HR specific/related courses: MSc in Human Resource Management and Business, which gives graduate membership with the CIPD (12 months full-time or 24 months part-time). The Aston MBA features Organisational Studies with an HRM specialism which can be taken via DVD distance learning as well as at the university. Aston also has a management development programme which it customises for corporate clients
Founded: Aston originated from Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895 and became a university in 1966.
College CV: The Aston Campus is based in Birmingham city centre and has around 45,000 students. Aston Business School received 24 out of 24 points in the most recent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) ratings and the top grade 5 in the Research Assignment Exercise (RAE) carried out by the Higher Education Funding Council every four years. It is also part of a small group of elite business schools from around the world to hold the pan-European EQUIS, the North-American AACSB and AMBA (Association of Masters in Business Administration) accreditation for quality.
Its graduates are regularly cited as among the most sought after in the UK and it has strong local, national and international links with industry and public sector and governmental organisations.
The business school works hard on its work placement scheme. It attracts a high number of international students and has established links with a number of institutions across Europe and the US, as well as Japan and China.
Star HR academics: Professor Michael West, whose specialist areas include creativity in teams and innovation. Professor Felix Brodbeck, whose interests include group performance and organisation behaviour.
Entry: Given its reputation, there is considerable competition for places so early application is recommended. For the MSc, a good degree or equivalent is required; for the BSc, see the website.
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Alumni: There is an active alumni network, which will soon include a dedicate community for MSc graduates.
