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, 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. 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, and from that time Colchester Institute Higher Education awards were accredited by the University of Essex. The institute's buildings were completely refurbished in 2000 with internal demolition, structural repairs and reconfiguration of the existing 1950's buildings, providing 4,000m2 of new internal floor space for workshops, laboratories, classrooms and a library in which to study. In 2003, a new Construction Craft Centre opened, to provide specialist facilities for Plumbing and Electrical Installations. On 1 January 2010, Colchester Institute took over Braintree College rebranding this as The College At Braintree
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 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 with refurbishment of the reception foyer, new plumbing workshop, teaching spaces, new laboratory, accessible WC's, shower and changing facilities, extensive reconfiguration of student union defined spaces, shop, office quiet study, enterprise, entertainment, gaming and cyber zones. 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:
