Quick Summary
Public research university in Colchester, United Kingdom — University of Essex, est. 1964. Ranked #472 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 17800 students including 40% from outside United Kingdom. Known for strengths in Politics, Sociology, Linguistics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 74%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Ranked top 10 for research quality in social sciences, highly diverse international community, and award-winning student union.
Subject Strengths
PoliticsSociologyLinguisticsEconomicsLawPhilosophyComputer Science
Founded1964
TypePublic Research University
Total Students17800
Intl Students40%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusParkland
Campus Size200 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationPrivy Council, AACSB, AMBA, BPS, BCS
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#472
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#301–350
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Postgraduate Taught,Postgraduate Research,Short Courses,Foundation Degrees
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER),Human Rights Centre,UK Data Archive,Essex Biomedical Science Institute
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Privy Council, AACSB, AMBA, BPS, BCS
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate74%
IELTS6
TOEFL88
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 29
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight social engagement and critical thinking in the personal statement. International students should apply early for visa processing.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in British Pound Sterling
UG Tuition
£19,500/yr
per year · GBP
Living Cost
£12,150/yr
per year · GBP
PG Tuition
£20,500/yr
per year · GBP
Application Fee
$37
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
£32,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · GBP
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$5,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Postgraduate Taught,Postgraduate Research,Short Courses,Foundation Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Politics and International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Sociology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Data Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Criminology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship Placementtrue
Industry Connections
Strong links with UK governmentNHSand global NGOs in human rights and social policy.
Notable Alumni
Oscar Arias,Priti Patel,John Bercow,Siri Hustvedt,Ben Okri
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Essex Sport Arena, tennis courts, multi-use pitches, state-of-the-art gym
Student Clubs
120
Library Resources
Albert Sloman Library (over 1 million items), 24/7 access during exams
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available