University of Essex

University of Essex is a public research university based in Colchester, England, with an additional campus in Loughton. Founded in 1963, Essex is ranked 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2027, 17th for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, and top 30 in the Complete University Guide 2027. The university has particular strengths in social sciences, with five subjects in the UK top 10 for research power: Sociology (2nd), Law (3rd), Economics and Econometrics (4th), Politics and International Studies (6th), and Computer Science (6th) (Times Higher Education, REF 2021). 83% of research output is world-leading or internationally excellent. 85% of all Essex graduates are in employment or further study within six months of completing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes 2026). Essex offers undergraduate, postgraduate taught (Masters), and postgraduate research (PhD) programmes across two campuses and online, spanning arts, humanities, social sciences, science and health.