Birmingham has many interesting and unique universities. Aston University is one of the largest and oldest ones in the city. Over the years of its operation, it has gone through several stages of transformation. In the 21st century, it became one of the leading universities not only in the West Midlands but also in the whole of England. Learn more at birmingham-future.
School of Metallurgy
Like many other universities, Aston University began its history as a small educational institution. In 1875, there was a School of Metallurgy in this place. After all, Birmingham has always been famous for its mines and heavy industry. At the end of the 19th century, the city needed metallurgists more than teachers. A School of Metallurgy was part of the Birmingham and Midland Institute. It became a powerful foundation for the creation of the university. The Birmingham and Midland Institute served as a starting point for the educational journey of the local population. It also became the basis for the development of scientific and technical education, which started the transition of Birmingham people from the working to the intellectual class.
In 1895, the future Aston University gained independence and separated from the Birmingham and Midland Institute. Then it became the Birmingham Municipal Technical School. In 1927, it was requalified for the technical needs of the region. The place was renamed several times. In 1951, it became known as the College of Technology, Birmingham.
The university obtained the status of a university only in 1966, when it received a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II. But the very word “university” appeared in the name only in 1997.
Aston University has developed with every year of its existence. During 2017-2018, it learned about 15,000 students.
The university offers its students a wide range of study areas, such as engineering disciplines, business programmes, applied scientific research, language studies, health care and psychology. Special attention is given to the study of computer technologies and artificial intelligence. The university even has separate courses for the latter.
Courses for IT specialists
In addition to basic higher education programmes, Aston University provides an opportunity to take additional courses. These include the study of artificial intelligence.
The university has a master’s course in applied artificial intelligence. It is aimed at studying AI for students of any level of knowledge. The course is designed for 12 months. Aston University is among the top 20 technical universities in Great Britain. The university’s advertising brochures state that their graduates earn an average salary of £6,500 a month three years after graduating and starting their career. This is more than the average salary rate in the sphere. Aston University allows the study of AI even for those who have quasi-scientific knowledge in this field.
The study continues with a practical part. The advanced course lasts for 22 months. It gives practical skills for the development and use of AI.
Artificial intelligence is quite an interesting and extensive field. Programmers claim that it can be used in almost any sphere of activity known to mankind. Aston University has developed an additional course for masters. The course consists not only in the study of artificial intelligence but also options for its application in business. Students learn business models adapted to the intricacies of AI use.
Students can apply the acquired knowledge both working for large companies and creating their own start-ups. There are many different business ideas, but IT and AI start-ups are the most profitable in the world. Computerisation is gradually occupying leading positions in a wide variety of industries.
