Industry input

At ARU, you learn the skills employers want, and you get to use them in real situations.

Small group of people sat at table discussing ideas

Designed with employers, built for your future.

We work with businesses, public services and community organisations so your degree stays relevant – and you graduate confident and work-ready.



Courses shaped by people who hire graduates

Experts from industry help us design and update our courses, so what you study matches real jobs and emerging trends. They sit on our advisory boards and share what skills and tools you’ll need next, across science, engineering, business, creative arts, humanities, health and social care.



Real projects set by employers

In many degrees you’ll take part in Live Briefs: practical challenges from organisations where you research, build solutions and present back to professionals. It’s a practical way to grow your skills, your confidence and your CV, and it features in most undergraduate courses at ARU.

Recent examples range from engineering design to public health analysis and creative campaigns.



Placements, internships and mentoring

On many of our courses, you can get experience with an employer by adding a placement year or shorter internships. Our Placements Team helps you find roles, prepare strong applications and succeed at interview. Many students are paid on placements and some are hired afterwards.

You can also connect with a mentor who will guide you on career choices and how to break into your field.



Extra professional development for free

Alongside your degree, you can complete the ARU Certificate for Professional Development (ARUCPD). These short modules are informed by employers. They help you sharpen skills like leadership, public speaking and project management, so you feel ready for applications and interviews.



Enterprise and innovation spaces

If you want to try out ideas, you’ll find support to start a business, go freelance, or build a portfolio.

You can get involved with entrepreneurship programmes, or gain experience in spaces that are open to the public. These spaces include our Law Clinic, sports clinics and University Eye Clinic.

These activities connect you with employers and help you build a track record while you study.



A joined-up network that benefits you

Behind the scenes, we connect with employers and community organisations so you get more opportunities, faster. For you, this means:

In short, we do the coordinating so you can focus on building skills, experience and contacts that help you get the job you want.