Overview

If you want to learn from some of the best minds in the world, look no further than the University of Essex, where you can do so in a supportive and research-focused atmosphere. We are ranked 25th in the United Kingdom for the quality of our research, and our groundbreaking discoveries keep making the world a better place (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021). For nearly 50 years, we have been committed to providing world-class learning and research opportunities.

Almost 15,500 students from more than 140 countries make Essex one of the world’s most internationally varied institutions. Join one of the country’s most upbeat student bodies, whether you attend classes in the historic parkland of their Colchester Campus, the lively town center of Southend-on-Sea, or their magnificent mansion in Loughton.

You can now join over 100,000 other graduates who have gone on to change the world and spread the Essex spirit, including Nobel Prize winners, Oscar-winning filmmakers, presidents, beloved performers, and even astronauts.

History

In 1963, Sir Albert Sloman laid the foundation of his vision for a one-of-a-kind research university. Following his vision, the University of Essex in the UK was first established in 1964 as ‘Essex Spirit,’ and Sir Albert Sloman was appointed as its first Vice-Chancellor. In October 1964, Essex Spirit welcomed its first batch of 122 students intrigued by the university’s unique vision.

In the next two years, the student batch size increased to 750 by October 1964, and Lord Butler was appointed as the Chancellor. From 1970 to 1980, the university added a new health center, day nursery, bookstore, and art gallery to the current premises.

In 2015, Essex Business School was established as the UK’s first zero-carbon educational institutional building. In 2019, the University of Essex allied with seven other prestigious UK universities called the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) Alliance.

Rankings and Achievements

  • 54th in the Times University Guide 2023
  • 42nd in the Guardian University Guide 2023
  • 465th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2023
  • 9th in the UK and top 50 in the world for Politics and International Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022)
  • 9th in the UK and 55th in the world for Sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022)

Research quality in modern languages and linguistics ranks third in the United Kingdom (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021). The quality of their research in international relations and politics places them sixth in the United Kingdom (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021). 

For the quality of its research, sociology occupies the seventh spot in the United Kingdom (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021). Ranking #8 in the UK for quality of economics and econometrics research (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Faculties

  • East 15 Acting School
  • Essex Pathways
  • Department of History
  • School of Philosophy and Art History
  • School of Law
  • Edge Hotel School

Courses Offered by University of Essex

The University of Essex Fees

International students can expect to pay £15,023-£21,000. Fee structure may vary depending on the courses and degree program the student selects.

The University of Essex Scholarships

The University of Essex offers various undergraduate scholarships and awards for international students. Some of the most prominent scholarships the University of Essex offers include:

  • Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship
  • Indian Sub-Continent Regional Scholarship (Undergraduate)
  • Europe (Non-European Union) Regional Scholarship
  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship
  • Essex Law Global Partner Scholarship

Are you excited to get enrolled at the University of Essex in the UK for your next degree program? Please reach out to our experts, who will help you with the entire application process and provide you with professional guidance and support.

Student Statistics

  • Undergraduate – 78%

  • Postgraduate – 22%

  • Full-time students – 89%

  • Part-time students – 11%

  • UK students – 69%

  • EU students – 13%

  • International students – 17%

  • Female – 56%

  • Male – 44%

Student Services

The student services at the University of Essex celebrate diversity and multicultural harmony to create a welcoming learning environment for all its students. The University of Essex has students from 140 nationalities and offers more than 30 different cultural societies for them.

The student union at Essex comprises over 15,000 students who wish to seek excellence by being the best student-centered organization in the world. Essex student union revolves around providing constant support and assistance for all. They have set up various pop-ups around the campus to facilitate the students.

Student Life

The University of Essex in the UK has three Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Loughton campuses. The student life at Essex can be defined as culturally rich and colourful. Students at the Colchester campus can choose from a variety of bars and nightclubs to enjoy the nightlife. The town is also known for its arts and culture and is home to the world-renowned Arts Centre and Mercury Theatre.

Southend is famously referred to as ‘London’s playground’ and is home to people worldwide. Students interested in sports and adventure can enjoy sailing, kite surfing, and cycling along the coast. The Southend Campus of the University of Essex offers an exclusive ‘SU Lounge’ that students administrate entirely to provide a safe spot for spending time with friends. The Loughton Campus of the University of Essex is close to London. Students can easily travel to the main city via the Central line train and experience London’s fantastic nightlife.

Accommodation

All new students at the Colchester and Southend campuses of the University of Essex are offered guaranteed accommodation for their first year. On-campus accommodation has 24-hour security to provide round-the-clock safety for all students. Over 16 students can share a flat or apartment offering private rooms and a shared kitchen.

The average accommodation costs for self-catered students range between £100/week to £200+, depending on the choice of accommodation. There are various affordable options for students if they wish not to pay such a hefty amount for accommodation.

The University of Essex holds the prestigious International Accommodation Quality Mark award, with a 90% student satisfaction score from international students living in on-campus accommodation. The University of Essex also holds the rank of the National Student Housing Survey winner in 2009 and finished runner-up in 2010 and 2011.

Transport

Getting around the campus and town is convenient for the University of Essex students. Both Colchester and Southend accommodations are close to the main campus. Students can either walk short or cycle to and from the campus. A secure bike parking facility is also available on campus.

Bus and railway are the ideal means of transport to travel from the Colchester Campus to the town center and London. The Southend Campus is close to the airport and just a short train ride from Central London. The Loughton Campus is close to London and can be accessed via a short train ride. The Debden underground station is just a 5-minute walk from the main campus.

Location

Southend, one of the UK’s safest towns, is home to a second cutting-edge campus for the University of Essex. Harwich Port and all three campuses may be reached within an hour from central London. Newly constructed at the cost of several millions of pounds, the Southend campus can be reached directly from the High Street. The Loughton campus may be reached 35 minutes from Liverpool Street station via the nearby London Tube station, Debden, on the east end of the Central Line, which is only a five-minute walk away.

FAQ

Is it hard to get into the University of Essex?

Essex accepts around 70% of applicants, and the university always works to increase that number. Yet, competition for admission is high, making the academic application procedure critical.

Is Essex suitable for international students?

Historically, Essex has been a welcoming environment for students from all over the world.

Is Essex a part of London?

The ‘Metropolitan Essex’ neighbourhoods of the Greater London Area, including places like Romford and West Ham, make up the major portion of the county.

What is Essex famous for?

The earliest known competition in Britain takes place in Essex. Trials of the Great Dunmow Flitch. This is a reference to the Flitch Trials, an offbeat contest in which married couples compete to discover who can demonstrate the most devotion to one another.

Why is Essex University best?

The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at University of Essex place it among the top ten universities in the UK (Innovate UK). It has joined together with over 300 institutions all around the world to advance education and scientific discovery.

Is University of Essex private or public?

In Colchester, UK, you’ll find the public University of Essex, which conducts scholarly research. In 1963 it first opened its doors to the public.

The University of Essex is a public research university in Essex, England. Established by royal charter in University of Essex ranking, Best courses at the University of Essex, University of Essex law, University of Essex Psychology, the University of Essex postgraduate courses, the University of Essex online courses, University of Essex acceptance rate, University of Essex fees, the University of Essex scholarships Explore our range of scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate, postgraduate and research study degrees, Student life at the University of Essex.

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