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Essex, University of Logo

Essex, University of

Address: University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1206 873333
Email: admissions@essex.ac.uk
Website: www.essex.ac.uk


About Essex, University of

We are home to the daring and tenacious.  We are a place for the ambitious and bold. We are a close-knit, supportive and welcoming community, with a powerful and pioneering global outlook. We are Top 30 in the Guardian University Guide 2024, as well as Top 30 in England for overall student positivity (English Broad Discipline Institutions, THE, National Student Survey 2023).

With over 17,000 students from more than 140 countries, we are one of the most internationally diverse universities on the planet and are 15th for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

You’re taught by world-leading academics in a supportive and research-intensive environment. Our trailblazing research continues to change the world for the better and are proud to have provided excellence in research and education for 60 years. Essex is a centre of world-leading excellence in social sciences with four of our social science subjects in the UK Top 10 for research quality (Grade Point Average, REF2021) and three in the UK Top 10 for research power (Times Higher Education 2022). We have further outstanding strengths in science and health, and arts and humanities.

Whether you study in the beautiful historic parkland of our Colchester Campus, the bustling lively city centre location of our Southend Campus, or at the home of East 15 Acting School at our Loughton Campus on the edge of London, this is your chance to become a member of our international and change-making community.

The flexibility and module diversity that many of our courses benefit from gives you the power to pursue the things that matter to you most.

 

Now’s your chance to join Nobel Prize-winners, award-winning directors, presidents, well-loved actors, astronauts, and over 125,000 other alumni who have gone on to shape the world and share their Essex spirit.

If you want to be challenged and make an impact on the world around you, welcome home.

Why Essex, University of

University of Essex is renowned for several key attributes that contribute to its reputation in the UK and internationally:

1. Strong Academic Reputation

  • Essex is known for its rigorous academic programs and high teaching standards. It consistently ranks highly in national and international university rankings, particularly in the social sciences, humanities, and computer science.

2. Research Excellence

  • The university is recognized for its research output, especially in areas such as sociology, politics, economics, and human rights. Essex has a vibrant research community and is home to several research centers that tackle pressing global issues.

3. Notable Alumni

  • Essex has produced numerous influential alumni, including politicians, authors, and academics. Notable figures include former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and David Runciman, a prominent political theorist.

4. Human Rights Focus

  • The university has a strong emphasis on human rights and social justice. It was one of the first universities in the UK to offer a degree in human rights and continues to be a leader in this field, with dedicated research centers and programs.

5. Diverse Student Body

  • Essex is known for its multicultural environment, with a large proportion of international students. This diversity enriches the academic experience and fosters global perspectives.

6. Campus and Facilities

  • The university boasts a modern campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, research centers, and sports facilities. The campus environment is designed to support both academic and extracurricular activities.

7. Innovative Teaching Approaches

  • Essex is recognized for its innovative teaching methods, including an emphasis on experiential learning and research-led teaching. The university encourages critical thinking and real-world applications of knowledge.

The University of Essex has specific English language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. These requirements ensure that students can effectively participate in their academic programs. Here are the general language requirements:

1. Undergraduate Programs

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
    • Minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual component lower than 5.5.
  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
    • Minimum overall score of 80, with at least:
      • 18 in reading
      • 17 in listening
      • 20 in speaking
      • 20 in writing.
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):
    • Minimum score of 54, with no less than 51 in each component.
  • Cambridge English Qualifications:
    • C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 176, with no section lower than 169.
    • C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 176, with no section lower than 169.

2. Postgraduate Programs

  • IELTS:
    • Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component lower than 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT:
    • Minimum overall score of 90, with the following sub-scores:
      • 21 in reading
      • 21 in listening
      • 22 in speaking
      • 23 in writing.
  • PTE Academic:
    • Minimum score of 62, with no less than 56 in each skill.
  • Cambridge English Qualifications:
    • C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 185, with no section below 176.
    • C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 185, with no section below 176.

3. Alternative Qualifications

  • Students may be exempt from taking an English proficiency test if they have completed their secondary education in an English-speaking country or hold qualifications such as:
    • GCSE/IGCSE English Language: Grade C/4 or above.
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): English at Higher Level, with a grade of 5 or above.

4. Pre-Sessional English Courses

  • For students who do not meet the required English language proficiency, the University of Essex offers pre-sessional English language courses. These courses help students improve their English skills before starting their main academic program.

The University of Essex offers a wide range of course specialities across various disciplines. Here are some key areas of focus:

1. Social Sciences

  • Specialties: The university is particularly known for its programs in Sociology, Politics, and Human Rights. Essex has a strong reputation for research and teaching in these areas, often ranking among the top universities for social sciences in the UK.

2. Economics

  • Specialty: Essex has a robust economics department that emphasizes both theoretical and applied economics. The university is recognized for its research in economic policy, development economics, and behavioral economics.

3. Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

  • Specialty: The Department of Computer Science is known for its research and teaching in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing students for careers in technology.

4. Psychology

  • Specialty: The psychology programs at Essex focus on a range of topics, including Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Social Psychology. The university is known for its research output and emphasis on empirical methods.

5. Law

  • Specialty: The University of Essex has a strong law school, known for its programs in Human Rights Law, International Law, and Criminal Law. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

6. Business and Management

  • Specialty: The Essex Business School offers programs in Business Management, Marketing, and Finance. The courses focus on critical thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurship, integrating real-world case studies.

7. Health and Social Care

  • Specialty: The university offers programs in Health and Social Care, focusing on the intersection of health policy, social work, and public health. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for roles in healthcare and social services.

8. Creative Arts and Humanities

  • Specialty: Essex has strong programs in History, Literature, and Philosophy. The courses encourage critical analysis and creative expression, with opportunities for interdisciplinary study.

The University of Essex boasts several distinguished professors who are recognized for their contributions to their fields. Here are a few notable faculty members:

1. Professor Amartya Sen

  • Field: Economics
  • Notable Achievements: Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences (1998), known for his work on welfare economics, poverty, and social choice theory. His research has had a profound impact on development economics and policy-making.

2. Professor David Held

  • Field: Political Theory
  • Notable Achievements: A leading figure in political theory, known for his work on globalization, democracy, and political philosophy. His contributions to the understanding of global governance and democracy are widely recognized.

3. Professor Anne-Marie D'Aoust

  • Field: Sociology
  • Notable Achievements: Renowned for her research in sociology, particularly in the areas of social inequality, migration, and social policy. Her work contributes to the understanding of contemporary social issues.

4. Professor Michael A. Smith

  • Field: Psychology
  • Notable Achievements: A prominent psychologist known for his research in cognitive psychology and human behavior. His studies on decision-making and social cognition have influenced various areas of psychology.

5. Professor Sarah Hayes

  • Field: Health and Social Care
  • Notable Achievements: Known for her contributions to health policy and practice, especially in relation to public health and social care. Her research focuses on improving health outcomes and service delivery.

The University of Essex has notable associations with Nobel Prize winners, particularly in the fields of economics and peace. Here are some key details regarding Nobel laureates connected to the university:

Notable Nobel Prize Winners

  1. Amartya Sen:

    • Nobel Prize: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (1998)
    • Contribution: Sen is recognized for his work on welfare economics, social choice theory, and poverty measurement. His research has profoundly influenced economic policies and understanding of development economics. He has also been a professor at the University of Essex.

  2. John F. Nash Jr.:

    • Nobel Prize: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (1994)
    • Contribution: Nash is best known for his groundbreaking work in game theory. His theories have had a significant impact across various disciplines, including economics, mathematics, and social sciences. He was associated with the University of Essex as a visiting scholar.

  3. Michael W. Rosenberg:

    • Nobel Prize: Nobel Peace Prize (1986) (shared with the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War)
    • Contribution: Rosenberg has been influential in advocating for peace and global health. His work has ties to social sciences and public health initiatives, aligning with the university's research focus.

Research and Contributions

The University of Essex is known for its strong emphasis on social sciences, economics, and human rights, making it a breeding ground for influential ideas and research that resonate with the principles of the Nobel Prize.