Learn English with Anglia Ruskin University Language Centre in Cambridge

“Bridge the gap between learning English and studying in the UK — Anglia Ruskin’s Language Centre gives you the tools to succeed inside and outside the lecture hall.”

About Anglia Ruskin University Language Centre

• The Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Language Centre has been active for over 35 years, teaching more than 15,000 students. Anglia Ruskin University

• It operates across key ARU campuses — especially Cambridge and Chelmsford — offering English language support to prospective and current university students. englishuk.com+1

• Its mission is to help students improve academic English skills, prepare for English exams, and provide proof of English ability via tests. Anglia Ruskin University

Setup, Facilities & Student Support

• As a university-based language centre, ARU offers modern campuses with full university services (libraries, study spaces, IT labs) and shared infrastructure. englishuk.com+2Anglia Ruskin University+2

• The Language Centre provides in-term academic English support through a service called Academic English Communication Skills (AECS), available in both face-to-face and online formats. Anglia Ruskin University

• For students with conditional offers, ARU runs Pre-sessional English courses (6–20 weeks), which are available on campus or online. These are intensive, combining tutor-led classes and guided self-study. Anglia Ruskin University

• ARU’s Language Services Unit administers the ELPT (English Language Proficiency Test) — accepted by the university in place of IELTS in many cases. store.anglia.ac.uk+2store.anglia.ac.uk+2

Courses & Curriculum

Pre-sessional & Academic English

• The Pre-sessional English course is designed to prepare students for degree-level study at ARU. It includes grammar, vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation, as well as academic skills like writing, presentations, reading & listening, referencing, and exam strategies. Anglia Ruskin University

• It runs 15 hours per week of tutor-led classes plus 15 hours self-study (especially in the online version). Anglia Ruskin University

In-term & Ongoing Support

• AECS (Academic English Communication Skills): A free service for ARU students needing extra support. Covers writing, reading, speaking & listening, academic vocabulary, grammar, presentation skills, lecture note-taking, etc. Anglia Ruskin University

• IELTS Preparation / Language Extra: Through the Language Services Unit, there are short IELTS preparation courses and “English Language Extra” modules combining general English with exam training. store.anglia.ac.uk+1

Anglia Language Programme

• Beyond English, ARU also offers the Anglia Language Programme, with classes in French, Spanish, Japanese, open to students, staff, and the public. Anglia Ruskin University+1

• Courses are typically 12 weeks long, 2 hours per week, with levels from Foundation through Intermediate. Anglia Ruskin University+1

Student Experiences & Strengths

• As a university language centre, it attracts students already committed to academic paths, so many learners are motivated and serious about progress.

• Students benefit from direct integration with university life — access to campus facilities, social programmes, and peer networks.

• The flexible delivery (online + face-to-face) means learners can choose formats that suit their location or schedule.

• ARU promotes support services, orientation, and academic help to ease the transition for international students. englishuk.com+1

Cultural & Campus Life

• ARU campuses are located in Cambridge and Chelmsford, cities with rich academic and cultural heritage. Cambridge is world-famous for its universities, museums, and picturesque cityscape; Chelmsford offers a modern city feel with good links to London. englishuk.com+2Anglia Ruskin University+2

• Students immersed in ARU experience the dynamics of university life — lectures, student societies, libraries, campus events.

• Because ARU is a full university institution, students have access to broader social, cultural, and academic resources unavailable in standalone language schools.

• Living costs in Cambridge and Chelmsford will be higher than rural UK but typically lower than central London; plus, the support of the university helps with settling in and accessing student services.

What Makes ARU Language Centre Stand Out

Practical Details & Tips

• Eligibility & Entry:
   – Pre-sessional courses are for students who hold or intend to hold offers at ARU and need English preparation. Anglia Ruskin University
   – ARU accepts standard English tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), or their internal ELPT. Anglia Ruskin University+1

• Course Durations & Schedules:
   – Pre-sessional: 6 to 20 weeks. Anglia Ruskin University
   – In-term support (AECS) is delivered in 10-week blocks during trimesters. Anglia Ruskin University

• Fees:
   – Pre-sessional courses may range (face-to-face or online) depending on duration; ARU publishes sample fees (e.g. 20-week ~ £7,300; shorter ~ from £2,190) for Pre-sessional. Anglia Ruskin University
   – IELTS preparation short course: ~ £280 via the Language Services Unit. store.anglia.ac.uk+1

• Support & Services:
   – Orientation, airport pick-up, and social programmes are offered to help international students settle. englishuk.com
   – Students have access to study skills, library resources, writing support, academic consultations through AECS and Language Centre services. Anglia Ruskin University

• Accommodation:
   – ARU does not list specific housing via the Language Centre listing in EnglishUK, but as a university, ARU offers typical student accommodation, homestay or private housing on campuses. englishuk.com

Imagine Your Journey

You begin as a student preparing for university entry. Following your offer, you enroll in ARU’s Pre-sessional English course — 15 hours of classes + 15 hours guided self-study. You attend academic workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and simulated lectures. Over the course, your fluency, academic writing skills, and confidence grow. Once your degree starts, you lean on the AECS support for writing essays, understanding lectures, and refining your academic voice. You live in Cambridge or Chelmsford, walk among students, use university libraries, attend campus events—and gradually transition from English learner to confident degree student.

ARU’s Language Centre isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a fully integrated pathway into UK academic life.