Our story starts in 1858, when the art critic, patron and philanthropist John Ruskin opened Cambridge School of Art. The art school grew to become Anglia Ruskin University, shortened to ARU, and it’s still at the heart of our modern-day campus in Cambridge.

Over the years, a number of colleges and institutes have become part of ARU. They include the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology (CCAT) and the Essex Institute of Higher Education (formerly the Chelmer Institute – itself formed from the Mid-Essex Technical College and the Brentwood College of Education). At first, these colleges combined to become Anglia Polytechnic, and then Anglia Polytechnic University in 1992.


A national and international presence
As well as our four main campuses, we have a number of partner institutions in the UK and overseas, giving you the chance to study for an ARU qualification near to home. The first partnerships were formed in the early 1990s.

Our International Office, set up in 1992, fosters further links, and makes sure that our international students receive the support and information they need.

Developing our expertise
Our early expertise in the arts and education has broadened, and today we offer courses in computing and technology, engineering, law, business, economics, life sciences and more.

We’ve been a leader in the field of health and social care since 1992, when nursing training was transferred from local health authorities to ARU. As well as our three highly regarded nursing courses, we train midwives, paramedics, operating department practitioners and social workers.



International student support
Our award-winning Student Services Team will help support you through your studies at ARU – and beyond.

We provide help and advice for all aspects of your university life so that you can make the most of your time with us. In the following pages, you'll find support for money matters, study advice, personal support, help meeting people, making yourself more employable and much more.

•International Student Advice - Our International Student Advice Service is your first stop for support. Our team will be with you from before day one, providing assistance for pre-arrival, getting to our campuses, immigration advice, settling in and more.

•Student Advice Service - Once you are here, our Student Advice Service offers advice and guidance on your academic studies. The team will help you understand the university system, provide you with advice about how to study and more.

•Employability Service - From your very first day, our Employability Service will focus on improving your job prospects, offering everything from careers advice and interview workshops, to job opportunities and internships.

iCentres - The iCentre is your first point of call for any information you might need about your time with us. They deal with student registration, supplying student ID, assignment submissions, and helping international students to set up a UK bank account.

•Student money advice - Understanding the cost of living abroad, and studying at university, can be tricky. Our Money Advice Service is here to help, or you can check our finance pages for information and advice.

•Advice for disabled students - We hold regular drop-in sessions to give information, advice and support to students with disabilities. You can also find out more about getting assessed for Disabled Students’ Allowance.

•Health and wellbeing - We want to help you have a happy and successful time at ARU. If you have any concerns we offer a free, confidential Counselling and Wellbeing Service, as well as a Chaplaincy Service.

•Sport and fitness - There's a huge range of sports and fitness activities to choose from at ARU. Whether you’re a high-performance athlete hoping to compete for your country or you're just looking for some casual fitness classes, we have something for you.

•Students’ Union - You'll become a part of ARU Students' Union as soon as you start studying with us. You get to decide how the Union is run and what they do. You can vote in elections, get your voice heard through student councils or take part in campaigns. It's all about making sure you get the most out of your time here.