Anglia Ruskin University: A History of Innovation and Growth

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), a public research university located in East Anglia, United Kingdom, has a rich history dating back to 1858. From its humble beginnings as the Cambridge School of Art to its current status as a multi-campus university with a diverse range of programs, ARU has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the wider community. As of 2022, Anglia Ruskin had 35,195 students.

From Cambridge School of Art to Anglia Ruskin University

The origins of Anglia Ruskin University can be traced to the Cambridge School of Art (CSA), founded in 1858 by William John Beamont, a Fellow of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. Notably, the inaugural speech at the Cambridge School of Art was delivered by John Ruskin, an Oxford University professor and author. However, he is often incorrectly described as the founder.

In 1960, the institution transitioned into the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology (CCAT). A significant milestone was reached in 1991 when the merged college became a polytechnic, adopting the name Anglia Polytechnic. University status was awarded in 1992, leading to the initial name Anglia Polytechnic University (APU). The term 'polytechnic' was intentionally retained to emphasize the institution's commitment to providing students with practical skills essential for the workforce.

However, by 2000, APU was the only university in the country to include 'polytechnic' in its title, leading to some uncertainty. The university ultimately decided to change its name to Anglia Ruskin University in 2005, incorporating the surname of John Ruskin into the title. This renaming marked a new era for the institution, solidifying its commitment to providing high-quality education and research opportunities. In 2007 ARU entered into partnership with London College of Accountancy (LCA; founded in 2000).

Controversies and Challenges

Like any long-standing institution, Anglia Ruskin University has faced its share of controversies and challenges. In 2014, a BBC News article reported that ARU received more complaints and appeals from its students than any other university that responded to freedom of information requests.

In 2019, Hongkonger Pok Wong, a 2014 graduate, received a £61,000 out-of-court settlement from the university after suing for false advertising, alleging a low quality of teaching. While the university maintained that the payout did not indicate fault on its part, the case raised questions about the quality of education and student satisfaction. In 2018, however, the London County Court ruled in favor of the university and ordered Wong to pay £13,700 of Anglia Ruskin's legal costs.

Another controversy arose in 2011 when Anglia Ruskin University awarded Junius Ho, a pro-Beijing lawmaker in Hong Kong, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. 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, Lord Alton wrote to the university urging it to revoke Ho's degree.

In 2024, ARU London accidentally paid £50,000 to the Conservative Party.

Campus Developments and Facilities

Anglia Ruskin University has invested significantly in its campuses and facilities to provide students with a modern and supportive learning environment.

Cambridge Campus

The Cambridge campus has undergone significant redevelopment, beginning with the refurbishment of the main building, Helmore, 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, which opened in 2011.

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Since 2015, a new building known as Young Street (named for its location between Young Street and New Street) has been hosting nursing and health courses, including midwifery, paramedic studies, and operating department practice (ODP).

The Ruskin Gallery, the university's public art gallery, offers free admission and features a diverse range of exhibits, including 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.

Chelmsford Campus

The Chelmsford campus houses several notable buildings, including the Queen's Building (opened in 1995) and the Sawyer's Building (opened in 2001). In 2003, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, opened the Michael A. 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 Mildmay Sports Centre and the Tindal Building were opened in 2005, followed by the William Harvey Building in 2007.

Peterborough Campus

The Anglia Ruskin University Peterborough campus, which opened in September 2022, is a purpose-built institution located close to the city center of Peterborough. 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). 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.

Writtle Campus

The 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. 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. In 2023, Anglia Ruskin University and Writtle University College announced a merger. Writtle University College would become ARU Writtle.

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Academic Programs and Research

Anglia Ruskin University offers a wide range of academic programs across its various faculties and departments.

Lord Ashcroft International Business School

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 business school has an Entrepreneurs in Residence program.

Department of Computing and Technology

The Department of Computing and Technology is located at both the Chelmsford and Cambridge campuses.

Department of Life Sciences

The Department of Life Sciences is located at the Cambridge campus. Research in Psychology, Vision, and Environmental Sciences was rated as world-leading or of international quality in the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise.

School of Medicine

On 10 October 2016, Anglia Ruskin University announced plans to open Essex's first School of Medicine at its Chelmsford campus. 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. 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.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Anglia Ruskin University is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its students and the wider community. Anglia Ruskin University founded the Arise Innovation Hubs, which are located in Chelmsford and Harlow. 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.

Rankings and Recognition

Anglia Ruskin University has received recognition for its commitment to sustainability and graduate outcomes. According to the Graduate Outcomes survey conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency in 2025, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) ranked first in the East of England for the proportion of UK undergraduates working as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduation. Anglia Ruskin University was awarded a First in the Green League 2012 by People & Planet. The league is based on ten environmental criteria, both policy and performance related. In 2023, ARU received Gold Award from The Teaching Excellence Framework.

Notable Alumni and Staff

Anglia Ruskin University has a distinguished list of alumni and staff who have made significant contributions in various fields. 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. Lord Michael Ashcroft is an alumnus of ARU and he served as the Chancellor of the university for 20 years. 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. 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.

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