Writtle's new name was chosen following a consultation of alumni, college governors and external stakeholders. The college also has a new logo and is due to change over its signage and business printed collateral on 22 August, ahead of a launch event on 1 September.
PR manager Victor Perez-Mares said: "It’s really exciting times, it’s a new chapter in the long-term history of the college. It’s a celebration of the hard work that we’ve done over the years.
"We’ve been busy informing all our relevant stakeholders, local partners, local government and elected representatives of the change. I think it will have a positive impact.
"The college was very well established and reputable. This next step should only reinforce that everything we do here at Writtle is of the highest standard and that our students are at the heart of everything that we do."
Writtle has been teaching undergraduate and post-graduate degrees for two decades but the actual degrees have been awarded by The University of Essex. Last year The Privy Council has written to the college to confirm that it has been granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP).
Students joining degree programs this autumn will be the last group receiving degrees from the University of Essex. Those enrolling onto Higher Education Certificates and postgraduate taught Masters in 2017 will be the first to graduate with the new degrees during the University College’s 125th year in 2018. The first bachelor’s degrees will be awarded in 2020.
The college currently runs Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in horticulture, landscape and garden design and landscape architecture, Master of Science (MSc) degrees in horticulture, sustainable land management under global change, postharvest technology and Master of Arts (MA) in landscape architecture and garden design, alongside Diplomas of Higher Education and Certificates of Higher Education within these fields.
Writtle University College is located on a 220 hectare campus near Chelmsford, Essex.
Dr Stephen Waite, who has been Principal of Writtle since 2013, said: "This is a magnificent achievement and I am absolutely delighted with the outcome. Not only for ourselves, but also for the city of Chelmsford and the county of Essex as it will further enhance the profile of education within the region."
"It represents the successful culmination of a long arduous process that has involved the efforts of many colleagues. This recognition reflects our ambition as a high-quality provider of Further and Higher Education."
