Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) offers gold standard teaching (Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), 2023) and expert tuition across more than 100 flexible postgraduate degrees, making it a great option for students looking to deepen their academic and industrial knowledge of a subject.

ARU’s hosts four campuses in East Anglia: Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough and Writtle. A partnership with ARU London provides an additional opportunity to study towards an ARU-validated degree from one of the world’s most renowned student cities.

ARU’s purpose-built campus in Peterborough opened in September 2022, and has been lauded for its impressive selection of industry-standard buildings and resources, ultra-modern facilities and dedication to excellence in learning. In the 2023 Social Mobility Awards, it was named University of the Year.

ARU has been the recipient of a number of accolades, awards and special mentions, recognising its transformative and impactful research and inspirational teaching. These include:

• TEF overall gold rating, 2023
• UK Social Mobility Awards’ University of the Year 2023, in recognition of ARU Peterborough’s advancement of social mobility in the region
• The Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2021, awarded for ARU’s world-leading music therapy work
• World-leading research across 16 subject areas (Research Excellence Framework, 2021)

Anglia Ruskin University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“It is a university with a global outlook, good career prospects and staff that are willing to help.”

“A top tier university.”

“I have had the privilege of being part of a vibrant and supportive community that fosters growth, innovation, and personal development.”

Postgraduate

Typical requirements for postgraduate study are a minimum of a 2:2 in a related undergraduate degree and/or significant relevant work experience. Entry requirements vary between courses and may change over time.

Students can contact ARU’s knowledgeable admissions team to discuss admissions criteria for their particular department or course.

Anglia Ruskin University offers over 100 part-time and full-time postgraduate courses through its four academic faculties:

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

Each faculty has invested in industry-standard equipment and facilities which support and enhance the learning experience, enabling students to specialise in focused areas of particular interest.

All lecturers at ARU boast significant professional and academic experience and are passionate about their subjects, working with students to ensure they excel in their postgraduate studies and research. Teaching staff include authors, government advisors and recipients of prestigious prizes, such as National Teaching Fellowships and Queen’s Honours.

The university offers a range of continuing professional development (CPD) courses. These are available as short courses, workshops, and standalone modules, and can be studied on campus or via distance-learning. CPD courses are intended for working professionals who wish to refresh or enhance their knowledge, especially with a view to advancing their career.

Postgraduate courses at ARU can be studied full-time or part-time, with many programmes offering the option for remote learning.

Anglia Ruskin University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“ARU is a great university to be at, it’s got amazing staff who are enthusiastic about they’re lectures and really know what they’re talking about.”

“The student-teacher interaction at the university is a real highlight.”

“They provide a supportive learning environment and offer a wide range of courses to choose from.”

Each postgraduate course at Anglia Ruskin University has different entry requirements, but in general, students need to have attained an honours degree in a related subject at 2:2 or above to pursue a master’s degree at the university.

For an MPhil with progression to a PhD, students must have achieved a 2:1 or a first in a related bachelor’s degree. In order to move straight into a PhD, students require a master’s degree or equivalent in a related field.

For some medical master’s degrees, students will need to have acquired at least a year of professional practice.

For students for whom English is not a first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. At postgraduate level, this must be an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5, or an equivalent qualification.

Students are advised to check with their prospective department that they meet any course-specific requirements.

ARU provides postgraduate students with high-quality research and taught study experiences through its state-of-the-art-facilities and experienced faculty. The university prides itself for its work with local employers and accreditation partners, preparing students for a successful professional career.

Business and Law

Business students in Cambridge and Chelmsford enjoy access to the university’s high-end Bloomberg Financial Markets Labs, providing real-world access to portfolio management.

Meanwhile, law students can work with qualified solicitors in specialised law clinics, practising arguments in mock court rooms.

Health, Medicine and Social Care

ARU is the East of England’s largest provider of health, social care and education courses, with its doctors trained in Essex's first School of Medicine. Students learn in cutting-edge facilities, mirroring real-life clinical situations.

Science and Engineering

Through ARU’s specialist science centre, students make use of hi-tech resources including engineering workshops, psychology labs and 3D-printing facilities.

Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

ARU provides a world-leading Master’s in Children’s Book Illustration, the first of its kind in the UK.

The university’s Master’s in Music Therapy was the first in the UK and received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2021 for its research relating to people living with dementia.

Anglia Ruskin University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The infrastructure is at its best and faculty is well experienced as well.”

“There is a comprehensive post graduate training programme and my experience of supervision has been great - super responsive supervisors who are keen to work with you.”

“The resources provided by the university make it an excellent place to study. The teaching methods are also highly effective, and the professors boast impressive professional backgrounds.”

At the heart of all ARU’s study programmes is the drive to create industry-ready graduates who excel in the modern workforce. Courses are meticulously designed to ensure that students gain a thorough understanding of relevant professional industries, acquiring all the specialist skills and knowledge they need to propel them in their chosen career.

The university’s careers and employability service provides expert careers support to all students. Students can access advice and guidance to amplify and streamline their career potential and grow their professional network.

Careers support at ARU includes:

• Tailored careers advice
• Job fairs
• Careers workshops
• Employer visits
• CV assistance
• Work experience and placements
• Job searches

Furthermore, a growing number of ARU’s master’s degrees offer practical work placements as an integral part of the course. This allows students to find work experience tailored to their own ambitions and gain invaluable hands-on experience and industry knowledge while growing their professional network. Placements generally range between 12 and 34 weeks in duration.

Anglia Ruskin University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The university provided me with useful advice on finding part-time work during my studies, as well as internship and job opportunities suited to my skills and interests.”

“I have had many good experiences at the university especially the employment services.”

“Excellent opportunities to meet visiting professionals, and become involved in research.”

Student union

Active across all campuses, Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union (ARSU) promotes student voices and creates exciting events timetables.

Any student can become involved in the operation of ARSU or in any of the clubs, societies, events and volunteering opportunities it oversees.

Clubs and societies

ARU offers over 100 clubs and societies, where students can find like-minded friends and delve into an interest.

Alongside a broad range of sporting and fitness clubs, students can join societies related to culture, history, food, religion, science, sustainability and much more. If students cannot find a specific society, they are encouraged and supported to start their own.

City life

ARU students enjoy the best of small city life, with eateries, culture, shops, entertainment and nightlife right on their doorstep, without having to navigate the huge crowds of larger cities.

Students in Cambridge enjoy its well-loved culture and history, boutique shops and delicious food and drink spots, while Chelmsford has a modern, relaxed vibe with its stunning cathedral and vibrant selection of bars, clubs and pubs. In Peterborough, students are surrounded by delicious international cuisines, lively shopping and leisure options and fascinating historical sites.

ARU London is based in fashionable Farringdon, with an array of quick transport links to central London.

Anglia Ruskin University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I love meeting new people all the time.”

“Student culture is excellent.”

“This university is really friendly and the union support is really appreciative.”

Accommodation

ARU provides safe, comfortable accommodation options to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Rooms are typically en-suite with shared kitchens and communal areas.

The university can assist with applications to third-party accommodation or match students with potential ARU housemates.

Cambridge

ARU-owned accommodation includes:

• Anastasia House
• Peter Taylor House
• Swinhoe Hall
• University shared houses

Third-party accommodation includes:

• CB1
• The Railyard
• Anglia House
• Sedley Court

Chelmsford

Students enjoy modern accommodation in the central student village.

Peterborough

Students typically live in nearby properties owned by third parties.

Writtle

All 14 halls at Writtle are situated on-campus, within walking distance of university facilities.

London

Students have access to university-approved private halls.

NHS

Nursing and midwifery students can apply for NHS accommodation.

Facilities

ARU has recently invested £115m into its facilities, providing students with a cutting-edge, industry-standard learning environment including:

• Theatres, galleries, studios and editing suites
• Eye clinic
• Science centre
• Specialist laboratories and engineering workshops
• Law clinic and mock law courts
• Financial markets lab
• Medical specialist simulation rooms and mock hospital wards
• Anatomy Centre
• SuperLabs

Libraries
ARU’s libraries boast a comprehensive supply of books, journals and digital archives alongside study spaces and IT resources. Cambridge and Chelmsford libraries are open 24/7 during term-time.

Anglia Ruskin University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The faculties, facilities and support sessions to the students is good.”

“The university itself is situated at a great place. As students we have good availability of facilities.”

“The facilities are splendid and modern.”

ARU prides itself in providing top-quality student services, helping its students to make the most of their time at university both in academic and personal spheres. Expert teams offer comprehensive support both in-person and online, including:

• Confidential counselling and wellbeing services
• An expert money advice team, advising on all areas of money management and student finance
• A dedicated disability and dyslexia support team, providing specialised services for students with additional needs, including physical disabilities, mental health issues, medical conditions and learning difficulties
• Personal development tutors, providing personalised one-to-one support
• Study Skills Plus Scheme, designed to assist students in developing their research, examination and time-management skills through group workshops and individual sessions
• SilverCloud, a digital platform aimed at managing stress, anxiety and depression
• SafeZone app, giving students 24/7 access to emergency assistance from security staff when on campus or in university accommodation
• Employability teams, available to assist with students throughout the process of securing part-time work, placements and internships

Anglia Ruskin University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The support I received from my university has given me a real advantage as an international student building my career in the UK.”

“Student support and facilities are amazing, couldn't fault it in any way.”

“I love the student support and the lecture pattern, it really good.”

Anglia Ruskin University offers a selection of scholarships and bursaries which it reviews annually. These range in value from £300 to £12,500 per year and are made available by the university itself as well as external partners, such as the British Council.

Scholarships are typically awarded for merit, talent and excellence within the subject being studied, although extra-curricular and sporting scholarships are also available.

The ARU Bursary is available to students with household incomes under £42,875.

ARU alumni may receive a lump payment or discount towards their fees if they choose to continue their studies at ARU on a postgraduate course.

Taught

ARU offers over 100 taught master’s degrees across a range of key disciplines. The university’s postgraduate programmes provide an excellent way to advance professionally, and there are plenty of options for professionals looking to change focus or advance their skills.

As most of the university’s taught courses are offered with a part-time option, it’s easy to fit studies around existing work commitments.

Research

ARU has a vibrant, ambitious and growing research community. With nine world-leading areas of research, the university is committed to making a positive difference and tackles a range of global issues from climate change to mental health.

Students enrolled on research programmes at ARU benefit from dedicated workspaces, high-quality facilities and support from experienced and research-active supervisors.

ARU offers its students the opportunity to undertake a Doctor or Master of Philosophy (PhD/MPhil), an MD (Res), a PhD by Published Work, or a Professional Doctorate.

Distance learning

Alongside part-time study options, ARU offers postgraduate taught courses via distance learning, providing the opportunity for personal and professional growth without taking time away from existing commitments.

These flexible courses may be taught fully online or as a blended model of learning, where students learn through a mixture of online and in-person study.

The university’s experience in distance-learning has proven popular, with more than 4,000 students in 96 countries having studied online with ARU.