University of Essex

University of Essex students talking inside campus

University of Essex

A forward-thinking, lively international environment. The University of Essex offers high-quality teaching on a beautiful campus, not far from London. 

Why choose the University of Essex?

Top 25 in the UK overall 

Guardian University Guide 2025 

Top 20 in the world for international outlook 

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

4th in the UK for teaching effectiveness 

Guardian University Guide 2025

The University of Essex is highly ranked in many subjects, giving you the chance to advance your education in a field you love. 

Ready to find a degree at the University of Essex? 

7th  

in the UK for Biology

Guardian University Guide 2025
7th  

in the UK for Economics

Guardian University Guide 2025 
12th  

in the UK for International Relations

Guardian University Guide 2025
25th 

in the UK for Mathematics

Guardian University Guide 2025

Take a closer look at the University of Essex


Here’s why our students love Essex

Essex offers the best of both worlds: beautiful countryside, seaside and towns, within easy reach of metropolitan London. 

Students in sciences class at the University of Essex

Impatient to start working towards your future? Essex is the place for you! 

Critical thinkers and changemakers are welcomed here.  

Your route to the University of Essex 

If you want to study at the University of Essex but don’t yet meet the entry requirements, then you can take a degree preparation course at our on-campus International College and progress to the University. 

If you do meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can choose to study a degree online.

OPTION 1

On campus

University of Essex International College 

  • On-campus degree preparation courses 
  • Live and study on the University’s Colchester campus from day one 
  • Guaranteed entry to a University of Essex degree* 

OPTION 2

Online

Degree preparation online

  • Study a degree preparation course online with Kaplan Pathways
  • Guaranteed entry to your chosen on-campus University of Essex bachelor’s or master’s degree*
  • Explore your degree options via digital degree preparation on our Degree Finder

OPTION 3

Online 

Degree online with the University of Essex

  • Online bachelor’s or master’s degree from the University of Essex 
  • Study a degree remotely if you meet entry requirements

*When you pass your degree preparation course at the required level with good attendance. 

Life on campus

The main Colchester Campus is just 3 kilometres from the city centre. The Southend Campus is located in the heart of the seaside city of Southend. 

The University of Essex is a forward-thinking institution with cutting-edge facilities and award-winning teaching. 

Silver award 

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

17,800+  

students from more than 140 countries 

200 acres 

of parkland on campus 

3rd in the UK 

for investment in student facilities (Complete University Guide 2025) 

88% of graduates 

are in employment or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021) 

Top 30 in the UK  

for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2024) 

Download useful information

(5 MB, PDF) 

Includes:

  • University of Essex brochure 
  • Degree preparation course information 
  • University of Essex flyer 

Any other questions?

Where is Essex – is it near London? 

Essex is a UK county in the south-east of England. It takes less than one hour to reach London by train from Colchester, where the University of Essex’s main campus is located. 


What can I do at Essex? 

When you’re not studying, you can explore all that Essex has to offer! From fish and chips by the seaside to nights out in Colchester, you can experience life in Essex like a local. At the University, you can get involved with lots of different clubs and societies — it’s a chance to meet new people and enjoy the activities that interest you most. 


Is Essex a good place for international students? 

Yes! The University of Essex is one of the most diverse universities in the UK. Its international community of students and staff is celebrated, with over 140 nationalities represented. You’ll be able to share your culture with others while learning about perspectives that are different from your own.  

Smile, Face, Head
The international community at Essex