How to apply

Check the entry requirements for your chosen programme, including specific academic qualifications, English language proficiency and any additional criteria you may need to meet.

Complete the application form: Start your application via the online application form here.

Speak to a student recruitment advisor: You will be assigned a dedicated Student Recruitment Advisor who will contact you for a one-on-one consultation to discuss your academic and professional experience and motivation to study the programme. 

Send your documents: Your Advisor will then ask you to send all relevant documents directly to them, and they will manage the application process on your behalf. This may include your CV, ID, certificates and transcripts, personal statement, and professional or academic references.

Academic certificates and transcripts: We will require copies of your previous academic qualifications, such as your degree certificate. If you hold any professional qualifications, you can also submit these to us. If you've lost your certificates or transcripts, contact the awarding body or educational institution that issued them. They can provide replacements.

International student certificates and transcripts: If your certificates and transcripts were issued by a non-English-speaking institution, please have them translated into English. We are unable to accept documents in any other language.

English language proficiency test scores: If you are a non-native English speaker, you will need to submit scores from tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The test must have been taken within the last two years. If you do not have an English language proficiency test score, you can speak to one of our Student Recruitment Advisors, and they can provide you with a test to support your application.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A CV may be required for certain programmes, or if you wish to be considered for experience-based entry. Your CV should relate to your chosen programme of study - link your strengths, experience, and qualifications to the programme. 

Personal statement: As part of your application, we might ask you to provide a compelling statement (around 250 to 500 words) explaining your interest in the programme, your motivations, and how Aston University can help you achieve your goals.

References: Obtain one letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to your abilities and character (academic or professional is acceptable). This applies to Masters students only.

The Admissions Team aims to review all applications within five to seven working days. However, this may vary depending on the time of year and the completeness of your application. To ensure a smooth application process, please ensure all your documentation and details are as up-to-date as possible before submitting them. If additional information is needed, the Admissions Team will reach out to you.

While waiting, consider preparing for the next steps, such as researching the programme in greater depth. Take this time to familiarise yourself with Aston Online's vibrant community. Explore our blog or attend an upcoming virtual event to gain insights and stay inspired as you prepare for your studies. Every step you take now brings you closer to achieving your academic and professional goals.

We appreciate your patience during this process and are here to support you with any questions you may have.

You will receive either a conditional offer or an unconditional offer. 

Conditional offer: A conditional offer will be issued if we are still waiting on an outstanding item from your application. This could be: 

• Receipt of your certificates and transcripts 
• A professional or academic reference 
• Receipt of your English language test results 

Once the relevant items have been received and all other requirements have been satisfied, you will be issued an unconditional offer. 

Unconditional offer: An unconditional offer will be issued if all entry requirements have been met. There is nothing else required from you to complete your application.

Once you have received an unconditional offer, you need to follow the steps detailed in your offer letter to officially accept it. 

Make your deposit payment or confirm your funding: Now that you have accepted your offer, you need to either make your £1,000 deposit payment or confirm your funding. Once this step has been completed, your place on your programme is confirmed. 

• Pay your deposit: If you are self-funding, follow the link found on your offer letter to make your £1,000 deposit payment. Once you have made it, send a screenshot confirmation to your Student Recruitment Advisor. 
• Confirm your funding: If you are using Student Finance England, please start your application as soon as you can. Once you have applied, you will be issued an ‘Application Reference Number’ or ‘Application ID’. Please send this reference number/ID to your Student Recruitment Advisor who will place this on record as confirmation of your funding. 
• Company sponsorship: If you are receiving a company scholarship, please speak to your Student Recruitment Advisor, who will provide you with the details we require from your employer. Once these details have been returned and processed, your place on the programme will be confirmed.

Your Student Recruitment Advisor will stay in touch with you up until your programme start date to address any outstanding questions or concerns, ensure your funding is secured, and confirm you have the correct equipment for your studies. They will work closely with the Student Success Team to ensure you have accepted your offer and are fully prepared before the programme begins. You will receive:

• Regular email communications about how to connect with other students before your programme commences, as well as actions you can take to prepare for your start.
• Pre-Commencement webinars to meet the Student Success Team to learn how we will support you and what the Student Success Team’s role entails.
• One week before you begin your studies, the Student Success Team will guide you through their Induction on the Aston Online Digital Campus. This will help you become familiar with the platform through interactive activities, such as using a discussion board, accessing the library, and exploring resources to support your studies.
• From the day you begin your studies, the Student Success Team will be available to support you via telephone and email. You can reach them at +44 (0) 121 592 8897 or support@astononline.ac.uk Monday to Friday, from 09:00 - 17:00 UK time.