FAQs

At Aston Online, we aim to make the application process as effortless as possible. Here’s how we handle everything for you, ensuring you receive all the support you need:

Choose your programme: Start by selecting your desired programme and visiting its dedicated page.

Start the application process: Once you’re happy with your choice of programme, click the 'Apply Now' button. Complete our quick and easy application form with your basic information.

Speak with an Advisor: Once submitted, a dedicated Student Recruitment Advisor will contact you to guide you through the remaining steps. They will assist you in providing further details about your academic qualifications, professional experience (if applicable), and English language proficiency (if you’re a non-native English speaker).

They will also discuss why you're choosing online degree study, ensuring that the programme is the best fit for you, and provide advice on funding options.

Provide us with your documents: Your Advisor will ask you to send them your proof of ID, academic transcripts, and any other required documents and information.

We’ll handle the rest: Your Advisor will manage the rest of the process. Provided you meet the entry requirements for your selected programme, all you’ll need to do at this stage is to wait to receive your offer. We aim to process all completed applications within 2 working days.

Academic entry requirements for individual programmes are detailed on the respective programme pages on our website. 

For all programmes, the online learning content and discussion is in English. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. You can read more about English language requirements here. 

During the application process, your Recruitment Advisor will guide you on the requirements for entry to the programme you are applying to, provide individual feedback, and advice on non-standard entry requirements. 

Our programmes are delivered online and can be studied from anywhere in the world, therefore there is no visa requirement and Aston Online is unable to support visa applications.  

Programme start dates are typically in September, January and May. Please note: some programmes are currently only available for you to register your interest; further information is available on our homepage. 

We recommend that you speak to your Recruitment Advisor who will be able to advise you based upon your chosen programme. We generally advise that you start the application process as early as possible before your preferred intake, to give time for your Advisor to review your application and provide feedback.  

Typically, we will ask for proof of your academic and/or professional qualifications (such as a degree certificate or transcript), proof of English language ability (if English is not your first language), and proof of identity (e.g., a copy of your passport). Your Recruitment Advisor will also be able to guide you on what is required, based on your individual circumstances and chosen programme. 

In order to accept your offer, you must first pay a deposit to secure your place. You will then receive an email to confirm that your offer has been accepted and your place has been confirmed on your chosen programme.

Before your first module begins, we’ll keep in touch via email. We’ll make sure you’re set up and ready to begin your studies and will explain how you will access the Digital Campus. We will also guide you on the payment process for your programme. 

Your learning journey will begin when you join the Aston Online Induction, which takes place one week before the semester start date. During your programme of study, online materials will be fully available, and you will study each individual module in sequence. You will also be able to return to your completed modules throughout your study period. 

If you are unable to join your programme for your chosen semester, you can defer the programme to a later date. Please let your Recruitment Advisor know as soon as possible so they can arrange this for you. 

Tuition fees vary depending on the programme you choose. You can view fees for each programme on its respective programme page. Recognising the financial challenges that can come with degree level study, we’ve streamlined the payment process to offer flexibility and simplicity, easing the burden of your expenses.

You can choose to pay in instalments, breaking down the total tuition fee into manageable amounts. Alumni of Aston University are also entitled to a 20% alumni discount on all taught postgraduate programmes. To claim an alumni discount please contact your Recruitment Advisor prior to making payment for your programme.

You will have a 4-week cooling off period during which you can receive a full refund.  

Returning Aston Alumni students are eligible to receive a 20% reduction of fees.   

UK-based students can apply for a loan through Student Finance England. For students in England, visit: SFE - Student Finance England. For students in Wales, visit: Home | Student Finance Wales. For students in Scotland, visit: Apply for student finance

International students may be eligible for funding from their own governments (for example, students in Canada can apply for a government loan for part-time distance learning). Contact your local government funding body to find out more. 

Yes, you can pay in instalments. Speak to your Recruitment Advisor to find out more about the payment plans available.  

You can pay your deposit via the University’s online payment system. The link will be provided in your offer letter and your Recruitment Advisor can direct you towards the link if required.

There are no fees for applying. 

You can pay your programme fees via the University’s online payment system or via bank transfer. You will be provided with further information upon enrolment. 

You will be able to access your Aston Online digital learning environment at any time and from anywhere. Through an intuitive and easy-to-navigate dashboard, you will use a range of smart tools to manage your learning, communicate with others and access the learning materials and activities in each of your programme modules. 

With Aston Online you will join a cohort of global peers, learning and progressing with them through your programme. Your designed online learning experience will provide you with regular opportunities to connect, share and collaborate. 

Whilst studying with the flexibility that the online programmes provide, you will be supported by dedicated expert online tutors and also student advisors from the Student Success team. They will be there to support you throughout your academic journey, and will always be on hand to offer advice and guidance to help you succeed. You can read more about this here 

Online study provides an alternative way of gaining a higher education qualification and advancing your professional career without attending a university in person. As such, there is significantly greater flexibility available to you as you are able to study from your home, your workplace or whilst travelling, for example. With no scheduled or timetabled classes to attend, you can choose when you study and how you organise and manage your time to maximise your success. 

As an Aston University student who is studying online, you will have access to the same digital resources and support as those who are studying on-campus in Birmingham. All the resources that you need will be available to you within the online study platform. 

You will require access to the internet and your own personal computer. 

You will interact with your tutor and your peers in the Digital Campus through regular discussion opportunities in each module, through the sharing of ideas and solutions in module activities, and by direct messaging when required. You will be able to contact your Aston Online Student Success team through email, telephone and via 1-1 direct messaging within the Digital Campus.

No, there is no requirement to attend in person, as all of your study will be 100% online. This will provide you with both the structure and the flexibility that you need to manage your study successfully alongside your other commitments. 

Your studies will be asynchronous, meaning you can study around your individual schedule. There will be key dates for certain activities to be completed in shared spaces and for assessments. For MBA students, there will be a weekly ‘live event’ for you to attend. 

You will have access to the Aston University online library resources, and each module will direct you to read specific books, journals and articles which will support and extend your understanding of the subject area. All relevant library resources for each programme and individual modules will be fully available to you to access online through your Digital Campus.

Beginning, or returning to, higher education can be challenging, but we would like to reassure you that there is a strong support network available to help and advise you throughout your studies.  

A fully supported Induction Programme is an integral part of every Aston Online programme. You will have access to the Induction one week before your programme start date, which you can continue to access and refer to throughout your studies. The Induction Programme encourages you to connect with peers, familiarise yourself with the Digital Campus and directs you towards additional support materials that promote academic study skills.​ 

Throughout your studies, you’ll have a team of people supporting your every step. 

• Student Advisors

Aston Online’s dedicated team of Student Advisors will assist you with all types of questions to ensure your studies run smoothly. They will be your first point of contact for queries across general academic, technical, administrative and enrolment support. 

• Online Tutors

Your Online Tutors are your subject matter experts in each of your modules. They will introduce themselves at the beginning of each module and will communicate with you and your peers via frequent announcements and through regular contribution to discussion activities. They will guide you through your learning and assessments and regularly interact with you in the Digital Campus to provide advice and feedback on your progress. You will also have the opportunity to ask individual questions and receive answers and feedback on specific activities. 

• Your Student Community

Don’t forget, you will also have a whole student community behind you while studying online. You can connect to your community through discussion boards in each module and make meaningful connections with others in your industry. 

We recommend you set aside 15-20 hours per week for activities, as well as additional time to read supporting material and for discussion with your tutors and peers.  

Aston Online programmes offer you the flexibility to schedule when you study and when you interact with tutors and peers. Important assessment submissions will have a due date, and you will be encouraged to engage regularly with each module by organising time each week to complete activities, and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with tutors and peers who will support your progress in each module. 

Many of the Aston Online programmes are accredited. The specific accreditation details of each online programme can be viewed via the Aston Online website. 

We understand that you might need to take a break from your studies. This could be because you are unwell or for other personal reasons. Aston Online students can suspend their studies by applying for a Leave of Absence.

Undergraduate programmes are split into 3 levels – levels 4, 5, and 6, and are studied over 4 years (12 semesters). Each level is 4 semesters long, and there are 3 semesters in a calendar year.   

Postgraduate programmes take 2 years (6 semesters) to complete. 

No, programme modules are studied in sequence.  

Each module will contain the opportunity for you to engage with a range of practice activities, knowledge tests and topic quizzes, and these will support your progress. In addition, you will complete specific graded assessment through a variety of assignments, projects and tests in each module.

You will have regular opportunities to review, reflect and evaluate your individual progress, and make use of journaling and portfolio tools to build excellent evidence of your advancement and success. 

You will need to achieve at least 40% for undergraduate modules (levels 4,5,6) and 50% for postgraduate modules (level 7).

When you complete a degree programme with Aston Online, you will receive the same qualification and degree certificate you would get if you studied the same programme on campus. There is no mention of online delivery in the degree certificate. 

All students eligible to attend are invited to book a place at a Graduation Ceremony, held in Birmingham. 

To attend the graduation ceremony you must have passed all elements of your programme and have these agreed by the appropriate Examination Board. 

Attendance at your graduation ceremony is optional. You will still receive your certificate and transcript in the post if you are not able to attend. 

As an Aston alumnus, you will receive a number of benefits. To find out more, read our article.