Home to the curious, brave and bold. We’re a university where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries, isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. We’re about people who love to learn how, but want to challenge why.
Our determination to make a difference in society puts student success at the centre of everything we do, which is why we are ranked top 30 in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024).
At Essex, you’re taught by world-leading academics in a supportive and research-intensive environment. In a nearly sixty-year history, we have met and exceeded expectations for success, winning awards for teaching quality and expanding our programme of education to meet the needs of future societies and industries. The flexibility of our courses gives you the power to pursue the things that matter to you.
Whether you study in the beautiful historic parkland of our Colchester Campus, the bustling lively town centre of Southend-on-Sea, or in our stately home at Loughton, this is your chance to become a member of one of the happiest groups of students around.
Feeling adventurous? Widen your experience by studying abroad. Explore another culture, develop new skills, and set yourself a challenge for a full year.
Our award-winning accommodation is sure to make you feel at home. And the best bit? It’s guaranteed for your first year here. Now’s your chance to join Nobel Prize-winners, award-winning directors, presidents, well-loved actors, astronauts and over 100,000 other alumni who have gone on to shape the world and share their Essex spirit.
If you are tenacious and inquisitive, welcome to Essex, where change happens.
Facilities
We know how important the facilities are towards your study, that’s why we provide a comprehensive programme of resources and facilities across our three campuses, investing intelligently in the equipment and opportunities which you have access to. The main library is a state-of-the-art facility with an extensive archive of physical and digital resources, as well as individual and group study spaces and superb IT support. You will also find a dedicated STEM centre, with specialist lab for advanced research and learning. It contains Essex Law Clinic, ESCALA (the Essex Collection of Art from Latin America), Albert Sloman Library, Essex Sport Arena, Specialist labs and Centre for Brain Science. Need a break? There are coffee shops, cafes, and food vendors to ensure you can easily stay refreshed and refuelled while on campus.
Courses and Fees
We’ve got a wide variety of undergraduate courses spread across three academic faculties, offering over 600 programmes for you to choose from. We’re proud to be a global hub of excellence, particularly in the fields of science, health, arts, and humanities. Our academics are top-notch when it comes to quality and experience. They’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about what they do. Many of them are actively involved in ongoing research in their subject areas, which means you benefit from their expertise and industry experience. You may even have the opportunities to contribute to live research projects.
What’s more, you can take extra courses like data analytics or learn a new language at no additional cost. If you’ve got a global mindset, you can even explore studying at partner institutions across the world.
Getting your head around university fees and funding may seem a stressful part of applying, but we are here to help you through it one step at a time, making it as stress-free as possible.
When you apply to Essex, we’ll take care of assessing your fee status. Once you successfully secure an offer, your fee status will be confirmed in your offer letter.
For the 2024/25 academic year, tuition fees of undergraduate are set at:
UK, Home and Channel Island: £9,250 per year
International and European Union:£19,500 - £28,850 per year (depending on course-specifics)
The details you need are all available on our website.
Accommodation
At Essex, we understand that accommodation is more than just a room. It's your place to connect and thrive, make lifelong friends, and embrace the moments that shape you. That's why we guarantee university-provided accommodation for your first year of study.
We offer a range of options to suit everyone, ensuring an environment where you can succeed. Living with Accommodation Essex gives you the opportunity to be at the heart of a vibrant campus community, united by shared values and diverse interests.
Essex Futures Bursary is our commitment to supporting the next generation. We provide up to £3,000 of financial support to those who may not have been able to fully experience campus living and reach their full potential at University.
Enjoy the security of living in safe, secure, and reliable accommodation provided by the University of Essex with all your bills, 24/7 security, and even a gym membership included.
Visit our website and explore our Accommodation Finder tool to find your perfect match.
Open Days
Open Days
Open Day is your chance to chat with students and staff, tour our campus, listen to a variety of talks and get a feel for what a life at Essex is really like.
Our main Open Days are now finished for 2023, but keep an eye on our website for the 2024 dates!
Virtual tour
If you are unable to visit us or would like to get a feel for the campus ahead of your visit, use our virtual tour tool on our website to take a look around.
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- Wednesday 3rd April 2024
- UG mini open day
- Undergraduate
- find out more
Living Here
Colchester Campus is just two miles from Colchester's city centre. There's so much to see and do - from arts and culture to water sports, Colchester Zoo, vintage shopping to high tea in country estates - the hardest bit will be fitting it all in.
Our Southend Campus is right at the heart of this vibrant seaside city. You’ll have shops, restaurants, and nightlife right at your doorstep, and it’s just a 10-minute stroll to Southend’s famous pier and beautiful beaches. If you ever fancy a trip to the bustling city of London, hop on a train from Southend Victoria or Southend Central, and you’ll be in central London in under an hour.
Loughton Campus is an ideal blend of urban and serene, with easy access to the rich cultural diversity of London and the tranquil setting of the rural countryside for your studies. It’s nestled on the edge of Epping Forest and a mere five-minute walk from Debden Underground station. That means you can take the Central line direct to London’s city centre.
Term Dates
2024-25 academic year
Autumn Term: Thursday 3 October 2024 - Friday 13 December 2024
Spring Term: Monday 13 January 2025 - Friday 21 March 2025
Summer Term: Tuesday 22 April 2025 - Friday 27 June 2025
Travel information
Colchester Campus
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester CO4 3SQ
If you're travelling to Colchester Campus by car, please use the postcode CO7 9HT for SatNav purposes.
Southend Campus
University of Essex
Elmer Approach
Southend-on-Sea
SS1 1LW
Loughton Campus
East 15 Acting School
Hatfields, Rectory Lane
Loughton
IG10 3RY
Get in touch with us:
https://www.essex.ac.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 1206 873333
Social media
Instagram: instagram.com/uniessex
TikTok: tiktok.com/@uniofessex
YouTube: youtube.com/user/uniessex
Q&A
What's the weirdest thing to happen on campus?
Campus Cat - Pebbles the cat decided years ago to move onto Colchester Campus. She was adopted by our SU and can often be found strolling through the squares. Pebbles now has a Facebook fan page with 9,300+ followers and has featured on BBC and ITV.
Do you have any famous alumni?
Blake Harrison, Neil on ‘The Inbetweeners’, graduated from our East 15 Acting school. Other graduates include John Bercow former speaker of the House of Commons, Anushree Srivastava, Astrobiologist for the Mars mission and Simon Cox an award-winning investigations editor for the BBC. At the top of the list is Sir David Attenborough who is an honorary graduate of the University of Essex!
What student support is available?
We all need a bit of support and guidance from time to time. That’s where our friendly Student Support staff can help. They offer free, confidential advice and information on all kinds of welfare issues. Whether you’re worried about money, need guidance on immigration, or are struggling with your studies, our Student Services Hub are always on hand to help during your time with us.
How does the student life look like?
At Essex, your time will be full of opportunities to connect with new people, exploring exciting ventures, and nurture a wide range of skills. It’s a dynamic experience where you’ll never have a dull moment. There are over 165 sports clubs and societies at your fingertips. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an arts fan, or just someone looking to explore new interests, you’ll find something right for you. But that’s not all, street markets, campus events, a delightful array of food and drink outlets – Essex have them all!