History
'A new kind of university… where students could live and learn… and research really mattered' – this was the vision of the first Essex Vice-Chancellor, Sir Albert Sloman. His commitment to research and education remains at the heart of our mission today. In 1964, 122 students arrived on campus for the very first academic year, and in 2024 we celebrated our 60th anniversary.
Education
As a university we are dedicated to excellence in education. We are committed to ‘research-led’ teaching, where every Essex student has direct experience of being a researcher themselves, helping our students develop critical, analytic, and transferable skills.
Across our three faculties of Arts and Humanities, Science and Health, and Social Sciences, a range of innovative teaching initiatives encourage our students to broaden their understanding, develop their analytical skills, and boost their professional confidence. There are lots of ways to study at Essex, from traditional lectures and seminars, field trips and lab-based practicals to webinars and tutorials in the University's virtual learning environment.
Research
At the University of Essex, we are bold, visionary thinkers tackling global challenges. As a dual-intensive university, our research pushes boundaries across disciplines, shaping policy and driving real change. From human rights in the digital age to food security, we address critical issues, challenge conventions, and influence how people think and behave. We've helped governments model economic policies and shaped the global debate on mental health law reform. With top-rated research centres, we rank in the UK’s top 10 for social sciences and top 20 for law, philosophy, and art history (REF 2021). Our interdisciplinary research and commitment to activism make a lasting global impact.
Career
At Essex, we are committed to preparing you for life after graduation, equipping you with the skills and experience to achieve your career goals. Many degrees offer placement years and study abroad options for valuable work experience and global exposure. Most courses include career modules to help you apply academic skills to the workplace, while work-based learning and employer-led projects boost employability. Access CareerHub for job searches, workshops, and advice, and Essex Startups provides support for those wanting to launch their own businesses. You can also gain paid jobs, internships, and log achievements through Chart My Path and The Big Essex Award.
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
351 -50
2024
301
2023
301
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
472 -13
2024
459 6
2023
465
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
501 -100
2023
401
2022
401
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
606 27
2023
633
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
University life can raise all sorts of questions and concerns. If you need advice, support, or information to stay healthy and succeed, we’ve got you covered. Our Student Services Hub offers help with registration, accommodation, funding, documentation, IT services, health and wellbeing, and more. Whether it’s exam stress or course-related concerns, our team of experts is ready to provide confidential support and practical advice. Your questions matter, and we’re here to ensure you have the answers and support needed to thrive during your time at Essex.
Housing services
We offer guaranteed on-campus accommodation for all first-year students, with the option to lock in your accommodation for the full duration of your course. Live at the heart of a vibrant campus community where shared values and diverse interests thrive. Your rent includes Wi-Fi, heating, hot water, contents insurance, electricity, and communal area cleaning. At Colchester Campus, you'll also receive an Essex Sport Silver membership. Rooms are let for the full academic year, so there's no need to clear out during the winter and spring vacations. We offer a variety of accommodation types, including single-gender flats, adapted rooms, studios, and more.
Library services
Our Library Services teams are based across all three campuses: Colchester, Loughton, and Southend. Our teams provide access to top-tier educational resources, diverse learning environments, and specialist support. With award-winning customer service, we offer multiple contact options, including live chat, phone, and email, plus one-on-one librarian appointments.
ICT services
The Colchester Campus offers over 800 computers, scanners, and printers in IT labs, with help from the IT helpdesk for any issues or free software. The Forum at Southend is a modern library with study spaces, IT resources, and free Wi-Fi. Loughton Campus features a new IT suite with PCs, free internet, printing, and Wi-Fi.
Medical services
We have a range of healthcare services covering everything from access to medical help, transport and mobility, and academic assistance for those with particular needs. Our Colchester Campus has its own health centre offering NHS services and is located behind Rayleigh Tower on the north side of campus. The centre is operated by our NHS partners Rowhedge Surgery.
Campus life
Our Colchester Campus, set within 200 acres of parkland, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and located just a short distance from Colchester city centre. It's a vibrant hub with a weekly street market, international cultural celebrations, and a diverse community of staff and students from over 140 countries.
The Southend Campus, in the heart of a lively seaside city, offers modern facilities and a close-knit international community.
The Loughton Campus, home to East 15 students, is located in a leafy suburb near Epping Forest, just a short tube ride from the West End of London.
Sports facilities
Colchester Campus offers 50 acres of outdoor sports areas, including an 18-hole disc golf course and all-weather tennis courts. The Sport Arena features 23 courts and seating for 1,655 spectators, with a climbing wall at the sports centre. With an on-campus gym, fitness classes, and the Active Campus programme, there’s something for everyone. As an FA Women's High Performance Football Centre and partner with Essex Cricket, we support top-level sports. Southend offers activities like kitesurfing, and our SU Just Play programme offers free social sports. Over 40 sports clubs form the Essex Blades, and the Essex Rebels are our professional volleyball and basketball teams. We offer Performance Sport scholarships.
Student clubs
Your free Students’ Union (SU) membership is the key to getting the most out of your time at Essex. University is your chance to explore your passions, meet new people, and make lifelong friends. With over 40 sports clubs and 60 societies, the VTeam voluntary group, Rebel student media, and community groups, there’s something for everyone. University life can be a rollercoaster, but as an Essex SU member, you’re never alone. We offer support on welfare, housing, and academic guidance through student reps and our education team. Your SU is here to help you settle in with events, tours, and mixers to make you feel at home.
Accreditation
We take pride in our strong connections with leading professional bodies and industry associations. Many of our courses hold professional accreditation, providing exemptions from certain exams and allowing you to earn qualifications faster. This not only saves time but also gives your career a head start, helping you transition into a professional role more quickly and confidently.
