Anglia Ruskin University - ARU
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Founded
1858
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
35,000+
International Students
185 Countries
Discover Anglia Ruskin University: Overview & History
Discover Anglia Ruskin University: Overview & History
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a public university with origins dating back to 1858, when the Cambridge School of Art was founded by William John Beamont. The inaugural address was delivered by John Ruskin, the celebrated art critic and philanthropist, after whom the university is now named. Today, ARU is an innovative global institution that welcomes students from 185 countries across its campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, London, and Writtle.
ARU was named Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2023, recognising its success in delivering high-impact initiatives across its campuses. The university has received a Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework for the quality of its education, and it holds the distinction of being the first UK university to receive the Entrepreneurial University Award from the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE).
With a strong focus on applied research, employability, and innovation, ARU offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across disciplines including business, health sciences, engineering, arts, and technology. The university is ranked first in the East of England for the proportion of UK undergraduates working as managers, directors, or senior officials within 15 months of graduation, according to the 2025 Graduate Outcomes survey.
Key Milestones
- 1858: Cambridge School of Art founded by William John Beamont, with John Ruskin delivering the inaugural address.
- 1992: Granted university status as Anglia Polytechnic University after merging with Essex Institute of Higher Education.
- 2018: School of Medicine opened at the Chelmsford campus, training the region's future doctors in state-of-the-art facilities.
- 2023: Named Times Higher Education University of the Year, recognising outstanding achievements across all campuses.
Academic Structure & Faculties
Academic Structure & Faculties
Anglia Ruskin University offers a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes organised across four main academic divisions. Each faculty combines theoretical knowledge with practical, career-focused learning, supported by industry-experienced lecturers and professionally accredited courses.
Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education & Social Sciences
This faculty encompasses creative arts, education, social sciences, and humanities, including the renowned Cambridge School of Art with its world-famous MA in Children's Book Illustration.
- MA Children's Book Illustration
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
Faculty of Business & Law
One of the largest business schools in the East of England, offering professionally accredited programmes in business management, finance, marketing, and law with strong industry connections.
- MBA International Business
- LLB (Hons) Law
- BSc (Hons) International Business Management
Faculty of Health, Medicine & Social Care
Home to ARU's School of Medicine and a wide range of health and social care programmes, this faculty provides hands-on clinical training through simulation suites and NHS partnerships.
- MBChB Medicine
- BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
- BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
Faculty of Science & Engineering
Offering programmes in computing, engineering, life sciences, and the built environment, this faculty benefits from dedicated science centres and cutting-edge laboratory facilities.
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
School of Medicine
Approved by the General Medical Council in 2017 and formally opened in 2019, the School of Medicine trains future doctors using state-of-the-art medical simulation suites at the Chelmsford campus.
- MBChB Medicine
- MSc Physician Associate
- MSc Public Health
ARU Writtle (Land-Based Studies)
Following the 2024 merger with Writtle University College, ARU Writtle offers specialist land-based courses in agriculture, animal science, equine studies, and horticulture at a dedicated campus.
- BSc (Hons) Animal Management
- BSc (Hons) Agriculture
- BSc (Hons) Equine Science
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationHigh school diploma or equivalent to UK A-Levels, or a recognised university foundation course
- IELTS ScoreOverall 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5 (varies by programme)
- TOEFL iBTOverall score of 80 (with minimum component scores)
- PTE AcademicScore of 57 with no section below 51
- Additional RequirementsPortfolio for art/design courses; interviews for nursing, midwifery, and some other programmes
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationUK honours degree with lower second class honours (2:2) or international equivalent
- IELTS ScoreOverall 6.5 with no individual band below 5.5 (varies by programme)
- TOEFL iBTOverall score of 87 or above (programme dependent)
- Work ExperienceRequired for some programmes such as MBA; check individual course pages
- ReferencesAcademic and/or professional references as specified by the programme
Deadline for undergraduate applications to be considered equally through UCAS for September entry.
Final deadline for undergraduate applications through UCAS for September intake.
International students can apply directly to ARU year-round, but early application is recommended to allow time for visa processing.
Selected programmes offer a January start. Check the ARU website for specific CAS acceptance deadlines for this intake.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Anglia Ruskin University offers competitively priced tuition for both UK and international students. Fees vary by programme and level of study, and the university provides a range of scholarships and bursaries to support talented students from around the world.
| Fee Category | UK Students (per year) | International Students (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | GBP 9,535 - GBP 9,790 | GBP 15,900 - GBP 17,500 |
| Postgraduate Taught | GBP 9,800 - GBP 20,200 | GBP 17,500 - GBP 21,200 |
| Postgraduate Research | GBP 4,786 (approx.) | GBP 16,700 (approx.) |
| Estimated Living Costs | GBP 12,000 - GBP 15,000 | GBP 12,000 - GBP 15,000 |
| Total | GBP 14,000 - GBP 30,000 (approx. total annual cost) | GBP 28,000 - GBP 36,000 (approx. total annual cost) |
International Undergraduate Scholarship
Available to international undergraduate students, this scholarship provides financial support across the duration of your degree to help reduce tuition costs.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 4,000 (GBP 2,000 in Year 1, GBP 1,000 in subsequent years)
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students meeting academic criteria
- Application: Automatically assessed upon admission; no separate application required
International Postgraduate Scholarship
Designed for international postgraduate students, this scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible applicants who meet specified academic criteria upon enrolment.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 4,000 tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: International students meeting minimum entry criteria and academic thresholds
- Application: Automatically assessed; awarded if eligibility criteria are fulfilled
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
Anglia Ruskin University operates across multiple campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, London, and Writtle. Each campus features modern, purpose-built facilities designed to support academic excellence, research innovation, and a vibrant student experience.
The historic main campus on East Road features the Science Centre, Ruskin Gallery, Mumford Theatre, optometry clinic, and modern library facilities.
A contemporary riverfront campus housing the School of Medicine, Business School, SuperLabs, and the Arise Innovation Hub.
Opened in 2022, this brand-new campus features custom-built facilities including a simulated hospital ward, science lab, and engineering lab.
Housing & Dining
Accommodation
ARU guarantees accommodation for all first-year undergraduate students. University-managed halls of residence are available across the Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Writtle campuses with costs ranging from GBP 93 to GBP 199 per week including bills and Wi-Fi.
- On-campus halls of residence with en-suite and shared options
- Off-campus housing support for private rentals and shared flats
- Dedicated support for international students finding accommodation
Dining & Social Spaces
Each campus offers a range of cafes, restaurants, and social spaces where students can eat, relax, and socialise. Cambridge city and Chelmsford also provide a wide variety of affordable dining options nearby.
- Campus cafes and refectories with diverse menu options
- Students' Union bars and social spaces
- Proximity to city-centre restaurants and shops
Student Life at ARU
Student Life at ARU
Life at Anglia Ruskin University is enriched by a diverse and inclusive community of students from over 185 countries. The Students' Union organises a wide range of clubs, societies, events, and support services to ensure every student has a fulfilling university experience beyond the classroom.
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Living in Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the UK's most famous and historic cities, known globally for its academic heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural life. With a population of approximately 122,000, it offers a compact and welcoming environment where students can easily explore by foot or bicycle. Cambridge is well connected to London, just 50 minutes away by train, and close to London Stansted Airport for international travel.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Home to world-renowned museums, galleries, theatres, and the iconic Backs along the River Cam, Cambridge offers a culturally stimulating environment for students.
Excellent Transport Links
Regular train services connect Cambridge to London King's Cross in under an hour, with London Stansted Airport nearby for international flights.
Safe & Student-Friendly
Cambridge is consistently rated among the top places to live in the UK, offering a safe, welcoming atmosphere with a high quality of life for students.
Innovation & Employment Hub
The Cambridge region is a leading centre for technology, biotech, and innovation, providing students with excellent internship and career opportunities through the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where ARU Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
ARU's dedicated International Office provides comprehensive guidance on UK student visa applications, CAS letters, and immigration compliance throughout your studies.
Pre-sessional English courses and in-sessional language support are available through ARU College to help international students meet English language requirements and improve academic writing skills.
A dedicated orientation programme helps international students settle into life in the UK, covering everything from campus tours and academic introductions to opening bank accounts and registering with a GP.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Anglia Ruskin University has demonstrated a strong upward trajectory in global rankings and was named Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2023. The university is ranked among the top universities in the UK and continues to improve its global standing across multiple ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry & Psychology | US News | #242 |
| Clinical & Health | Times Higher Education | #301-400 |
| Sports Science | Various UK Guides | Top 5 in UK |
| Social Sciences & Public Health | US News | #662 |
Features
Modern campus facilities with strong industry links.Wide range of professional courses including health, business, and technology.\nSupportive learning environment with excellent employability focus.Active international community and global partnerships
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - January
Location
East Road\nCambridge\nCB1 1PT\nUnited Kingdom
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
