ANGLIA Ruskin University and Writtle University College have announced their plans to merge, aiming to secure a prosperous future and create new opportunities for growth and development in education and research.
Writtle University College, known for its excellence in land-based studies, offers a range of postgraduate, undergraduate, and short courses.
The institution's campus, located on the outskirts of Chelmsford, includes a working farm, a specialized small animal unit, and an equine centre.
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ARU, situated in the heart of Chelmsford, has experienced substantial growth in recent years and is currently home to over 10,000 students.
The campus accommodates the School of Medicine, one of the newest medical schools in the United Kingdom.
The university excels in fields such as health sciences, animal science, sport science, and sustainability.
The proposed merger will leverage ARU's academic expertise to support and expand education and research at Writtle, ultimately enhancing the student experience and creating opportunities for new courses.
Under the merger, the Writtle estate will become ARU Writtle and join 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, benefitting from the broader resources of ARU.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of ARU, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger.
He said: "We are delighted to announce our intention to merge with Writtle University College.
"With our shared values, considerable resources and geographical proximity, we are uniquely positioned to sustain and build on Writtle University College’s excellent reputation and vision.
"I look forward to achieving sustained growth and continued success at both Higher Education and Further Education levels."
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Professor Tim Middleton, Vice Chancellor of Writtle University College, said: "This proposed merger will provide a sustainable future for higher education at the Writtle campus.
"It ensures continued provision of our specialist courses and a commitment to support the development of the estate for the benefit of students, staff, and the wider community."
The merger is subject to the approval of education regulators, after which the two institutions intend to enter into a legally binding agreement to proceed with the merger.
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