Excellence in teaching and excellence in research
We are a university where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries, isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. We
are committed to two things: excellence in teaching and excellence in research. Our students are members of a unique, transformational living and learning community which empowers them with the skills to make a difference to the
world around them.
Essex spirit
Tenacious, bold, challenging: this is what it means to be part of the University of Essex community. From pioneering research which informs social
change, to student activism which began in the 1960s, and continues to this day, we have never accepted the status quo.
In this video, our students show us their Essex spirit.
Uniquely international
Essex is a genuine global community. With more than 140 countries represented within our student body, and nearly 40% of our students from overseas, we are one of the most internationally-diverse universities in the UK.
We are ranked in the world's top 20 universities for international outlook by Times Higher Education. Our teaching and research is founded on global issues and internationally-focused initiatives
including Languages for All and
Study Abroad equip our students with the skills they need to be truly global citizens.
Curiosity ingrained in teaching and research
We value original, relevant independent research that asks difficult questions. We are top 5 in the UK for social science research and top 20
in the UK for research excellence (REF 2014). We are recognised as a world-leader in politics and hold the only Regius Professorship for political science, awarded by HM The Queen to
mark her Diamond Jubilee.
Our teaching is informed by research, we arm our students with the knowledge and courage to change the world for the better, and to pursue a lifelong journey of exploration.
Part of our community
At Essex, we don’t separate our students and academic staff, or our professional services staff from our alumni.
Everyone is a member of our community for life. Our three uniquely intimate campuses encourage an inter-weaving of people,
ideas and disciplines. We celebrate diversity and challenge inequality. Whatever your background, race, sexual orientation or gender identity,
you're part of a vibrant community that lives, learns and plays together. This supportive community helped us rank in the top ten for student satisfaction out of all
English mainstream universities in the 2016 National Student Survey, and win the 2016 Guardian University Award for Student Experience.