How to apply
Students on the School of Art and Design higher education programme come from all over the United Kingdom, Europe and the rest of the world. Some are young students, coming straight from Foundation, GNVQ and BTEC courses and, in exceptional circumstances, directly from school. Some are mature students, looking for a change of career or starting higher education later, others are professionals, already at work and attending on a negotiated, part-time basis.

For more information concerning all our further education courses contact the Information Centre on 01206 518777.

Applications for higher education programmes
In general, applications for a place on the BA (Hons) is made through the University and Colleges Application system (UCAS) and applications for the University of Essex Higher Certificate and Higher Diploma courses are made directly through Colchester Institute. UCAS handbooks and application forms are available from your school or college or by contacting UCAS direct at: PO Box 6, Fulton House, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham, Gloustershire GL50 3 SH. Telephone: 01242 227788. Applications for University of Essex Higher Certificate and Higher Diploma courses can be made by contacting Art and Design Admissions at Colchester Institute: 01206 518167.

Mature students
Applications from mature students who do not have the formal entry requirements are welcomed. Alternative qualifications or relevant work experience can be taken into account.

Interviews
We interview all applicants for all courses and we normally reserve some places for applicants who do not select Colchester Institute as their first choice. You will be asked to bring a portfolio of work with you. This should contain examples of your own work in different media, normally completed during the previous two years. It can include photographs or slides of large-scale work. It is not essential that all your work is finished. Sketchbooks or other supporting visual and/or written material are always helpful.

Students applying from outside the UK can send images of work on CD (as PDFs, JPEGs or similar) photographs or slides of their work supported by a written statement. Staff at the Information Centre will be pleased to receive enquiries about the courses described in this document.