Tutor – details are on the relevant page or individual school/department websites at www.aston.ac.uk

Applications and admissionsContact: The Registry, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET

t 0121 204 3000 (ask for the Department/School you wish to apply to).

We welcome visits to the University or Schools of Study by organised parties throughout the year, and also offer guided informal campus tours at key times during the year. Please see our website for details. We also have free copies of our self-guided walking tour of the campus and Birmingham. (International students: see pages 31-36).

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Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)The School of Engineering & Applied Science at Aston is one of only a handful of UK universities to be an active participant in the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS). This scheme supports potential engineers and logistics personnel who wish to serve in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence and the Civil Service through the provision of bursaries and personal development using engineering and military experiences.

Our overall quality and reputation and tradition of offering experience as part of our degrees has made Aston University a natural choice for this partnership. For more information contact the School of Engineering & Applied Science on 0121 204 3400. Students from other parts of the University are also eligible for this scheme.

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Terms and conditions The information contained in this prospectus is relevant for applications to Undergraduate programmes in the academic session September 2012 - June 2013. Whilst information in this prospectus is correct at the time of going to press (February 2011), Aston University does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. All students accepted onto any Aston University course will be required as a condition of enrolment to abide by, and to submit to Aston University’s policies, rules and regulations, as amended from time to time. A copy of the current policies, rules and regulations is available on request from the Registry.

Where placements form part of a programme of study, the University makes every effort to help its students find suitable placement opportunities. However, as the availability, duration, nature and content of placements are outside the University’s control, we do not guarantee that suitable placements will always be available.

The prospectus is provided for illustration purposes only and does not constitute or form part of any invitation, offer, acceptance or contractual term between the University and any other person. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this prospectus is correct and the University will use all reasonable efforts to deliver the programmes as described.

However, the University reserves the right to make variations to programme contents and methods of delivery, fees, entry requirements, to discontinue or merge or combine programmes, to alter the facilities and/or services available from or provided by or on behalf of the University and to make variations to regulations, both before and after a student’s admission to the University, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. Circumstances where variations may be required include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, timetable considerations, change in Government policy, withdrawal or reduction of funding, and/or change of Law.

If, after an application for a programme has been accepted, the programme is substantially varied from that described in the prospectus for reasons other than circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control, the University will use reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable replacement programme. If the student does not wish to accept the replacement programme, the student shall be entitled to withdraw from the programme. In the event of such withdrawal an appropriate refund of tuition fees shall be made in accordance with the University’s policy.

The University cannot accept responsibility and expressly excludes liability for damage to students’ property, transfer of computer viruses to students’ equipment and all other liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by law.

We reserve the right in the event of a student’s failure to pay tuition fees as stipulated by the University to withold award/degree certificates until the tuition fees outstanding are paid, together with any debt recovery fees charged by any debt recovery agents engaged by the University.

The University does not warrant or guarantee that:

(a) its position in any league table, survey or poll will be maintained throughout a student’s course;

Terms 2012-2013 Aston Welcome Week 23 September 2012

First Term 30 September to 15 December 2012

Second Term 6 January to 23 March 2013

Third Term 14 April to 8 June 2013 *

*Term 3 begins with two teaching weeks

Please contact T +44 (0) 121 204 4675

(b) enrolment on any particular programme will automatically result in graduation;

(c) a student successfully completing a course will receive any offer of employment.


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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. Where possible, we recommend that visitors use public transport to reach the University as Birmingham city centre is well served by train, coach, bus and air.


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Main Building and Reception

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Aston Business School

Vision, Audiology & Neurosciences Research

Woodcock Sports Centre

Optegra Day Hospital Birmingham

Library

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Sports Pitch

Gem Sports Hall

Vauxhall Court

King Edward VI House

Lawrence Tower

Gem House

Bishop Ryder House

Old Cross House

Lakeside Conference Centre

Stafford Tower

Chemical Engineering Building

Sack of Potatoes Pub

Lakeside Residences

Science Park Reception

Gosta Green Pub

BCU Art & Design Institute

Black Horse Pub

Fire Station

Birmingham Metropolitan College

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Sport Aston Gym

Aston Student Village

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Car Park (Millennium Point pay parking)

Entrance to Main Building & Reception

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Route by Car to Millennium Point

Aston Science Park

Disabled Visitors - For information about campus or building accessibility, please visit www.aston.ac.uk/about/directions

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Campus map

Digbeth Branch Canal

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Corporation St

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Coleshill St

Curzon St

City Centre (via Corporation St)

Dale End

Birmingham New St / Snow Hill Station 15 min walk

Aston St

Moor St Station

10 min walk

Asto

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Love lane

Birmingham Science Park, Aston

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www.aston.ac.uk


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How to find us

www.aston.ac.uk

By TrainBirmingham New Street Station is the nearest main-line 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 enclosed city centre map. 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

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Walking Route to Campusfrom New Street Station

Driving Route to MillenniumPoint Car Park from M6

1 New Street Station

2 Snow Hill Station

3 Moor Street Station

4 Fire Station

5 Bullring Shopping Centre

6 ICC

7 Town Hall

8 Children’s Hospital

9 Millennium Point

10 Jewellery Quarter

11 Car Parking (pay)

12 Main Building Reception

13 The Mailbox

KEY:

BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE ROAD SYSTEM

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.

1 From the platform, go up the stairs/escalator to the Main Exit (NOT the Victoria Street Exit). Go though the ticket barriers to the main station concourse (a covered area with a WH Smith, ticket offices and cafes).

2 From the main station concourse, go up the escalator directly ahead of the ticket barriers into the Pallasades Shopping Centre - ask if you are unsure.

3 At the top of the escalator turn left and after around 40 metres take the first right as you pass the Footlocker store. You’ll then pass a HMV store on your right. Keep going towards the exit - you’ll go outside and then down the pedestrian ramp - you’ll see an HSBC bank on your right. This is New Street, a bustling pedestrianised shopping street.

4 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.

5 Keep walking straight ahead down Corporation Street (ignore a silver sign on Bull Street directing you to the right to Aston Triangle). You will then pass the Victorian red brick 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.

6 After the crossing, go straight ahead on to the campus past Lakeside Residences. The Main Building is signposted from here around 200m away.


Please do not hesitate to contact the University if you have any difficulties: 0121 204 4771. Please contact us if you require a campus parking space as a blue disabled badge holder.

www.aston.ac.uk/directions www.aston.ac.uk/opendays

168

Maps and directions

www.aston.ac.uk

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 enclosed 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/BusMost 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 AirThere 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 http://www.bhx.co.uk/

By CarFrom 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 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. The car park entrance is on Jennens Road with an alternative entrance on Curzon Street. If Millennium Point is full there is a car park on waste ground on the opposite (right) side of Curzon Street to the Millennium Point entrance (Curzon Steet Car Park). Parking charges are around 5 for a full day, less for 1-4 hours.

6 The Aston University campus is behind the Millennium Point/Thinktank building and is reached by walking up the hill to the right of the building or through the building itself to the rear exit past the IMAX Cinema.

7 You then 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.


A-Z

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169 A – D

Accounting for Management 61

Biology programmes 139

Biological Chemistry 81

Biomedical Science 141

Business programmes index 56

Business and Management 63

Business (Joint Honours) 62

Business Computing and IT 65

Cell and Molecular Biology 139

Chemical Engineering (BEng/MEng) 82, 83

Chemistry 84

Communications Engineering 90 (BEng)

Computing Science 85

Computing for Business 86

Construction Management/ 88, 89 Project Management

Design Engineering (BEng) 101

E – H

Economics and Management 66

ElectroMechanical Engineering 102 (BEng)

Electrical and Electronic 91 Engineering (BEng)

Electrical Power Engineering 156 (Foundation Degree)

Electronic Engineering and 93 Computer Science (BEng)

Engineering programmes index 77

Engineering Foundation Year 109

English Language 125

Finance 67

French Programmes 119

French and German 119

French and Spanish 119

French/German/Spanish 123 Translation Studies

Foundation Degrees (FD) 151

German Programmes 119

German and French/Spanish 119

German and/or French/Spanish Translation Studies 123

Human Resource Management 68

I – L

Industrial Product Design 106

IT: see Mathematics with Computing 99; Computing Science 85; Computing for Business 86

Business Computing and IT 65

International Business 69 and Economics

International Business and 71 Modern Languages

International Business 71 and Management

International Foundation 35 programmes

International Politics 122 and Languages

International Relations 128 programmes

Internet Systems 95

Joint Honours 37-40 (general information)

Language programmes index 112

Law with Management 76

Logistics 96

www.aston.ac.uk


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A-Z

Index

M – P

Management and Strategy 73

Marketing 74

Mathematics (Joint Honours) 100

Mathematics (Single Honours) 98

Mathematics with Computing 99

Mechanical Engineering 103, 104 (BEng/MEng)

Modern Languages: French, German & Spanish 119

Multimedia Computing 87

Optometry 143

Pharmacy 145

Politics 129

Politics with International 127 Relations

Product Design programmes 106, 107, 108

Product Design and Management 107

Psychology 147

Psychology (Joint Honours) 149

Public Policy and Management 131

S – U

Sociology 133

Spanish 119

Translation Studies – French 123 and/or German/Spanish

Transport Management 97

Transport Product Design 108

University-Wide Language 113 programme

Year abroad programme 117

Aston’s Academic Schools

Aston Business School 55

School of Engineering 77 & Applied Science

School of Languages 111 & Social Sciences

School of Life & 135 Health Sciences

www.aston.ac.uk

A-Z Index of degree programmes


A-Z

Gen

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171

A-Z General index

www.aston.ac.uk

A – D

A level 158-159

AS level 158-159

Accommodation 15-18, 32, 42

Admissions 157-160

Applications 34, 158-160

Advice and representation 26

Birmingham 47-53

BTEC 159

Campus 13

Campus map 166

Careers service 7-8, 29-30

Car parking 166-168

Clubs and societies 24

Counselling 26

Criminal Records 137 Bureau Checks

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) 164

Dental Surgery 25

Doctors 25

Directions to the University 167-168

Disabled students 18, 27, 41-42

E – H

English language requirements 34, 36

Entry requirements 34, 36

Entertainment 24

Facilities 19-20, 34

Fees 5-6

Finance 28

GCSE 159

Graduate employment 7-8


172

A-Z

General index

www.aston.ac.uk

I – L

IELTS/TOEFL requirements 36

International students 31-36

International Foundation 35-36 Programme

Irish applicants 159

Joint/Combined Honours 37-40

Library 19-20

M – P

Maps and directions 165-168

Mature students 160

Nightlife 48, 51

Nursery 27

Open Days 162

Parents and family of applicants 162

Placement Year 9-10

R – Y

Research 12

Sandwich placements 9

Schools and colleges liaison 162

Scottish applicants 159

Sport 43-46

Student support 25-28

Students’ Guild (Union) 22

Teachers’ visiting days 162

Term dates 164

Terms and conditions 164

UCAS 158-159

Work-based learning 151

Year abroad programme 33, 117-118

For an A-Z index of degree programmes see pages 169-170


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Aston University: Employable Graduates Exploitable Research

www.aston.ac.uk


Documents

Aston UG Prospectus 2012