Aston began as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895, evolving into the UK's first college of advanced technology in 1956.

The emphasis given to the sandwich course system, and the maintenance of strong links with industry, arises naturally from the institution's history.

The UTC is for students aged 14 to 19 wishing to pursue further study and careers in engineering, and is located at the edge of the Aston University campus.

[25] The university also announced a £35 million cash injection for a major upgrade of the campus, including a new £19 million revamp of Aston Business School and improvement work to the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies and the School of Languages and Social Sciences.

Four of their MSc programmes are offered 100% online to students in the UK and worldwide, including the Aston Business School's MBA.

[27][28] Aston began working in close partnership with Capgemini, to create the first degree apprenticeship: Digital and Technology Solutions in 2012.

[29] In 2021, the university announced plans to close its Department of History, Languages and Translation, focusing instead on health, engineering, and business.

[30][31] Professional groups, including the Royal Historical Society and the American Historical Association, condemned the move, and public figures, including Sir Keith Burnett and Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green criticised the university leadership.

[32][33][34][35][36] Facing public opposition and protests from staff and students, university officials reversed their position and agreed to save the History programme, although cuts to language instruction would continue.

Aston University Library is on four floors and contains over 250,000 books, 800 current printed periodicals and has over 700 reader places.

The method of joining the crest to the helm was usually concealed by decoration and, in the university's arms, this is effected by the use of a wreath and a crown.

It is surmounted by a mural crown (resembling a wall), which is reserved in modern grants for persons and organisations connected with public corporations.

On 29 September, during a service at St Phillips Cathedral, The Letters Patent was formally presented to Aston University by the York Herald, Michael Peter Desmond O'Donoghue Esq..

During the 18th century, it was known as Gostie Green, this combined the name of the landowner (William de Gorsty) with the local plant called 'gorse'.

[48] Aston University holds an overall Gold rating as part of the UK Government's 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework.

[49] Many factors make up the overall League Table rankings; Aston prides itself on consistently strong performances for the metrics related to student outcome successes.

According to the RAE, the university's strengths include Business and Management, General Engineering, Subjects Allied to Medicine (Optometry, Biology, Pharmacy and Psychology), Languages and European Studies.

[63] ABS is the first institution in the UK to be allied with Beta Gamma Sigma by establishing a BGS Collegiate Chapter.

[71] According to the Complete University Guide 2016, Aston is ranked 6th for marketing, 22nd for accounting and finance, 22nd for economics and 23rd for business and management studies in the UK.

The SU operates a number of commercial and non-commercial services including; the Advice & Representation Centre (ARC), the Aston Athletic Union which supports the university sports clubs, the Aston Societies Federation which supports a large number of non-sporting societies, the SU Shop, Copyshop and B4 Bar.

In April 2007, Aston University submitted a planning application for demolition of the three 1970s towers and to replace them with new student accommodation blocks as well as apartments for tutors, retail units and administrative offices.

The new landscaped area includes a new walkway into the university from the city centre and a pavilion, to be used for teaching and as a catering facility for outdoor events.

The new buildings are named the William Murdoch, the James Watt, the Harriet Martineau and the Mary Sturge Residences.

[74] Another addition to Aston University student dwelling stock is the Lakeside complex on campus which was completed in August 1999.