you are here: home > about * about the university * campuses * facts and figures * history of the university * partner institutions * strategy * vision statement * mission statement * key performance indicators * operational plan * reviews and assessments find out more... visitor informationvirtual toursmapsprincipal officersmission statementpast studentshonorary graduatesannual review Key links: login... myEssex WebMail Would you like to order a prospectus? One of the UKs leading academic institutions, founded in 1964, the University of Essex has developed a worldwide reputation for top quality teaching and research. degree, research, university of essex, essex university, university, universities, essex, colchester, higher education, UK, united kingdom, britain, british, GB, england, college, business, expert About The University of Essex is one of the UKs leading academic institutions. Founded in 1964 when it opened its doors to a cohort of just 122 students at Wivenhoe Park in Colchester, the University has grown in both reputation and size, developing a worldwide reputation for top quality teaching and research. There are now more than 10,000 students, studying at three campuses across Essex. Academic departments span the humanities, social sciences, science and engineering, and law and management. Essex is the UKs most internationally diverse campus university, with students drawn from 142 countries.