How to Apply

Application Tips

If you have chosen the study programme you would like to apply for then you are almost there. We recommend that you read our handy application tips, watch our video and then make your application.

You can only apply for one full-time programme and one apprenticeship. You can do this together within the same application form, in what is known as a joint application.

Remember, you cannot study more than one core subject.  For example, you would not be able to study two full-time programmes in different subjects simultaneously. You would take Plumbing or Music, not Plumbing and Music.

Your subject will be your primary qualification and forms the bulk of your programme of study.

Application Dos

• Apply as early as possible. We want to make sure you have the best chance of securing a place with us. All full-time applications received by the 31st of January 2023 will be guaranteed a place at Colchester Institute, subject to you satisfying the published entry requirements. We still accept applications after this date but may not be able to guarantee you a place on your chosen programme.
• Think carefully about your course choice before you apply. Talk to your head of year or careers adviser at school to make sure you have explored all your options and have found a course that suits you best. You may wish to attend one of our open days to find out more before applying.
• Make sure you attend any interviews or assessments we invite you to. These are a mandatory part of our process. They give you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, as well as allowing us to make sure you are on the most appropriate course for you. Some courses may invite you to attend a second interview or audition to demonstrate your skills and to ensure you are on the most appropriate level for you.
• Please let us know if your contact details or address change. We will use a variety of letters, emails and texts to communicate with you throughout the process, and the information we provide is both confidential and vital to your application. If you move home or change your phone number and don’t inform us of any changes, you could miss some vital information.

Application Don’ts

• Do not make multiple applications. If you are unsure, for example, of which construction/trade subject you would like to study, please only make an application for one of them. Likewise, if you later wish you had applied for a different course, please don’t worry – we can change your application. Whatever the reason for wanting to change, there is no need to make another application.
• Do not use a school email address when you create your account. Remember, you will need to access this account later in the summer after you have left school.
• Do not create another account if you have previously applied. If you have applied in previous years, please do not create a new account. If you are unsure, contact us to check which username and password to use.

Just call us on 01206 712777

Applying for an Access course

If you’re in doubt about going straight into a degree-level course why not ask about our Access courses which will help build up your self confidence, study skills and reading and writing skills ready for higher level learning.

***Applications for Access courses starting in September 2023 are now open!!****

Applications to start an Access to Higher Education Diploma in September 2023 opened on Monday 3rd October 2022.

In order to apply for a Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need to follow the below steps.

1. Click through to the Access to Higher Education Diploma course page using the button located after step 3.
2. Once you are on the page the Access to Higher Education Diploma course page and you are certain that you would like to apply for this course, click the ‘Apply Online’ button for the campus that you would like to study at.
3. You will be taken to our online application login page and you will need to set up an account. Click ‘create an account’ to begin the application process.

To apply to study on a part-time course you will need to follow the appropriate part-time application process as shown on the individual course page.

Most of our part-time courses are available to apply online and applicants can apply directly from the course page on the website.

Short duration leisure and hobby courses such as arts, crafts and foreign languages are purchasable via our Online Store and do not require an application form to be submitted, and this will be made clear on the course page itself.

Most part-time courses will start in September, however they can start at various points during the year, and some smaller duration part-time courses will run more than once per academic year.

Please see the individual course listing for the next course start date or if you are unsure please call our Course Enquiries line on (01206) 712777.

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact us on (01206) 712777 or email info@colchester.ac.uk.

I have an employer ready to put me through the apprenticeship

In order to study an apprenticeship you must have an employer either willing to take you on as an apprentice and with an offer of employment in place, or willing to put you through the apprenticeship as part of your existing job role.

To make an application you will need to follow the steps below

1. To start the process you will need to select an apprenticeship using the ‘Search Apprenticeships‘ button located further down the page.
2. Once you are on the web page of your chosen apprenticeship, click the ‘Apply Online’ button that applies to your current status.
3. You will then be taken to the next stage of the application form. Once you have read the information click ‘Apply Online‘.
4. You will be taken to our online application login page and you will need to set up an account. Click ‘create an account’ to begin the application process.

I don’t have an employer

Application Update

Assessments for those looking to start in January have now closed. The next assessment days will take place later on in the spring term and these assessment days will be for programmes starting in April 2023. Please note that due to high demand, spaces are limited and you may be offered a place on a programme starting in September 2023.

Students wishing to study a full-time undergraduate course should apply online to UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) at www.ucas.com.

Applications for part time undergraduate and postgraduate study are made directly to University Centre Colchester.