University of Essex
United Kingdom
University of Essex
Colchester, United Kingdom
Founded
1964
Institution Type
Public Research University
Nationalities
140+
Campuses
3
University of Essex: A Bold and Research-Intensive Institution
University of Essex: A Bold and Research-Intensive Institution
The University of Essex is a public research university established by royal charter in 1965, and is one of the original plate glass universities in the United Kingdom. Its primary campus is set within the beautiful grounds of Wivenhoe Park in Colchester, with additional campuses in Southend-on-Sea and Loughton.
Essex has built a strong international reputation, particularly in the social sciences, with students from more than 140 countries forming one of the most diverse university communities in the UK. The university was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards in 2018 and holds two Queen's Anniversary Prizes for its work in human rights and social and economic research.
The university is organised into three faculties comprising 21 schools and departments, spanning the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science and Health. Essex is a centre of research excellence, with 90.4% of its research impact rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Key Milestones
- 1964: University of Essex opens with 122 students at Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, under founding Vice-Chancellor Sir Albert Sloman.
- 1987: Essex alumnus Oscar Arias wins the Nobel Peace Prize; Martin Harris appointed as second Vice-Chancellor.
- 2015: Essex Business School opens as the UK's first zero-carbon business school building.
- 2018: Named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Essex is organised into three faculties that oversee teaching, academic development, and research across 21 schools and departments. The university has particular strengths in social sciences, with five subjects ranked in the UK top 10 for research power, and offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes.
Faculty of Social Sciences
Home to some of Essex's most highly ranked departments, the Faculty of Social Sciences covers economics, politics, sociology, law, and business. It includes the renowned Essex Business School and the Department of Government, which holds a Regius Professorship.
- BSc Economics
- LLB Law
- BA Politics
Faculty of Science and Health
Students in this faculty develop skills to address global issues across biological sciences, computer science, engineering, mathematics, psychology, and health. The faculty houses cutting-edge research centres including the Centre for Brain Science.
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Psychology
- BEng Electronic Engineering
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Offering a research-led student experience, this faculty covers literature, history, philosophy, art history, linguistics, and creative writing. Essex is ranked in the top 20 for research excellence in Philosophy and Art History.
- BA English Literature
- BA Philosophy
- BA History
Essex Business School
Housed in the UK's first zero-carbon business school building, Essex Business School offers programmes in accounting, finance, management, and marketing. The school features a virtual Bloomberg trading floor and emphasises sustainable and ethical business practices.
- BSc Accounting and Finance
- MBA (The Essex MBA)
- MSc Management
East 15 Acting School
Based in Loughton on the edge of east London, East 15 is one of the UK's leading drama schools, founded from Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop tradition. It has been ranked first in the UK for drama by multiple national guides.
- BA Acting
- BA Stage and Production Management
- MFA Theatre Directing
Edge Hotel School
The first hotel school in the UK with a fully commercial four-star country house hotel on campus, Edge Hotel School allows students to gain practical skills while undertaking academic study. It achieved first in the UK for student satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey.
- BA Hotel Management
- BA Events Management
- BA Hospitality Management
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationA-levels (ABB typical), IB Diploma, or equivalent international qualifications
- English LanguageIELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component) for most courses
- Application MethodApply through UCAS
- Application FeeGBP 28.50 (via UCAS for multiple choices)
- Tuition Fee DepositRequired for international students needing a Student Visa
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationBachelor's degree with minimum 2:2 or equivalent (varies by programme)
- English LanguageIELTS 6.5 overall (5.5 in each component) for most courses
- Application MethodApply directly via the University of Essex online portal
- Application FeeNo application fee for postgraduate programmes
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, personal statement, references, and CV
Deadline for undergraduate applications to be guaranteed equal consideration by all universities.
Last date for undergraduate applications through UCAS; some courses may still have availability.
Most postgraduate programmes accept applications on a rolling basis until places are filled.
Scholarship deadlines vary by award. Students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for available funding.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The University of Essex offers competitive tuition fees with a range of scholarships and bursaries for both home and international students. Fees vary by programme and level of study, so students should check the specific fee for their chosen course on the university website.
| Fee Category | Home/UK Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | Contact university for current data |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university for current data | GBP 21,700 - GBP 26,250 |
| Postgraduate Research (per year) | Contact university for current data | GBP 17,050 - GBP 19,740 |
| Accelerated Degree (per year) | GBP 11,440 | GBP 24,550 |
| Total | Varies by programme and duration | Varies by programme and duration |
Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship for international postgraduate students who have achieved a first-class degree or equivalent, offering a tuition fee discount to support self-funding students.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 5,000
- Eligibility: Self-funding international students with a first-class undergraduate degree
- Application: Automatic consideration upon meeting eligibility criteria
South Asia Regional Scholarship
A regional scholarship specifically for students from South Asian countries, providing a tuition fee discount for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Award Value: GBP 4,000
- Eligibility: Students from South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
- Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Essex operates across three campuses in the county of Essex, each offering distinct facilities and learning environments. The main Colchester campus at Wivenhoe Park spans 200 acres of parkland and is one of the most internationally diverse campuses in the UK.
The main campus set in 200 acres of Wivenhoe Park, featuring iconic Brutalist architecture, 16 academic departments, and comprehensive student facilities.
Located in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, this campus houses the Essex Business School, health sciences departments, and the Forum student centre.
Home to the renowned East 15 Acting School, situated on the edge of east London with dedicated theatre and studio spaces.
Housing and Dining
Accommodation
All students at the Colchester campus are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the duration of their studies, with all bills included in the rent.
- Self-catered flats with 6-13 rooms
- En-suite and shared bathroom options
- University Quays and student village residences
Campus Facilities
The Colchester campus features a wide range of academic, social, and recreational facilities including shops, banks, a theatre, and a cinema.
- Albert Sloman Library and Silberrad Student Centre
- Sports centre with over 20 indoor courts
- Lakeside Theatre and Cine10 on-campus cinema
Student Life at the University of Essex
Student Life at the University of Essex
Student life at Essex is vibrant and diverse, shaped by a community of students from over 140 countries. The Students' Union supports a wide range of clubs, societies, and social events that help students make the most of their university experience.
Location: Colchester and Essex
Location: Colchester and Essex
Colchester, Essex
Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town, with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Located in the southeast of England, it offers a mix of historical attractions, cultural venues, and modern shopping and dining, all within easy reach of London by train.
London Access
Colchester is approximately one hour from London Liverpool Street by train, providing easy access to the capital's cultural attractions and career opportunities.
Coastal Proximity
The campus is close to the seaside towns of Clacton, Frinton, and Southend-on-Sea, offering beaches and water sports during the warmer months.
International Airports
London Stansted Airport is the nearest major airport, with London Gatwick and Heathrow accessible via train or the M25 motorway for worldwide flights.
Historic Town Centre
Colchester boasts a Norman castle, Roman walls, theatres, museums, art galleries, and a lively nightlife scene in the town centre.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Alumni and Employers
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The university provides dedicated immigration advice and support for international students, including assistance with Student Visa applications and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Essex offers a comprehensive Welcome Week programme for international students, including airport pickup services, orientation events, and social activities to help you settle in.
Pre-sessional English courses and in-sessional language support are available to help international students meet English language requirements and develop academic writing skills.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Essex Worldwide Rankings
University of Essex Worldwide Rankings
The University of Essex is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally, with particular strengths in social sciences, politics, sociology, and law. The university has shown significant improvement in national rankings in recent years.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Politics and International Studies | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 50 |
| Law and Social Sciences | THE World Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Computer Science | REF 2021 Research Power (UK) | Top 10 |
Features
Established in 1964, the University of Essex operates as a prominent higher education institution. Currently, the university provides academic instruction to a diverse student body consisting of 15,724 individuals across various undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines. To maintain high academic standards and support extensive research initiatives, the institution employs a dedicated faculty comprising 1,119 academic staff members. The educational framework is explicitly designed to foster a rigorous academic environment, directly supported by this robust ratio of enrolled students to academic professionals. Since its inception, the institution has continuously expanded its academic offerings and campus facilities to accommodate the growing number of scholars. The integration of thousands of students and a substantial academic workforce highlights the institutional commitment to global education, comprehensive graduate programs, and advanced research methodologies.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
October - August
4 week
Location
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, Birleşik Krallık
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