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The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of change. It is an institution with a culture of boldness where creativity and curiosity in learning are both encouraged and expected. It’s a UK university, placing 36th and 32nd according to the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 and the 2024 Complete University Guide rankings, respectively.
At the University of Essex, students are taught by world-leading academics in a supportive and research-intensive environment. In its nearly sixty-year history, the institution has met and exceeded expectations for success, winning awards for teaching quality and expanding its programmes of education to meet the needs of future societies and industries. The flexibility of the courses on offer gives students the power to pursue the things that matter most to them.
Students can choose to study in the stunning historic parkland of the Colchester campus, the dynamic town centre of Southend-on-Sea, or in the stately home at the Loughton campus. With all three campuses so uniquely distinct from one another, the University of Essex is able to offer a study experience suited to every personality.
Notable alumni of the University of Essex include Nobel Prize-winners, award-winning directors, presidents, well-loved actors, astronauts and over 100,000 others who have gone on to shape the world and share their Essex spirit.
Postgraduate Open Evening
The Postgraduate Open Evening provides individuals with an opportunity to explore the potential future location they may call home. The event is available both in-person at the Colchester Campus and virtually, accommodating those unable to travel. Attendees can participate in talks and access content from the convenience of their homes. The in-person option includes various talks, campus and accommodation tours, departmental discussions, interactions with Student Services, and a firsthand experience of student life at Essex.
Postgraduate
Offering over 300 different master’s degrees and PhDs alongside a comprehensive package of scholarships, bursaries and financial support, the University of Essex firmly believes that a top-quality postgraduate education should be as accessible and affordable as possible.
For students interested in studying a doctorate at the university, three Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) are available, providing opportunities to receive the highest levels of research funding and training in the UK.
At the University of Essex, postgraduate courses are overseen by three faculties.
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities offers a range of research-led, interdisciplinary, taught and research programmes in subject areas such as law, literature, philosophy, history, film studies and theatre studies.
The Faculty of Science and Health organises its postgraduate courses to address global issues and benefit people, society, and the environment in subject areas such as life sciences, health and social care, mathematics, computer science, electronic engineering, and psychology.
The Faculty of Social Sciences is home to some of the top social science departments and research centres in the UK, with courses offered in economics, business, sociology, language, and linguistics.
Postgraduate students benefit from the teachings and supervision of the University of Essex’s highly experienced staff. An engaging team of scholars and professional researchers guide students throughout their postgraduate studies and prepare them for future success in specialist fields.
The University of Essex is dedicated to research-led teaching at all levels of education. This practice ensures that all students have direct, personal experience of being a researcher, enabling development of the critical, analytic, and transferable skills necessary to forge successful careers in both academia and industry.
The University of Essex prides itself on attracting some of the most talented and dedicated individuals to its postgraduate programmes. However, it also recognises that the path to postgraduate study is unique to every student. As such, specific entry requirements may vary based on various factors, such as the level of previous study undertaken and/or prior relevant experience.
Applicants should consult the university’s course pages for the most up to date information on entry requirements.
Every application is evaluated on an individual basis, with a focus on inclusivity. As such, the university offers various alternative routes to admission where applicable, making sure that all qualifications and experiences are duly considered.
Since all courses at the University of Essex are taught in English, international applicants are required to meet a basic English language proficiency standard before commencing their studies. Students may also enrol in a pre-sessional English language course at the university which is specifically designed to enhance academic language skills.
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The University of Essex has a strong reputation across a number of fields of study – none more so than in social sciences, where more than two-thirds of the university’s research has been recognised as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
In addition, several of the university’s programmes have all been ranked exceptionally highly for research quality, including sociology, economics and econometrics, politics and international studies, and modern languages and linguistics (REF 2021).
Professors and lecturers at the University of Essex aren’t just experts in their fields – they also have a wealth of real-world experience, meaning they are able to share their knowledge in a way that’s both easy to understand and extremely valuable for your studies.
The university’s high scores in teaching quality metrics are proof that it is committed to providing a top quality learning experience. And with small class sizes, no one is just another face in the crowd. Every student gets an abundance of one-on-one time with tutors, ensuring each and every graduate comes away with a personalised, unforgettable university experience.
The University of Essex prepares its students for future career success, offering a number of master’s courses with professional work placements. These placements prepare postgraduate students for the world of work by allowing them to gain hands-on experience in relevant areas of industry.
The university is proud of its high employability rate. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) 2023 Graduate Outcomes survey reported that 90% of postgraduate graduates at the University of Essex entered into highly skilled employment following the completion of their studies.
Postgraduate students at the University of Essex are supported in their professional development by a dedicated careers service. This service not only helps students find competitive job listings but also runs a yearly programme of workshops and events to ensure that students have all the resources needed for a successful transition from their studies to their working life.
The CareerHub at the University of Essex is a free service which offers appointments with careers advisors who can help students to search for internships while studying, as well as jobs after graduation. Assistance is provided in areas such as CV writing, interview training, and long-term career planning. The university cultivates strong connections with regional and national employers, who often give guest lectures on campus, and can be approached for advice and networking opportunities.
Students at the University of Essex automatically become members of the University of Essex Student Union (Essex SU).
Essex SU strongly believes that every voice matters and that the ideas of the student body can, and should, shape the campus experience for everyone. As such, students decide what items are stocked in campus stores, what drinks are served in bars, and what current issues are debated and campaigned for.
Clubs and societies
Students are encouraged to get involved in clubs and activities alongside their studies, not only to improve their university experience but also their CV, social relationships and even the world around them.
There are over 165 active sports clubs and societies, arts and music events and even volunteering projects available to students at the University of Essex.
City life
The Colchester campus is just two miles from the city’s vibrant centre. Students can explore Colchester’s arts and culture scene, discover the city’s boutique shops and famous zoo or even try their hand at water sports.
Students at the Southend campus find themselves right at the heart of a vibrant seaside city, just ten minutes’ walk from its famous pier and beaches and less than an hour from London’s city-centre by train.
The Loughton campus is an ideal blend of urban and rural, with easy access to both the rich cultural diversity of London and the tranquil setting of the countryside, perfect for inspiring focus and creativity.
The University of Essex offers a variety of housing choices, with a number of university-managed housing options located within a convenient distance of the university itself.
All postgraduate students are guaranteed campus accommodation for their first year of study, with postgraduate rooms being leased for 50 weeks. And, with housing to suit all budgets and preferences, there’s something for everyone.
In addition to the accommodation itself, the University of Essex’s designated residence life team are on hand to ensure that all students settle into campus life and have a friendly, approachable point of contact for any housing-related issues.
Facilities
The University of Essex provides a comprehensive programme of resources and facilities across all three of its campuses and is constantly finding new ways to improve and invest in the equipment and services on offer.
Students have access to three libraries, with the central hub being the state-of-the-art Albert Sloman library.
The University of Essex has recently invested significantly in its hi-tech STEM centre which provides exceptional new opportunities and facilities for students studying science, technology, engineering and maths.
The university provides a range of coffee shops, cafés and food vendors, perfect for staying refreshed and well-nourished on campus.
The University of Essex puts students health and welfare at the forefront. And, fully understanding that everyone needs support and guidance from time to time, it has set up its friendly Student Services Hub to offer advice, assistance and support to students around the clock.
The Student Services Hub can provide all students with free and confidential advice and information on all kinds of issues, including:
Accommodation
Exams
Finances
Immigration
IT support
Health and wellbeing
Careers advice
Course and study-specific issues
Discussions with the Student Services Hub can be held over the phone, in person or even over live chat, depending on students’ personal preferences.
Students can access personalised support at a number of Student Hub and student support locations around University of Essex campuses. The Colchester, Loughton, and Southend campuses all have easily accessible services for students, while out of hours and online support is also on offer through the Student Wellbeing Support Line and the university’s website, respectively.
A number of scholarships and bursaries are available to postgraduate students at Essex, including:
Academic Excellence International Masters scholarships
University of Sanctuary scholarships
The Essex MBA Dean’s Award
The university also offers a number of graduate research opportunities as well as country-specific funding awards aimed at attracting talented individuals from across the globe.
For returning University of Essex graduates who obtained a 2:2 or higher in their undergraduate degree, an alumni loyalty discount is available to reduce tuition fees by up to 33%.
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There are over 300 taught courses available across a wide range of subject areas, many of which offer interdisciplinary study options, vocational training and pathways to further research.
The university also offers its own free Masters Preparation Programme , designed to help students understand what they can expect from their postgraduate studies.
Research
Research students at the University of Essex benefit from the world-leading expertise of the institution’s academics. Students are guided by experienced research supervisors and encouraged to contribute to the university’s innovative research culture.
The university is proud to be a research-intensive institution, with three internationally recognised flagship research centres: the Human Rights Centre, the Institute for Analytics and Data Science, and the Institute for Social and Economic Research.
In addition, all research students are provided with access to Proficio, a training scheme which awards research students up to £2,500 for training courses and attending conferences.
Distance learning
The University of Essex provides a range of distance learning options, offering many of its postgraduate master’s programmes in a remote learning format.
Regularly adding more courses to its distance learning portfolio, the university is committed to providing students with an opportunity to study at Essex from anywhere in the world.
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