University of Essex

A new kind of university… where students could live and learn… and research mattered' – this was the founding vision of Essex's first Vice-Chancellor, Sir Albert Sloman. The plans were seen as so ground-breaking that Sir Albert was asked to give the prestigious Reith Lectures on BBC Radio in 1963, the year before we opened, to explain our cutting-edge approach to study, research and teaching. At the University of Essex, we have established a worldwide reputation for top quality teaching and research since 1964. Over the past five decades, we have grown to more than 11,000 students, including over 3,000 postgraduates, who come from all over the world to study at one of our three campuses in Colchester, Loughton, and Southend.
The architecture of Essex's Colchester Campus was designed to integrate social and educational space to foster a real sense of community. 'Brutalist' buildings such s as the Albert Sloman Library and the Hexagon, created by architect Kenneth Capon, have become iconic. You can listen to Professor Jules Lubbock and Dr. William Whyte discusses the celebrated architecture at Colchester Campus.