Strategic Plan

Our strategy

Our strategy

We have ambitious plans for the future of our University as we approach our 50th anniversary. Our strategic plan (.pdf) is to be a university with global impact and an international reputation that is unparalleled for a university of our size.

Introduction by Professor Anthony Forster, Vice-Chancellor and Lord Currie of Marylebone, Chair of Council from August 2011 to December 2013

Following extensive consultation within the University and with our partners, our new Strategic Plan sets out the mission and goals of the University over the next six years.

The University has achieved a great deal over the last five years and in particular our research strength - capped by the award by Her Majesty The Queen of a Regius Professorship in Political Science in 2013 - is something we all take a great deal of pride in.

However, the external environment has changed considerably, with the significant increase in student fees, the deregulation of undergraduate recruitment and greater competition for our fair share of talented students. Our new Strategic Plan therefore focuses on a very clear statement of our mission to contribute to society through excellence in education and excellence in research.

Vice-Chancellor's blog

New Vice-Chancellor

Professor Anthony Forster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex, shares his vision for the University and comments on its role as a leading higher education provider. Read the Vice-Chancellor's blog.

Our history

Our history

Our founding Vice-Chancellor, Sir Albert Sloman, had a very clear vision for his pioneering, new breed of university which was outlined in his 1963 BBC Reith Lectures. Find out how his ideas have shaped who we are today in our history.

News and events

News and events

Our news pages will keep you up-to-date on all that has been happening around our University, including latest research and forthcoming events and activities.