Writtle University College (near Chelmsford, Essex) is one of the largest land-baseduniversity colleges in the UK; it is also one of the oldest.[citation needed] Set in the Essex countryside on a 220 hectare estate, Writtle, previously known as Writtle College provides FE and HE programmes. It also offers apprenticeships and short courses. Writtle was awarded University College status in May 2016.[3]