FULBRIGHT AWARDS

University of Essex

The University of Essex is one of the UK’s leading academic institutions with a reputation for top quality teaching and research. In the last Research Assessment Exercise (2008), Essex was rated ninth out of 159 universities in the country for the quality of its research, with most of its schools and departments rated as ‘internationally excellent’. Essex is also a top ten UK university for the quality of its teaching, being ranked eighth in the 2008 Sunday Times ‘Best Marks for Teaching’ league table.

Founded in 1964, when it opened its doors to a cohort of just 122 students at Wivenhoe Park in Colchester, the University has grown in both reputation and size. There are now more than 11,000 students, studying undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at three campuses across Essex; Colchester, Loughton and Southend.

Essex is the UK's most internationally diverse campus university, with a genuine, long-standing commitment to internationalism and global engagement. Students are drawn from over 130 countries and are encouraged to immerse themselves in student life during their time at Essex.

Academic schools and departments span humanities and comparative studies, social sciences, science and engineering, and law and management. Teaching is informed by world-class research and staff members are happy to provide one-to-one guidance throughout your studies. As well as providing you with the specialist subject knowledge needed for your future career, Essex will equip you with the transferable skills demanded by today’s employers.

Essex provides exceptional resources and facilities across its three campuses to support your studies and enhance your learning experience. The University also prides itself on offering a high level of support so that you can feel at home, express your own individual identity and become part of the University community.

The University’s Colchester Campus is just two miles from the town centre and set in over 200 acres of beautiful parkland. It incorporates teaching buildings, award-winning student accommodation, shops, banks, a gallery and a theatre, bars and cafés and sports facilities on one site.

The University’s Southend Campus is based in the heart of Southend-on-Sea. The Gateway Building is a purpose-built development, which combines state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including IT labs, an open study area, rehearsal studios, medical skills lab and Students’ Union, with a business hub, health centre and retail units.

The Loughton Campus is the base for students on many of East 15 Acting School’s courses. This compact and friendly campus offers state-of-the-art studios, technical equipment and innovative rehearsal and theatre space.

Fast Facts

Life in Essex

The University’s three campuses are all served by excellent road, rail and air links, making it easy to explore the UK.

The Colchester Campus is located just two miles from Colchester town centre; Britain’s oldest recorded town and former Roman capital. With the combination of a vibrant modern town and relaxing beautiful countryside, Colchester and the surrounding area of Essex and Suffolk appeals to all.


The Southend Campus is located in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, so students are well located to enjoy the many attractions Southend and the surrounding areas have to offer. With seven miles of award-winning coastline, it attracts over six million visitors per year.

Both Colchester and Southend offer a rich tapestry of cultural venues, activities and events, from art galleries and theatres to special events and festivals. They also have an extensive range of places to eat and drink ranging from national chain restaurants to quaint, independent eateries.

The Loughton Campus is just five minutes from the nearest London Underground station. With one of Europe’s most exciting cities on the doorstep, it really is the perfect study location.