At ARU we're committed to transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. We were proud to be named the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023, recognising the difference we make in the region and communities where we're based.
Also in 2023-24, we were named University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards; received a Gold award for the quality of our education in the national Teaching Excellence Framework; and obtained an Athena Swan Silver Award for our promotion of gender equality in education and research.
In a significant milestone in ARU's history, we completed a merger with Writtle University College, establishing a campus in Writtle. This has ensured a sustainable, long-term future for one of the oldest specialist institutions in the UK. As part of the merger a further education college, Writtle College, was also established.
Meanwhile in Cambridge, the opening of our new Sensory Science Centre, a specialist teaching and research space, marked 30 years of delivering vision and hearing science courses.
We also opened a School of Apprenticeships, and welcomed students to our BEd Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status degree – the UK's first new Bachelor of Education degree for 30 years.