Skip to content
Need a Visit Visa?
Menu
University of Essex logo

University profileUnited Kingdom

University of Essex

Colchester · Loughton

Explore the university. Discover your options. Take the next step in your study journey.

Image for University of Essex - Colchester CampusColchester Campus
Available courses
774
Campuses
2
Institution type
Public

Get to know your university

About University of Essex

The University of Essex is a school where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries, isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. The University of Essex was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018 for their determination to do things differently and put student success at the centre of everything they do.

Essex boasts a massive 350-mile coastline, the 2nd longest of any county in England. There’s plenty to explore across the county, from countryside walks to award-winning beaches. Students can even try a plate of freshly caught oysters, or take a boat trip from Walton-on-the Naze to see the local seals! There’s lots for students to explore, and it is just a short train ride from London. This makes it great for students because they can enjoy being near the capital, but with a lower cost of living.

Join a bold and brilliant community of learning at the University of Essex, home to radical thinking and challenging ideas since the 1960s!

Why University of Essex - Colchester Campus

Gold-Rated Teaching :

Diversity and Support :

Innovative Spirit:

What makes it distinctive

Why study here?

01

Gold-Rated Teaching

The University of Essex has a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). This means that the teaching quality, learning environments and student outcomes students can look forward to are among the best in the UK.

02

Campus

The University of Essex’s Colchester-based campus is well equipped to support each students’ studies. They will have access to a 6-floor library, IT suites and even a cinema! Other great on-campus amenities include a sports centre, hair salon, shops and restaurants. The campus is set around a tranquil lake and has lots of resident wildlife, so students can study in a beautiful natural environment.

03

Historic County

The University of Essex in Colchester is located in the county of Essex, which is home to an incredible coastline and many historic villages. The county of Essex has an important place in British culture and history. Colchester is the oldest recorded town in the UK, and the first capital of Roman Britain. Today, Colchester is a popular town, with a great mix of historic buildings and modern attractions. Students can go shopping, eat at a wide range of restaurants, head to the local bars and pubs, and even explore the town’s zoo.

04

Diversity and Support

Join a community of 140+ nationalities with diverse cultures and ideas. The University of Essex understands the needs of international students, and offers special mentoring sessions, academic and language support, and one-on-one guidance.

More reasons to study here

Innovative Spirit

Students are encouraged to think independently and question convention. They will learn how to think creatively, and how to apply their knowledge and ideas to real-life situations. They’ll also benefit from the University of Essex's partnerships with over 300 institutions all over the world, and the chance to do a paid internship either during their degree or within 3 years of graduating

Facilities

Among the state-of-the art facilities available to students are the £1.3 million Roding House which contains ten rehearsal rooms, a green room/café, sound recording studio, video editing suite and a costume department. Unit Four, a £1.5 million facility contains a large workshop, paint shop, prop shop, prop storage facilities and teaching spaces. It's home to the Stage and Production Management department. Students also have access to a radio studio that is equipped for recording radio plays and voice-over work, and over 14 additional studios spaces.

Location

Yearning for the great outdoors? The campus is bordered by London’s largest open space, Epping Forest, which is just a stone’s throw away from Loughton. If you’re not afraid to get muddy, grab a mountain bike, or saddle up and try horse-riding. Alternatively, take a gentle walk throughout the 6,000 acres of beautiful, ancient woodland, and see what rare wildlife you can spot. Or are the bright lights of the city calling you? Hop on the Central line from Debden underground station (just a five-minute walk from campus), and within half an hour you can be amongst the buzz, excitement, and rich cultural diversity of central London.

Diversity and Support

Join a community of 140+ nationalities with diverse cultures and ideas. The University of Essex understands the needs of international students, and offers special mentoring session, academic and language support, and one-on-one guidance.

Find your setting

One university. 2 campuses.

Explore each location and its available courses.

Your next chapter starts here

Courses at University of Essex

Browse available courses and choose the subject, level and intake that suit you.

774 courses at University of Essex

Explore your options. Find the right next step.

Course details and fees can change. Confirm current availability and entry requirements before applying.

Plan your funding

Scholarships & bursaries

Published funding opportunities to discuss with your adviser. Eligibility, amounts and availability require confirmation for your course and intake.

All 2 campuses

Global Talent Masters Scholarship

£5,000 GBP

Nationality: All nationalities

Eligible study levels

Doctoral / PhD, Master's Degree, Non-Credential, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma

Current eligibility and availability have not been verified.

Check eligibility with an adviser →
All 2 campuses

International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

£2,000 GBP

Nationality: All nationalities

Eligible study levels

3-Year Bachelor's Degree, 4-Year Bachelor's Degree, Integrated Masters, Post-Secondary Certificate, Top-up Degree, Undergraduate Advanced Diploma, Undergraduate Diploma

Current eligibility and availability have not been verified.

Check eligibility with an adviser →
All 2 campuses

The International Undergraduate Scholarship

£5,000 GBP

Nationality: All nationalities

Eligible study levels

3-Year Bachelor's Degree, 4-Year Bachelor's Degree, Integrated Masters, Post-Secondary Certificate, Top-up Degree, Undergraduate Advanced Diploma, Undergraduate Diploma

Current eligibility and availability have not been verified.

Check eligibility with an adviser →

Life on campus

Facilities & student life

  • Library
  • Sports centre
  • IT facilities
  • Zoo
  • Workshops
  • Theatre
  • Studios
  • Cafes

Facilities vary by campus. Check the campus profile for location-specific information.

Take a closer look

A window into university life

▶ Watch university video

Loads a video from YouTube when you choose to play.

Make your next move

Let’s find the right path for you.

Talk through your courses, qualifications and plans with our study team.

Free study assessment ↗

University information last imported 2026-10-04. Published descriptions and estimates may change; confirm important details with the institution.

University photos