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.
Why we're rated Gold
Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding – the highest possible accolade – 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 is the highest possible accolade, and signifies that our ‘student experience and outcomes are typically outstanding’.
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 Teaching Excellence Framework 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:
unique Ruskin Modules that bring students from different courses together to explore ways to respond to complex social challenges. The modules are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and help our students develop important transferable skills that are valued by employers
live briefs, where students work alongside industry professionals on real business challenges
working with regional employers to design and continually refresh our courses
engagement with students through initiatives such as our Education Matters forum, which results in continuous improvement to their experience and outcomes
responsiveness to regional needs, such as our School of Medicine in Chelmsford which is helping to address the shortage of doctors
‘learning resources’ that were rated outstanding, in part due to £42m investment in our campuses from 2018-22 to directly support teaching and learning.
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.
We are a key part of our students’ experience. We are 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 to create a learning community that encourages student engagement and, ultimately, success.
ARU student services include:
our Employability Strategy, which helps students to build the skills and abilities that employers value in graduates. It encompasses careers advice and preparation, work experience and placements, and an innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for the world of work
a fully integrated approach to supporting students’ mental health
the Welcome Buddies scheme, where new undergraduate students are paired with a Buddy to help them settle into university life
the Study Skills Plus programme which supports all aspects of academic learning
a campus-based Language Centre for students whose first language is not English
the Alumni Career Centre, a dedicated online service which supports our graduates throughout their careers.
Outstanding academic support
When looking at our course content and delivery, the Office for Students noted:
evidence of our excellence in tailoring teaching, assessment and feedback to our courses and students, including students from underrepresented groups
the high levels of Advance HE accreditation for teaching staff at ARU.
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 to students’ lives. By working alongside students and ARU’s partner organisations, we’re transforming lives and driving positive change.