University of Essex

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.

We are ranked Top 30 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024. At Essex, you’ll be taught by world-leading academics in a research-intensive environment among Nobel Prize-winners, award-winning directors, presidents, astronauts and over 100,000 other alumni who have gone on to shape the world.

Research quality

Founded by Sir Albert Sloman, the University of Essex was established to pursue research “that really mattered”. When it comes to specific areas of study, our Sociology, Economics and Econometrics, Politics and International Studies, and Modern Languages and Linguistics programme are all shining bright in the UK’s top 10 for research quality in REF 2021.

Funding

We understand that money matters, so to ensure all students have equal potential to succeed there are a range of funding options. UK postgraduate students studying either a masters or research degree can apply for a UK Government-backed loan. The loan is not means tested but you must be a UK national and under 60 to apply. Learn more about your eligibility and explore the range of scholarships, discounts and other funding opportunities available.

If you have already graduated from us, you’re entitled to an Alumni Loyalty Discount, which offers up to 33% off your fees.

Departments information

• Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
• East 15 Acting School
• Edge Hotel School
• Economics
• Essex Business School
• Government
• Health and Social Care
• Language and Linguistics
• Life Sciences
• Literature, Film and Theatre Studies
• Law
• Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science
• Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies
• Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic studies
• Psychology
• Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences
• Sociology

Future career prospects

We have a high employability rate - 90% of our postgraduate graduates are in highly skilled employment (Graduate Outcomes 2023). We also offer Masters courses with professional work placements which allow you to gain hands-on experience in your industry of choice if you’re interested in studying a postgraduate degree.

Improve your employability by learning a new language or completing short course in data science at no extra cost.

English language support

We offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Language courses to develop your language skills before starting a course. These can be taught by University of Essex International College (a Kaplan International Pathways college) or by one of our partner organisations in China (developed by Essex Pathways).

Facilities and support arrangements

In addition to an on-site Day Nursery for childcare, we also provide health and well-being services and disability support services at the Student Services Hub. Here you can discuss any matter with full confidentiality. Essex students also have access to on-site mental-health professionals who are there to offer advice, assessments and referrals for counselling if necessary.

Culture

We are proud to celebrate our diverse community. With students from over 130 countries, you can experience the world in one place. From food to festivals, we embrace every culture within our Essex spirit. We’re even ranked 15th for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

Visit our Open Days

Our main Open Days are now finished for 2023, but keep an eye on our website for the 2024 dates.

Our next Mini Open Day is on Saturday 25 November, in Colchester.

This is your chance to chat with students and staff, tour our campus, listen to a variety of talks and get a feel for what life at Essex is really like.

Mini Open Day - 25 November

Our Mini Open Day is a chance for you to see the true spirit of Essex, the place you might be calling home. The day will be shorter than one of our main Open Days, but it is a great chance to go on a guided tour around our campus and accommodation, or just to get a feel for Essex. Staff from our academic departments will not be available to speak to on the day, but there will be lots of useful talks and activities, so you can learn more about studying and life at Essex.

PG subjects available

• Accounting
• Acting, producing, stage management
• Actuarial science
• Art history
• Biochemistry
• Biological sciences
• Biomedical sciences
• Business and management
• Childhood studies
• Computational finance
• Computer science
• Creative writing
• Criminology
• Data analytics
• Drama
• Economics
• Engineering
• English Language
• English Language teaching
• Entrepreneurship
• Environment
• Film studies
• Finance and banking
• Genetics
• Global studies
• Health and social care
• History
• Hospitality and events management
• Human rights
• Journalism
• Law
• Liberal arts
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Marine biology
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• MBA
• Modern languages
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy
• Oral health sciences
• Philosophy
• Physiotherapy
• Politics and international relations
• Psychology
• Psychology: applied and clinical
• Psychosocial and psychoanalytic studies
• Robotics
• Social work
• Sociology
• Speech and language therapy
• Sport and exercise
• Sports therapy
• Translation and interpreting