- Undergraduate enrolments at Aston University increased by 16.8%, the highest student recruitment levels in a decade
- Aston’s performance is exceptional against a 1.9% sector average
- Popular courses included Accounting and Finance, Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing, as well as engineering and physical science programmes.
Aston University achieved a 16.8% growth in undergraduate acceptances in 2024, the highest student recruitment levels in a decade. This is an exceptional performance against an average 1.9% per cent sector increase during the last UCAS application cycle.
The increase in undergraduate students is part of a major growth strategy for Aston University. In 2024, Aston Online launched, providing a flexible way for students around the world to experience the university’s education. In May 2025, Aston University London opens to its first cohort. The London hub, located in the heart of the capital, will offer a range of postgraduate programmes providing the most in-demand skills by employers around the world.
Particularly popular courses in the latest recruitment cycle were Accounting and Finance, Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing. In addition, in 2024, UCAS reported that engineering and technology saw an 8% growth on the previous year, which was reflected in the strong growth in applications seen within engineering and physical sciences at Aston University during the same period. In 2024, Aston also introduced new courses in Criminology and History.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“Aston University has experienced significant growth in undergraduate applications, driven by our reputation for delivering an exceptional teaching experience and outstanding career outcomes. In today’s fast-changing world, Aston University is the ideal place to get ahead. We offer an inclusive, transformative, and innovative learning environment that provides lifelong advantages - a commitment clearly reflected in the increasing number of students joining us from across the UK and around the globe.”
- 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.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.
Be first to get the latest news, research and expert comment from Aston by following us on X
Need an expert for your story? Browse our experts directory.