Anglia Ruskin University

“I wanted to train to become a music therapist and was particularly interested in courses offering a psychotherapeutically informed approach to the work. I was also interested in a course that would provide a variety of different work placements. The course at Anglia Ruskin University met both these criteria and when I was applying it had just received a positive Health and Care Professions Council endorsement.

As a Cambridge resident with two children attending schools in the area, the close locality of the campus was a deciding factor and the course has met and exceeded many of my expectations. I benefited from plenty of 'hands-on' experience throughout, both in the form of placements and through a wide range of workshops run by peer groups, experienced therapists, local agencies, as well as national and international professionals who are involved in the work of the department. These gave many opportunities to try out different techniques and approaches, often with a sense of experimentation and fun, and to receive constructive feedback from a variety of sources.”

“I am now a qualified music therapist, having taken the MA Music Therapy at Anglia Ruskin University.

Upon successfully completing my training, I returned to Trinidad as I had been granted a scholarship by the government. A condition of the scholarship was that I would return home to begin work immediately. However, it took at least four weeks before I was able to do a presentation of my work to officials at the Ministry of Public Administration. They were impressed and placed me at the St Ann's Psychiatric Hospital where I work now as a music therapist.

My Masters degree was critically important in obtaining my current role as I am the first qualified music therapist based at the hospital. My training helped me with the writing of progress notes and clinical reports, and gave me confidence in the work that I do. I also developed the skills to become a receptive music therapist.”

“As a musician I understood the power of music and my personal relationship with this creative medium. Undertaking the two-year training programme at Anglia Ruskin University was an enriching journey of discovering the potential of how music can be an agent of change, over time, between two people who meet in a room of instruments.

Upon qualifying I decided to move to Australia to explore working opportunities. I am currently working as a registered music therapist for the South Australian Department of Communities and Social Inclusion.”

“The MA in Creative Writing is a way I have chosen to push my mind, to force it out beyond habits and boundaries.

I don't always find the work easy, but I have found various tutors helpful. I have felt supported and have been encouraged to develop my own poetic style of writing.

As a mature student I am finding that an experienced mind has its own value, and I have a renewed fascination for the English language.”

“Taking the MA Creative Writing at Anglia Ruskin University is, without doubt, one of the best decisions I have made in recent years.

The MA has been pivotal to my development as an early career writer. It has provided me with a core set of skills on which to build and feedback to enable me to refine my work, to find its hard, bright edge. One of the most valuable aspects of the course has been the opportunity for me to develop my interest in art and writing. I am now writing a series of stories that explore the work of British artist, Julian Opie.

I failed English Literature at school and I don't have a literary background, so putting my work 'out there' alongside published writers was extremely daunting. I want to thank the students I work with, because I have had great support from them, and the teaching staff on the MA who have shown me tremendous encouragement. I am thrilled to have won this award and for my work to be recognised in this way.*”

“The MA in English was a really stimulating course, offering both reasonable breadth in covering different periods and the opportunity to choose a narrower focus for in-depth study in the final dissertation. Both these features had their own pleasures: it was interesting and motivating to read and engage with new approaches to literary studies for discussion in seminars, and the dissertation writing, though considerably less sociable, was a welcome challenge that allowed for personal and academic growth.

The staff at Anglia Ruskin are very friendly and helpful, and the library is great. Anyone worried about fitting part-time study around their job and other commitments should remember that a course like this generates its own energy and enthusiasm, and you can usually find a way of making it work, even if your house is not quite so clean for a couple of years!”

“I have a keen interest in Renaissance drama and the opportunity to study in this area in an excellent department with dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff was ideal for me. The course suited my interests and specialisms perfectly, and the timetable suited my work schedule.

My experience so far has been excellent. I have enjoyed studying the subject at postgraduate level and feel that the teaching staff are excellent with a lot of time for students, and a huge amount of expertise to draw on. I have appreciated the opportunities to attend seminars and research sessions that are not necessarily specific to my course or study programme.

The course has met my expectations and exceeded them in several areas. I would recommend the course to anyone looking to study English at postgraduate level.”

“With ambitions to start my own business in English teaching publishing, I was excited to discover the MA Publishing at Anglia Ruskin University and have been thoroughly pleased with the level of tuition and the amazing opportunities I have been offered during the year. Not only are the lectures conducted by current publishing professionals who have invaluable insight into the field, but the master classes are given by famous names who have inspired me with their experience and spirit.

I have been lucky enough to become involved in setting up a professional publishing society which has put me in direct contact with the publishing community and ensured I gain in-depth industry knowledge. Work experience at Cambridge University Press (a highly sought-after activity) has allowed me real-world practice of my university learning. Lectures take place in the evening enabling me to take full advantage of the wide-ranging work links available.

The course leader and all the lecturers have been on hand at all times for academic and professional support, something that generally makes the difference between a good course and a great course and I have made firm friendships with my peers.

A PhD or my own business beckons - choices, choices!”

“I was attracted to this course due to my personal interest in pursuing a career in publishing. The MA Publishing was and still is a great opportunity for me to enhance my networking skills and have better knowledge of how publishing works as a business.

At the end of the second semester I got my first job in publishing in one of the world's leading companies in academic electronic publishing - 'ProQuest'. I work as a Journal Admin Assistant in IBSS (International Bibliography of the Social Sciences). I have the chance to receive journals and communicate with publishers and universities from all around the world. Also, as I am at the stage where I am conducting research for my dissertation, working at 'ProQuest' will give me first hand experience of how online resources work in academia.

I would certainly recommend the Anglia Ruskin course to anyone who is really keen to pursue a career in publishing.”

“I am a MA Publishing student at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. This year is the first year that the MA course has been available, and as of yet it's been well worth every penny. Every thousandth one. My colleagues and tutors are a lot of fun, whilst the course content has exceeded my every expectation.

I'm a terrible student. If it doesn't stimulate my every concentrated gram of grey matter, then I'm not interested. Fortunately this course has been a little bit addictive and I shall miss it when these last 12 weeks are up.*”

“The Publishing MA gives you a really practical grounding in the publishing industry. Even if you know little about publishing prior to the course, the tutors encourage you to learn, ask questions and use your own experience to explore and practice all aspects from commissioning and editing, to design and marketing.

The tutors bring experience from all aspects the publishing field and the assessments replicate well (and often include) real publishing projects. We are even publishing our own book! There are many exciting and innovative opportunities to explore with the Publishing MA.”

“Part-time study offers mothers with young children a lifeline as far as studying is concerned. I've been encouraged to make use of facilities during times beyond my assigned study periods, allowing me to fit my studies around my life rather than my life around my studies.

The print room facilities are excellent and my work has been exhibited alongside work by Josef Albers (a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition) at the Ruskin Gallery.”

“Anglia Ruskin was the first institution to offer an MA in Children's Book Illustration. During my research it became clear that as well as being innovative, the course was also well respected. The part time option allowed me to keep working and stay financially afloat.

I didn't realise at the time quite how much the course would affect my life! The course forced me to take my drawing seriously for the first time, which has in turn made me reassess my work and what I want to do in the future. The tutors all shared a commitment to bringing the best out of every student. I found them supportive, encouraging and honest. It is vital to be open to criticism in order to get the most out of the course. There's a real passion for the subject from the teaching staff that is highly infectious.

The course works closely with the publishing industry, which is invaluable for aspiring illustrators. A team from Egmont Publishing regularly visited us, and gave us insight into the ever-changing landscape of the industry, as well as personal feedback on our work. The graduation show in London was attended by talent-spotters from all of the major publishing houses, which I think is a testament to the reputation of the course. At the graduation show I was approached by several publishers, and have signed to Random House Picture Books for a two-book deal. For now at least, I've managed to quit the day job and am working full time on writing and illustrating books for children - a dream come true! My experience at Anglia Ruskin will help me in my new career every day. It's hard to quantify the impact learning and growing in a supportive environment has had on me.”

“Having done my undergraduate degree at Anglia Ruskin, I knew the facilities and the location worked for me. I have young children so it was important that the travel time was short (I live in Cambridge) in order to get the most from my time on campus. I already knew some of the staff and, though we have different people teaching the MFA, the culture within the Art school is very supportive and contact with lecturers is frequent.

There is an engagement with the art world, current art practices and theory (which is invaluable), with many visiting artists coming in. I was initially drawn to the course because it offers the opportunity to specialise in Year 2, in either Teaching, Arts Management or Critical Practice. Within this is the ongoing development of my own studio practice in the on-site studio, with an engaged peer group.”

“The main reason I chose to pursue postgraduate study at Anglia Ruskin was because of the great experience I had here at undergraduate level. During my undergraduate studies I met many people from different countries and forged great friendships which I really enjoyed. I also benefitted from the central location of the East Road campus. As I live in Cambridge and the campus is easy to access, it has meant that I haven't wasted any time travelling to pursue my studies.

I can honestly say that choosing the course at this University is one of the best decisions I have made. So far the course has met my expectations and has been exceptional value for money.”

“Anglia Ruskin University's Legal Practice Course fosters a brilliant atmosphere amongst its students, and there is a good rapport between students and staff. This can help to keep you going when the workload gets tough - though the workload is always manageable, partly due to the course being well organised and the many different units and assignments being spread sensibly across the year.

All the LPC tutors at Anglia Ruskin have experience of working as solicitors in practice; some tutors are currently practising solicitors who come in once or twice a week to share their expertise in their specialist area. This can be extremely beneficial, ensuring that the course maintains its practical focus and keeps students up to date on the latest legal and procedural developments.

The newly-built Faculty Building, in which the LPC is taught at Chelmsford, provides a clean and comfortable working environment. It includes an IT room and common room, along with several classrooms, which are reserved solely for use by LPC students. Each classroom contains an interactive whiteboard. The building also houses a very convincing mock courtroom, which is used on the LPC to teach Advocacy.

I would certainly recommend the Anglia Ruskin course to anyone planning to undertake the LPC.”

“This course has had an immense impact on my future career both as a researcher and teacher. It has broadened my horizons and acted as a springboard for my further graduate studies, which involve an MPhil and probably progression to a PhD.

It has been a journey of self discovery and betterment. The course provided me with an opportunity to challenge and expand my abilities, interests and visions. It has made me become a multi-tasking, autonomous and all the more confident and ambitious individual.

My overall experience at Anglia Ruskin University has been extremely positive and beneficial. I fulfilled my aim of delving into SLA, I came together with inspirational people (teachers and colleagues) and have always been met with support and a smile by the administrative staff.”