At ARU, employability, enterprise and professional development are embedded throughout the student experience, ensuring that our graduates are prepared not only for today's labour market but also for emerging industries and future workplace challenges.
Through employer partnerships, placements, work-based learning, degree apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support and interdisciplinary initiatives such as the award-winning Ruskin Modules, students develop the technical, professional and transferable skills needed to thrive in skilled employment, create businesses and contribute to economic growth.
Our most recent performance in the UK’s Graduate Outcomes Survey shows that ARU tops the East of England for graduates landing senior roles – managers, directors and senior officials – and ranks second for graduates earning £45,000-plus salaries within 15 months.
Developing workplace-ready graduates through Ruskin Modules
Our award-winning Ruskin Modules are designed to help students develop the skills increasingly demanded by employers, including collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking and adaptability.
Bringing together students from different disciplines to address real-world challenges linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the programme helps learners apply their knowledge beyond their subject area while gaining experience of interdisciplinary teamwork.
By 2024, more than 11,000 students had participated in Ruskin Modules, which received international recognition with an award at the Green Gown Awards in 2023. The programme equips graduates with the transferable skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy and workplace.
Creating pathways into skilled employment through degree apprenticeships
We deliver a growing portfolio of degree apprenticeships that enable learners to gain university qualifications while remaining in paid employment. Working closely with employers across sectors including healthcare, policing, digital technologies, engineering and construction, these programmes help address regional skills shortages while widening access to higher education. Apprentices combine academic study with practical workplace experience, developing sector-specific expertise and professional competencies that support progression into skilled employment. This model strengthens links between education and industry while supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.
Supporting regional skills development through ARU Peterborough
ARU Peterborough was established to increase access to higher education and support economic development in a city that has historically experienced lower levels of university participation. Developed in partnership with local employers and regional stakeholders, many programmes have been designed around priority workforce needs including health, technology, business, engineering and the built environment. By aligning educational provision with local labour market demand, ARU Peterborough helps strengthen regional skills pipelines, supports social mobility and enables learners to access high-quality higher education while remaining within their local communities.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.