1860s - 1890s

Foundations in Technical Education

We laid the groundwork for our future. We responded to Birmingham’s industrial boom by offering evening classes in chemistry, physics and metallurgy. In 1895, the Birmingham Municipal Technical School was officially opened, built on land tied to Aston Manor. It marked our official beginning—a civic commitment to educate and innovate.

Caption: The original Suffolk Street building, sadly demolished in the 1960s. 

1900s - 1920s

Expanding Access and Supporting Wartime Effort

We welcomed more students and supported national needs. With a Women’s Department offering cookery and science, and students like Mohamed Barakat from overseas enrolling, our institution began embracing inclusion. During WWI, our students supported the war effort through technical training and engineering roles, including future Spitfire designer Joseph Smith.

Caption: Men queuing to enlist outside the Birmingham Municipal Technical School, 1914-15.

1920s

A New Name and Broader Horizons

We became Birmingham Central College of Technology. This new title reflected our expanded curriculum and growing national reputation. We were evolving from a local school into a significant technical education institution.

Caption: A gun makers’ workshop at the Birmingham Municipal Technical School. 

1930s - 1940s

Building and Rebuilding

We grew our physical presence and student culture. We began building what would become one of Europe’s largest freestanding brick buildings—the Main Building—officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955. Student societies, debates and newsletters thrived, laying the groundwork for a vibrant academic culture.

Caption: A drawing of the Main Building by architectural illustrator, Cyril A. Farey. 

1950s - 1960s

Innovation and Identity

We became the College of Technology, then the College of Advanced Technology. We introduced our pioneering sandwich course model in 1954, blending study and real-world experience. Our campus expanded, our culture grew, and we began forming a unique identity as a forward-looking institution.

Caption: Students in a metallurgy workshop, College of Technology, Birmingham c. 1955. 

1960s

A Defining Decade

We became a university and a cultural and political force. The 1960s marked a huge leap forward. In 1966, we received our Royal Charter and officially became a university. Students embraced activism, demanding a voice in governance. The Great Hall hosted musical legends like Pink Floyd and The Hollies. We forged international links, hosted global visitors, and challenged norms laying the foundation for a modern, globally engaged university.

Caption: An advert for The Rolling Stones playing the Great Hall at Aston University, 1964. 

1970s - 1980s

Enterprise, Inclusion and Discovery

We launched new subject areas and deepened our links to industry. We introduced courses like Transport Studies and partnered with leading businesses. We established Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and supported wider participation in higher education. In this period, Professor Malcolm Stevens contributed to the development of temozolomide, a breakthrough treatment for glioblastoma.

Caption: A BOAC aircraft with a tail designed by an Aston University student, c. 1970.  

1980s

Innovation and International Ambition

We founded Aston Science Park and Aston Business School.

Inspired by Silicon Valley, we created a science park to connect research and enterprise. Our Business School emerged as a hub for management education. We embraced the global stage, offering placements and partnerships that prepared students for an international future.

Caption: VC Professor Crawford who founded the Aston Science Park. 

1990s - 2000s

Research Breakthrough – Photonics

We achieved a major milestone in fibre-optic communications. Our Photonics team achieved 10Gbps fibre transmission over 2,000km - pioneering work that laid the foundation for today’s global internet infrastructure.

Caption: A transponder which facilitates fibre optic technology, partially designed at Aston University c. 2001. 

1997

Final Name Update

We formally became Aston University

This marked the beginning of a new era. With a modern name and renewed focus, we embraced our mission to be student-centred, industry-connected, and future-facing.

Caption: Aston University sign located on main building.

Aston_campus
2000s

Growth and Regeneration

We expanded our partnerships and transformed our campus.

We launched the Business Partnership Unit, grew our links with SMEs, and opened new facilities like the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute. Our campus became more modern and inclusive, with renewed spaces for students to study, live and thrive.

Caption: Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute building at Aston University. 

EBRI - Growth and regeneration. Outside shot of the EBRI building
2010s - 2020s

Student Experience and Sustainability

In 2019, we opened our new Students’ Union, placing student wellbeing at the heart of campus. Behind the scenes, we also prepared for a bold transformation into a greener, more sustainable institution.

Caption: The new Aston University Students’ Union, opened in 2019. 

2022

Research with Impact – CREME

We supported inclusive entrepreneurship. Our Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship published the Time to Change report, which laid out how to unlock the potential of ethnic minority businesses across the UK, driving social and economic change.

Caption: Professor Monder Ram OBE, Director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship. 

2024

Research Breakthrough – Light-Based Cancer Detection

Professor Igor Meglinski and our Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies team changed the future of diagnosis. We developed the first step toward quicker, cheaper, and less painful cancer detection using light. This major leap in non-invasive diagnostics opens new paths in personalised medicine.

Caption: Medical students in main building.

students AMS
2025

Leading the Way in Sustainability and Connectivity

We became a national leader in green innovation and data science.

We secured £35.5M in funding to decarbonise our campus and advance environmental goals. At the same time, our Photonics team set a world record for data transfer - 402 terabits per second - proving once again that Aston leads on the world stage.

Caption: Dr Ian Phillips with the wavelength management device, which was used for the world record data transfer.

Ongoing Contributions and Identity

We continue to lift communities and push boundaries. Our Archives, launched in 2024, ensure we preserve and share our story. Guided by our motto, Exaltavit humiles—"He raises up the humble"—we remain committed to social mobility, impactful research and a better future for all. 
 

All images courtesy of the Aston University Archives unless otherwise stated. Materials from student newspapers quoted by kind permission of Max McLoughlin.

Voices of the Past

Take an audio tour through Aston's history.