A small university in Essex specialising in environmental degrees has announced plans to merge with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).
A spokesperson said the restructure would secure a "sustainable future" for Writtle University College (WUC).
WUC revealed an underlying operating deficit of £1.5m in its most recently published financial statement.
The institution has previously spoken of money challenges caused by Brexit, the pandemic and war in Ukraine.
WUC vice chancellor Prof Tim Middleton said: "This proposed merger will provide a sustainable future for further education and higher education at the Writtle campus."
WUC, whose campus covers 180 hectares in Writtle village, was established in 1893 and achieved university college status in 2016.
The degrees include agriculture, animal science, conservation, equine studies and horticulture.
