We’re proud of our close-knit, supportive and welcoming community at the University of Essex with over 19,000 students from more than 140 countries studying across our three campuses. Ranked 17th for International Outlook in THE World University Rankings 2025, at Essex you’ll find the world in one place. Our largest campus is situated on 200 acres of award-winning parkland in the historic city of Colchester and located less than one hour from central London. 

Essex is a Top 25 UK University (Guardian University Guide 2025) where we put student success at the heart of our mission, supporting every student from every background to achieve outstanding outcomes. Essex has a global reputation in research across social sciences including political science, international relations, economics and we’re considered a world leader in the field of human rights law. Our interdisciplinary approach to teaching enables students to shape their degree around the topics that are important to them.