The University of Essex is a public research university located in the East of England, just 47 minutes directly on the train to central London. It’s main campus is in Colchester and additional campus in Loughton (East 15 Acting School). Founded in 1964, the university was part of a wave of “plate glass universities” established to expand access to higher education in the UK and is known for its modern outlook, strong research culture, and international focus.
Ranked 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
We are 29th out of 130 UK universities in the Complete University Guide 2026
We're the top university in the East of England for 'overall positivity' according to feedback from students in the National Student Survey 2025
We have five subject areas in the top 10 in The Guardian University Guide 2025
We're top 100 for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
We're top 100 for Law and Social Sciences in the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025
