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. 

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.