University profile

University of Essex

Colchester, South East, United Kingdom

About

Why study at University of Essex?

The University of Essex is a public research university founded in 1964 on the Wivenhoe Park estate outside Colchester. It has a strong social science tradition, with reputations in economics, politics, sociology, law and human rights, and hosts the UK Data Archive. Its Southend campus closed in August 2026, with those courses moving to Colchester.

At a glance

University of Essex in numbers

407Courses to apply to
2Campuses
1964Founded
#438QS World Ranking 2027
351–375THE World Ranking 2027
£20k–£25kTypical first-year fee
#23Guardian 2027
#42THE REF ranking 2021
18,500Students

Course finder

Search 407 courses at University of Essex

Filter by subject or study level, then open a course for campuses, intakes and entry requirements.

407 courses across 3 study levels. Fees are for the first year.

Rankings

How it ranks

#438

QS World University Rankings 2027

351–375

Times Higher Education World Rankings 2027

#23

The Guardian University Guide 2027

#42

Times Higher Education REF Rankings 2021

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Campus life

Gallery

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Where you'll study

Campus locations

Colchester Campus

The main campus set in the parkland of Wivenhoe Park, about two miles from Colchester town centre, housing most departments and student accommodation.

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Funding

Scholarships

Ask your counsellor which of these you may be eligible for — they'll confirm the details before you apply.

International Undergraduate Scholarship
International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship
Global Talent Masters Scholarship
Undergraduate EU Scholarship
International Student Accommodation Discount
Early Bird Discount

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