University of Essex

Postgraduate Study at the University of Essex

Impatient to master your craft? Study for your masters or research degree at the University of Essex.

Join one of the top 40 universities in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2023). At Essex, you’ll be taught by world-leading academics in a research-intensive environment among Nobel Prize-winners, award-winning directors, presidents, astronauts and over 75,000 other alumni who have gone on to shape the world.

Research quality

Founded by Sir Albert Sloman, the University of Essex was established to pursue research “that really mattered”. Today our dedication has secured us a ranking among the UK’s top 25 universities for research quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).

Childcare on-site

As a postgraduate student, you may have other commitments and need more flexibility to study. On our Colchester Campus, you have access to Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery, available to children of Essex students and staff. Built within the same award-winning parkland as the Colchester Campus and just a 5-minute walk from the main squares, you can study at ease knowing your child is in great hands.

Funding

We understand that money matters, so to ensure all students have equal potential to succeed there are a range of funding options. Postgraduate students studying either a masters or research degree can apply for a government-backed loan. The loan is not means tested but you must be a UK national and under 60 to apply. Learn more about your eligibility and explore the range of scholarships, discounts and other funding opportunities available.

If you have already graduated from the University of Essex, you’re entitled to an Alumni Loyalty Discount, which offers up to 33% off your fees.

Campus Locations

All three campuses are situated in the county of Essex (in the East of England), and offer employment opportunities either on-site or in the near-by town centres. Each campus is less than an hour away from London with easy access to train stations and bus routes.

Colchester Campus

• Our largest campus
• Two miles from the centre of Colchester – the oldest recorded town in Britain, whilst being a lively and modern place to live
• Set in over 200 acres of beautiful, historic parkland
• Shops, cafés, bars, library, theatre, labs, sports facilities and student support all on one site

Southend Campus

• In the heart of Southend-on-Sea with the town centre on your doorstep
• Combines teaching spaces, IT labs, open study areas, rehearsal studios, a medical skills lab, a theatre, and a Students’ Union venue
• Seven miles of award-winning coastline

Loughton Campus

• The home of our East 15 Acting School
• Ranked 1st for Drama and Dance by The Guardian University Guide 2022

Departments information

• East 15 Acting School
• History
• Literature, Film and Theatre Studies
• Law
• Philosophy and Art History
• Edge Hotel School
• Life Sciences
• Mathematical Sciences
• Psychology
• Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
• Health and Social Care
• Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences
• Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic studies
• Economics
• Essex Business School
• Government
• Language and Linguistics
• Sociology

Future career prospects

The University of Essex has a high employability rate with 88% of all students in employment or further study just six months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022). Browse our masters courses with professional work placements to gain hands-on experience in your industry of choice.

Improve your employability by learning a new language or completing a course in Data Analytics at no extra cost.

English language support

The University of Essex offers a range of Pre-Sessional English Language courses to develop your language skills before starting a course. These can be taught by University of Essex International College (a Kaplan International Pathways college) or by one of our partner organisations in China (developed by Essex Pathways).

Facilities and support arrangements

In addition to on-site childcare, the University of Essex also provides health and well-being services and disability support services at the Student Services Hub. Here you can discuss any matter with full confidentiality. Essex students also have access to on-site mental-health professionals who are there to offer advice, assessments and referrals for counselling if necessary.

We were first in the UK to install Nightline, a 24-hour phone line for confidential student support.

Accommodation

Whether you want to embrace the student experience in a bustling apartment or are looking for a little peace in a private studio, we have a home for everyone. Check out all seven options for housing at Colchester Campus starting from £105.21 per week or browse the flats and houses on University Square at the Southend Campus.

Culture

We are proud to celebrate our diverse community. With cultures from over 130 countries, you can experience the world in one place. From food to festivals, we embrace every culture within our Essex spirit. We’re even ranked Top 25 for international outlook by the Times Higher Education, World University Rankings 2022.

How to apply

Applying for a masters course is simple. Just fill out our online application form and submit. All applications require an undergraduate degree with a grade 2:2 or higher. Occasionally some courses will ask for certificates of your education level, or a personal statement. You can find this information on the specific course page.

Visit our Open Days

Colchester

• Saturday 17 June
• Saturday 16 September
• Saturday 28 October

Southend

• Saturday 14 October

PG subjects available

• Accounting
• Acting, Producing, Stage Mgmt
• Actuarial Science
• Art History
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Business and Mgmt
• Childhood studies
• Computer Science
• Computational Finance
• Creative writing
• Criminology
• Data Analytics
• Drama
• Economics
• Electronic Engineering
• English Lang
• English Lang Teaching
• Entrepreneurship
• European Studies
• Film Studies
• Finance and Banking
• Genetics
• Global Studies
• Health care practice
• History
• Hospitality and Events Mgmt
• Human Resource Mgmt
• Human Rights
• Latin American Studies
• Law
• Liberal Arts
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Marine Biology
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• MBA
• Modern Languages
• Nursing (adult)
• Occupational Therapy
• Oral Health
• Philosophy
• Physiotherapy
• Politics
• Psychology
• Psychology: applied and clinical
• Psychosocial studies
• Robotics
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Speech & Language Therapy
• Sport and Exercise