Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom

Ruskin Modules: Collaboration for sustainable change

Ruskin Modules are interdisciplinary, breadth modules bringing students together from different courses to create new ways to tackle global societal challenges and in-so-doing broaden perspectives.

Developed over two years through a process involving students, academics and professional services staff from across Anglia Ruskin University’s (ARU) community, the compulsory, credit-bearing Ruskin Modules enable students across our four campuses to work together to develop the innovative thinking and the problem-solving skills that the jobs of the future demand. Introduced in 2021, so far 4,845 students have taken a Ruskin Module with a further 3,348 students enrolled for 2023.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the reference framework for each Ruskin Module. From examining the concept of social justice to identifying the ethical principles needed for our growing use of Artificial Intelligence, ARU’s Ruskin Modules provide a unique, inclusive and transformational learning experience for tomorrow’s global thinkers and leaders. 

What the Judges Thought

The judges commend the university's learning and teaching modules that are interdisciplinary in nature and focus on real world or wicked challenges highlighting the social underpinnings of sustainability. A truly integrated approach involving professional and academic staff from ARU and beyond. Evidence of shift in attitudes among students are take aways that other universities can learn from and adopt. Impact beyond the UK demonstrates success of the ARU model. 

What it Means to Win

“The introduction of the Ruskin Modules ensures that sustainability is embedded into the thinking of students of all disciplines. They encourage problem-solving, critical thinking and an awareness of global challenges, and equip students with broader skills for the workplace. They are a truly unique and worthwhile element to studying at ARU.”

Prof Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor

Top 3 Learnings

1. Personalise learning and assessment to invite students to find meaning.
2. Design inclusive opportunities for students from different backgrounds and courses to collaborate.
3. Use a shared learning outcome to make explicit critical reflection to address wicked problems.