About University of Essex
The University of Essex is a progressive university with campuses in Colchester, Southend, and Loughton, known for social sciences, data analytics, human rights, and creative arts with a vibrant international student body.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 18,500 total students
- • 6,500 international students
- • 160 student societies
Location
- • Located in Colchester
- • Public university
- • Established 1963
Subject Rankings
Drama, Dance & Film (2024)
20Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, MBA, Integrated Masters
Popular Subjects
Politics and Human RightsEconomics and FinanceComputer Science and Data AnalyticsPsychologyActing and Theatre Arts
Student-Staff Ratio
15 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Social Sciences
Government, Economics, Sociology, Law, Essex Business School
Faculty of Science and Health
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Life Sciences, Psychology, Health and Social Care
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
East 15 Acting School, Literature, Film, and Theatre, History, Languages and Linguistics
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: Typical offers BBB-BBC at A level or 29-32 IB points; contextual offers available for certain regions.
Alternatives: BTEC DDM, International Year One with 60% overall
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 80
Personal statement referencing extracurricular impact • Portfolio or audition for creative subjects
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK 2:2 honours degree or equivalent; 2:1 required for research-intensive programmes.
GPA: 0
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 90
Research proposal for PhD and professional doctorates • CV and two references
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £16,000
- Postgraduate: £16,000
- Foundation: £16,500
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £6,100
- Food: £2,000
- Transport: £700
- Entertainment: £900
- Other: £800
- Total: £10,500
Scholarships
Essex Global Partner Scholarship
InternationalValue: £3,000 (Tuition fee discount)
Students progressing from approved pathway or partner institutions • Firmly accept Essex offer • Personal statement demonstrating community impact
Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship
MeritValue: £5,000 (Partial)
First-class or equivalent undergraduate degree • Full-time master's applicant • Self-funded
Deadline: 2025-07-01
Campus & Facilities
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ
200-acre parkland campus with lake, award-winning Albert Sloman Library, and brutalist architecture near Colchester
Size: 200 acres
Facilities
Academic
Albert Sloman Library, STEM Centre, Silberrad Student Centre, iLab
Arts
Lakeside Theatre, Art Exchange gallery, Music studios
Accommodation
North and South Towers
Flats in the iconic towers with en-suite rooms, communal kitchens, and dedicated social areas.
Cost: £138 - £195 (per week)
All bills included • Residence Life team • Study spaces
Distance: On campus
Contract: 40-50 weeks
The Meadows townhouses
Townhouse-style living near the Sports Arena with double beds and large communal lounges.
Cost: £160 - £230 (per week)
Superfast Wi-Fi • Contents insurance • Bike storage
Distance: 5-minute walk
Contract: 39-51 weeks
Accommodation guaranteed for international first-year students who accept their offer and apply by 31 July via the student portal.
Meet-and-greet at Heathrow, coach transfers to campus, bedding packs, and weekly drop-ins for private renting advice.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 160
Teams: 40
Cultural Activities
- Welcome Week Carnival — Every September
- Global Village Festival — Annually
- East 15 Showcases — Termly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@essex.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)1206 872125
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
120
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 76%
Further study: 13%
Unemployed: 6%
Average Salary
£25,500
annual
Top Employers
BTWillis Towers WatsonEssex County CouncilNHSCivil ServiceEY
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
London Stansted Airport
54 km • 45 minutes by coach
Public Transport
- Rail: Hythe and Colchester stations connect to London Liverpool Street in under 60 minutes • £32 off-peak return
- Bus: Arriva and First buses link campus, Colchester town centre, and seaside towns • £46 termly student pass
Local Area
Colchester combines Roman heritage, riverside parks, and easy trips to London, Cambridge, and the Essex coastline.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Colchester Castle, Dedham Vale, Mersea Island
Shopping: Culver Square shopping centre, Colchester Market, Independent cafes in Wivenhoe
Entertainment: Firstsite gallery, Mercury Theatre, Live music at Colchester Arts Centre
Additional Information
Metadata
Source: University of Essex Prospectus 2024/25, UCAS, HESA, Graduate Outcomes
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: No
Contact Email: data@ukuni.io