Colchester Institute
 Colchester Institute | |
| Type | College |
|---|---|
| Established | _ |
Academic affiliation | University of Essex |
| Principal | Alison Andreas |
| Students | 14,000 |
| Undergraduates | Yes |
| Postgraduates | Yes |
| Location |
Colchester, Essex, England 51°53′36″N 0°53′22″E / 51.893199°N 0.889571°E |
| Website | http://www.colchester.ac.uk |
Colchester Institute is a large provider of further and higher education based in the town of Colchester. The institute includes the Colchester School of Art, Faculty of Creative Arts, the Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies, and the Professional Training Centre. Colchester Institute provides courses for a wide variety of learners including 14 to 19 year olds, adults, businesses and employers. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Higher Education courses are validated by the University of Essex.
History
Colchester Institute has its roots in the North East Essex Technical College. It widened to include degree level programmes in Music (through accreditation by the University of London), Hospitality & Catering and Art. In 1992 it joined with a number of colleges and "Anglia Higher Education College" to enable the latter to acquire university status as Anglia Polytechnic University (now Anglia Ruskin University). The other colleges in the Higher Education aspects of the "consortium" included City College Norwich, and the Norwich School of Art and Design. The "consortium" was dissolved in 2006 under a ratification programme proposed by the Higher Education Funding Council (England), and from that time Colchester Institute Higher Education awards were accredited by the University of Essex.
On 1 January 2010, Colchester Institute took over Braintree College rebranding this as The College At Braintree[1]
Campus information
Colchester, Sheepen Road Campus
The Colchester Campus is situated just outside Colchester’s old Roman walls; the town centre and the railway station are within walking distance.
The Engineering Training Centre at Colchester
Located in Stanway, this specialist engineering facility uses the very latest in engineering technology.
The College at Braintree, Church Lane Campus
Colchester Institute’s newest campus (following the merger with Braintree College) offers students a range of vocational qualifications to meet the needs of employers in the Braintree and surrounding areas.
The College at Braintree, Cooper Drive Campus
The second campus in Braintree is located on the Springwood Industrial Estate on the outskirts of the town. Courses run here are Painting, Decorating and Bricklaying.
The College at Clacton, Church Road Campus
The campus was completely refurbished in 2000 making it a modern, smart environment in which to study. In 2003, a new Construction Craft Centre opened, to provide specialist facilities for Plumbing and Electrical Installations.
The Minories
This campus became part of the Colchester Institute family in 2008 and houses postgraduate Art and Design students. The facility is a working art gallery and café.
The Learning Shop at Colchester
Located on the Colchester Institute Sheepen Road Campus, this centre offers courses specialising in English, IT and maths, under the provision of learndirect. The Learning Centre is part of the Colchester Learning Shop which is an information point to members of the public seeking general information and advice on courses, careers and other academic issues.
The Learning Shops at Braintree, Clacton, Dovercourt and Witham
The online courses offered in maths, English and IT are designed to meet the needs of the individual. Members of the public can also receive general information and advice on careers, courses and other academic issues.
Departments
Colchester Institute has many faculties covering a variety of subject areas including:
- Business, Accounting and Administration
- Computing and IT
- Construction
- Education Studies and Teacher Training
- Engineering and Automotive industries including Welding and Fabrication
- Fine Art, Design, Fashion, Photography and Graphics
- Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
- Healthcare including Counselling, Dental Nursing and Science
- Hospitality and Food Studies
- Interactive Media, Digital Film Production
- Management
- Music and Performing Arts
- Sport, Public Services, Travel and Tourism
Colchester Institute has over 10,500 students and runs over 120 full-time courses.
Services to Business
The Professional Training Centre is the commercial arm of Colchester Institute and has delivered high quality business training solutions for over 25 years to local, national and international employers and is recognised for its importance to the region’s economy.
Alumni
- Brian Eno - Musician
- Steve Groves - Winner of Masterchef: The Professionals 2009
- Jamie Rickers - GMTV presenter.
- Bob Russell - Former MP for Colchester