ARU College

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About ARU College

ARU College (formerly known as Cambridge Ruskin International College or CRIC) offers undergraduate and postgraduate pathways at ARU for applicants that do not meet the requirements for direct entry, have not studied the subjects required for their chosen degree or spent some time out of education.

Following the completion of the ARU College pathway students benefit from direct entry onto an ARU degree.

Why ARU College

ARU is one of the largest universities in the East of England, with campuses in two of the UK’s most exciting cities, Cambridge and Chelmsford. Renowned for the employability of its graduates, ARU is committed to providing its students with the very best. In order to enhance employment prospects, the university has created partnerships with some of the UK’s most prestigious and successful businesses.

  • Long history established in 1858 as the Cambridge School of Art, over 100 academic areas with over 35,000 full and part-time students.
  • 5th in England and top in our region for UK undergraduates in employment.
  • State–of–the–art facilities: ARU has spent £80 million updating its facilities.

Programs Available

Foundation Pathway

Foundation Pathway

Our foundation pathway, or stage 1 as we refer to it, is a 2-trimester course. This means that your degree will take 4 years to complete. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

Foundation

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

  • don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
  • feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
  • have been away from studies for a period of time
  • come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
  • require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at ARU College is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at ARU College we have two pathway entry points available, foundation and first-year pathway.

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from ARU.

Information about available courses, intake semesters and campus location can be found in our course matrices.

Key information about the foundation

  • Students have access to full ARU facilities and are part of the ARU community
  • 1 Module made up of 120 credits
  • The Module includes 8 elements
  • 50% academic and 50% study skills content
  • Each element includes 3 assessments each worth 50%, with the two best scores being counted towards the final element grade
  • The foundation is assessed b continual assessment with full feedback
  • Small class sizes (maximum 25)
  • 16 hours of contact hours per week
  • Every student will be assigned to a Personal Development Tutor to help students through their educational journey and provides peer to peer support. Preparing foundation students for First Year degree delivery
  • Timetabling over 4 days (where possible 3 days and Wednesday afternoon free) to accommodate part-time work, family commitments and involvement in SU activities
  • Dedicated ARU College staff on both campuses
  • Inclusivity, disability and dyslexia support integrated with the University
  • ARU College students have access to ARU Financial matters
    o Student Finance England funded for the full duration of the course (4 years)*
    o Eligible for ARU Bursary worth up to £300 per year*
    o Eligible to access ARU hardship funds
    *Only available for UK students

 

Course title Foundation campus First year campus Second/Final year campus Foundation (Jan) Foundation (Sep) First year (Jan) First year (Sep)

First Year Pathway

In the First Year Pathway students complete the ARU first year of the degree, undertaking the same modules, in the same classes as students entering the University directly. Alongside the ARU modules, students entering through the First Year Pathway will have additional support and tuition from ARU College.

Please be aware that entry to the First Year with ARU College is only available for EU and International Students. UK students will be offered a foundation pathway.

First Year

A First Year pathway is available for students who:

  • don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold equivalent to AS/A level studies)
  • feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
  • have been away from studies for a period of time
  • come from a different academic environment to that of the UK

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at ARU College is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at ARU College we have two pathway entry points available, foundation and first year pathway.

Additional support

Alongside the ARU modules student entering through the first year pathway will have additional support and tuition from ARU College.

These additional hours are made up of Interactive Learning Study Skills tuition and subject specific mentoring and support sessions. The Interactive Learning Study Skills module is a skills-based module designed to develop the academic skills required for successful Higher Education study such as academic writing and presentation skills. The support sessions allow you to meet with academic staff in order to tackle specific issues or questions.

Progressing from First Year

At ARU College we offer a first-year or stage 2 level study. Either student will enter this pathway following completion of the foundation, or for students that have completed the equivalent of A level study we also have an entry point at the first year of a bachelor’s degree.

Upon completion of the first year, or Stage 2, you will seamlessly progress to the second year of your chosen degree with the University, and no longer be registered with ARU College.

For more information about available courses, intake trimesters and campus location please see our course matrices.

Course title Foundation campus First year campus Second/Final year campus Foundation (Jan) Foundation (Sep) First year (Jan) First year (Sep)

Undergraduate Programs

Architecture

Architecture overview

From the design of a family home to an entire city, architects shape the world in which we live. Students will be introduced to practical art and design skills including developing skills of visual storytelling, image-making both in traditional and digital media, visual language and communication, formulating an independent creative response to a broad range of subject matter. Our undergraduate pathway delivers the creative and technical skills you’ll need to help transform our built environment and succeed in architectural practice.

For a hands-on degree, many of your classes are going to utilise project and portfolio-based strategies to help you begin developing your portfolio and find your areas of passion. You’ll learn to study design from creative and technical perspectives to help you build projects which are beautiful, sustainable, and user-friendly. Our staff are actively engaged in research, and they’ll support you all the way. Plus, there’s the opportunity to go to extracurricular seminars and workshops, which feature guest presentations from specialist academics and researchers.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

Please see our International and UK course matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Art and Design

Art and design overview

Do you have a passion for graphic design, photography, oil painting, fashion? Whatever your outlet, a foundation in Art and Design will help you to develop a knowledgeable approach to sharing your point of view.

Our Pathway of Art and Design targets the skills you will need in University to critically assess information, develop your design portfolio, and express yourself through visual language. Students will be introduced to practical art and design skills including developing skills of visual storytelling, image-making both in traditional and digital media, visual language and communication, formulating an independent creative response to a broad range of subject matter. For a hands-on degree, many of your classes are going to utilise project and portfolio-based strategies to help you begin developing your portfolio and find your areas of passion.

Our staff are actively engaged in their own creative pursuits, and they’ll support you all the way. Plus, there’s the opportunity to go to extracurricular seminars and workshops, which feature guest presentations from specialist academics and researchers. Think and create with limitless possibilities, your journey starts here.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

Please see ourInternationalandUKcourse matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Portfolio requirements

Foundation entry

No portfolio required

First-year degree entry (International students only)

The portfolio should contain a range of 10 pieces of work, utilising all of the following

  • Drawing
  • Selection of images of significant work/designs
  • Images of sketchbook work
  • Images that show the development process and research

Course structure

Business

Business overview

Do you want to own your own business, be a consultant or manager, market new and interesting products? Whatever the end goal, a foundation in Business will help students understand the real-world application of business theory and strategy.

Our Pathway in Business begins by helping you understand the basics needed in any business industry and a variety of intercultural situations. Based in Cambridge and Chelmsford, you’ll interact with businesses and get inspired by guest speakers like our ‘Be Your Own Boss’ Seminar series. Our business school has many opportunities to begin implementing your ideas, even before you graduate with many industry contacts and ARU’s Big Pitch business idea competition.

Here is the place to set yourself up for the professional world.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from Anglia Ruskin University:

Please see our International and UK course matrix for the entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Engineering, Computing and Technology

Engineering, computing and technology overview

Students in these disciplines will find it necessary to work confidently in multi-disciplinary teams throughout their careers. A foundation in Engineering, Computing and Technology has structured around projects working with others from different degree programmes, enabling them to begin to develop this extremely important transferable skill.

Develop the knowledge and skills you need to create technologies and applications that will change the world. During your Foundation, you will have opportunities for practical work and experimentation across a range of elements, including engineering design tasks centred on developing simple robots, in order to introduce the challenges and benefits of realising theoretical ideas. There’ll be lectures and seminars combined with work-based learning and plenty of course options to personalise your studies.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

Please see our International and UK course matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

English, Media, Drama and Writing

English, media, drama and writing overview

Our English and writing courses let you develop your own style of writing and explore facets of the English language, literature and linguistics that fascinate you. And we give you industry insight through links with creative organisations.

Our film and media courses let you explore the culture of communication, and develop your own style of media production – while focusing on the skills and knowledge valued by employers.

Pathway progression

Please see our International and UK course matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Critical Thinking
Intercultural Studies
Ethics
Psychology
Composition and Style
Social Perceptions

Humanities and Education

Humanities and education overview

Our education courses take a progressive approach and will teach you transferable skills, relevant across early years, primary teaching and beyond. We’ll help you see the potential in others. Education goes beyond the classroom, and you’ll discover the social issues that impact children’s and young people’s learning.

Choose a humanities course to learn more about how history has shaped modern times; explore politics, social issues and public services; or tackle the philosophical questions that have captivated humanity for millennia.

At ARU College and ARU, you’ll develop your thinking, while gaining real-life experience through work placements.

Pathway progression

Please see our International and UK course matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Music

Music overview

We have strong links with the industry, so you can do work placements at music studios, theatres or production companies – and start building a standout CV while you study. We’ve four different music degrees to choose from:

  • Study music in the context of its modern application rather than the historical period on our full-time Music BA (Hons) degree.
  • Learn how to succeed in the music business, from performance to production, by studying our full-time Popular Music degree.
  • Discover how sound works, and how technology can help you master it, on our full-time, industry accredited Audio and Music Technology BSc (Hons) degree

Pathway progression

Please see our International and UK course matrix for the entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure for BA (Hons) Music / BA (Hons) Popular Music

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Critical Thinking
Intercultural Studies
Psychology
Ethics
Composition and Style
Social Perceptions

Course Structure for BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Technology

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Critical Thinking
Maths for Scientists
Maths for Engineers
Physics for Engineers
Fundamentals of Computing
Engineering Design

Nursing Studies

Nursing Studies overview

Our course provides the knowledge, values and skills you will need to pursue a career in a healthcare setting whether that may be working for an international NGO or in professional, non-practising roles in healthcare, such as management or policy.

In this type of care profession, it isn’t just about what you learn: it’s also about who you are. You will need qualities such as patience, honesty, sensitivity, tolerance, persistence, integrity, sound judgement as well as excellent communication skills.

The foundation module has been developed to provide a broad base of skills that can be useful to Nursing studies students as they progress through higher education. Especially, students of nursing studies will find it necessary to work confidently in multidisciplinary teams throughout their careers. In this module, students will frequently work with others from different degree programmes.

As a student, you will study across a broad base of transferable knowledge and skills areas, becoming skilled in critical analysis, problem-solving, supporting you in understanding how to manage, support and drive forward health care services, organisations and communities.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

If you are a UK student upon completion of the foundation year, and subject to meeting all progression, professional body requirements and available places, you may be eligible to apply for one of the accredited NMC degree programmes:

•BSc (Hons) Nursing – Adult
•BSc (Hons) Nursing – Child
•BSc (Hons) Nursing – Mental Health

International students who are registered on the BSc Nursing Studies are expected to complete this four year programme due to visa and funding regulations.

Please see our International and UK course matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Optometry, Medical and Life science

Optometry, medical and life science overview

Students will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

In addition to these fundamental study skills, Students will be given an introduction to the various scientific disciplines underpinning the life sciences. Fundamental mathematical skills will be covered in order to support students’ other subjects and give them confidence in manipulating data.

Students will be introduced to molecular and cellular biology, and how these fields are applied to real-world investigations. Students will also study the biology of micro and macro-organisms, with reference to both human and animal structures.

Students will be introduced to the core concepts of chemistry, with a particular focus on organic chemistry, and will also be given a grounding in the core principles of physics, applied to living organisms.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from Anglia Ruskin University:

* Please note that the BSc (Hons) Optometry course is only available to international fee paying students.

Please see our International and UK course matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Psychology

Psychology overview

Psychology affects everything we do. While on this course, you’ll learn about the science of mind and behaviour, covering the breadth of discipline, from applied, social and clinical psychology, to cognitive neuroscience and biological psychology. Our core modules will give you a solid foundation in the main principles of psychology, and our optional modules the freedom to concentrate on your own interests in more depth. By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to follow your interests into specialised further study or find a career perfectly suited to you.

Our staff are actively engaged in research, and they’ll support you all the way. Plus, there’s the opportunity to go to extracurricular weekly seminars, which feature guest presentations from specialist academics and researchers.

While you’re here, you’ll take advantage of our excellent research facilities, including specialist laboratories for measuring electrical activity in the brain, eye movement, psychoneuroimmunology, emotions and communication, psychometrics, human behaviour, consumer reactions, and much more.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

Please see our International and UK course matrix for the entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Social Work

Social work overview

Our course provides the knowledge, values and skills you will need to qualify as a social worker. But social work isn’t just about what you learn: it’s also about who you are. You will need qualities such as patience, honesty, sensitivity, tolerance, persistence and sound judgement.

As a student, you will train to assess people’s circumstances and needs. Working alongside other professionals, you will plan, provide, review and evaluate services. You will become skilled in problem-solving, and understand how to set up supportive activities with individuals, families, groups and communities. Learning to assess the risks facing vulnerable children or adults, and how to set up and measure protection plans for them will be key. You will also gain a thorough understanding of your legal powers and duties.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

You will be required to pass all modules (120 credits) in order to successfully complete the foundation course, alongside the following requirements, which you will be supported through during your foundation course

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure
  • Occupational Health clearance
  • Successful Interview with a social work team
  • Pass IELTS with a score of 7.0 (no less than 7.0 in any band)

Please note that this course is only available to UK students only.

Please see our UK course matrix for entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Sports Science

Sports science overview

ARU Sport & Exercise Science courses are ranked number 1 in the country by the Guardian League Table 2021

Students will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

In addition to these fundamental study skills, students will be introduced to the various scientific disciplines underpinning sports sciences. Fundamental mathematical skills will be covered in order to support students’ other subjects and give them confidence in manipulating data.

Students will be introduced to molecular and cellular biology, and how these fields are applied to real-world investigations. Students will also study the biology of micro and macro-organisms, with reference to both human and animal structures.

Students will be introduced to the core concepts of chemistry, with a particular focus on organic chemistry, and will also be given a grounding in the core principles of physics, applied to living organisms.

Students will be introduced to the core principles of psychology and will explore various current applications of psychological theory.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

Please see our International and UK course matrix for the entry point, intake and study location information.

Course structure

Postgraduate Programs

Business and Finance

Business and finance overview

ARU’s Business School stands out because the courses focus on the real world of business. Many of the courses combine sound academic theory with solid management practice.

ARU College’s Pre-Masters pathway leads to a number of business and finance Masters courses at ARU, which are taught at either our Cambridge or Chelmsford campus.

Pathway progression

Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of the following from ARU:

Please see our International and UK Course Matrix for intake information.

Stage 1: Pre-Masters in Business and Finance

You will do the following modules during your pre-masters with ARU College:

Modules

You will be required to pass all modules (75 credits) in order to successfully complete the pre-masters course.

Stage 2: Masters Degree

Location

Cambridge/Chelmsford Lord Ashcroft International Business School at ARU

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