About Anglia Ruskin University
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern public university in the East of England, originally founded as the Cambridge School of Art in 1858 by John Ruskin. It became a university in 1992 and adopted its current name in 2005.
The university has five main campuses: Cambridge, Chelmsford (Essex), Peterborough, Writtle, and a dedicated London campus. Each campus specializes in different fields. For example, Cambridge is known for arts, design, and music therapy; Chelmsford houses the business school, medical, and health sciences; Peterborough focuses on science, engineering, and nursing; while Writtle specializes in agriculture and environmental sciences.
Academically, ARU is structured into four main faculties:
Business and Law
Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Health, Medicine and Social Care
Science and Engineering
ARU has more than 40,000 students from over 180 countries, making it one of the most diverse institutions in the UK. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes, along with professional doctorates and foundation courses.
In terms of recognition, ARU was awarded “University of the Year 2023” by Times Higher Education. It also holds a Gold rating in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the quality of teaching and learning.
The university has an excellent record in applied research. In the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), many of its subject areas were rated as producing world-leading research impact, especially in areas like music therapy, vision and eye research, policing and public safety, and sustainability.
Globally, ARU ranks in the 501–600 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, around #814 in US News Best Global Universities, and #1421 in the CWUR rankings. While it is not part of the UK’s Russell Group, it is respected internationally for practical, career-focused education.
International students are supported with services such as visa guidance, English language support, and dedicated orientation programmes. Entry requirements typically include an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 for most programmes.
Tuition fees for international students are usually between £15,900 and £20,200 per year, depending on the course. Living costs vary by city; Cambridge and London are more expensive than Chelmsford or Peterborough.
ARU places a strong emphasis on employability. Many of its courses are professionally accredited, and the university has strong links with industries, hospitals, and businesses to provide real-world experience.
Students also benefit from a vibrant student life, supported by the ARU Students’ Union, with numerous clubs, societies, sports, and volunteering opportunities.
Overall, Anglia Ruskin University is known for its modern facilities, international outlook, inclusive environment, and practical approach to higher education, making it an attractive choice for students seeking quality UK education with strong career prospect