Why Choose University of Essex?
Record-Breaking National Rankings
The University of Essex achieved its highest-ever ranking at #12 in the Guardian University Guide 2026, leaping 13 places from the previous year. This position makes it the second-ranked institution in the East of England, surpassing numerous Russell Group universities and confirming its status as an elite educational provider.
World-Leading Social Science Research
With 90.4% of its research impact rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), Essex is a global center for social sciences. It boasts four social science disciplines in the UK Top 10 for research quality and holds a prestigious Regius Professorship in Government, one of only seven granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2013.
Exceptional Student Satisfaction Scores
Ranked #1 in the East of England and #20 nationally for overall student positivity (NSS 2025), Essex delivers an outstanding student experience. Specific subjects shine with #1 rankings for Genetics and Statistics, and #2 for Developmental Psychology, reflecting a supportive and high-quality learning environment.
Guaranteed Accommodation with Price Lock
Students benefit from guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the full duration of their degree. Uniquely, new 2025-26 undergraduates can lock in their first-year rent for all three years, ensuring cost certainty with all utility bills, internet, and insurance included.
Global Diversity and International Outlook
Ranked #14 globally for international outlook (THE 2026), Essex is home to over 48% international students from 140+ countries. This diverse community fosters cross-cultural competencies essential for global careers, supported by dedicated international student services and airport pick-ups.
Strong Graduate Employability and Enterprise
86% of graduates are employed or in further study within four months (Graduate Outcomes 2025). The university's Knowledge Gateway Research & Technology Park, housing 50+ startups, and University Enterprise Zone status offer unique entrepreneurship opportunities and practical industry engagement.
Affordable Living Near London
Colchester offers a cost of living 40-50% lower than London while maintaining excellent connectivity (45 minutes to London Liverpool Street). On-campus housing starts from just £109.90 per week, and Colchester residents receive a free Silver gym membership, maximizing value for money.
Prestigious Alumni and Heritage
As the University of the Year 2018 (THE Awards), Essex has a rich history of producing influential leaders, including two Nobel Laureates and notable figures like filmmaker David Yates and former House of Commons Speaker John Bercow. Its commitment to social justice and academic freedom continues to shape global discourse.
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Rankings &
Achievements
#456
QS World University Rankings 2026
#301–350
THE World University Rankings 2026
Campus Locations
Colchester Campus (Main Hub)
- Facilities: Houses all three faculties, state-of-the-art labs, the £21m Essex Business School, and the £12m Innovation Centre.
- Setting: Combines brutalist architecture with natural beauty, home to diverse wildlife.
- Transport: Excellent rail links (45 mins to London) and frequent bus services.
Southend Campus
- Focus: Health, social care, and select business programs.
- Environment: Modern facilities located close to the seafront and high street.
Loughton Campus
- Setting: A stately home on the edge of London.
- Specialization: Dedicated theatre and performing arts training (#1 for Drama, Guardian 2026).
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Course Highlights
|
Program |
Duration |
Annual Fees (GBP) |
Intakes |
Graduate Route |
Special Features |
|
LLB Law |
3 years |
£20,500 |
September |
2 years |
Human Rights Centre; moot courts; legal clinics; international law specializations |
|
BSc Computer Science |
3 years |
£22,500 |
September |
2 years |
Institute for Analytics & Data Science; AI/cybersecurity tracks; industry placements |
|
BA Politics & International Relations |
3 years |
£19,990 |
September |
2 years |
Regius Professorship teaching; UN simulations; study abroad; #9 Guardian 2026 |
|
BSc Economics |
3 years |
£20,500 |
September |
2 years |
ISER collaboration; econometric training; #9 Guardian 2026; research-led teaching |
|
BA Drama |
3 years |
£20,550 |
September |
2 years |
#1 UK ranking (Guardian 2026); professional theatre; East 15 Acting School |
|
BSc Biological Sciences |
3 years |
£22,500 |
September |
2 years |
Field research; ecology; conservation; #6 Biology, #1 Genetics NSS positivity |
|
BSc Nursing |
3 years |
£23,500 |
September |
2 years |
NMC registration; clinical placements; NHS partnerships; #6 Guardian 2026 |
|
BA Business Management |
3 years |
£20,500 |
September |
2 years |
Knowledge Gateway links; placement years; entrepreneurship; Essex Startups support |
|
BSc Psychology |
3 years |
£22,500 |
September |
2 years |
BPS accreditation; #2 Developmental Psychology positivity; research-intensive |
|
MSc Data Science |
1 year |
£21,500 |
Sep, Jan |
2 years |
Institute for Analytics & Data Science; Python/R; industry projects; research methods |
|
MA International Relations |
1 year |
£18,500 |
Sep, Jan |
2 years |
Government dept. expertise; policy analysis; research-intensive; global networking |
|
LLM International Law |
1 year |
£20,000 |
Sep, Jan |
2 years |
Human Rights Centre; tracks in human rights/commercial/IP law; moot competitions |
|
MSc Finance & Management |
1 year |
£21,000 |
Sep, Jan |
2 years |
CFA pathway; Bloomberg terminals; ACCA/CPA links; professional accreditations |
|
MBA |
1 year |
£24,000 |
October |
2 years |
10-100% fee discounts available; international residentials; consulting projects |
|
MA TESOL |
1 year |
£18,500 |
Sep, Jan |
2 years |
Teaching placements; Chinese-English translation scholarships (£3,000) available |
|
MSc Applied Economics & Data Analysis |
1 year |
£20,500 |
Sep, Jan |
2 years |
ISER collaboration; econometric software; research-intensive training |
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Popular Study Areas
Drama
Sociology
Politics & Int. Studies
Economics
Law
Biological Sciences
Nursing
Psychology
Computer Science
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Entry Requirements
Undergraduate:
- India: Standard XII 75–85% (CBSE/ISC/State Boards).
- Bangladesh: HSC GPA 4.0–4.5/5.0 or A-Levels BBB–ABB.
- English: IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 components) to 7.0 depending on course.
- IB Diploma: 28–34 points.
Postgraduate:
- India: Bachelor's degree (3-4 years) with 55–65% from recognized universities.
- Bangladesh: 4-year Bachelor's with CGPA 3.0–3.5/4.0.
- English: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 components) to 7.0.
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Scholarships at University of Essex
Automatic assessment; tuition discount; non-combinable
Automatic; first year only; highly valued
Automatic; first year discount
Automatic; first year
Annual for 3 years; automatic; non-combinable
Limited (5 awards); automatic consideration
Automatic; first year; combinable with others
Automatic (6 available); first year
Competitive application; merit-based
Comprehensive funding; highly competitive
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Student Support Services
Personal tutors, Skills for Success, free academic English classes.
Welcome Week, free airport pick-up, visa/CAS advice.
Free counseling, on-campus GP, 24/7 helplines.
Hardship Fund for emergencies.
Guaranteed housing for full degree duration.
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About PFEC Global
Beginning in 2006, PFEC Global’s expertise in student migration consultancy evolved from a single Melbourne office to a multinational presence, spanning Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. We proudly represent international educational institutions, turning students' dreams into reality.
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