Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

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ARU rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework

We’re proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.

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Study with a university that's rated 'outstanding' for course content, learning resources, and supporting student success. Browse courses by subject area.


Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 Gold award logo

Why we're rated Gold

Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.

We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:

  • student engagement in learning
  • learning environment and academic support
  • learning resources
  • student engagement in improvement
  • approaches to supporting student success
  • intended educational gains
  • approaches to supporting educational gains.

What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Our Gold award signifies that our ‘student experience and outcomes are typically outstanding’.

The three universities in the East of England to achieve a Gold rating were University of Cambridge, Norwich University of the Arts and ARU. Source: TEF 2023 ratings dashboard - Office for Students

ARU is among the 20% of universities in the country who have been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework - a reflection of the outstanding education we offer to our students.

Four university students in a lecture theatre

Transformative education

Our students develop practical, relevant skills and experience on courses that are designed with input from employers.

Innovative curriculum Top 15% in the country for graduate employment Training key workers for our region

Outstanding course content and delivery

Our students are at the heart of ARU. They’re full of talent and promise, and we provide them with the tools they need to realise their potential.

ARU’s ‘Course content and delivery’ is rated outstanding, with our TEF report citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.

Some of the features of our courses include:

Three university students in a lecture theatre

Supporting students' success

Our students have access to a wide range of services and academic support, tailored to their needs.

Careers and employability Health and wellbeing Personal Development Tutors

A supportive learning environment

We’ve been rated outstanding for our ‘Approaches to supporting student success’, with students having access to a wide range of services and support tailored to their needs.

ARU Students’ Union is also a key part of our students’ experience. It’s dedicated to making sure students’ voices are heard and that they get the most out of their studies – while forging friendships and enjoying university life.

We work closely with the SU to create a learning community that encourages student engagement and, ultimately, success.

Our student services include:

Two university students and a lecturer in a classroom

Tailored teaching and assessment

We’re incredibly proud of our teaching and professional services staff, and the support they offer to our students.

Teaching excellence at ARU Qualified and recognised staff Support for learning: meet our technical officers

Outstanding academic support

When looking at our course content and delivery, the Office for Students noted:

Our staff benefit from the support of Anglia Learning & Teaching, which offers resources, training and recognition for all those engaged in learning, teaching and assessment at ARU.

We’re proud of all our staff, and the difference they’re making. By working alongside students and ARU’s partner organisations, we’re transforming lives and driving positive change.




Explore ARU

As well as TEF Gold, we're proud to have received a number of awards for the quality of our teaching, learning facilities and courses. Read about some of our recent successes.

Interested in studying at ARU? Read more about our courses and student support services, or book your place at an Open Day.

Anglia Ruskin University logo in gold