Aston University London is the university’s new City of London hub at 200 Aldersgate EC1A. It delivers career-led programmes in digital innovation, data science & AI, cybersecurity management, business analytics, and global business & management.
Scholarships include Aston’s standard international awards and £10,000 GREAT Scholarships 2026 for students from Bangladesh, Pakistan & Nigeria. Aston University is backed by guaranteed internships with every master’s degree.
Aston rose to 21st in the Guardian University Guide 2025, while QS subject rankings 2025 recognize Aston Business School among the best in the world for business/marketing.
The City of London now hosts 221k financial-services and 170k professional-services jobs, with employment 25% above 2019 (+136k jobs to 2023). The UK tech workforce counts 2.18 million workers (2024) and is projected to grow in 2025, reinforcing demand for analytics, AI, and cybersecurity skills taught at Aston London.
Programmes & Intakes at Aston University
Aston provides a broad portfolio of programmes that international students can apply:
| Level | Programme Types | Notes |
| Undergraduate (UG) | BA, BSc, LLB, degree apprenticeships | Many programmes include or allow a placement year/sandwich year for work experience. |
| Foundation / Pathway / Pre-Master’s | International Foundation Programme, OnCampus Aston, Pre-Master’s | These are for students whose qualifications or English do not yet meet direct entry. The Pre-Master’s (PMP) allows guaranteed progression to a master’s degree. |
| Postgraduate (PG) / Master’s / MBA / Research | MA, MSc, MBA, MRes, PhD / Doctoral programmes | Many taught Master’s programmes adopt a 1-year full-time format. Aston offers research and doctoral degrees, too. |
| Part-time / Flexible / Online variants | Some programmes are delivered part-time, or in online/hybrid modes | For example, MBA and certain MSc degrees may have flexible modes. |
| London-hub programmes | Business Innovation pathway, Digital Technologies pathway, and London-based degrees | The London hub tailors courses to business + tech sectors with an interdisciplinary project element. |
Intake Periods
When can you start? Aston offers multiple intake windows depending on the programme:
| Intake | Common for | Details |
| September / Autumn | The primary and most common intake for UG and PG taught programmes | Most courses are open for a September start. |
| January / Spring | Some postgraduate programmes | Aston supports “Postgraduate January Start” options for many programs. |
| April | Some postgraduate programmes | A smaller set of courses may allow April starts. |
| May (London hub special) | For specific London hub programmes | The London hub reportedly opened admissions for an intake for its postgraduate courses. |
Note:
- Not all programmes support all intake windows. Some are strictly September only.
- Some courses’ applications close early (before the intake) if places are filled.
- The London hub is new, so its intake windows may differ from the main Birmingham campus.
- Always verify the intake term on the specific course page.
Entry Pathways & Progressive Routes
For students whose credentials or English are not yet sufficient for direct degree entry, Aston provides alternative pathways:
- International Foundation Programme / Year One (via OnCampus Aston): This is intended for students whose secondary school credentials don’t match direct entry requirements. After successful completion, students gain entry to Year 1 of the undergraduate programme.
- Pre-Master’s Programme (PMP): Designed for students aiming for postgraduate degrees but who need bridging in subject knowledge or English. After fulfilling PMP requirements, guaranteed progression to an Aston master’s programme is possible.
- Integrated CAS Route: For students from Bangladesh (and possibly elsewhere), after the pathway programme, there is a route with a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) guarantee for their Aston undergraduate programme.
These pathways are especially useful for international applicants who may not meet the standard academic or English entry criteria initially.
Application Deadlines & Important Dates
To actually get into these programmes, you must align with application deadlines and procedures.
- For undergraduate programmes, applications are typically submitted via UCAS. The final deadline for September starts is normally 29 January of the same year.
- For postgraduate programmes, deadlines vary by course. For example, for the September 2026 intake, PG applications may close by 1 September 2026; for the January intake, deadlines such as 18 December 2026 have been referenced in some sources.
- Some courses adopt a staged admission process, meaning they might review and close earlier if spots fill.
- The London hub has already opened a May 2026 intake for certain programmes.
How the London Hub Affects Programmes and Intakes
Because Aston University London is a newer initiative, its programme offerings and intake structure deserve special attention:
- London hub programmes offer Business Innovation and Digital Technologies pathways, meaning students choose a route aligned with their interests.
- All master’s degrees at the London site come with guaranteed internships.
- The London hub is running admissions for a May 2026 intake, a non-standard date relative to most UK universities.
- The London listing of courses indicates that many London programmes will commence in September 2026.
Aston University World Ranking
Aston University consistently ranks among the top modern universities in the UK.
- QS World University Rankings 2025: Top 400 globally and top 30 in the UK
- Guardian University Guide 2025: Ranked 21st in the UK
- Times Higher Education 2025: Among the world’s best for business and management studies
Aston Business School also holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA), a recognition shared by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide.
Aston University Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition fees vary by programme level and discipline:
- Undergraduate: Approx. £17,500 – £22,500 per year
- Postgraduate Taught (MSc, MBA): Approx. £20,500 – £25,000 per year
- MBA (Executive): Around £32,000
The London campus follows similar structures, with options to pay in instalments. Fees include access to Aston’s digital learning platforms, career mentoring, and industry-linked modules.
Aston University Scholarships & Financial Support
Aston provides a wide range of merit- and region-based scholarships to help international students reduce study costs:
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship – up to £10,000
- Regional Scholarships (South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East) – up to £8,000
- GREAT Scholarships 2025 – £10,000 for students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Egypt
Additional support includes early-payment discounts and postgraduate assistantships in select departments.
Aston University English Language (IELTS) Requirements
Aston University accepts several English proficiency tests. The most common are:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 93 overall
- PTE Academic: 63 overall
Some foundation and pathway programmes accept lower scores with pre-sessional English options. Aston’s OnCampus Aston and London hub also provides English-language preparation routes.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living for a student at Aston University, London, is around £1,300 – £1,700 per month, depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
Breakdown example:
- Accommodation: £850 – £1,200
- Food & groceries: £250 – £350
- Transport (Oyster/travel card): £120
- Miscellaneous & leisure: £100 – £200
Aston’s budgeting guides help students plan and find affordable housing partners near the 200 Aldersgate campus.
How NWC Education Can Help You Get Into Aston University
As a trusted global partner, NWC Education supports students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the UK through every step of their Aston University journey.
Our expert counsellors assist with:
- Course and scholarship selection
- Application submission and visa guidance
- Document review and interview preparation
- Pre-departure briefings and accommodation advice
With years of partnership experience and direct university recognition, NWC Education ensures your Aston University application is smooth, compliant, and successful.
