Overview of Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University is a public university founded in 1858 in East Anglia, England. The most intricate part is that the Anglia Ruskin University originated from the Cambridge School of Art, founded by William John Beaumont. The institution became a university when it was renamed after John Ruskin, the Oxford University Professor, in 1992. Anglia Ruskin University is classified as a “post-1992 university”, and the motto of the university is in Latin - “Excellentia per societatem”, which translates to “Excellence through partnership in English”.

History of Anglia Ruskin University

As discussed, Anglia Ruskin University originates from the Cambridge School of Art. The original location was near Sidney Sussex College, the current location is East Road, Cambridge.

Two extraordinary pioneers in Cambridge's civic history, Clara Rackham and Lilian Mellish Clarke were members of the governing body during the 1920s. Buildings on the East Road campus were subsequently named in their honor. In 1960, this institution was renamed the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology (CCAT). In 1989, Anglia Higher Education College was established by the merger of the Essex Institute of Higher Education, which was initially a vocational school named Chelmsford School of Science and Art and was subsequently renamed Mid Essex Technical College and Chelmer Institute of Higher Education, with CCAT.

Anglia Polytechnic was established as a polytechnic in 1991 and was granted university status in 1992. The term "polytechnic" was retained in the title of Anglia Polytechnic University (APU) because it represented the sort of education that was renowned for providing students with practical skills that were applicable to the workforce. Nevertheless, in 2000, there was some ambiguity regarding the inclusion of "polytechnic" in the title, as it was the sole university in the nation to do so. In an effort to preserve the 'APU' abbreviation, the governors proposed the name 'Anglia Prior University'. However, they ultimately elected to retain the term 'polytechnic' in the title.

Ultimately, the university decided to reconsider a name change and selected Anglia Ruskin University, which included John Ruskin's surname in the title. This change was implemented on September 29, 2005, following the Privy Council's sanction.

In 2007, ARU formed a partnership with the London College of Accountancy (LCA), which was established in 2000. This led to the establishment of ARU London.

Anglia Ruskin University became the first university in the United Kingdom to sign UNISON's Anti-Racism Charter in October 2023.

Writtle University College merged with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in 2024, resulting in the establishment of ARU Writtle.

Key Reasons to Choose Anglia Ruskin University

Academic Excellence

Renowned faculty members and a focus on research-driven teaching. Anglia Ruskin University gives the potential for its students to excel in academics via its well-trained research methods and faculties.

Industry Connections

Partnerships with leading organizations to provide hands-on learning opportunities. With significant industry connections, students can explore to get the practical knowledge needed to step into the outside world. 

Student Support

Comprehensive academic and personal support services. Anglia Ruskin University provides a calming environment to its students, which assures comfortable learning and support from their faculties and study environment.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Learning is enhanced with the modernisation of technology in the standard way of teaching methods. Modern labs, libraries, and study spaces are equipped with the latest technology.

Diverse Student Community

A welcoming environment with students from over 185 countries. A nurturing environment comes from a diverse student community where you can learn tabout heir cultures and perspectives and spread your own. 

Highlights of Anglia Ruskin University

• Established Reputation: Founded in 1858 with a rich heritage in education.
• Global Recognition: Ranked among the top universities globally for employability and teaching quality.
• Innovative Learning: Cutting-edge research and teaching methodologies.
• Sustainability Commitment: Strong focus on environmental responsibility and social impact.
• Career Opportunities: High graduate employment rates and strong alumni network.

What Are the Programs at Anglia Ruskin University?

Undergraduate Programs:

ARU offers a broad range of undergraduate programs across various faculties, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Popular undergraduate courses include:

• Business Management
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Nursing
• Engineering
• Media and Communication
• Fine Arts

Postgraduate Programs:

Postgraduate students can choose from a wide array of master's and doctoral programs designed to enhance their expertise and career prospects. Popular postgraduate courses include:

• MBA
• MSc in Artificial Intelligence
• MA in Creative Writing
• MSc in Public Health
• LLM in International Business Law

Research

The University's academic excellence has been acknowledged by the UK's Higher Education funding bodies, with 12 areas classified as producing world-leading research. The following 12 of the 15 subject areas we submitted were determined to be generating world-leading research: Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy, Architecture, Built Environment and Planning, Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory, Business and Management Studies, Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management, English Language and Literature, Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology, History, Law, Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts, Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Social Work.

Career:

Career ARU is a university that prioritizes career development. Employability Services, which is located on campus, conducts CV and interview seminars, as well as sector events and company visits. Additionally, they assist students in locating part-time, flexible employment that is compatible with their academic pursuits. This is also the location where students receive assistance in locating and applying for placements.

Additionally, the Employability Service provides individual consultations both prior to and subsequent to graduation. Our student assessors were impressed by the Employability Service's extensive calendar of events.

Life at Anglia Ruskin University

ARU student life is dynamic and engaging, offering numerous opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, student organizations, and cultural events.

Key Aspects of Student Life:

• Accommodation: On-campus and off-campus housing options.
• Student Societies: A wide range of clubs catering to various interests.
• Sports and Recreation: Modern fitness centers, sports teams, and recreational activities.
• Student Support Services: Mental health support, career counseling, and academic assistance.

Organizations at Anglia Ruskin University:

ARU hosts numerous student-led organizations and clubs that cater to diverse interests, including:

• ARU Students' Union
• Cultural and International Societies
• Entrepreneurship Clubs
• Volunteering Opportunities
• Sports and Fitness Clubs

Faculties and Schools

Faculty of Business and Law

Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and London are the locations of the Faculty of Business and Law. The School of Economics, Finance and Law and the School of Management are the two departments within the faculty.

The Chelmsford campus opened the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab in 2014 for students studying finance, banking, accounting, and economics. The Faculty of Business and Law was granted the Small Business Charter Award in 2022. Entrepreneurs in Residence is a program offered by the business school. X-Forces Enterprise became a strategic partner of the program in 2023.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Writtle campuses are home to six departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is comprised of six schools: the School of Computing and Information Science, the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, the School of Life Sciences, the School of Psychology, the School of Sport and Sensory Science, and the Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences.

XRP eXtended Reality Peterborough, an immersive learning environment, was introduced by the Peterborough Innovation and Research Centre in 2023.

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Education and Social Sciences

In 2023, the Cambridge School of Art, the Cambridge School of Creative Industries, the School of Education, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences were merged to establish the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences.

It is also the location of three research institutes: the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI), the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research (CIMTR), and StoryLab.

Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Social Care

The Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Social Care is comprised of four schools: the School of Medicine, the School of Midwifery and Community Health, the School of Nursing, and the School of Allied Health and Social Care.

Anglia Ruskin University disclosed its intention to establish Essex's inaugural School of Medicine at its Chelmsford campus on October 10, 2016. The initial undergraduate medical school in Essex would be constructed with a purpose-built structure, which would incur a cost of £20 million. It is intended to encompass a lecture theater, specialized instructional spaces, state-of-the-art skills facilities, and a cadaveric anatomy suite.

Recognitions

Anglia Ruskin University has received notable recognitions over the years:

• Named one of the 20 "rising stars" in global higher education by Firetail and Times Higher Education.
• Ranked within the top 350 universities globally and joint 38th in the UK by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020.
• Recognized in the top 10% of English HEIs for skills, enterprise, and entrepreneurship in 2021.
• Ranked in the top 15% in the UK for graduates in employment or further study by HESA in 2023.
• Ranked 3rd in the UK for graduates employed in managerial or senior positions in 2023.
• Times Higher Education ranked ARU London 3rd for overall positivity in 2023.
• Ranked among the top 6.8% of universities worldwide in 2024.

Admissions requirements for Anglia Ruskin University

Undergraduate Courses:

• A recognized high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum English language proficiency scores (IELTS: 6.0 overall, TOEFL: 80, or equivalent).
• Specific course requirements may include subject prerequisites and portfolio submissions for creative programs.

Postgraduate Courses:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• English language proficiency (IELTS: 6.5 overall, TOEFL: 90, or equivalent).
• Work experience may be required for certain programs such as MBA.

How to Apply?

Students can apply to Anglia Ruskin University through the following channels:

UCAS (Undergraduate Courses):

• Submit an application through the UCAS website, selecting Anglia Ruskin University as a preferred choice.
• Application deadlines vary based on the intake (January/September).

Direct Application (Postgraduate Courses):

• Visit the ARU official website and fill out the online application form.
• Upload required documents such as academic transcripts, personal statement, and references.

International Students:

• May apply via authorized education agents in their respective countries.
• Proof of financial support and student visa requirements need to be fulfilled.

Anglia Ruskin University FAQs

Q1. Is Anglia Ruskin a good university? 

Yes, Anglia Ruskin University is highly recognized university that focuses on providing practical education and industry knowledge. It has been ranked among the top 350 universities globally by Times Higher Education.

Q2. Which part of the UK is Anglia Ruskin University located? 

ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and London.

Q3. What is the Anglia Ruskin University controversy? 

ARU has faced occasional controversies, including disputes related to student satisfaction and academic standards; however, the university continuously works to improve its services and offerings.

Q4. Is Anglia Ruskin a Cambridge university?

Anglia Ruskin University has a campus in Cambridge, but it is a separate institution from the University of Cambridge.

Q5. What is Anglia Ruskin's acceptance rate?

The university has an acceptance rate of approximately 52%, making it moderately competitive.

Q6. What are the benefits of studying at Anglia Ruskin University? 

Students benefit from strong industry connections, high employability rates, modern facilities, and a diverse student community.

Q7. What is Anglia Ruskin ranked in 2024? 

In 2024, ARU was ranked among the top 6.8% of universities worldwide.

Q8. What is the employability rate at Anglia Ruskin University? 

The employability rate at ARU is high, with over 90% of graduates securing employment or further study within six months of graduation.

Q9. What is the world ranking of Anglia Ruskin University? 

ARU is ranked within the top 350 universities globally by Times Higher Education.

Q10. Is Anglia Ruskin University recognized? 

Yes, ARU is fully recognized and accredited by UK higher education authorities and globally acknowledged institutions.

Q11. What is the ranking of Anglia Ruskin University in the world? 

ARU is ranked among the top 350 universities globally, reinforcing its academic credibility.

Q12. What rank is ARU in the UK Guardian? 

According to The Guardian, ARU was ranked within the top 50 UK universities in specific subject areas such as social work and health sciences.

ARU offers a variety of scholarships to support students financially, including:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic excellence.
• International Excellence Scholarships: Designed for high-achieving international students.
• Subject-Specific Scholarships: Available for students enrolling in certain disciplines such as STEM or business.
• Alumni Discount: A reduction in tuition fees for returning students pursuing postgraduate studies.