Anglia Ruskin University

Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Template:Infobox university Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a public research university in the region of East Anglia, United Kingdom. Its origins date back to the Cambridge School of Art (CSA), founded by William John Beamont, a Fellow of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, in 1858. The institution became a university in 1992 and was renamed after John Ruskin, the Oxford University professor and author, in 2005. Ruskin delivered the inaugural speech at the Cambridge School of Art in 1858. ARU is classified as one of the "post-1992 universities." The university's motto is in Latin: Excellentia per societatem, which translates to Excellence through partnership in English.<ref>The College of Arms MS Gts 159/135.</ref>

Template:As of, Anglia Ruskin had 35,195 students. ARU has six campuses across the south-eastern portion of the United Kingdom in Cambridgeshire, Essex, and Greater London.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref>

History

File:John Ruskin, 1882.jpg

Professor at the University of Oxford, Author John Ruskin made the inauguration speech at the Cambridge School of Art in 1858. Anglia Ruskin University is built on the foundation of the school of art, which is located at ARU Cambridge.

File:The Cambridge School of Art at ARU Cambridge.jpg

The Cambridge School of Art at ARU Cambridge.

Anglia Ruskin University has its origins in the Cambridge School of Art, founded by William John Beamont in 1858. The inaugural address was given by John Ruskin, who is often incorrectly described as the founder. The original location was near Sidney Sussex College, but it later moved to its current location on East Road, Cambridge.<ref name=":11">Template:Citation</ref>

Drawing was central to its curriculum, reflecting Ruskin's philosophy on art and education.<ref name=":13">Template:Cite web</ref>

In the 1920s, the governing body included two remarkable pioneers in the civic history of Cambridge: Clara Rackham and Lilian Mellish Clarke, after whom buildings on the East Road campus were later named.

Danbury Place, constructed by Sir Walter Mildmay in 1589, was owned by ARU from 1974 until 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1960, this institution became the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology (CCAT). In 1989, CCAT merged with the Essex Institute of Higher Education, which was originally a vocational school named Chelmsford School of Science and Art and later known as Mid Essex Technical College and Chelmer Institute of Higher Education, to form Anglia Higher Education College.

The merged college became a polytechnic in 1991, adopting the name Anglia Polytechnic, and was awarded university status in 1992. Initially called Anglia Polytechnic University (APU), it retained the term 'polytechnic' in its title because it symbolized the type of education known for equipping students with practical skills for the workforce. However, in 2000 there was some uncertainty about including 'polytechnic' in the title since it was the only university in the country to do so. Wanting to keep the 'APU' abbreviation, a suggestion put forward by the governors was 'Anglia Prior University' (after a former Chancellor Jim Prior), but the Governors decided to keep 'polytechnic' in the title.

The university eventually reconsidered a name change and chose Anglia Ruskin University, incorporating John Ruskin's surname into the title. This change took effect following approval from the Privy Council on 29 September 2005.<ref name="chopraconsultants">Template:Citation</ref><ref name=":11" /><ref>Template:Cite web Template:Dead link</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2007 ARU entered into partnership with London College of Accountancy (LCA; founded in 2000). This resulted in the creation of ARU London.<ref>https://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-uni-colleges/lca-business-school-8731886.html</ref>

In October 2023, Anglia Ruskin University became the first university in the United Kingdom to sign UNISON's Anti-Racism Charter.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2024, Writtle University College merged with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), becoming ARU Writtle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Former students include the Victorian poet Augusta Webster, who signed John Stuart Mill's petition for women's suffrage in 1866. Past lecturers include Odile Crick, the wife of Francis Crick, who created the iconic image of DNA. The musician Syd Barrett, songwriter and lead guitarist of the band Pink Floyd, is also an alumnus. Author Tom Sharpe served as a lecturer in history at CCAT from 1963 to 1972, and Anne Campbell, the Labour MP for Cambridge from 1992 to 2005, was previously a lecturer in statistics at CCAT.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Lord Michael Ashcroft is an alumnus of ARU and he served as the Chancellor of the university for 20 years. The business school buildings in Cambridge and Chelmsford are named after him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Controversies

In a BBC News article from 3 June 2014, it was reported that Anglia Ruskin University received more complaints and appeals from its students than any of the other 120 universities that responded to freedom of information requests. In the 2012/13 academic year, the university received 992 "complaints and appeals." In response, Lesley Dobree, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), stated that only 9 of the 992 recorded complaints were actual complaints; the others were protests regarding examination and assignment marking.<ref name="bbcnews1">Template:Cite news</ref>

Pok Wong

In 2019, Hongkonger Pok Wong, a 2014 graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, received a £61,000 out-of-court settlement from the university after suing for false advertising, alleging a low quality of teaching. The university has maintained that the payout does not indicate fault on its part. In 2018, the London County Court ruled in favor of the university and ordered Wong to pay £13,700 of Anglia Ruskin's legal costs. However, the university's insurers later contacted Wong and offered to settle her £15,000 claim while covering her legal costs. Anglia Ruskin added that it did not support the decision made by its insurer's solicitors.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Retracting Junius Ho's honorary award

Anglia Ruskin University awarded Junius Ho, a pro-Beijing lawmaker in Hong Kong, an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2011. During the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, Ho was accused of supporting those who committed the 2019 Yuen Long attack. In response to Ho's controversial speech, David Alton wrote to the university regarding the matter. Lord Alton urged the university to revoke Ho's honorary doctoral degree. The university confirmed that Ho was stripped of his degree on 29 October 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Tory donation

In 2024, ARU London accidentally paid £50,000 to the Conservative Party. The donation was intended as a personal contribution from the chairman of ARU London Ravi Gill.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Campuses

The university has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Writtle, Peterborough, and London.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":7" />

Cambridge

File:ARU Cambridge - East Road Entrance.jpg

Main entrance to Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Campus

Anglia Ruskin University's Cambridge campus is located between the historic city center of Cambridge and the suburb of Romsey Town. The campus features a blend of modern facilities and historical architecture, including the original building of the Cambridge School of Art.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Cambridge campus underwent significant redevelopment, beginning with the refurbishment of the main building, Helmore, which was named after Roy Helmore, the principal of the Cambridge College of Arts and Technology from 1977 to 1986. This renovation was completed in 2006. In 2009, one of the university's largest buildings, Rackham, located in the campus center, was demolished to make way for the new Lord Ashcroft International Business School. The new business school was inaugurated in 2011. The Mumford Theatre, situated at the heart of the campus, continues to host a diverse range of professional touring, local community, and student theatre productions for both the public and university members.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

From 2015, a new building known as Young Street (named for its location between Young Street and New Street) began hosting nursing and health courses, including midwifery, paramedic studies, and operating department practice (ODP). This building is also home to the university's Music Therapy Centre.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="aru.ac.uk">Template:Cite web</ref>

As of 2015, all sports, computing, and technology courses were relocated to the newly established Compass House building, which is situated approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) along East Road from the main campus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="aru.ac.uk" />

Anglia Ruskin's Cambridge Campus is home to one of only nine optometry schools in the UK, featuring its own optometry clinic.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

A new building for film and TV is set to be constructed on a university campus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ruskin Gallery

The Ruskin Gallery is the university's public art gallery, and admission is free. Exhibits have included both historic and contemporary art, as well as works by students and staff. The gallery is surrounded by studios for fine art, illustration, design, and media. On 9 May 2011, the Ruskin Gallery unveiled its new digital gallery, which displays art in a digital format on high-definition screens, including the world's first Panasonic 103" 3D Full HD plasma screen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Ruskin Gallery – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 8 June 2012.</ref>

File:ARU Chelmsford.jpg

ARU Chelmsford

Chelmsford

Anglia Ruskin University's Chelmsford campus is situated in the city's University and Innovation Quarter, along the river. The campus features modern buildings that house facilities including Essex's first School of Medicine, which opened in 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Chelmsford campus houses several notable buildings, including the Queen's Building (opened in 1995) and the Sawyer's Building (opened in 2001). Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the Queen's Building.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2003, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, opened the Michael A. Ashcroft Building, which was later renamed the Lord Ashcroft Building.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Chelmsford Central campus closed at the end of the 2007/08 academic year, with all facilities moving to the new buildings at the Rivermead campus (now called Chelmsford Campus) on Bishop Hall Lane.

Three buildings were preserved: the East Building (built in 1931), the Frederick Chancellor Building (built in 1902), named after architect Frederic Chancellor, and the Grade II-listed Anne Knight Building, named after social reformer Anne Knight, (constructed in the mid-19th century), which was used by Quakers. The East and Frederick Chancellor buildings are located within a conservation area, meaning they cannot be demolished without planning permission due to their historical significance in the early days of higher education in Essex. The site is currently vacant because the recession halted development that had been planned for many years; however, new plans have been released by Genesis Housing, which currently owns the site.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The campus expanded further with the addition of the Mildmay Sports Centre and the Tindal Building in 2005, followed by the William Harvey Building in 2007. The Faculty Building, opened in 2008, was renamed the Marconi Building in 2011, named after inventor Guglielmo Marconi.<ref name=":9" />

The Postgraduate Medical Institute building, opened in 2011, was later named the Michael Salmon Building in 2017, named after former vice-chancellor, professor Michael Salmon.<ref name=":14">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref>

Construction of Essex's first School of Medicine began in May 2017, and the facility was officially opened in 2019 by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":10" /><ref name="AA1">Template:Cite web</ref>

File:Anglia Ruskin University London - East India Campus.jpg

The East India Building of ARU London.

London

ARU London has two locations. The Farringdon Building is situated on Charterhouse Street in Holborn, which borders the City of London. The East India Building is located in the former East India Docks, adjacent to Canary Wharf in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref>

The Farringdon Building is located in the heart of central London, near the city's business and financial district. This campus has facilities, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, PC-equipped study areas, and a library.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref>

The East India Building is situated in the Docklands area of East London, having undergone a significant refurbishment. It offers teaching spaces and communal work areas spread over four floors. Both campuses provide a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in subjects such as business, law, and finance.<ref name=":12" />

Peterborough

File:Anglia Ruskin University Peterborough.jpg

ARU Peterborough

Anglia Ruskin University Peterborough campus, which opened in September 2022, is a purpose-built institution located close to the city center of Peterborough. The campus features a simulated hospital ward, science laboratories, and engineering labs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 14 July 2020, the Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan, announced Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) as the official higher education partner for a new employment-focused university in Peterborough. This initiative is a collaboration between the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and Peterborough City Council (PCC). The campus will also include a materials and manufacturing research and development center operated by 3D printing specialists Photocentric, who have partnered with the CPCA to create the facility on the new Peterborough university campus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

ARU Peterborough opened in 2022, with University House being the first building on the campus. The Peterborough Research & Innovation Centre opened in 2024. In the same year, XRP eXtended Reality Peterborough was inaugurated by writer Sandi Toksvig OBE. The second teaching building, which includes specialized facilities for biomedical sciences and engineering, as well as a Living Lab, was completed in August 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Writtle

File:Writtle University College campus.jpg

ARU Writtle

Anglia Ruskin University Writtle campus, located in the Essex countryside near Chelmsford, is an educational facility that specialises in land-based, animal sciences, and sport-related programs. The campus spans 150 hectares and features a variety of facilities, including a working farm, equine center, science laboratories, and design studios.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

ARU Writtle offers postgraduate, undergraduate, further education, and short courses in agriculture and animal sciences, with a working farm, a specialist small animal unit, and an equine centre on campus. The institution has also developed a range of degree programmes in applied life sciences, sport, and health subjects. Students have been recognized multiple times by the Royal Horticultural Society, including awards at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2023, Anglia Ruskin University and Writtle University College announced a merger. Writtle University College would become ARU Writtle. The official merger took place on 29 February 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":3" />

Student Housing

The Cambridge campus features several accommodations, including Anastasia House, Peter Taylor House, Swinhoe House Hall of Residence, the Railyard, Sedley Court, CB1, and various university houses located throughout the city.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Chelmsford campus features the Chelmsford Student Village.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At the new Peterborough campus, students utilise private-sector accommodation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Students at ARU London utilise private-sector accommodation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Organisation and administration

Governance

Chancellors

James Prior (1992-1999)
Michael Ashcroft<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (2001–2020)
Bernard Ribeiro (2021–)

Vice chancellors

Michael Salmon (1992-1995)<ref name=":14" />
Mike Malone-Lee<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (1995-2004)
Michael Thorne<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (2007–2016)
Iain Martin<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (2016–2018)
Roderick Watkins<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (2019–)

Faculties and Schools

There are four Faculties at Anglia Ruskin University:<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

Faculty of Business and Law
Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education & Social Sciences
Faculty of Health, Medicine & Social Care
Faculty of Science & Engineering

File:Lord Ashcroft Building at ARU Cambridge.jpg

Lord Ashcroft Building in Cambridge.

Faculty of Business and Law

Template:Main The Faculty of Business and Law is located in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and London.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The faculty has two schools, the School of Economics, Finance and Law, and the School of Management.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2014, Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab was opened for finance, banking, accounting, and economics students at the Chelmsford campus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During his tenure as Chancellor, Lord Ashcroft made donations totaling £10 million to construct two facilities for the Lord Ashcroft International Business School in Chelmsford and Cambridge. The Lord Ashcroft Building in Chelmsford was inaugurated by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, in 2003, while the Lord Ashcroft Building in Cambridge was opened in 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2022, the ARU Certificate for Professional Development achieved third place out of over 70 submissions for the Most Innovative Approach to Developing Employability Skills at the Pearson HE Innovate Awards.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

In 2022, the Faculty of Business and Law was awarded the Small Business Charter Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The business school has an Entrepreneurs in Residence program. In 2023, X-Forces Enterprise joined the program as a strategic partner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:ARU Chelmsford - Marconi Building in summer.jpg

Marconi Building at ARU Chelmsford

Faculty of Science & Technology

The Faculty of Science and Technology has six departments spread across the Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Writtle campuses.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Faculty of Science and Engineering consists 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Department of Built Environment is a multidisciplinary department and is located at the Chelmsford campus.<ref>Built Environment – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref>

The Department of Computing and Technology is located at both the Chelmsford and Cambridge campuses. The department maintains close links with the electronics, software, automotive, and creative industries and is a Cisco Systems Regional Networking Academy.<ref>Cisco Networking Academy – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref>

The Department of Life Sciences is located at the Cambridge campus. Teaching equipment includes laboratories, gas and liquid chromatographic systems, and facilities for drug analysis, toxicology, fire investigation, and DNA analysis.<ref>Life Sciences – Anglia Ruskin Template:Dead link Template:Cbignore. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref>

The Department of Psychology is based at the Cambridge campus.<ref>Psychology – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref>

The Department of Vision and Hearing Sciences is based at the Cambridge Campus for Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing.<ref>Vision and Hearing Sciences – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref>

Research in Psychology, Vision, and Environmental Sciences was rated as world-leading or of international quality in the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise. Notable successes include the discovery of new animal species, the design of new car bonnets for improved pedestrian safety, and leading studies on the toxic effects of benzylpiperazine (BZP).<ref>Scientists are first to study toxic effects of BZP – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref><ref>Research Excellence – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref><ref>European ladybirds under threat from alien predator – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref><ref>'Pedestrian-friendly' car bonnet revealed – Anglia Ruskin. anglia.ac.uk. Retrieved on 25 May 2012.</ref>

In 2023, the Peterborough Innovation and Research Centre launched XRP eXtended Reality Peterborough, an immersive learning environment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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File:Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge - The Cambridge School of Art.jpg

The Cambridge School of Art

Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education & Social Sciences

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences was formed in 2023, bringing together four schools: the Cambridge School of Art, the Cambridge School of Creative Industries, the School of Education, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

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

The Cambridge School of Art was opened in 1858 by the renowned art critic and professor John Ruskin. Edward Bawden, a distinguished graphic artist and printmaker studied here in the 1920s. Ronald Searle, creator of the St Trinian’s books, attended during the 1930s. Gustav Metzger, a pioneer of auto-destructive art, studied in the 1940s.<ref name=":13" />

In 1953, in collaboration with Francis Crick and James D. Watson at Cambridge University, lecturer Odile Crick drew the original sketch to illustrate the complex concept of DNA’s double-helix. Cambridge School of Art was home to students including, caricaturists Roger Law and Peter Fluck, known for their work on TV’s Spitting Image, as well as Pink Floyd members Syd Barrett and David Gilmour, who played one of their first gigs in 1966 from the balcony of what is now the illustration studios. Cambridge School of Art is known worldwide for its MA in Children's Book Illustration.<ref name=":13" />

Anglia Ruskin is a member of the Creative East.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2023, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge formed a partnership to support PhD researchers in the social sciences.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford Medical Building.jpg

The School of Medicine in Chelmsford

Faculty of Health, Medicine & Social Care

The Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Social Care comprises four schools: the School of Allied Health and Social Care, the School of Medicine, the School of Midwifery and Community Health, and the School of Nursing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 10 October 2016, Anglia Ruskin University announced plans to open Essex's first School of Medicine at its Chelmsford campus. The purpose-built medical school would be the first undergraduate medical school in Essex and would cost £20 million to construct. It is designed to include skills facilities, specialized teaching spaces, a lecture theatre, and a cadaveric anatomy suite.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 19 May 2017, Anglia Ruskin University announced that it had begun construction on the purpose-built medical school at its Chelmsford campus, which was scheduled to open in September 2018. Clare Panniker, Chief Executive of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, attended the event alongside other officials.<ref name="AA1" />

On 21 September 2017, the university announced that the General Medical Council had approved its curriculum and that it now had official School of Medicine status. In 2019, the school was formally opened by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2022, ARU founded the first university hub in the UK for Samaritans, a charity for emotional support.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2023, Anglia Ruskin University was rated tenth among the top ten British universities for social work by The Guardian newspaper.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Research Institutes

Anglia Ruskin has six research institutes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research
Global Sustainability Institute
Policing Institute for the Eastern Region
StoryLab Research Institute
Veterans and Families Research Institute
Vision and Eye Research Institute (formerly Vision and Eye Research Unit, VERU)

Partnerships

National partners are School of Osteopathy in London, Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge Theological Federation, College of West Anglia, Renew Counselling in Chelmsford, and University Centre Peterborough.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Distance learning partners are CNET Training and Cambridge Spark.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

International partners are Imperium International College, First City University College, and MAHSA University in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and The School of Accounting and Management, located at the University-Town of St Augustine - Trinidad and Tobago.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:ARU Chelmsford - Arise Innovation Hub.jpg

Arise Innovation Hub in Chelmsford

Arise Innovation Hubs

Anglia Ruskin University founded the Arise Innovation Hubs, which are located in Chelmsford and Harlow. These Essex-based innovation hubs promote entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting startups and scaleups.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA)

Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA) supports entrepreneurship among university students and alumni. AREA organises the annual #ThinkBigARU business plan competition for students and alumni. The Entrepreneurs' Community connects students with alumni and external entrepreneurs. ARU is accredited by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) and the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Academic profile

File:Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge - Young Street - Tribute to NHS Heroes.jpg

Young Street of ARU Cambridge. A tribute to NHS heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research

The twelve subject areas within Anglia Ruskin University classified by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 as producing "world-leading" research are:

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, and Neuroscience
Social Work and Social Policy<ref name="ref.ac.uk">Template:Cite web</ref>

Rankings

Template:Infobox UK university rankings

The list, produced by higher education strategy consultants Firetail and published by Times Higher Education, includes Anglia Ruskin University as one of the 20 "rising stars" in global higher education. Anglia Ruskin is the only UK university to feature in the top 20. Nine of the "rising stars" are located in the United States, with universities in Australia, South Korea, Japan, Germany, and Finland completing the list.
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is ranked within the top 350 universities in the world and ranked joint 38th in the UK by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020.<ref name="timeshighereducation.com">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2021, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) was in the top 10% of English higher education institutions (HEIs) for skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship and in the top 20% for local growth and regeneration, according to a report by Research England.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2023, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) revelead that ARU was in top 15% in the country for graduates in employment and/or further study.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> ARU was ranked 3rd in the country for graduates who are employed as managers, directors or senior officials.<ref name=":2" />
In 2023, Times Higher Education ranked ARU London as 3rd for overall positivity among higher education institutions in the UK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024, Anglia Ruskin University was ranked among the top 6.8% of universities worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Awards

Anglia Ruskin University was awarded a First in the Green League 2012 by People & Planet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The league is based on ten environmental criteria, both policy and performance related. It incorporates data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, including the percentage of waste recycled and CO₂ emissions for each individual institution.
Anglia Ruskin University has been named as one of the most upwardly mobile universities in the world.<ref name="ReferenceA">Template:Cite web</ref>
Anglia Ruskin was awarded Entrepreneurial University of the Year in the 2014 Times Higher Education Awards.<ref name="THE">Template:Cite web</ref>
The university won the Duke of York Award for University Entrepreneurship at the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards 2016.<ref name="Anglia Ruskin University">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2021, Anglia Ruskin was awarded The Queen's Anniversary Prize for music therapy research.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2022, the Times Higher Education placed ARU as 1st in the UK for Good Health and Wellbeing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In May 2023, ARU was recognised for advancing race equality with a Bronze Race Equality Charter award.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite web</ref> ARU was one of 38 UK universities who have achieved Bronze status, while only one has achieved Silver.<ref name=":5" />
In 2023, ARU Peterborough won the University Impact Initiative of the Year from the Association of University Directors of Estates.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2023, ARU Peterborough won the Alliance Award for successful collaborations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2023, ARU Peterborough was shortlisted for the AJ Architecture Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2023, Anglia Ruskin University won the University of the Year title at the Social Mobility Awards (SOMO) which is a fundraising initiative for a charity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Social Mobility Awards have been organized since 2017 and supported by the Prime Minister of the UK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2023, ARU received Gold Award from The Teaching Excellence Framework. (TEF).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In December 2023, ARU won the national Green Gown Award for sustainability.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2023, Anglia Ruskin won the University of the Year top prize at the Times Higher Education (THE) 2023 awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024, ARU was awarded the Athena SWAN Silver Award from Advance HE for gender equality progress.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024, ARU Law Clinic was nominated for the Alliance Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024, ARU became the first university in the United Kingdom to win the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE) Entrepreurial University Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024, ARU received the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme from the Ministry of Defence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2025, ARU Peterborough was nominated in the Best Building category at the Pineapples Awards 2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2025, Law Clinic at the Faculty of Business and Law was a finalist for the University Commercial Impact Award at the LexisNexis Legal Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2025, ARU was a finalist for three awards: Co-created Employability Initiatives, Employer and Community Partnerships, and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at the Academic Employability Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
ARU Peterborough's Lab building won the Best Building Award at the Pineapple Awards in 2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Notable people

Alumni

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File:Lord Ashcroft Bust, LAIBS, Anglia Ruskin, 10 Oct, 2012.jpg

The bust of Lord Ashcroft at the university's Cambridge campus, an alumnus of the university; the business school is named after him.

Michael Ashcroft, English investor, billionaire and former Conservative vice chairman
Eddie Ballard, former English cricketer for Cambridge UCCE and Hertfordshire
Syd Barrett and David Gilmour, Pink Floyd members
Chris Beckett, academic, author and science-fiction novelist
Manish Bhasin, sports journalist and BBC presenter
Henry Brock, specialist linguist at University of Cambridge and illustrator
Pips Bunce, banking executive and LGBTQ activist
John Burnside, academic and T. S. Eliot Prize winning author
Elsie Vera Cole, artist
Nick Crane, English geographer and TV presenter
Sarah-Jane Crawford, TV presenter, radio presenter, and model
Hugh Crossley, 4th Baron Somerleyton, restaurateur, hotel owner, landowner, conservationist
Grahame Davies, poet, novelist, and lyricist<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Geraldine Finlayson, researcher and director of John Mackintosh Hall
Peter Fluck and Roger Law, creators of Spitting Image
Angela Hartnett, entrepreneur and chef
Kim Howells, Labour politician and former Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee
Paul Hopfensperger (politician, GB open water swimmer, best-selling author and musician with The Teazers)
Lon Kirkop, Maltese visual artist, award winning published author, songwriter and theatre practitioner
Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Vice President of Maldives
Patrick Le Quément, automobile engineer and former chief designer at Renault
Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
Ricardo P. Lloyd, British actor
Devant Maharaj, former Senator and Minister of Food Production, Trinidad and Tobago
Ian Miller, English footballer
Magdalene Odundo, a ceramic artist graduate and 2022 Honorary Doctorate of Arts.
Tony Palladino, English cricketer
Sarah Perry, author
Ama Pomaa Boateng
Anders Holch Povlsen, owner and CEO of Bestseller
Shoo Rayner, author and illustrator
Philip Reeve, author and illustrator of children's books
Nicky Richards, CEO and Chief Investment Officer MLC Asset Management
Andrew Sayer, English economist, professor of Social Theory and Political Economy at Lancaster University
Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Labour politician, Commonwealth Secretary-General, government policy-maker, former minister, attorney general and president of Chatham House
Pengiran Shamhary, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications of Brunei
Ronald Searle, creator of St Trinian's
Michal Shalev, author and illustrator of children's books
Tim Stokely, founder and CEO of OnlyFans<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Hannah Van De Peer, journalist and author <ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Barbara Yung, Hong Kong actress
Mark Wood, businessman, accountant and chairman of NSPCC