League table rankings

Aston University is distinctive in that we have strong league table positions across a range of different criteria.

University league tables are not the only way to choose a University and are subject to fluctuations from year to year due to the similar scores of Universities placed in the top 30 and changes in methodology each year. However, league tables do give an indication of quality and reputation, both overall and in specific subject areas.

Outstanding graduate job prospects

We are particularly proud of our strong graduate employment record. Our degrees are distinct from those of many other Universities as they offer relevant, and usually paid, sandwich placement year or year abroad opportunities. We also have strong links with business, industry and the professions. 

A great place to live and study

Aston University is a lively, supportive and friendly place, and our students get the best of both worlds: self contained campus living in the centre of Birmingham, a fantastic student city. These important factors are not covered in University league tables.

Rankings summary

The Complete University Guide (Published in April 11)

Aston is ranked 25th overall out of all 115 UK Universities.

The Complete University Guide is based on criteria such as research quality, teaching quality, entry grades, graduate level employment, degree success, student satisfaction and spending on teaching/student facilities.

The Complete University Guide is compiled by Mayfield Consultants and is the most established of all the UK University rankings, having used consistent methodologies for over 15 years. Mayfield compiled the Times rankings until 2007.

The Times Good University Guide 2011

Aston is ranked 29th overall out of all 115 UK Universities in this guide. Aston has been in the top 30 of The Times each year since 2004, despite recent changes in methodology.

The Times Good University Guide is based on criteria such as research quality, teaching quality, entry grades, graduate level employment, degree success, student satisfaction and spending on teaching/student facilities.

The methodology used in the Times rankings has changed over the last few years, so direct comparisons between years are not always useful. The Times rankings are now compiled by Exeter Enterprises, a subsidiary of Exeter University.

Subject Rankings: 2006-10 Guardian/Times/Good University Guides

16 of Aston University’s 19 subject areas* have featured in the top 15, confirming our overall strength across a range of subjects.

*Methodologies in the Times/Guardian/Good University Guide rankings often change each year so it is not always relevant to compare ranking positions year on year. Giving an indication of ranking position over 3-4 years also gives an accurate indication of quality.

Rankings for French, German and Spanish are combined to form a modern languages ranking in the Guardian.

Other Rankings

National Student Survey – Aston University has performed consistently well in the National Student Survey (NSS) with a top 10 performance overall in the 2008 NSS and an above UK average rating in each year of the survey since it stared in 2005.

Drop-out rates: According to Government data released by HESA in 2010, Aston had one of the lowest drop-out rates in the UK at less than 5%, confirming our reputation for student support and success and against a UK average of over 7%.

Aston University Careers Service - In a major 2006 survey of its members by the AGR (Association of Graduate Recruiters), representing the major UK companies who recruit graduates, Aston’s Careers Service was voted in the UK’s top 10 of all UK Universities for the services it provides. This confirms our excellent reputation with graduate employers across the UK and beyond and that Aston students gain an advantage for their future careers and success. www.aston.ac.uk/careers