Anglia Ruskin University

Address and Location

The largest university in the East of England, Anglia Ruskin is spread across two sites, with a main campus in Cambridge and a second in Chelmsford. While both locations are administered from Chelmsford, on the banks of the River Cam, the majority of teaching is done in Cambridge - ten minutes east of the city centre in a £35 million new building.

Background and History

Anglia Ruskin was founded as Anglia Polytechnic in 1989, the result of a merger between the Cambridgeshire College of Arts Technology and the Essex Institute of Higher Education. It became a university in 1992 and specialises mainly in vocational subjects.

Location and Accessibility

By rail: Both Chelmsford and Cambridge are easily-reached from London. Cambridge Station is well connected to all of the UK's major cities.

By road: The Cambridge campus can be reached via the M11, while the Chelmsford site is accessible via the A12, A414, A130 and A1060.

Accessibility: All university sites have a range of disabled parking options available. Most major facilities are wheelchair-accessible.

What's on Offer

BA, BEng BSc, Certificate in Higher Education, Diploma in Higher Education, FdHa, FdSc, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, LLB, University Certificate, ACCA, CIPD, CIPFA, MA, MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, LLM, MBA, MFA, PGCE, PrD, MA Grad ICSA

Entry Requirements

Entry standards vary between subjects, with most requiring at least 200 UCAS points. Specific course information can be found on the university website.

University Accommodation

First-year students are entitled to university accommodation when studying at either site. Rooms vary between single rooms and shared houses in Cambridge, and a student village of shared housing in Chelmsford.

Private Accommodation

Like any major city, accommodation in Cambridge is most expensive in the centre. More reasonable rents can be found in the Arbury and Mill Road areas.

Academic Strengths and Research

Anglia Ruskin scores highly for nursing, midwifery and training for other vocational health professions. The university's psychology research is also well-regarded among UK institutions.

Tuition fees

All undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per academic year. Fees for international and post-graduate courses vary.

Financial Support: Bursaries are available for students receiving a full maintenance grant, alongside a range of sports scholarships.

Academic Facilities

Both the Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses feature large libraries, in addition to two specialist nursing libraries at the Fulborn and Peterborough District Hospital sites. Both of these are easily accessible by road and rail from Cambridge and by road from Chelmsford. All libraries feature group-working areas, fast wi-fi and are open 24/7 during term-time. The university's Digital Library program means that resources are also available during holidays.

Other On-site Amenities

Both the Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses have on-site gyms, while Cambridge also offers three football fields and a rugby pitch. Extensively redeveloped in 2011, the Cambridge campus also features several cafes, two sit-down restaurants, two art galleries and a state-of-the-art theatre.

Medical and Social Care

Students are required to register with a local GP or the on-site medical service in Cambridge. Both campuses provide confidential counselling services and a financial support centre.

What's on in the area

Cambridge is a small, bustling city composed of beautiful, traditional university buildings. A wealth of theatres, cinemas, bars and independent shopping means students will never be short of things to do. Chelmsford also has a selection of shopping malls, a local museum and two theatres.

Moving on

University services include an employability and careers program and employment bureau to help students find work before and after graduation. Most taught courses provide mentors who oversee their students' progression towards the world of work.

Anglia Ruskin was voted the greenest university in the country, coming top in People and Planet's 'Green League' for 2011. Former alumni include David Gilmour and Syd Barret of Pink Floyd.

Is Anglia Ruskin the place for you?

If nursing, social work or midwifery interest you, Anglia Ruskin is definitely worth a look; you might want to also consider Liverpool John Moores or Brunel University. Budding artists and actors are also well-served. If long hours of intensive study are what you're after, you'll want to head elsewhere, however - try Warwick or Manchester.