- Public research university
- Established in 1965
- 15,000+ students from 140 countries
- Very international staff and student body – around 40% from outside the UK
- Home to bold and ambitious students – traditionally a very liberal institution
- Students are encouraged to challenge convention and to make a difference
- World leading in social science and a very strong business school
- Home to one of the biggest Model UN societies in the UK
- Gold for Teaching Excellence by TEF since 2017
- UK University of The Year 2018 – Times Higher Education Awards
- Queen’s Anniversary Prize on two occasions for advancing Human Rights in 2009 and Social and Economic Research in 2017
Location
- 3 campuses in Essex – south east England
- Essex is known for its 350 mile coast line, many historic towns and villages, direct transport links to London, six airports within 2 hours of the main campus, living costs are significantly lower than London, and the climate is one of the warmest and driest in the UK.
- Colchester campus – the oldest and largest, set in 200 acres of parkland, very safe, 1 hour from London by train
- Loughton campus – home to the East 15 Acting School, creative and artistic vibe, direct transport links to the West End Theatre District
- Southend-on-Sea campus – near the beach, home to around 1000 students, very vibrant and modern, around 55 minutes by train to London
Academic
- Most degrees are 3 years
- 3 academic faculties: Faculty of Humanities / Faculty of Science and Health / Faculty of Social Sciences
- 21 schools and departments
- Three flagship institutes: Human Rights Centre, the Institute for Analytics and Data Science and the Institute for Social and Economic Research
- Notable departments: Law School, Business School, Department of Government, Department of Sociology, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
- Apply specifically for a course – though there are quite a few flexible options such as the 3 year Liberal Arts, 3 year Social Sciences, and many joint degree options
- Students are really encouraged to get involved in and out of the classroom
- Very prestigious East 15 Acting School – very serious students. Admission is largely based on audition. 9-5 / Monday-Friday.
- Edge Hotel School has its own hotel on campus – the Uk’s first working hotel school
- 300+ international partnerships – study abroad and international work placements are very strongly encouraged
- Students can spend a whole year abroad and then complete a 4 year degree – this is heavily subsidised and students only pay 15% of their tuition fee for the year abroad.
- Many dual degree options
- Language learning is promoted and there are free classes for many languages
- Data Science for All – free add on classes to help students develop additional skills
- Emphasis on ensuring students are highly employable – work placements, guest lectures, field trips, conferences, part times jobs, dedicated career services and student development team
Application
- Apply through UCAS
- Typical entry requirements: A Level = BBB / IB = 30 minimum / ACT 23 + high school diploma with GPA 3.0 / SAT 1100 + high school diploma with GPA 3.0 / 3 APTs with 2 at 3 or above and one at 4 or above
- Essex accept many different international qualifications in addition to the above
Finances
- International fees: £16,850 – 19,670
- A number of scholarships are available – use the Scholarship Finder on the website
- Regional scholarships, IB Scholarship (£2,000 for 34+ points), Sports scholarships for national or regional competitors, department specific scholarships, etc.
Accommodation
- Undergraduate international students are currently guaranteed accommodation for the duration of their course
- Mixture of ensuite and shared bathroom options
- Mainly single occupancy rooms
- High speed internet is included
- Communal areas are cleaned
- Prices range from £105.21 – £216.72 per week
Activities
- 130+ student societies
- 50+ sports teams – state of the art gym and sports arena, including a climbing wall
- Very active Student Union – owned by the students
- Annual social events – Welcome Week, Christmas Market, Holi Festival, and many more
- Lots of cultural activities and international societies
- Part time jobs and volunteering are also really encouraged
- Theatre on each campus, live music events, film screenings, and exhibitions at the Art Exchange
- Student newspaper, radio and TV
- Learning and study skills support, peer mentors, personal tutors,
Skills for Success team offer support with writing, maths, digital skills, research and referencing, and English Language skills - Nightline – Essex was the flagship university for this service. Offers out-of-hours support from trained counsellors and trained students
- A range of other wellbeing services are on offer – in person and online: mindfulness and wellness activities, counselling and mentoring, financial support, NHS Medical Centre, multi faith chaplaincy
Visit the University of Essex website
Email: admit@essex.ac.uk
Insta: @uniessex
