It is now one of only two universities in the UK, and one of 13 organisations globally, to receive the accolade from the tech giant.

The title recognises a university’s leadership in integrating creativity, productivity, and AI tools into education.

Aston has incorporated Adobe’s digital tools into its curriculum since 2024 to boost student engagement, develop digital literacy, and enhance communication skills essential for successful careers.

The university was particularly commended for delivering impact at scale across its entire curriculum by 2027 through the Assessment Toolkit and core modules such as Power Skills and Student Placements, as well as direct access to digital tools via the innovative Adobe Hangout spaces.

Aston was the world’s first Adobe Creative Campus to introduce these Hangouts, physical spaces where students can collaborate, develop ideas, and co-create using Adobe tools.

In addition, Aston’s assessments have been structured to encourage students to showcase innovation and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts.

A unique Assessment Toolkit offers a step-by-step digital guide to creating reports, posters, and podcasts using Adobe’s suite of productivity and creative tools.

Rachel Dodd, appointed Aston’s Adobe Professor of Digital Innovation in 2025, oversees the programme rollout. She said: “Being named an Adobe Creative Campus Innovator is a proud moment for Aston University a recognition that validates the bold, forward-thinking approach we’ve taken to digital innovation.

“Aston’s Adobe Assessment Toolkit has transformed our approach to authentic student assessment.

“It empowers students to demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving abilities to a professional standard in real-world, visually communicative contexts.

“Crucially, it also enables our teaching colleagues to integrate these techniques seamlessly within their programmes, saving valuable time while developing students’ digital skills at scale.

“The strides we’ve made in embedding digital tools across our student and staff experience are a testament to the energy, commitment, and collaborative spirit of #TeamAston.

“They reflect our turbo-charged progress and reinforce our belief in the transformative impact of digital fluency on education.

“These innovations are central to our strategy of embedding creativity and digital fluency across all disciplines. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Adobe to push the boundaries of innovation in education.”

As part of its new status, Aston has successfully secured $68,000 (just over £50,000) in funding to support new initiatives over the next 12 months.