University of Essex, UK: Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admission 2024
Introduction
‘Home to the curious, brave and bold’; the University of Essex is one of the most renowned universities in the world. The institution’s success is not just limited to its ranking, rather its contribution towards the society is also a landmark. Owing to its excellence, the university won an award from Times Higher Education in 2018 for University of The Year. Further, employing more than 2,644 academic, research, senior support and general support staff, the university contributes more than 500m Pounds to the UK economy. In every aspect, the university stands out and offers a range of transformative courses for the students to experience its excellence.
About the University
Home to the curious, brave and bold’; the University of Essex is one of the most renowned universities in the world. Situated in Colchester, a city in Essex, in East England, the University of Essex is a Public Research, Plate-Glass University that was originally established in 1963 and gained university status in 1965. It is home to more than 17,800 students nurturing their talents and providing them with advanced education and transformational life experiences with access to their state-of-the-art facilities, research centres and laboratories. A true testament to the university’s significance is the fact that the United Kingdom’s Data Archive Centre, which houses the largest collection of digital data, is based at the University of Essex.
The university has three campuses:
- Colchester Campus is spread over 200 acres of mesmerising parkland at 2 miles from the Colchester City Centre. There are direct trains from London’s Liverpool Street station to Hythe (the nearest train station), which is a 20-minute walk from the Colchester Campus.
- Southend-on-Sea Campus is located right at the centre of Southend-on-Sea City, a coastal city known for its longest pleasure pier in the world, extending to 2.16 kilometres. Southend Victoria station is 0.3 miles from the campus and has frequent trains to London Liverpool Street station.
- Loughton Campus – Essex’s acting school is based at Loughton Campus and is just a stone’s throw away from Epping Forest, spanning over 6,000 acres of ancient, woodland. London to Loughton campus is 19 miles and the journey can be covered in 30 minutes.
Mission and Values
Campus Life
University of Essex Courses 2024
The University of Essex is majorly divided into three campuses:
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Science and Health
- Faculty of Social Science
The university is organised in a way that it offers a specialised course to all students irrespective of their academic backgrounds. It is especially known for its Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Computer Science programmes. Apart from this, Essex Business School was established in 2015. It is among top 2% Business Schools in the world and holds AMBA and AACSB accreditations. An interesting fact to note is that the business school’s building is United Kingdom’s first Zero Carbon building with its own winter garden and rainwater pond.
Undergraduate programmes
The university offers a number of interesting courses at its undergraduate level. A few of the top-rated undergraduate courses along with a brief description are as follows:
BEng. Computer Systems Engineering
An undergraduate programme, accredited by BCS, the charted Institute for IT, for students who wishes to know “what goes on inside the box”. The department was originally founded by Professor Tony Brooker. The course aims to train students for the industry with specialist facilities for research into areas such as intelligent environments, robotics, etc.
BSc Psychology
The course is accredited by British Psychological Society (BPS) and is taught by faculty members specialising in themes such as: thinking about the world, interacting with the world, and experiencing the world.
BSc Accounting and Finance
Having received Q-step Affiliate status, the course is accredited by organisational bodies such as ACCA and CIMA. The programme aims to cover areas such as financial statements and budgets, portfolio management, accounting standards and corporate governance, options and future markets, etc.
BSc Artificial Intelligence
Training students for the continuously evolving AI industry, this programme equips students with a strong foundation in subjects such as data science, machine learning, robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, etc. the students are free to access world-class research facilities such as the university’s Brain-Computer Interface Lab and Robotics Arena and become a part of advanced ongoing research.
BSc Data Science and Analytics
Establishes industry connections with illustrious organisations such as Cisco, HMRC, TUI, Sage and Cubic Transportation Systems. Learners, master cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, intelligent support systems, hybrid algorithm design and logistics planning.
LLB Law
The programme aims to provide students with a rigorous academic training in the field of law coving topics such as copyright and trademark law, human rights, law and literature, the use of evidence, etc. under faculty members who work for the UN, the UK government, and EU.
Postgraduate Programs
The university caters to a large number of students at the postgraduate level as it offers an enormous number of master’s programmes. A few of the highly renowned programmes at the master’s level are:
MSc 5G and Emerging Communication Systems
This futuristic course, currently applying for reaccreditation with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), aims to equip one with all the essential knowledge of how a signal works with modules in Modern Digital Transmission Systems, Complex Electronic Circuits, Networked Systems, etc.
MSc Accounting and Financial Management
The programme, accredited by ACCA, covers topics such as theories of financial statements, management accounting and control, theories of financial reporting, etc. training students to excel in corporate analysis and reporting. One must consider that the Essex Business School is a member of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Programme.
MSc Actuarial Science
Specialising in the core technical subjects per the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, the programme is highly focused on research finding in actuarial methodologies and actuarial applications.
MSc Advanced Computer Science
Accredited by BCS, the charted Institute for IT, this programme is highly flexible, presenting its students to devise their curriculum based on their interests. One can choose from topics such as computer game development, evolutionary computation, cloud and web technologies, machine learning and data mining, etc.
MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science)
Enriching students’ academic journey with intrinsic details of financial and economics markets, the course covers topics such as big data analytics, blockchains, AI, Python Programming, etc. There are also options to specialise in Finance and Economics instead of Computer Science.
MSc Global Public Health
This innovative course is your chance to gain expertise in health and public policies, aiming to realise the promises of “health for all” and “leave no one behind” in order to move toward a more equitable and sustainable future.
MBA
MBA Essex is a course specially designed for students who are ambitious, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders in the business world. The course is accredited by Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of business (AACSB) while Essex Business School is among the top 2% Business Schools in the world.
LLM International Law
Providing students with opportunity to explore topics such as Public International Law, Trade and Maritime Law, Commercial Conflicts of Law, and Carriage of Goods by Sea, etc.
University of Essex Fees & Eligibility:
The University of Essex’s fee structure highly favours its students as its programmes are designed with an economic tuition fee structure. The university does not charge any application fee and offers an IELTS waiver as well, however, it requires an Acceptance Deposit of 4,000 Pounds. Functioning rather quickly, Essex’s turnaround time is usually 3-4 weeks.
Fee for Undergraduate Courses:
The general eligibility criteria along with the annual tuition fee for international students for the 2025-26 session for a few selected UG programmes are as follows:
BEng. Computer Systems Engineering
Eligibility: One requires best four subjects at 60% and above, Mathematics at 60% in Class 12th. Class 10th Mathematics should be at 60% minimum.
BSc Psychology
Eligibility: One requires best four subjects at 70% and above, Mathematics at 60% in class 12th. While Class 10th Mathematics should be at 60% to be admitted to this course.
BSc Accounting and Finance
Eligibility: One requires best four subjects at 70% and above plus Mathematics at 60% in Class 12th. Further, Class 10th Mathematics must be at 60% at least.
BSc Artificial Intelligence
Eligibility: The programme requires one to score best four subjects at 70% and above and Mathematics at 60% in Class 12th. Further, Class 10th Mathematics must be at least 60%.
BSc Data Science and Analytics
Eligibility: One requires best four subjects at 60% and above in Class 12th including Mathematics at 60%.
LLB Law
Eligibility: One must score best four subjects at 70% and above in Class 12th to apply to this course.
Fee for the Postgraduate Courses:
The general eligibility criteria along with the annual tuition fee for international students for the 2025-26 session for a few selected PG programmes are as follows:
MSc 5G and Emerging Communication Systems
Eligibility: This programme requires 50% to 55% in related subject such as Electronic Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering or Automation with one module in Signal and Systems, one module in Mathematics one other in Digital Systems or Computer Networks.
MSc Accounting and Financial Management
Eligibility: This course asks for 50% to 55% from any background to be eligible to apply.
MSc Actuarial Science
Eligibility: This course requires 55% from Mathematics, Economics, Statistics or Computer Science.
MSc Advanced Computer Science
Eligibility: This programme asks for 50% to 55% from Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Networks, Electronic Engineering, IT, or Automation background with one Mathematics module and programming module.
MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science)
Eligibility: This programme requires 50% to 55% from Finance or related academic discipline such as Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or any other degree with substantial quantitative modules.
MSc Global Public Health
Eligibility: This course asks for 50% to 55% from any discipline.
MBA
Eligibility: MBA requires 50% to 55% with 3 years of relevant managerial work experience. Student who holds degree below 2:2, require to 5 years of managerial work experience. GMAT isn’t mandatory for MBA programme but preferred.
LLM International Law
Eligibility: This course asks for 50% to 55% with law background at undergraduate level with relevant work experience or relevant professional qualifications/ professional work experience.
Note: The information mentioned above is subject to change. For more accurate information and personalised guidance, please reach out to Fateh’s counsellors.
Enquire NowUniversity of Essex Admission Dates 2024
The university has two major intakes: January and October. While applications for October 2024 are now closed, applications for January and October 2025 are open for entry. It is usually recommended to apply as early as possible since there is a limited number of seats and the fierce competition often leads to programmes getting full quite soon after the applications are opened.
Undergraduate Admissions:
It is to be noted that the undergraduate applications in the UK run through Universities & Colleges Admission Services (UCAS) which is an independent organisation whose primary role is to manage the undergraduate application process in UK universities. They allow students to apply to a maximum of two choices at one university or five choices at five different universities. To apply for more than one or a maximum of five choices, students need to pay 28.6 Pounds. The general deadlines for UCAS are:
- October 15
- January 29
- June 30
If one wishes to apply for the October 2025 intake for a UG programme, the university mentions the deadline of 29 January 2025.
Postgraduate Admissions
To apply for a post graduate course, one must apply individually for a course by filling out the course application. The university mentions the following deadlines for the upcoming intakes:
| Intake | Recommended Application Dates |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | 11 November 2024 |
| October 2025 | No deadline yet |
Note: Since the above-mentioned dates are subject to change, students are requested to check the university’s website or contact Fateh’s counsellors for updated information.
Research and Innovation
Essex is a highly research-focused university probing complex issues that affect human life at present as well as the issues that might affect us in future that has continuously shaped thinking and has helped devise policies. Providing insights into human life, research at Essex is organised into interdisciplinary groups that thrive on breaking the boundaries of current human information. A few groups are Environmental Arts and Humanities; Private and Business Law; Public Law; Criminal Justice; Law and Technology; Psychoanalysis, Law and Social Phenomena; Human Rights and the Humanities; Race, gender and Identity; Plant Productivity; Data Science; Ecology and Environmental Microbiology; Artificial Intelligence; Intelligent Connected Societies; Sports Performance; Strategy, Operations and Entrepreneurship; Management and Marketing; etc.
The University of Essex emerged as a powerhouse of research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, where Essex was ranked 1st for research impact in Modern Languages and Linguistics, and 2nd for research output in Politics and International Studies. It was also ranked 1st for research environment in Sociology, while subjects such as Economics and Econometrics, Politics and International Studies, and Art History ranked among the top 10 for research output in the UK. Moreover, subjects such as Computer Science and Philosophy also ranked among the top 10 for research impact in the country.
Times Higher Education ranked five subjects i.e., Sociology, Computer Science, Law, Economics and Econometrics, and Politics and International Studies among the top 10 while subjects such as Biological Sciences, Philosophy, Business and Management, and Public Health among the top 30 for research power in the country.
International Students Support
The University of Essex aims to create a conducive environment for its students inclusive of all backgrounds and ethnicities. The university claims to be truly international with students hailing from more than 140 nations and 30 different cultural societies, i.e., a third of the total students studying at the university come from outside the UK. It is noted that 12.8% of the students come from the European Union while 21.5% of students come from overseas. The diversity of the student community essentially adds to one’s experience and the same can be concluded from the fact that the university is in the UK’s top 10 universities for overall positivity furnishing its students with valuable “learning resources” while it ranks among the top 20 universities for “academic support”.
The university offers Pre-Sessional English Language Classes to its international students to improve their English Language skills ahead of their academic years. Moreover, the university also runs a four-week Academic Skills Preparation Course to unconditional offer holders at its Colchester Campus to bring students at par with study and research skills needed in UK universities.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The university offers a multitude of scholarships to its student in order to ensure their financial stability so that they may focus on gaining an education without any strain. A few of the scholarships offered at UG and PG levels along with their details are as follows:
Undergraduate Scholarships
Vice Chancellor’s Global Talent Scholarship
Value: 50% of the tuition fee
Automatic: No
Require separate application: Yes
To receive detailed guidance and further insights regarding the application of scholarships, contact our counsellors.
Postgraduate Scholarships
Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship
Value:4,000 Pounds
Automatic: Yes
Require separate application: No
The Essex MBA Dean’s Award
Value: 10 to 100 % of the total tuition fee
Automatic:Yes
Require separate application: No
Vice Chancellor’s Global Talent Scholarship
Value: 50% of the tuition fee
Automatic:No
Require separate application: Yes
If you wish to learn more about applying for postgraduate scholarships, book a consultation call with our counsellors.
University of Essex Ranking 2024
Global and National Rankings
The university has always topped ranking charts owing to the standards of education maintained here. It is ranked as following:
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 459 |
| Teaching Excellence Framework | Gold |
| Complete University Guide 2022 (United Kingdom) | 27 |
Subject-Specific Rankings
The university is ranked at following positions as per subjects:
| Subject | Ranking | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law and Legal Studies | Top 30 in the UK | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 |
| Mathematics | 25th in the UK | Guardian University Guide 2025 |
| Accounting and Finance | Top 200 globally | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 |
| Computer Science | 6th in the UK for research power | Times Higher Education Research Power Measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021 |
| Psychology | Top 30 in the UK | World University Rankings by Subject 2024 |
Note: The above rankings are updated regularly.. For further details about the most recent rankings, feel free to contact Fateh’s counsellors.
FAQ
Yes, it does. The MBA programme at Essex requires 50% to 55% with 3 years of relevant managerial work experience to be eligible. Student who holds a degree below 2:2, require 5 years of managerial work experience to apply for Essex MBA. GMAT isn’t mandatory for the MBA programme but preferred.
Students are free to dig into 165 clubs and societies flourishing at the university while street markets, organised campus events, and food outlets will never let one get bored. The university offers guaranteed accommodation for the first-year students ensuring their safety and well-being. Several prominent English rock bands including the Who, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd (6 times), Genesis, etc. have honoured the university with their presence.
Yes, Professor Christopher Pisaarides who graduated from the University of Essex was awarded a Noble Prize for Economics in 2010.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, if you are looking for education abroad, the University of Essex is your sure destination for success with state-of-the-art facilities and professional faculty. The country is renowned across the globe for its standards of education because of the universities like Essex. We urge the students to not miss the golden opportunity to explore the world-class educational facilities at Essex. So, what are you waiting for?
Contact Fateh today for a hassle-free admission process.
