What is Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)?

Updated

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a UK university whose main locations are Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough, and it also includes Writtle College. Its website, aru.ac.uk, is the central place to explore courses, apply, and find information for students, international applicants, researchers and employers. If you are trying to work out whether ARU offers the level or type of study you want, the site groups everything under a few clear areas: Study, Student life, International, Research, and Business and employers.

Where ARU is based

ARU describes itself as operating across Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough, with Writtle College also part of the institution. This matters if location affects your choice: the same university name covers more than one campus city, so the course page and campus information are worth checking together rather than assuming everything is taught in one place.

What you can study at ARU

The Study section of the site lists several distinct routes, which is useful because "university" can mean very different things depending on your stage:

  • Undergraduate courses
  • Postgraduate taught courses
  • Postgraduate research degrees
  • Clearing 2026 for late or changed applications
  • College courses and apprenticeships
  • Degree apprenticeships
  • Short courses and CPD (continuing professional development)
  • Distance learning at ARU

So ARU is not only a traditional undergraduate destination. It also presents pathways for people already working, for those who want to study remotely, and for those interested in research.

Applying and key stages

The site separates application guidance by level, which tells you the process is not identical for everyone:

  • How to apply – undergraduate
  • How to apply – postgraduate taught
  • How to apply – college courses
  • Admissions process
  • Interviews, auditions and portfolios

There are also Open Days and Subject taster days if you want to see a campus or subject before committing. For international applicants, there is a dedicated route covering entry requirements, important dates and deadlines, fees, funding and scholarships, and immigration.

Student life and support

ARU lists support and experience areas that go beyond teaching, including:

  • Accommodation and commuting
  • Student finance and money advice and support
  • Careers and employability
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Study skills
  • Disability and Neurodiversity Service
  • Students' Union, Sport, and global opportunities

The site also mentions Welcome Week and Starting your course, which are the practical steps once you have accepted a place.

Research and business links

For research, ARU covers postgraduate research, types of degrees offered, funding opportunities, and why research at ARU. It names research themes including Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Safe and Inclusive Communities, and Sustainable Futures, plus institutes and centres and Research Excellence Framework information.

For employers and organisations, the Business and employers section includes funding opportunities, innovation and business support, Arise Innovation Hubs, conference and meeting room hire, short courses and CPD, degree apprenticeships for employers, and access to student and graduate talent.

What ARU says about itself

ARU promotes award-winning facilities and full support throughout your degree, positioning the university around boosting your career. That is the institution's own framing, so treat it as a claim to test against the specific course and campus you are considering rather than a neutral ranking.

How to use aru.ac.uk

If you want a quick answer to "does ARU do what I need?", start with the Study menu and pick your level (undergraduate, postgraduate, research, apprenticeship, short course or distance learning). Then check the location and the entry requirements for that specific route. If you are an international student, go straight to the International section for deadlines, fees and immigration. If you are an employer, the Business and employers section is the relevant entry point.