Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has been named the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023, the biggest prize in UK Higher Education.

The Times Higher Education Awards are known as the Oscars of the UK university sector, and ARU received the prestigious award during a ceremony in Liverpool. Other universities shortlisted for the main prize included the University of Exeter, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and the University of York.

Last night’s success is the latest high-profile award for ARU, after being named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards in October and receiving a Gold award – the highest possible rating – for the quality of its education in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) announced in September.

Praising the successful launch of ARU Peterborough and ARU’s leadership on public service education, amongst other achievements, Times Higher Education said: “The impact of the best universities on cities and regions is transformational. A university can be a focal point for community, a hub for innovation, and turn aspiration into reality.

“Anglia Ruskin University does all this, not just in one city but across multiple centres spanning the east of England – with the institution extending its reach and impact significantly in 2021-22.”

The judges of the award added: “Its achievements paint a picture of a university that knows what and who it is for, and one that is delivering – including taking calculated risks to support its region to the full.”