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Join The Student Room TodayBe part of the UK's largest and fastest growing student community. It's free to join and a lot of fun - Get inspired, express your ideas, interact and share University of EssexFrom The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Essex
 Brief OverviewWhen the University of Essex first opened in 1964, the original 122 students lived and were taught in the (now) Wivehoe House Hotel. The University of Essex is a British plate glass university which received the Royal Charter in 1965. The university consists of three different campuses, with the main one being located in the 200 acres of Wivenhoe Park on the outskirts of Colchester. The university is situated in the English county of Essex, less than a mile from the small town of Wivenhoe. In addition to the Wivenhoe Park main campus, there are further campuses in Southend, Loughton and Writtle. The university's motto "thought the harder, heart the keener" is adapted from the East Saxon poem "The Battle of Maldon". In the most recent rankings of worldwide Universities, namely the Times Q-S Rankings for 2008, the University positioned at 258th place, improving by 14 places from its 2007 ranking. There are currently more than 8,000 students, studying at the three university campuses across Essex and Essex is credited with being the United Kingdom's most internationally diverse campus university, home to large numbers of students drawn from 130 different countries around the world. Academic StructureFacultiesIn order to deliver the University's academic vision and strategy, the academic structure within the University of Essex is split into 4 faculties which collaborate in all aspects of teaching and research. More precisely, these faculties are the following;
Academic DepartmentsThe above faculties are comprised of 18 academic departments. All Departments are student oriented with regards to teaching and all provide the necessary tools, both in terms of facilities and opportunities, to foster student success and progression. Furthermore, all are committed to the highest excellence in terms of research and this is reflected in national rankings of research in which Essex is ranked 10th in the United Kingdom. The 18 academic departments are as follows;
Facilities
LibrariesLocated on the Colchester campus, the Albert Sloman Library offers a wide array of texts concerning all subjects offered by the University, in addition to many that aren't. The library is structured as a 3 floor building (excluding the basement) where floors are accessed by revolving lifts, which can seem daunting when viewed for the first time. Furthermore, there is a computer laboratory is located on the ground floor where approximately 20+ computers are available for use, although in times of large student flow, one can find himself waiting for a computer. Books located on the main shelves can be loaned for 3 days or 7 days and can be renewed consistently providing no hold has been placed on a particular book by another student. If one finds himself in need of a book for short reference, then it's possible to loan a text for a period of 3 hours before returning it. Fines are issued in the result of a late return of a text. IT and ComputingAccommodation is linked up to the uni network. There is already a cable in the rooms so you don't need to bring anything with you (except a computer, obviously). Lots of computer labs are dotted around campus - though some of them are out of use when a class happens in them. Generally it's quite easy to find a free computer, just not around lunchtime as everyone seems to be on them then. Wireless internet is available from the Library reading room, at campus network speeds, however this depends on usage and the opening times of the reading room. SportsThe University has a sports centre [1] which is located on campus. It has a fitness suite which has an extensive free weights area as well as your ordinary treadmills etc. It costs £20 for three months usage, or £50 for a year. The University also has loads of sports clubs like football, rugby, karate, badminton (take a look on the student union webstei). The University has a wide range of sports clubs, including many sports not normally experienced outside of University life such as disc golf and American Football. It has a reasonably well-equipped sports centre, including a fitness suite, squash courts, netball and tennis courts and an 8m climbing wall. The University has its own clubhouse and boat-park at nearby Brightlingsea. Sports that played at Essex:
WelfareThe uni is well equipped in looking after the welfare of their students. There is a free counselling service, a medical centre on site, and Student Support which is dedicated to helping out students who experience difficulties on the course. HealthcareThere is a healthcentre on campus which all students register with when they arrive. There's no pharmacy though, but the healthcenter can sometimes get the prescription for you, but this takes 24 hours if it is in stock, otherwise if you need it urgently you will have to trek into town to pick up a prescription. ShopsThere is one 'general needs' campus shop in square 4 in the main campus, however, this is limited to 10pm closing times on weekdays (mon-fri) and 8pm closing times on weekends. The shop stocks a number of fairtrade goods, as well as groceries, international student product needs, tobacco and alcohol.
There is a selection of fast-food and take-away restraunts on campus, there range from 'McDonalds' style outlets to Pizza delivery services. RestaurantsThere are lots of places to eat such as the SU bar, and a pizza place. They are reasonably priced though its cheaper to cook yourself, but if you need them they are there and they are OK. BanksLocated on the Colchester campus, there are 3 branches of major banks, namely Abbey National, Barcalys Plc and Lloyds TSB. Furthermore, there are 4 cash-points scattered throughout the squares that allow for the free withdrawal of deposits. TransportEverything you need is on campus and within walking distance. If you want to go into town, there are buses every 15 minutes or so. There's also a bus every 20 minutes that takes you to the train station, and then you're only about an hour and a half away from London. Careers ServiceEssex 'Jobshop' provides students for searching for jobs around the Colchester area. When signed up (req a valid Essex registration ID) jobshop sends job vacancies directly to the users essex email account. For more information about the job vacancies, the individual can either email/phone/mail the employer direct (if avail.) or take the vacancy code to the jobshop direct in square 4 next to the post office, for more information and contact details. Opening times are 9am-4pm weekdays only. Part-time jobsThere are absolutely loads of opportunities for part time jobs. If you sign up to the JobShop, which is the university's online job seeking service, you will get about 3 or 4 emails a day offering local part time jobs. Religious FacilitiesThe University Chaplaincy Centre is a dedicated space, running for 24 hours a day, that caters for the religious needs of all faiths, although primarily the facilities are used by Christians and Muslims. There are also Whudu facilities within the centre for both Muslim males and females. Furthermore, the centre contains various volumes of texts concerning many faiths. Lastly, there is also a Chaplain in residence within the centre offering advice regarding Christianity. Essex Discussions
SocialBars, Pubs and ClubsFew on campus, got our own nightclub, but its cheap to get into town if you want, but the SU pull big names in like Paul Oakenfold Sub Zero - the uni's nightclub is one of the best campus clubs in the UK. Open every Friday and Saturday and sometimes other days for big events. Level 2 - Another bar place where events are held during the week. Also very good. There are events on every night of the week every week which is pretty amazing. Something for everyone. No need to go off campus for a quality night out. Since September 2008, we have had guests like Calvin Harris, Pendulum, Jay Sean, Tim Westwood, DJ Ez, Trevor Nelson, The Automatic, Zane Lowe, Chipmunk, Mystery Jets, Chase & Status, Erol Alkan, Signature and more. If you do want to go to town, the main the club is Liquid. The other nightclub in Colchester is Route. There are also loads of bars and pubs around. EventsThe university holds lots of events on and off campus, we have big name acts and DJs come and play on campus. The Union has held evets off campus by hiring out nightclubs in town. There is a lot going on at Essex, always something happening. Don't forget the yearly summer ball. Clubs and societiesThere are a number of clubs and societies and over 40 sports clubs, as listed above, and 120 registered societies covering cultural, religious, political, social and academic interests, as well as Musical. Each society does it own little thing and have parties - law has the law ball. The DJ Soc helps to give training on using decks for free while the Film Soc show weekly films to its members. There's a lot to do when a member of a society. AccommodationAccommodation PolicyThe University guarantees on-campus accommodation to 1st year undergraduates studying at the Colchester campus. Furthermore, overseas students are guaranteed residence within the Colchester campus throughout their stay at Essex. Home and EU students progressing into their 2nd year of study are normally required to live off campus, although students may wish to sign up to a waiting list for University accommodation. Recent changes to University policy mean that, whilst in previous years 3rd year students were able to live on campus, this is not the case from the academic year 2008/09 due to a shortage of space in residences and an increase in student numbers. Further details regarding accommodation policy can be found via the following link, http://www.essex.ac.uk/accommodation/. FacilitiesResidencesThe University has a number of residences. There are the Towers (4 being North & 2 are South towers), the South Courts, the Houses and Wolfson Court. The Towers are the cheapest and the Courts are the most expensive, although you do have the luxury of an en-suite in the latter. For more information regarding rent and general questions, please visit the accommodation office at http://www.essex.ac.uk/accommodation/. Private sectorThe private accommodation list gets released in April each year - 2nd year students can't get on-campus accommodation so you'll have to move out. Most people move out to Wivenhoe, Hythe, Greenstead or other areas of Colchester. Third years also tend to move out, though all years can go on a waiting list for accommodation on campus. Student unionhe University of Essex Students' Union is well regarded nationally. It has a very successful volunteering programme that is a national award winner. It has been successful in expanding services offered including considerable expansion and relocation of its Advice Centre. The Students' Union runs the majority of commercial services on campus. Its shops stock a great deal of imported food products, reflecting the University's international community. It has many licensed venues, the primary venues being the Student Union Bar and the Top Bar. There are club-style venues: Mondo, Level 2, and the newly refurbished Sub Zero (formerly the Underground), which have hosted many bands and top name DJ's, including AC/DC, The Kinks, The Pretenders supported by the then little known UB40, Iggy Pop and the Sugababes, whilst in recent times Maxïmo Park, Editors, The Paddingtons, The Subways, Babyshambles, Boy Kill Boy and The Young Knives, Pendulum, and DJ Paul Oakenfold continue its reputation. Sub Zero was voted best student union venue upon its refurbishment and is one of the biggest in the country holding over 1,200. The Union is known for running a host of extremely successful sports clubs and societies.he University of Essex Students' Union is well regarded nationally. It has a very successful volunteering programme that is a national award winner. It has been successful in expanding services offered including considerable expansion and relocation of its Advice Centre. The Students' Union runs the majority of commercial services on campus. Its shops stock a great deal of imported food products, reflecting the University's international community. It has many licensed venues, the primary venues being the Student Union Bar and the Top Bar. There are club-style venues: Mondo, Level 2, and the newly refurbished Sub Zero (formerly the Underground), which have hosted many bands and top name DJ's, including AC/DC, The Kinks, The Pretenders supported by the then little known UB40, Iggy Pop and the Sugababes, whilst in recent times Maxïmo Park, Editors, The Paddingtons, The Subways, Babyshambles, Boy Kill Boy and The Young Knives, Pendulum, and DJ Paul Oakenfold continue its reputation. Sub Zero was voted best student union venue upon its refurbishment and is one of the biggest in the country holding over 1,200. The Union is known for running a host of extremely successful sports clubs and societies. The student newspaper is The Rabbit, named after the many rabbits which can be seen on campus. It had been suggested that the editing of The Rabbit had previously been somewhat prejudiced due to its affiliation with the Students' Union Executive Committee. As of the academic year 2006-2007, it is now loosely autonomous from the Students' Union and is a no more balanced and critical newspaper as a result.[neutrality disputed] The student radio station is called RED AM1404, broadcasting on 1404AM and over the Internet, and was the second student radio station in the UK. Established in 1971 it was originally called URE (University Radio Essex). There is also a student-run TV production company called R:TV. The Students' Union is run by an Executive Committee of 5 full time officers and 7 part-time officers. The Students' Union is a member of the National Union of Students and many of its members are involved. The University of Essex provides a lot of support for its students, such as the advice centre, the health centre, Student Support and Nightline. PricesCost of most pints in £1.90 EnvironmentArchitectureConcrete architecture is typical of England's 60s' universities and quite similar to that of the University of East Anglia. The architect of the University of Essex campus took the Tuscan town of San Gimignano with its squares and towers as an inspiration. The Ivor Crewe lecture Hall, which opened in October 2006 and was designed by the architect Patel Taylor, has attracted a mixed response, with Prince Charles reputedly referring to it as 'like a dustbin' while The Civic Trust, a charity of which he is patron, have awarded it a Civic Trust award (2008) for making 'an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment'. The building was named after Professor Sir Ivor Crewe in April 2007, to mark his retirement from the position of vice chancellor, a position he had held since 1995.[5] The University's new £30m 'Gateway' building in Southend was opened in January 2007, housing the academic activities including business, health and acting, as well as being home to a facility operated by Queen Mary Dental School, a GP practice and a business incubation centre. Currently under construction on the Wivenhoe campus are new buildings for the departments of Psychology and Health and Human Science Local areaCampus set in, Wivenhoe Park - over 200 acres (809km²) of park land, two lakes. Teaching and Research QualityTeachingDespite being one of the youngest Universities in the United Kingdom, Essex has maintained a teaching and research record that ranks it above many larger institutions. In the 2002 QAA, which assessed teaching quality throughout British Universities, all departments within the University received a grading of 20 or above out of 24. In particular, the Departments of Economics, Government, Philosophy and Sociology all received maximum QAA marks. ResearchEssex prides itself on its research quality and this is reflected in its performance in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise in which the University was ranked 10th out of 136 institutions of higher learning in the UK. More specifically, the Departments of Economics attained a 5* rating alongside the London School of Economics, University of Warwick and University College London. This in conjunction with its maximum marks for teaching means the Department is one of only 3 in the United Kingdom to receive maximum grades for teaching and research. The Departments of Government and Sociology are the only Departments to be rated 6*, in recognition of continuous 5* gradings in the 1996 and 2001 Research Assessment Exercises. Thus, Essex is the best ranked University in terms of Social Science research in the United Kingdom. The latest Research Assessment Exercise is due to be published in December 2008. Notable AlumniIn its relatively short history, the University of Essex has produced many notable graduates in the field of Politics, Social Science, Technology and the Arts, as well as a Nobel Prize Winner. John Bercow- Speaker of the House of Commons The Current President of Costa Rica, Óscar Arias, completed his doctorate in Political Science at the University in 1973, and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. Vice President of Costa Rica, Dr Kevin Roberto Casas Zamora, also completed his studies in Essex, earning a MA in Latin American Government & Politics in 1993. Other political figures educated at Essex include the foreign ministers of Slovenia (Dimitrij Rupel) & Iraq (Hoshyar Zebari), Conservative Party MPs Virginia Bottomley & John Bercow, Labour Party MP Siobhain McDonagh, Pakistani Social Activist Omar Asghar Khan, South African politician Thozamile Botha and Singapore Workers' Party politician James Gomez (MA 1994). Notable graduates in the field of the Humanities & Media include Stephen Daldry & Mike Leigh, who both studied at the East 15 Acting School (part of the University of Essex since 2001), acclaimed Artistic Director William Burdett-Coutts (MA Drama), Documentary Filmmaker Nick Broomfield, Malaysian Poet Kee Thuan Chye, veteran BBC Correspondent Brian Hanrahan and Booker Prize Winning Author Ben Okri. In the field of Architecture, world renowned Architect Daniel Libeskind, who was recently commissioned to rebuild the World Trade Center Site in New York City, attended Essex and completed a MA in History & Theory of Architecture in 1972. Architectural Historian Alberto Pérez-Gómez, who now heads the History and Theory of Architecture program at McGill University in Canada, completed his MA & PhD programs in 1975. Many of the University's graduates have gone on to staff various university departments worldwide. In particular, half of the sociology professors in UK Higher Education have completed all or part of their education at Essex. Some graduates have even returned to Essex and have held, or hold positions within the University's various academic departments [6]. The Current Director of Essex's Human Right's Centre, John Packer, completed his LLM at Essex. Applying to EssexThinking of applying to University of Essex? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Essex ArticlesWhy not read these other University of Essex Articles? Links |
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