Colchester Institute - In Depth

Founded: 1976 from technical and art colleges.

Site: Main campus at Colchester.

How to get there: Campus near town centre and railway station.

Special features: Strong links with industry; regional work placements.

Awarding body: APU (Anglia Polytechnic University).

Main undergraduate awards: FdA, FdSc, BA, BSc.

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: Single library: 100,000 items including books; audio-visual materials; CD-Rums; 300+ periodicals; inter-library loan service. Specialist facilities, support and advice in media centre, video-editing suites (1 VHS, 2 digital), digital image & audio workshops. 1200+ networked computers, with internet access, open weekdays. Many open access arrangements; new information learning technology suites in each faculty. Computer staff available.

Careers: Information and advice.

Student advice & services: Student counsellor, guidance on accommodation and finance.

Amenities: Refectories, 2 restaurants (in catering centre).

Sporting facilities: Gymnasia and fitness gym.

Accommodation: Limited college accommodation; students in privately owned accommodation pay £50-£75 per week for self-catering; £75-£85 full-board.

Living expenses budget: No college-recommended minimum.

Term-time work: Institute allows term-time work for full-time students.

Financial help: Access to learning fund for any student in financial difficulty. Apply for help to the student finance adviser.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7400 pa.