In 1964, 122 students arrived at our University for the very first academic year, attracted by its bold vision. Over the next five decades close to 100,000 students from more than 140 countries have graduated, and inspired by the inquisitive and ambitious Essex Spirit, they have gone on to make a difference in the world.

We have a proud tradition of encouraging students to challenge convention and think differently, such as our graduate, Nobel Prize winner and economist Professor Chris Pissarides.

Our academics have produced work which has inspired entire generations and helped establish Essex’s reputation for research in the UK, particularly in the social sciences. This ranges from pioneering work on poverty and inequality by Professor Peter Townsend, to the development of the world’s first publicly available computer language by Professor Tony Brooker. We continue to push the boundaries – from promoting human rights around the world to pioneering the use of big data in developing countries.