Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business and Sociology (with integrated placement year)

at Aston University United Kingdom

Study the BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology degree course at Aston University to get a fascinating insight into the political and sociological challenges facing our society in the 21st century, giving you a great springboard for your future career.

What you’ll learn
On this programme, you’ll explore the major political and social issues faced by governments across the world. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the international state system, the structure and purpose of international organisations and the roles played by international institutions, other intergovernmental organisations, multinational corporations and NGOs. Important strengths of the programme include its focus on key contemporary issues in international relations and policy, such as global economic change and the environment as well as international comparisons of government policies.

On the sociology strand of the course, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of social processes, organisational dynamics and inter-group relationships. We explore the social constraints we encounter in our everyday lives and how they are reinforced by class, race, religion and gender. To understand how these issues perpetuate existing inequalities and unequal life chances, we analyse how politics is intertwined with the profit-making aims pursued by big corporations and how their combined interests dominate our social imaginations. When learning about contemporary topics such as inequality, racism, health, migration, sexuality, identity, education, the media, crime and climate change, you will be taught by experts in these fields.

Sociology will equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills that will enable you to think critically and work independently. This includes how to design a research project, collect empirical data, handle complex datasets (e.g., through applying coding techniques) and, most importantly, develop an advanced analytical mindset. This training will be essential for your final-year dissertation during which you will carry out your own individual research project. This experience will provide you with a skillset that is highly desired in a wide range of industries and areas of work.

Unlock even more career opportunities with the MEng Chemical Engineering, an extended, broader-based qualification with four years of academic study.

You could improve the quality of many lives through the products and materials you design and develop as a chemical engineer.

You will learn how to ensure the safe and profitable production of the chemicals and materials required to create products such as clothing, food, medicine, transport and home entertainment systems.

Chemical engineering is a challenging and fascinating profession with extensive career opportunities. With a masters in chemical engineering you will combine a detailed knowledge of chemistry with an understanding of engineering principles in order to design, construct and operate chemical process plants.

What you’ll learn

Our course is designed to develop your engineering skills, in the context of a firm grounding in chemistry. To ensure this, you’ll share your first year with chemists, giving you a good grounding in the subject before gaining a deeper insight into the industrial processes. Subjects you’ll cover include process design, health and safety, biological chemistry, biomaterials, inorganic materials and polymer synthesis.

The MEng builds on the BEng course and is enhanced by additional subjects including process synthesis, advanced management, bioenergy, and a major research project.

Our MEng is a challenging and demanding course which will enable you to progress more readily after graduation to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status which, in turn, equips you to aim for the highest levels in industry.

You have the option to spend a year on placement in industry after your second academic year. Many students find this experience extremely beneficial in terms of their personal development as well as their academic performance and development as an engineer.

Study business alongside International Relations to learn more about contemporary issues in global politics, with an integrated placement year to give your career prospects a real boost.

What you’ll learn
As a business student at Aston, you’ll study the theories, principles, and underlying concepts of management and develop a strong understanding of business models and processes. You’ll examine how strategic decision-making within organizations takes place, and develop the ability to recognize and analyze the economic, technical, financial, social, and organizational parameters within which modern managers make decisions, providing you with a solid starting point for your future career.

On the international relations strand of the course, you’ll get an introduction to the international state system and to the structure and purpose of international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and NATO. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the nature between states and also of the roles played by international institutions, other intergovernmental organizations, multinational corporations, and NGOs.

Understand information systems and how they empower business operations and develop technical skills in building and maintaining ICT systems and project management skills that are in huge demand.

Understand information systems and how they empower business operations and develop technical skills in building and maintaining ICT systems and project management skills that are in huge demand.

This course has been developed in collaboration with our industry partners. This ensures that we’re providing you with the specialist skills needed for business analysis and information system roles, which in turn will enhance your employability.

Our teaching staff are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise to provide you with the highest quality of education. You’ll be taught by leading academics with a variety of specialisms in the field of information systems and business analytics. The School is also made up of several former students of the course, who have gone on to gain PhD qualifications and return to help deliver the course. You can be sure to benefit from their expertise and experience.

Think you know about chemical engineering? Join our course here at Aston to learn how chemical engineers shape the world and get ready for a career in this exciting industry.

What you’ll learn
This course is designed to develop your engineering skills, in the context of a firm grounding in chemistry.?To ensure this, you will share your first year with chemists, giving you a good grounding in the subject before gaining a deeper insight into the industrial processes.

In later years you will specialize at a more advanced level in the core engineering topics as well as studying business, management, and sustainability, designed to further develop your problem-solving skills.?There will also be a focus on computer modeling skills with a strong emphasis on process simulation.

You have the option to spend a year on placement in the industry in your third year.?Many students take advantage of this option and find the experience extremely beneficial both for their development as an engineer and their final year performance.

Study the BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy degree course at Aston University to examine the major political, economic, and social issues facing governments and societies across the world, and how the policies they develop impact all our lives.

What you’ll learn
In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to explore political topics going beyond the UK and Europe, covering North America, South Asia, China, Japan, or the emerging global powers. You will not only study the traditional subjects of the discipline, such as security, political economy, or democratization but also have the chance to delve into ethics, sports, gender, protests, or religion.

On the social policy strand of the course, you’ll examine why governments take particular decisions in key policy areas and develop a detailed understanding of processes of policymaking at global, national, and local levels of government. We explore the social constraints we encounter in our everyday lives and how they are reinforced by class, race, religion, and gender. To understand how these issues perpetuate existing inequalities and unequal life chances, we analyze what impact official politics has on such processes, how politics is intertwined with the profit-making aims pursued by big corporations and how their combined interests dominate our social imaginations.

You will investigate the economic, social, and political forces which influence government decision-making and develop a detailed understanding of policy-making processes at global, national and local levels of government. You will also explore in-depth, the outcomes and consequences of various government policies on the economy and society. Studying the nature of policy delivery and management by various organizations, such as local governments, schools, and businesses will prepare you for a range of career paths.

Chemists and chemical engineers make products that we use in our everyday life, from vitamin C to chocolate, from creams to packaging, and from fuels to washing powders.  

You will study how to ensure the safe, sustainable and profitable production of chemicals and materials that will not only improve people’s quality of life but also contribute towards a better future for our planet.  

This programme is academically the same as the BSc (Hons) Chemistry but, as an applied chemist, you will undertake a final year research project under the supervision of one of our academic staff.?  
 
We cater for the needs of ‘pure’ chemists and provide the opportunity to explore the industrial, pharmaceutical, technological and commercial dimensions of chemistry. Business and other specialist topics are built into our courses enabling you to develop valuable management skills.

 What you’ll learn 

You’ll share your first year with chemical engineers, to ensure you have a good grounding in the subject before gaining a deeper insight into the industrial processes. 
 
Areas including sustainability and health and safety will be key to your learning, while more scientific and advanced modules will give you the technical skills you need for your career.  
 
You have the option to spend a year on placement in the

Understanding the potential of technology is key to modern life and our programmes are designed to address the latest business needs.

You’ll develop expertise in software development and the key applications of computing science through each year of the programme with particular emphasis on its use in industry and commerce.

You’ll be given a grounding in computer science early in your course, specialising and developing more advanced and unique expertise in later modules, for example computational intelligence, game development or computer animation.

What you’ll learn

You’ll learn how to run software projects, developing the skills to be a designer, programmer and project manager and understanding how to create usable and accessible software.

If you choose our four year programme, you’ll spend your third year in a paid professional placement of direct relevance to your studies. This placement will give you invaluable practical experience in a real work environment and further enhance your career prospects.

Study business alongside international relations to learn more about contemporary issues in global politics, with an integrated placement year to give your career prospects a real boost.

What you’ll learn
As a business student at Aston, you’ll study the theories, principles, and underlying concepts of management and develop a strong understanding of business models and processes. You’ll examine how strategic decision-making within organizations takes place, and develop the ability to recognize and analyze the economic, technical, financial, social, and organizational parameters within which modern managers make decisions, providing you with a solid starting point for your future career.

On the international relations strand of the course, you’ll get an introduction to the international state system and to the structure and purpose of international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and NATO. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the nature between states and also of the roles played by international institutions, other intergovernmental organizations, multinational corporations, and NGOs.

Important strengths of the course include its focus on key contemporary issues in international relations and policy, such as security and the globalization of the international political economy. It is strongly geared towards increasing your employability, therefore designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills relevant to careers involving international partnerships in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Applications for September 2022 entry will open on 1 October 2021. You will be able to apply via a link which will be available from this course information page.

You could improve the quality of many lives through the products and materials you design and develop as a chemical engineer.

You will learn how to ensure the safe and profitable production of the chemicals and materials required to create products such as clothing, food, medicine, transport and home entertainment systems.

Chemical engineering is a challenging and fascinating profession with extensive career opportunities. With a masters in chemical engineering you will combine a detailed knowledge of chemistry with an understanding of engineering principles in order to design, construct and operate chemical process plants.

What you’ll learn

Our course is designed to develop your engineering skills, in the context of a firm grounding in chemistry. To ensure this, you’ll share your first year with chemists, giving you a good grounding in the subject before gaining a deeper insight into the industrial processes. Subjects you’ll cover include process design, health and safety, biological chemistry, biomaterials, inorganic materials and polymer synthesis.

The MEng builds on the BEng course and is enhanced by additional subjects including process synthesis, advanced management, bioenergy, and a major research project.

Our MEng is a challenging and demanding course which will enable you to progress more readily after graduation to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status which, in turn, equips you to aim for the highest levels in industry.