
The University of Essex is a diverse and international university with students from over 140 countries. It has expanded significantly since its first academic year in 1964, when 122 students enrolled. Now, the university delivers a transformational education to more than 19,000 students, with over 17,000 students on Essex programmes across its three campuses. The university has a strategic plan to expand to around 15,000 students and aims to have around 1,000 academics working on important issues. Essex has been recognised for its excellence in research and education, winning the Queen's Anniversary Prize on two occasions and being named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards in 2018.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of students | More than 19,000 |
| Number of students on Essex programmes | 17,800+ |
| Number of students from outside the UK | A third of the students |
| Number of countries students come from | 140+ |
| Number of global higher education institution partnerships | 100+ |
| Number of campuses | 3 |
| Number of faculties | 3 |
| Number of schools and departments | 20 |
| Number of alumni | 125,000+ |
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What You'll Learn

The University of Essex has over 17,000 students
The University of Essex has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The largest campus is in Colchester, the UK's oldest recorded town, set in beautiful historic parkland. The Southend campus is located in the bustling city centre of Southend-on-Sea, while the Loughton campus is just a five-minute walk from the Debden London Underground station. All three campuses are within an hour's journey of London and offer a range of accommodation options, with guaranteed housing for first-year and international students.
The University of Essex has a strong focus on research and has invested in expanding its research community. The university provides a supportive and research-intensive environment, with world-leading academics teaching across a range of faculties and departments. Essex's courses offer flexibility and module diversity, allowing students to pursue their interests and passions. The university also has a variety of societies and sports teams, catering to different student interests.
The University of Essex has a rich history, dating back to the 1960s, and has produced notable alumni, including Nobel Prize laureates, a head of state, senior governors, politicians, award-winning directors, and well-loved actors. The university has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards in 2018 and receiving the Queen's Anniversary Prize on two occasions for its contributions to advancing human rights and social and economic research.
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Essex University is one of the most diverse
The University of Essex is one of the most diverse universities in the UK. With over 17,800 students on Essex programmes across its three campuses, Essex has a diverse and international student community. The university holds partnerships with more than 100 global higher education institutions, and its students represent 140 nationalities and over 30 cultures from around the world.
Essex's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its recognition and celebration of various nationalities, cultures, faiths, and identities within its community. The university has a strong network of groups and societies that foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all its members. It also provides various resources and support services for students and staff, addressing issues related to access and disability. Essex has been recognised for its efforts in promoting equality and diversity, including its participation in initiatives such as the Athena SWAN Charter and the Equality Challenge Unit’s Race Equality Charter.
The university's student charter further emphasises its commitment to diversity and community strengthening. Essex values and respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students and staff, encouraging behaviours that strengthen the community bonds. The university's global outlook is also reflected in its study abroad scheme, which offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures through exchange programmes and summer placements.
In addition to its diverse student body, Essex also attracts leading academics from around the world. The university's staff comprises over 25% of individuals from outside the UK, contributing to its international reputation and perspective. Essex's strategic plan for expansion and its commitment to ""research-led"" teaching further demonstrate its dedication to providing a transformational education that embraces diversity and fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and a global mindset.
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It has three campuses
The University of Essex is a public research university established in 1965. It has three campuses in the county of Essex, in Southend-on-Sea, Loughton, and Colchester, with the latter being the primary campus. The Colchester Campus, set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland, is the largest of the three, housing 15,000 students from over 130 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse campuses globally. It is located just two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester, England's oldest recorded development, and is easily accessible from London and Stansted Airport, both within an hour's reach. The campus offers a wide range of facilities, accommodation options, and a vibrant student life, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
The Southend Campus witnessed the opening of the Gateway Building in 2007, providing a space for the Essex Business School, East 15 Acting School, and the School of Health and Social Care. Additionally, the university transformed a former church into the Clifftown Studios, offering theatre, studio, and workshop spaces for East 15 students. The Southend Campus also contributes significantly to the local economy, with an impact valued at £55 million.
The Loughton Campus is one of the original plate glass universities established between 1961 and 1965. It is home to the Edge Hotel School, the first of its kind in the UK, offering students a unique opportunity to gain practical skills in a fully commercial four-star country house hotel environment while pursuing their academic studies. The School has established notable partnerships, such as with the O2 Arena for live projects and the BRIT Awards for student work experience.
Together, the three campuses of the University of Essex cater to over 17,800 students enrolled in Essex programmes, contributing to the university's ranking as one of the top 25 universities in the UK. The university's diverse student community, global partnerships, and commitment to research-led teaching make it a dynamic and internationally renowned institution.
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The university has a high international student percentage
The University of Essex is a diverse academic community with over 17,000 students from more than 140 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse universities in the world. The university has a high percentage of international students, with about a third of its students coming from outside the UK. Essex's student population is spread across three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. Colchester, the largest campus, is located in the UK's oldest recorded city and offers a range of accommodation options, including a guarantee of university-owned accommodation for all international students for the duration of their studies. The university also provides an airport service from selected London airports to the Colchester campus at the beginning of each academic year, making it convenient for international students to arrive and settle in.
Essex University's international outlook is further enhanced by its partnerships with more than 100 global higher education institutions. The university holds collaborations with institutions in China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, and Singapore, providing opportunities for international exchange and collaboration. Essex's commitment to internationalisation is reflected in its ranking as 17th for the international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
The university's diverse student body creates a global community that extends beyond the boundaries of its campuses. Students from various countries bring their unique perspectives and experiences, enriching the educational and cultural environment. This international perspective is also reflected in the university's academic staff, who come from diverse backgrounds and are recognised as world-leading scholars. The combination of a diverse student population and renowned faculty contributes to a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
Essex University's reputation for international diversity is well-known, attracting students from around the globe who seek a transformational education. The university's commitment to research excellence and its flexible, module-diverse courses enable students to pursue their interests and make a global impact. Essex's alumni network includes individuals who have gone on to shape the world in various fields, including Nobel Prize winners, award-winning directors, presidents, well-loved actors, and astronauts. The university's international focus not only enhances the student experience but also contributes to its global reputation for academic excellence.
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Essex University is ranked 30th in the Complete University Guide
The University of Essex has a rich history of student activism and has been at the forefront of social movements, such as the protests against the Vietnam War in the 1960s. The university has come a long way since its early days, now hosting more than 19,000 students across its three campuses in Colchester and Southend. Essex's student body is incredibly diverse, representing over 140 nationalities and supporting over 30 cultural societies. This diversity, coupled with its commitment to “research-led” teaching, fosters an environment where students develop critical, analytical, and transferable skills.
Essex University's dedication to delivering a transformational education has been recognised in various rankings. In 2021, it climbed 16 places to rank 27th in the Complete University Guide, showcasing its impressive rise in the UK top 40. The university's overall ranking in 2022 remained strong at 30th in the Complete University Guide, reinforcing its position as a leading educational institution. This ranking is based on 10 key measures, including student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects, and entry standards.
Essex University's academic prowess is further highlighted by its performance in specific subjects. In the 2022 rankings, Essex ranked 3rd for Drama, Dance, and Cinematics, 13th for Sport Science, 12th for Creative Writing, and 14th for Linguistics. The university has consistently ranked first for politics research, reflecting its strong academic reputation in this field. Essex's commitment to research excellence is also evident in its strategic expansion of the research community, aiming for around 1,000 academics focusing on pressing contemporary issues.
Essex University's achievements extend beyond academics. The university has been recognised for its impact on the UK economy, contributing over £500 million, with £478 million in Colchester and £55 million in Southend. Additionally, Essex has a strong track record of producing distinguished alumni, including Nobel Prize laureates, a head of state, and senior governors and politicians. The university's commitment to human rights has been acknowledged through the Queen's Anniversary Prize, awarded in 2009 and 2017, further underscoring its societal impact.
Essex University's ranking of 30th in the Complete University Guide 2025 is a testament to its dedication to academic excellence, student satisfaction, and societal impact. With its diverse student body, renowned research, and commitment to accessibility, Essex University continues to be a leading educational institution, shaping the minds and careers of its students.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Essex has over 17,000 students enrolled from more than 140 different countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse universities in the world.
The University of Essex welcomed 122 students for its very first academic year in 1964.
The University of Essex's strategic plan for 2013-2019 set a target of expanding to around 15,000 students, which it has since surpassed.











































