ARTS courses offered by an education provider in Colchester are set to be axed due dwindling student numbers. 

Colchester’s University Centre, part of Colchester Institute, in Sheepen Road, has decided to reduce the number of courses offered by its arts department. 

This is reportedly down to fewer pupils applying for courses such as Design and Print for Textiles and Interiors and Fine Art.

Despite the reduction of courses at the University Centre, Colchester Institute has promised it will continue to deliver arts courses as part of its further education pathways. 

Gazette: Colchester Institute Graduations...In the Moot Hall for the ceremony.

These courses include Art and Design, Fashion, Textiles and Costume, Graphic Design, Photography and more. 

A spokesman said: “Colchester Institute continues to provide opportunities in Arts education to hundreds of young people each year – with over 700, 16–19 year olds, currently studying on full-time programmes in Art and Design, Music, Performing Arts, Technical Theatre and Creative Media. 

"We work with high-quality, local Arts organisations including the Mercury Theatre, Firstsite and the Arts Centre to enrich the experience for our students and prepare them for work in these sectors.

"This provision brings vibrancy to our campus with shows and exhibitions which are open to the public. 

 

Gazette: Scraped - The University Centre at Colchester Institute is axing arts courses due to dwindling 

"Sadly, in common with many general Higher Education providers, we have witnessed (over a number of years now) a steady decline in applications for our degree courses in the Arts. 

"Many students are opting to attend larger institutions specialising in the Visual or Performing Arts, and this has forced the difficult decision to reduce our degree provision in the Arts subjects in recent years.

"Through our University Centre, at Colchester Institute, we continue to offer degrees in high-demand sectors such as Engineering, Construction, Business, Early Years, Teaching and Counselling."

Colchester Institute is offering full-time courses, part-time courses and apprenticeships to school leavers between the ages of 16 and 19.

It has its roots in the North East Essex Technical College and widened to include degree-level programmes in music, hospitality and catering. 

In 2016 its £10 million STEM centre and South Wind building opened offering advanced equipment and facilities, as well as specialist science equipment.