Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established research-led University known for its world-class teaching quality and strong links to industry, government and commerce. Professor Julia King became Vice-Chancellor of the University in 2006. Aston University is based in the centre of Birmingham, home to over 65,000 students and one of Europe’s liveliest and most welcoming cities. Our friendly and safe 40 acre campus houses all the Universitys academic, social and accommodation facilities for our 9,500 students. We are ranked 13th out of 113 UK Universities by the 2010 Complete University Guide, and 19th in the Guardian rankings 2010, confirming our place amongst the elite of UK Universities. We also have an outstanding reputation for helping our graduates secure good jobs, with 82% finding graduate level employment within six months of graduation, compared to a national average of less than 70% (2007 and 2008 graduates). This success placed Aston 9th out of all 120 UK Universities for this variable in the 2008-9 Sunday Times University Guide Aston offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, and also works with the public and private sector to develop tailored Continuing Professional Development and Foundation Degree programmes.