The region's last stand-alone provider of further and higher level land-based education is set to merge.
Chelmsford-based Writtle University College has announced plans to join forces with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) "to secure a long-term, sustainable future".
Land-based educational institutions in the region have faced challenges in recent years.
Easton and Otley College - operating across campuses Norfolk and Suffolk - was split up in January 2020 and brought under the wings of City College Norwich and Suffolk New College respectively.
That followed a previous merger of Easton College and Otley College - which had previously operated independently - in 2012.
Writtle said its merger with ARU will "secure the long-term future for Writtle University College’s campus".
Bosses at Writtle and Anglia Ruskin expressed delight at the move.
Writtle vice chancellor Professor Tim Middleton said: “This proposed merger will provide a sustainable future for Further Education and 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.
"ARU has extensive expertise and resources, and is able to promote Writtle’s unique strengths to a wide, international audience.”
Writtle said joining ARU would unlock "significant opportunities for growth and development" by bringing together the two institutions’ strengths across education and research.
The institution, which dates back 130 years, offers postgraduate, undergraduate, Further Education and short courses in agriculture and animal sciences - and has a working farm.
There is also a specialist small animal unit and an equine centre based on campus. Other degree programmes include applied life sciences, sport, and health subjects.
ARU has more than 10,000 students, mainly studying a range of health, business, engineering, and law courses. The campus houses the School of Medicine, one of the UK’s newest medical schools.
Under the plans, the Writtle estate will operate under the campus name ARU Writtle alongside ARU Chelmsford, ARU Cambridge, ARU Peterborough, and ARU London.
ARU vice chancellor Professor Roderick Watkins said: “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."
The two institutions are consulting on an implementation plan.
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