What happens after I apply?
Once your application has been submitted our admissions team will complete some data checks including checking that you meet the published entry criteria for your chosen subject.
For most programmes you will then receive an email inviting you to log back into your account to book your interview. If you have applied for Music, Performing Arts or an Art related subject we will email you with a date and for an audition or portfolio review.
Please check your emails as all communication will be sent by this method.
What Happens at my interview?
You will be here between 1-2 hours depending on the programme you have chosen. (2-3 hours for performing arts) You will normally have a presentation or talk to from a member of staff, telling you more about the programme, followed by an individual interview for about 5/10 minutes.
If you are having an audition or portfolio review, more information will be given in your email.
How will I know if have been offered a place?
Offers will be subject to meeting the entry requirements of the programme, as published.
Once you have attended an interview / audition we will email you to let you know if you have an offer. Offers will be subject to you meeting the published entry requirements of the chosen programme.
If you are not offered a place on your chosen programme, we will do our best to support you in finding an appropriate alternative.
Updated – 06/05/2021
Unfortunately all College systems remain unavailable following the cyber security incident last week and therefore it is not currently possible to use the upload link to the on-line application system, for Further Education courses starting in September, for ID and photos.
We hope to have this operational, and the link available to use again, next week.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused and please keep checking this page for updates.
The information below is for applicants who have received an offer to study on a full-time course from September
We hope you are still excited to start (or maybe continue) your journey as a student at Colchester Institute!
Following the offer already made to you to study a full time course from September, we now are pleased to move your offer to the next stage of our application process. To do this, you now need to upload some additional information which will make your enrolment much smoother when this takes place in August.
All applicants need to do this, even if you are, or have previously been, a student with us or if you are an adult learner. If you have an offer at more than one college, and are keeping your options open, we still need you to do this now; if you later choose not to enrol at Colchester Institute the uploads will be deleted according to our privacy notice https://www.colchester.ac.uk/policies/
What do I need to upload?
- A photo of yourself which will be printed on your College ID Card. This photo must show your face looking into the camera, with no fashion items (such as sunglasses, a hat or hood) and close enough to take up most of the image.
- A photo of an official ID document, which is needed to verify your identity.
We have produced the video further down this page to explain exactly what you need to do, and we recommend you watch this before uploading your photos. Further information on what your photo should look like, which ID documents you can upload and answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the FAQ section below.
When you have watched the video and are happy that you have the correct photo and ID document, please follow this link and sign in to your account to start the process: https://apply.colchester.ac.uk/Page/U_LearnerPhoto
If you have any problems logging into your account, or have any questions or concerns, please call 01206 712777 or email admissions@colchester.ac.uk.
We look forward your receiving your ID and your photo!
Colchester Institute Admissions Team
I can’t log into my account
Please check you are using the correct username when trying to log into your account, do not use your full email address. Your username has been included in the emails that you have been sent by the admissions team during the application process.
If you can’t remember your password, you can press the ‘Forgot your password?’ button which will allow you to reset your password online.
If you are still having problems, please do not create a new account. Instead, please contact the admissions team on admissions@colchester.ac.uk or call on 01206 712777 and they will get your password reset for you.
What should my ID photo look like?
Your photo will be used on your College ID card which you must wear around the campus. Just like a passport photo, your face needs to be seen clearly and you must ensure that you:
- Remove any fashion items, such as hats and sunglasses
- Face the camera and make sure the photograph is a clear image of your head and shoulders
- Wear suitable clothing. This must be visible in the image
- Take the photo on a neutral background
- Do not use any filters (such as Snapchat or Instagram filters)
We suggest you find/take a suitable photo that you’re happy with before you log into your account to upload the photo.
Can I change the photo on my ID card later?
No you can’t. The photo that you upload to the system (provided it is suitable) will be used for your College ID card and can’t be changed at a later date so please make sure you upload one that you are happy with.
What ID documents can I upload?
As part of the enrolment/application process students are required to provide one form of proof of identity. This should be a photograph of one of the following documents.
Below is a list of acceptable forms of proof of identity:
- Passport (please take a photo of the photo page)
- Driving License
- National Insurance Card/Official Letter confirming NI number
- National ID card
- Birth/Adoption Certificate
Why do I need to upload a photo of my ID?
As part of our funding requirements Colchester Institute must see a copy of your ID so that we can verify your identity but please don’t worry, as soon as we have seen your ID and verified your identity we will delete the photo you uploaded. If you would like to read our Privacy Notice you can do this here:
Colchester Institute Policies and Procedures
Why do I have to do this now?
We must have a photo of you for your ID card, and evidence of your ID to process your enrolment properly, our experience has shown that getting this information at an early stage really speeds up the enrolment process. In many cases we need to get back to students to check details and confirm information that is provided, so by doing this nice and early we can take some of the stress out later in the year.
Do I have to upload my photo and my ID documents?
Yes, this is part of the government requirements for funding. If this isn’t done now it will need to be done in the summer so we strongly recommend that you upload these as early as possible to save you time later in the year, and ensure your enrolment runs smoothly.
Is there a deadline?
Please upload your photo and your ID documents as soon as possible. We would recommend that you upload these before GCSE results day (Thursday 12th August) so that you are ready to complete the enrolment process once you have your GCSE results.
Why are you asking for my highest level qualification?
If you will be aged 19 or older on the 1st September 2021, you will be asked to provide us with details of your highest level qualification. We are asking for this information so that we can determine whether you will be eligible for any fee waivers, and if not, what your course fees will be. Specific course fees will be confirmed later in the application process, but if you would like to find out about any fee exemptions, payment options, advanced learner loans or financial support please visit the Student Finance pages on our website:
Student Finance
I’m already a student with an ID card, do I need to upload a new photo?
No you don’t have to, we’ll just use your photo from previous years. However, if you would like to upload a new, more up to date photo of yourself then you can do this.
Even if you don’t upload a photo you will still need to upload the evidence of your official ID as this is a requirement every year.
Can I upload more than one ID photo?
No, please only upload one photo for your College ID card. If you upload more than one, the system will automatically default to the first photo you have uploaded.
What size and format should my uploads be?
Your photo for your ID card must be either .JPG or .PNG otherwise it will not be valid.
For your ID documents, ou can upload the following file types: PDF, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and JPG/PNG images (.DOC; .DOCX; .XLS; .XLSX; .PDF; .TXT; .JPG; .JPEG; .PPT; .PNG)
All uploads must be under 10mb.
Contents
Colchester Institute information: Suggested resources and activities to help Year 11 students prepare for College
| Accounting | p3 |
| Applied Science | p4 |
| Art & Design | p5 |
| Brickwork | p7 |
| Business | p8 |
| Catering and Hospitality | p9 |
| Childcare | p10 |
| Computing | p11 |
| Digital Media | p12 |
| Electrical Installations | p13 |
| Engineering – Electronic | p14 |
| Engineering – Fabrication & Welding | p15 |
| Engineering – Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance | p16 |
| Engineering – Mechanical Manufacturing | p17 |
| Forensic and Criminal Investigation | p18 |
| Health & Social Care | p19 |
| Literacy and Numeracy | p20 |
| Motor Vehicle Services | p21 |
| Multi Skills | p22 |
| Music Technology | p23 |
| Painting and Decorating | p24 |
| Performing Arts | p25 |
| Plumbing | p27 |
| Professional and Popular Music | p28 |
| Professional and Technical Construction | p29 |
| Progression Studies | p31 |
| Public Services | p32 |
| Salon Studies | p33 |
| Skills for Enterprise | p36 |
| Sport | p37 |
| Steps 3 | p38 |
| Steps 4 | p39 |
| Technical Theatre | p40 |
| Wood Occupations – Carpentry, Joinery or Furniture | p42 |
Welcome and Induction Days
Our Welcome and Induction Days for 2021 are scheduled to take place on the 24th, 28th and 29th of June.
Further information about these days is in the process of being finalised and will be communicated out to applicants and schools, as well as being updated on this section, in due course.
Exam results and Advice Days
One of the most exciting – and scary – days of all is when you receive your exam results. This year is slightly different as results days for GCSE, AS, and A level and some vocational qualifications will now take place earlier than in previous years, with results issued in the week of Monday 9th August 2021. This will give extra time for any appeals to be assessed.
Normally students receive their GCSE results in mid to late August, but this year pupils will receive theirs on Thursday 12th August 2021.
For learners looking to study a qualification with an A-level pre-requisite with us, the results day for AS and A2 exams is on Tuesday 10th August 2021.
Current and Returning Students
Information about collecting exam results is currently being finalised and will be communicated in due course. It is important to keep regularly checking your emails for the latest information!
What happens next?
Fingers crossed that all your hard work will have resulted in great results, but if your GCSE or A-level results do not meet the entry requirements or you are still unsure please don’t panic!
Dates for our August Advice Days are currently being finalised and the information in the Advice Day section will be regularly updated with what you need to do next. Once these are confirmed information will be accessible from this page.
Enrolment Information 2021
We have adapted the fully online enrolment process which came into effect during summer 2020 for enrolment for the upcoming academic year.
Although there will be a slightly different process from last year, this will again be reliant on you or your young person checking their emails and following instructions carefully, but also quickly, ensuring that the correct information is provided in a timely manner at each stage. The campuses will not be open for applicants to come in and enrol.
As soon as each stage of the online enrolment process for courses starting in September 2021 is finalised and confirmed, information will be communicated out to applicants and parent / guardians, as well as being accessible via this page.
If you are currently studying on a course with us and are wishing to re-enrol onto the next year or next level for September 2021) you do not need to apply again.
End of year progression boards will be taking place in the summer term and returning students successfully progressing will be automatically re-enrolled.
If you have now successfully enrolled on your new programme, or you returning to a higher level, then we are really excited to see you starting at Colchester Institute in September.
Please read the following information to help you to prepare to start the new academic year.
Your first day at College
After the buzz of enrolment the teaching teams are now reviewing student numbers and putting people into their groups for learning. When this is done you will receive an email to tell you about your First Day including: when this is and what time to arrive; where to go, and what to bring with you. This will also include information about any special kit or equipment that you need for your subject area.
If you are a student who was with us last year and you are progressing onto the next level of your course your first day is most likely to be on either Thursday 3rd September or Friday 4th September.
If this is your first year at Colchester Institute, or you were with us last year but are starting a new subject, then you are most likely to be starting in week commencing 7th September.
Please keep checking your emails for this information, and we will send this out over the next few days.
Life at Colchester Institute
We have been working hard to prepare for students to start attending our campuses, and we have put lots of steps in place to make sure we are offering a really safe place for you to come to. The safety of our students and staff remain our top priority.
Safe campus:
- Social distancing will be required throughout the campus: at least 1m+
- Students will wear face coverings inside buildings, until staff give permission for their removal. This includes in common areas and corridors and some learning spaces.
- A ‘keep left’ system runs in corridors and stairwells.
- High traffic touch points such as door handles will be cleaned regularly, and screens will be installed where necessary
- To maximise space, we will continue to minimise the number of people on campus, with most non-teaching staff continuing to work from home. However, this will not affect the services you can access, or your student experience.
Safe study:
- We plan to hold socially distanced face-to-face teaching sessions which, where relevant, will include practical sessions
- These lessons will benefit from our additional safety measures, and be accompanied by high-quality online teaching, learning activities and resources
- We will provide support on how you can get the most from your online learning and access study skills support
- Our libraries will operate a ‘click and collect’ service, allowing you to collect and return books safely at collection points across the campus
- Study spaces in our libraries can be booked in advance and will have social-distancing and additional safety measures in place
Timetables
We are planning for all students to be in College for at least one full day, and for some of your learning to take place online from home. A small minority of students will attend for more than one day and everyone will be given their timetables during their first day and induction.
For studying from home, we recommend that you have access to mobile data or Wi-Fi / broadband and a laptop, tablet, Mac or Chromebook with an internet connection for this purpose. If you are considering purchasing something for this purpose, then a Chromebook is a reasonably priced option, which will work well with the technology used by the College.
We will continue to monitor Government guidance on social distancing and we aspire to bringing students on campus full time when we are advised that it is safe to do so.
Clinically Vulnerable Students
Students who are Clinically Vulnerable or who have medical conditions
We know that some of you may have been shielding over the last few months and may be anxious about coming to campus if you have a disability or medical condition which means you are clinically extremely vulnerable or clinically vulnerable.
If we are aware of your medical condition you will be sent a health questionnaire so that the College can carry out an individual risk assessment with you.
If you believe that you are in this category and you haven’t received this questionnaire then please email us at als@colchester.ac.uk for more information.
Thank you for reading this, please keep checking your emails for your First Day information, and we really look forward to seeing you on campus very soon.
Our term starts on Wednesday 1st September 2021.
2021-2022 Term Dates
| Term | Date |
|---|
| Autumn | Wednesday 1st September – Friday 22nd October 2021 Half Term: Monday 25th October – Friday 29th October 2021 Monday 1st November – Friday 17th December 2021 |
| Spring | Tuesday 4th January – Friday 11th February 2022 Half Term: Monday 14th February – Friday 18th February 2022 Tuesday 22nd February – Friday 1st April 2022 |
| Summer | Tuesday 19th April – Friday 1st July 2022 |
Please note that the College is closed on Bank Holidays
University Centre Colchester Term Dates 2021 – 2022:
| Semester | Date |
|---|
| Semester 1 | Registration and Induction: Friday 17th September 2021 Semester 1 start: Monday 20th September – Friday 14th January 2022 Reading Week: Monday 25th October – Friday 29th October 2021 Christmas Break: Monday 20th December – Friday 31st December 2021 Semester 1 restart: Assessment/Tutorials/Examinations: Monday 3rd January – Friday 14th January 2022 Inter-Semester Break/Marking: Monday 17th January – Friday 28th January 2022 |
| Semester 2 | Semester 2 start: Monday 31st January – Friday 1st April 2022 Reading Week: Monday 14th February – Friday 18th February 2022 Easter Break: Monday 4th April – Friday 15th April 2022 Semester 2 restart: Monday 19th April – Friday 27th May 2022 Assessment/Tutorials/Examinations: Monday 16th May – Friday 27th May 2022 |
More detailed term dates and our academic calendar can be found here.
