We are delighted to announce the proposed merger of Writtle University College and Anglia Ruskin University. The proposed merger will secure a long-term, sustainable future for Writtle, and unlock significant opportunities for growth and development by bringing together the two institutions' strengths across education and research.
Now in its 130th year and located on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Writtle University College is one of the UK's leading institutions for land-based studies.
It offers postgraduate, undergraduate, Further Education and short courses in the areas of agriculture and animal sciences, with students benefiting from a working farm, a specialist small animal unit and an equine centre based on campus. Writtle has also developed a range of degree programmes in applied life sciences, sport, and health subjects.
ARU's campus in the heart of Chelmsford has grown strongly over recent years, and is now home to over 10,000 students, mainly studying a range of health, business, engineering, and law courses. The campus also houses the School of Medicine, one of the UK's newest medical schools.
ARU's academic expertise in fields including health sciences, animal science, sport science and sustainability will help to support and grow both education and research at Writtle, improving the experience and outcomes for students and creating opportunities for new courses.
The Writtle estate will operate under the campus name ARU Writtle, taking its place alongside ARU Chelmsford, ARU Cambridge, ARU Peterborough, and ARU London. Writtle's full range of Higher and Further Education courses will continue to be delivered on site, supported and enhanced by the wider resources of ARU.
As you would expect, we are working together to produce a comprehensive implementation plan, and will be consulting widely with staff, students and stakeholders. Subject to the approval of education regulators, we will then enter a legally binding agreement to proceed with the merger.
With our shared values, considerable resources and geographical proximity we are looking forward to achieving sustained growth and continued success at both Higher Education and Further Education levels at the Writtle campus.
| Professor Tim Middleton Vice Chancellor Writtle University College | Professor Roderick Watkins Vice Chancellor Anglia Ruskin University |