
ARU gives you the opportunity to explore who you are and discover your strengths. We provide an active, applied education that will empower you to find your purpose and gain the knowledge, skills and experience to achieve your ambitions. We measure our success by the impact we have on our students – and on the communities we serve. We are proud about our various rankings and awards which include:
- Ranking in the top 25% of mainstream universities in the country for full-time graduate employment according to The Graduate Outcomes Survey* and number 1 in the East of England.
- The Queen's Anniversary Prize winners in 2021 for world-leading music therapy work
- Ranking as a top 40 UK university and top 350 in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2021.
- The Guardian League Table, 2022 ranks Education as 4th and Sport Sciences 3rd in the country.
You’ll find our campuses in the heart Cambridge and Chelmsford, each with their own unique style and charm. We also have a specialist healthcare site in Peterborough, and our partnership with ARU London gives you the opportunity to study for an ARU-validated degree in the capital city.
ARU Peterborough is your new university and you can apply now to start this September. With a high focus on employability after graduating, the university offers degrees and degree apprenticeships that have been co-created with regional employers, so you will learn the skills valued in industry. Purpose-built from the ground up for Peterborough and the surrounding region, ARU Peterborough boasts industry standard facilities to support your studies, all housed inside a brand new, environmentally friendly building. Apply now and #BeTheFirst this September.
You’ll benefit from award-winning facilities at ARU - the result of £115m of investment over the past five years. Recent additions to our campuses include our School of Medicine in Chelmsford which began training our first cohort of doctors in 2018; our Science Centre in Cambridge specifically designed to support STEM students and researchers; and two new Law Clinics offering our students the opportunity to work in real-life cases with qualified solicitors.
Our campuses and facilities are open to all, and play host to a year-round calendar of events. Come and see for yourself.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
* Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.”
Facilities
At ARU, you’ll have access to multi-million pound facilities, enhancing your industry experience in ways that on-the-job learning often can’t provide. Our diverse range of courses means we have facilities to match all kinds of ambitions.
Medical and Health Professionals
Our exciting School of Medicine, situated in the heart of our Chelmsford campus, opened for its first intake in September 2018. The building features state-of-the art skills labs, lecture theatres, simulation rooms and an anatomy suite. Add to this our already impressive mock hospital wards and paramedic skills lab and we have everything covered to support your career in the medical and health professions.
Creatives
You’ll flourish in Cambridge where the Ruskin Gallery and Mumford Theatre host free lunchtime gigs and public exhibitions. Our light and airy studios, fashion and 3D workshops, photography lab, TV, sound and recording studios, printmaking workshop and music therapy centre will nurture the best of your talents.
Future Scientists
Our spectacular Science Centre in Cambridge is home to our Biomedical, Forensic Science, Biology and Psychology students, with a multitude of high-tech labs to support all your study needs.
Visionaries
Want to leave your mark on the landscape and like finding clever solutions to a challenge? Then you’ll thrive in our engineering labs which feature industry-standard facilities. Architects will bond over collaborative projects in our dedicated studios.
Open Days
You’ve done your research and have read dozens of guides and reviews. You've got plenty of options that look good online, but now it’s about finding the place that feels right.
Our Open Days are the only way to truly decide if ARU is the university for you. Come and explore our facilities, experience the campus buzz and meet the students and teachers who make our community special.
Reserve your place at our next Open Day in Cambridge, Chelmsford or Peterborough.
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- Saturday 11th June 2022
- Cambridge, Chelmsford & Peterborough
- Undergraduate
- find out more
The Queens Anniversary Prize

ARU received The Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2021 for its world-leading music therapy work – and in particular its research with people living with dementia, and their families.
The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes recognise outstanding work by UK universities and colleges that shows the highest levels of quality and innovation and delivers significant public benefit. The Prizes are the highest national honour awarded in UK higher and further education, and are granted by The Queen every two years.
Contact Us
UK Phone Number: 01245 493131
Overseas Phone Number: +44 1245 49313
Main campuses
Cambridge
East Road
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB1 1PT
Chelmsford
Bishop Hall Lane
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1SQ
Health and social care campuses
Cambridge
Young Street
Cambridge
CB1 2LZ
Peterborough
Guild House
Swain Court
Oundle Road
Peterborough
PE2 9PW
FAQs
What percentage of students get a full-time job after graduating?
In 2020, ARU ranked 5th in the country and top in our region for UK undergraduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduating. The Graduate Outcomes Survey (2020) shows that 92% of ARU’s UK undergraduates are either in employment or further study.
Find out more about our careers and employability services.
Where can I find more information about student accommodation?
Whether you’re interested in staying on-campus, in our student village or in student housing, we’re committed to finding you a home that is friendly, comfortable and safe.
We understand you may have a lot of questions, that’s why we’ve put a list together of the questions we’re most often asked. If you still need support, you can contact the residential services team, who are always happy to help
How do you help students to make friends at ARU?
Kickstarting your university experience, ARU offer a moderated, closed Facebook group specifically for applicants starting in the next academic year. Once you’ve applied, you can head there to talk to other students, find others on the same course and find helpful information about starting university.
In the final weeks before you join your first year of ARU you will be contacted by your Welcome Buddy. These are automatically assigned to you and are there to become a friendly face before you arrive.
Finally, our Students' Union, are dedicated to making sure your voice gets heard, helping you get the most out of your degree all while having an amazing time. They provide you lots of opportunities to have fun, make friends and get experience outside of the classroom. You might be interested in attending some of our fantastic social events, volunteering or working for us.
What bursaries & scholarships do you offer?
Undertaking a degree course is a big commitment in many ways - including financially. That’s why we have developed a range of scholarships and bursaries to make this easier for some of our most talented students. View our full range of bursaries & scholarships.
What help & support is on offer to students struggling with physical or mental health?
Your health and wellbeing are very important to us. We want you to have a happy, successful time here at ARU. No matter what your question or issue is there is always someone who will be able to support you.
If you’re going through something difficult, or just not feeling quite right, come and talk to us. You’re not alone. If you have any questions about available support, view our health and wellbeing page or contact student services via [email protected]