- Aston University and Cranfield University have entered a new strategic partnership
- Initially focusing on aeronautical engineering and sustainable engineering
- Will build educational and research opportunities to meet critical national skills shortages.
Aston University and Cranfield University have entered a new strategic partnership which will build educational and research opportunities to meet critical national skills shortages and support the widening of participation in higher education.
The agreement was signed on 1 August 2024 by Professor Stephen Garrett, Pro Vice Chancellor, and executive dean of the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences and Cranfield University’s deputy Vice-Chancellor – Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE FREng.
Initially focusing on aeronautical engineering and sustainable engineering, the partnership will see the two institutions work together to develop a clear pathway for learners from Aston University’s undergraduate engineering degrees to Cranfield’s distinctive postgraduate courses. As part of this the two organisations will explore the joint development of new degree apprenticeships.
The partnership will also look at a shared use of world-leading facilities at both universities, including Cranfield’s National Flying Laboratory aircraft and Aston University’s extensive facilities in sustainable engineering, paving the way for research collaborations, joint funding bids and shared expertise that drives innovation.
Professor Stephen Garrett said: “I’m delighted to be working with Cranfield University on this joint venture to improve the educational opportunities for regional students in high-priority engineering disciplines. The partnership is also a great example of collaboration across the Midlands Innovation partnership. I very much look forward to what we can achieve together."
Professor Dame Helen Atkinson welcomed the partnership and said: “We know from speaking to industry how important it is to build up a talented workforce that can help deliver growth. So, it’s vital that we break down barriers to educational opportunities in areas that will address the skills gap and allow people to fulfil their ambitions. This new partnership is an exciting initiative which will have a really positive impact on many individuals and their career paths.”
The partnership will be in place for an initial three years.
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.About Cranfield University
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. The most recent Research Excellence Framework results demonstrate Cranfield University’s excellence with 88% of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Cranfield University’s expertise in aviation and engineering is long-running and world-renowned, with the university ranked in the world’s top 30 for Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical in the last three years of the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Cranfield has the largest number of aeronautical and aerospace engineering taught Master’s students in the UK, and awards the highest number of UK postgraduate degrees in engineering each year.
Cranfield’s hands-on teaching and leading research in these areas is underpinned by very close links to industry and unique facilities including its own airport, air traffic control and the National Flying Laboratory Centre aircraft.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.ukOr
Media Relations, Cranfield University T: +44 (0) 1234 75 4999 Email: mediarelations@cranfield.ac.uk