Old Astonians

Do you know the famous old boys and old girls from Aston University? Read on to find out which famous alumni went to Aston University.

Here’s a few of the most famous Old Astonians from Aston University in Birmingham.

Frankie Boyle

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Frankie Boyle is an alumnus of Aston University and one of the UK’s most successful comedians. He has starred in his own television series, Mock the Week, and is well known for his dark, often controversial, humour. He has also written several books, and his stand-up shows regularly sell out. Boyle is a passionate advocate for social justice, and his shows often reflect this.

Salma Yaqoob

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Salma Yaqoob is an alumna of Aston University and a prominent British politician. She is a passionate campaigner for social justice and was the leader of the Respect Party from 2010-2012. She was the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Hall Green from 2005-2010, and has also been a spokesperson for the Stop the War Coalition and the British Muslim Initiative.

Ashok Kumar

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Ashok Kumar is a chemical engineering graduate of Aston University and a politician. He was the Member of Parliament for Leicester South for 17 years and was the Minister for Public Health from 2004-2005. He was a strong advocate for social justice and is a patron of several charities. He was posthumously awarded an honorary Doctor of Law from Aston University.

Kate Walsh

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Kate Walsh is a popular television presenter and radio presenter. She has presented several shows on the BBC and ITV, including ‘This Morning’, ‘The One Show’ and ‘The Great British Bake Off’. She is also a well-known face on the red carpet, having presented the Brit Awards and the BAFTAs. Kate is a passionate advocate for science and technology and has been a vocal supporter of initiatives such as the Ada Lovelace Institute.

Kevin Warwick

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Kevin Warwick is a renowned Professor of Cybernetics and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Coventry. He is a leading authority in robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics, and has written several books on the topic. He has been at the forefront of research into the potential of machines to interact with humans, and his work has been widely cited and celebrated. He has also been involved in a number of projects and initiatives to promote science and technology, including the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network.

Sir Arthur Smout

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Sir Arthur Smout was the former Director-General of Ammunition Production for the British Armed Forces during the Second World War. He was responsible for ensuring the production of weapons, ammunition, and other supplies for the Allies during the war. He was awarded a knighthood in 1945 for his service. After the war, he became the chairman of several companies and was a prominent figure in the defence industry. He was a passionate advocate for science and technology, and his work was influential in the development of the post-war military industrial complex.

About Aston University

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Aston University in Birmingham, England, can trace its roots back to 1895 when a group of Birmingham businessmen founded the Birmingham Municipal Technical School.

This school was established to provide technical and trade education in the city of Birmingham, and in 1966 it was granted university status and renamed Aston University. The original mission of the school was to provide technical and trade education to the people of Birmingham, and it was the first institution of its kind in the city.

In the early 1900s, the school had departments for automotive engineering, electrical engineering, and metallurgy, and its graduates went on to become engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the region. In the decades following, the school continued to expand, adding courses in accounting, law, and business.

In the 1950s, the school joined the University of Birmingham and began offering undergraduate degrees. In 1966, the school was granted its own Royal Charter, and it was officially renamed Aston University.

Since then, Aston University has gone from strength to strength. It now consists of four faculties – Business, Engineering and Applied Science, Life and Health Sciences, and Social Sciences – and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The university also has a highly respected reputation in the business and engineering world, and its graduates have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields.

In 2012, the university was ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for research intensity. Over the years, Aston University has also developed strong links with industry, and the campus is home to the Aston Science Park, which provides facilities and support to start-up companies. The university also has strong links with local and regional businesses, and it has developed a number of initiatives and programmes to support these businesses.

Aston University is a vibrant and diverse community, and its alumni include world-renowned figures such as the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Nobel Prize winner Sir Harold Kroto, and the Queen's Award for Enterprise recipient Steve Tomlinson.

The university also has a strong focus on global outreach and engagement, and its students have the opportunity to study abroad and gain international experience.

Today, Aston University is one of the leading universities in the region, and its students, staff, and alumni continue to make it one of the most respected universities in the UK.

Getting to Aston University

About Aston

Aston is a vibrant and diverse area of Birmingham, England, located in the city’s north-east quadrant. Home to Aston University, the area is known for its bustling student life and numerous cultural attractions.

Aston is a predominantly residential area, with a mix of terraced houses and modern apartment blocks. There are also several shopping centres, parks, and recreational facilities in the area. The university campus is one of the largest in England, and it houses numerous academic and research departments, as well as a variety of student services.

The area is also home to several cultural attractions, such as the Aston Hall, a historic Jacobean mansion that was built in the early 17th century. The area also has several museums and galleries, such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

Aston is well known for its busy nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs located in the area. The area is also home to several theatres, including the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, which is one of the oldest repertory theatres in the UK.

The area is also home to several sporting venues, such as the Warwick Road Stadium, which is the home ground of Birmingham City Football Club. The area is also home to the Aston Villa Football Club, which is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in England.

Aston is well connected to the rest of Birmingham, with several bus routes and a tram line running through the area. The area is also within easy reach of the city centre, making it ideal for commuters.

Overall, Aston is an ethnically mixed and diverse area of Birmingham, and its mix of culture, nightlife, and academic excellence make it an ideal place to live and study. The area has something for everyone, with its numerous attractions and facilities, making it the perfect place to call home.