University of Essex
University of Essex
The University of Essex is ranked 12th in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2026.
University of Essex, founded in 1964, has spent more than 60 years inspiring boldness, bravery, and making an Essex Education accessible to everyone. The Essex Spirit can be felt across its campuses, with the university taking pride in its diverse student community, many of whom are the first in their families to enter higher education. To support them, it provides cost of living assistance, bursaries, and lifelong career guidance.
At Essex University, you will be part of a vibrant community of students from more than 140 nationalities. Ranked 17th in the world for international outlook (THE World University Rankings 2025), the university also holds 23rd place overall and 5th for value added in the Guardian University Guide 2025. Beyond teaching, its research excellence stands out, with 90.4% of its research impact rated world leading or internationally excellent (Grade Point Average, REF 2021).
When you are a student at Essex University, you will have the freedom to explore, the confidence to express yourself, and the courage to share your ideas. You will be part of an inclusive community, learning from world-class academics.
By completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at UFC, students can progress seamlessly to the University of Essex and benefit from outstanding education and career opportunities.
Life at the University of Essex
Life at Essex University goes far beyond lectures and exams. While studying is central, making the most of your time on campus is just as important. As a student, you will automatically be part of the Students’ Union, which gives you access to hundreds of societies, clubs, and events throughout the year. If the society you want does not exist, you can create your own, as Essex is your place to shape.
The International Students’ Association (ISA) brings the diverse community together through celebrations such as the International Christmas Party, Lunar New Year, and Diwali. Every Thursday, the Colchester Campus comes alive with a bustling market full of local food vendors, ideal for lunch or weekend treats. Around campus, the lakes, picnic areas, BBQs, and firepits provide relaxing spots to enjoy with friends.
The Students’ Union also runs cafés, fast-food outlets, and social spaces. Sub Zero nightclub is a favourite for club nights, live music, and DJ sets. Southend Campus, smaller but right in the city centre, keeps you close to shops, theatres, bars, and the seaside, with the SU Lounge as a perfect hangout. For students at East 15, the Loughton Campus sits on the Central line, making London just minutes away to explore.
Essex University is dedicated to preparing you for life beyond graduation. The Careers Service will support you throughout your studies and after, helping you discover your strengths, build new skills, and connect with employers. You can strengthen your CV through career-focused modules, mentoring, workshops, part-time jobs, or work placements. Many degrees include placement opportunities, whether year-long, term-based, or project-specific, giving you the chance to explore different sectors and roles.
If you want to expand your horizons, you can study abroad at one of more than 150 global partner universities or take a new language at no additional cost through the Languages for All programme. The university also offers initiatives to enrich your experience, such as becoming an Essex Intern, working with the Students’ Union, or using Chart My Path and The Big Essex Award to track your achievements. For an early boost, you can even take part in the online Python Preparation Programme.
At Essex, you will be part of a lively and supportive community with endless opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for your future.
Going to university is a major decision, and choosing the right place to study is just as important. Your campus and local area will shape your experience. At Essex University, campuses in Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Loughton offer the perfect balance of study and lifestyle between London and the scenic eastern coastline.
The Colchester Campus has the feel of a countryside retreat, only two miles from the historic city and just an hour from London. With strong transport links, including a nearby train station and Stansted Airport an hour away, it is easy to explore the UK and beyond. Colchester, once the first capital of Roman Britain, is home to museums, a zoo, vintage shops, country walks, live music, and even ghost tours.
Southend Campus is based in the heart of the city, where shops, bars, cinemas, parks, and the beach are all right outside your door. You can enjoy chips by the sea between classes or dive into a lively city atmosphere day and night. With rail connections and Southend Airport nearby, travel is convenient.
The Loughton Campus sits on the Central Line, offering direct access to London’s theatres, museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks. No matter which campus you choose, you will find plenty to discover beyond the classroom.
The Student Services Hub is your go-to place for practical advice and confidential support, covering everything from accommodation to managing homesickness. Whatever your concern, the team of experts will provide clear answers and guidance. Professionals are also available to support your mental and emotional health, offering assessments and referrals for counselling or mentoring where needed.
Students with disabilities, medical conditions, or specific learning difficulties can access dedicated support from specialist disability advisers at all three campuses, ensuring you have the right guidance and services in place.
Choosing where to live is a big part of the university experience, and at Essex University it is made simple. With a variety of options, from modern en suite rooms to the retro Towers and Townhouses, there is something to match every style and budget. The Accommodation Finder helps you explore what is available.
If Essex is your firm or insurance choice, you are guaranteed accommodation for the entire duration of your course at either the Colchester or Southend Campus. That means no stressful house hunting or last-minute searches, just reliable on-campus living from the start.
Every accommodation package includes energy bills, WiFi, 24/7 security, and access to a supportive student community. Even if supplier costs change, you will not face extra charges. The university recognises that moving away from home can be a big step, so it offers more than just a place to stay. It provides peace of mind, a sense of belonging, and an easy transition into student life.
At Essex, you can expect:
Guaranteed housing for every year of study
No hidden costs
A safe and welcoming environment
Year-round convenience right on campus
Colchester Campus is the largest at Essex University, home to most courses and students. It combines striking brutalist and modern architecture across 200 acres of award-winning parkland, complete with two lakes. On campus, you will find cafés and food outlets serving everything from traditional breakfasts to burritos, along with a weekly Thursday market featuring street food and local produce.
Student life here is lively, with two bars, Sub Zero nightclub, and an underground theatre all within easy reach of your accommodation. For your studies, the Albert Sloman Library is open 24/7, while the Silberrad Student Centre provides private and group study areas, IT labs, and student support services. Academic facilities are well equipped, including mock wards for Healthcare students, translation booths for Language studies, a trading floor for Business, and a Life Sciences wet lab.
Students in Health and Social Care, East 15 Acting School, or Essex Business School may study at the Southend Campus. Based in Southend-on-Sea’s city centre, it offers everything from vibrant nightlife and restaurants to big-name shops and independent boutiques, all just steps away from your accommodation, the Students’ Union Lounge, and your teaching spaces.
Dreaming of competing at the next Olympics, ready to take on a new challenge, or simply keen to stay active? Whatever your goals, Essex University has facilities to match every level of interest and ability. Sport at Essex is designed to be inclusive, with the community committed to making it accessible for everyone.
The Colchester Campus gym is the hub of activity, offering 160 workout stations and more than 100 fitness classes each week. Student membership packages with Essex Sport make it easy to stay fit and motivated.
The Students’ Union also hosts the Essex Blades, with over 40 sports clubs competing locally and nationally. From American football to volleyball, archery to mixed martial arts, there is something for every passion. You are almost certain to catch the Blades spirit, especially on Derby Day.
For those who see sport as more than a hobby, Essex delivers athlete-centred programmes focused on volleyball, basketball, tennis, and football. Talented athletes can also apply for sports scholarships, giving them the opportunity to train, compete, and excel at the highest level.
Essex University is dedicated to protecting the environment and addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Sustainability is at the heart of everything the university does, and students, staff, and the local community are encouraged to play an active role in shaping solutions.
For three consecutive years, Essex has been ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, recognising its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. It is also placed 49th in the 2024/25 People and Planet University League. The university aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2035 and has already reduced its emissions by 28% since 2005. Sustainability is embedded in its long-term planning and is a key part of the student learning experience.
Essex also ensures its investments reflect its values. It does not invest in fossil fuel or arms companies, or in corporations that breach international law. To support its environmental goals, the university has committed £14 million to carbon reduction and energy efficiency projects through to 2030.
RANKING
Ranked 12th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026)
Ranked 1st in the UK for drama (Guardian University Guide 2026)
Search Programmes at the University of Essex
Discover a wide range of undergraduate degrees at the University of Essex, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.