Postgraduate prospectus
Why choose Essex: why choose the Colchester Campus
- The Colchester Campus is an ideal location for your graduate studies.
It is set in 200 acres of beautiful parkland yet only two miles from
historic Colchester which is less than one hour from London.
- We have a strong postgraduate community of 2,600 students representing
142 countries, making us the UK's most international campus university.
- You will be welcomed into a dynamic academic environment which offers
extensive specialist resources and support networks to ensure you achieve
the most from your programme of study.
- The Colchester Campus is home to several of the country's leading
schools, departments, centres and research institutes, offering access to
the most up-to-date resources for ground breaking research and innovative
teaching.
- The Colchester Campus incorporates state-of-the-art teaching
facilities, accommodation, shops, banks, bars and cafés, a gallery and
theatre, and sports facilities – all on one compact site.
- The award-winning accommodation at the Colchester Campus offers
dedicated residences for postgraduate students, providing the perfect
atmosphere for academic study and social relaxation.
The Colchester Campus is located just two miles away from Colchester town
centre; famous for being Britain’s oldest recorded town and the former Roman
capital. The cobbled lanes in the Latin Quarter and the historic remains
nestled amongst the modern architecture are constant reminders of its
momentous past. These days, Colchester is a growing town with a thriving
culture and attractions aplenty.
With the combination of a vibrant modern town and relaxing beautiful
countryside, Colchester and the surrounding area of Essex and Suffolk
appeals to all. Over the centuries it has inspired various famous artists
such as Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable and Francis Bacon.
Eating, drinking and dancing
Colchester has an extensive range of places to eat and drink ranging from
national chain restaurants to quaint, independent eateries. Offering a
choice including Italian, Chinese, Indian, Spanish, Portuguese and Greek,
there is certainly something for everyone, regardless of taste and budget.
In addition to this, you will never be short of places to have a drink
with friends. Choose from cosy, traditional pubs selling local ales,
laid-back trendy bars offering a range of cocktails, and busy upbeat venues,
perfect for getting you into the party mood. With new venues constantly
popping up around the town, you can guarantee never to get bored.
In addition to Sub Zero nightclub on campus, you can choose from a
variety of clubs in Colchester, offering an ever-changing mix of music and
style, including Liquid & Envy, and Route.
Arts and culture
The Colchester Arts Centre, housed in a converted church, offers an
unconventional venue with a great atmosphere for live music and comedy. For
film lovers there is a multi-screen cinema – the Odeon. Colchester also
boasts The Mercury theatre which puts on a packed programme of plays, opera,
ballet and music, with discounts for students.
Colchester has several museums and galleries, including one of the UK’s
most innovative visual arts organisations, firstsite. Their exciting new
building, firstsite:newsite includes space to showcase the University of
Essex Collection of Latin American Art and is due to open in 2010. No visit
to Colchester is complete without a trip to its Norman Castle and museum,
taking you through 2,000 years of some of the most important events in
British history. The award-winning Castle Park, overlooked by the Castle, is
the perfect place to play a game of football, enjoy a summer picnic or spend
a few relaxing hours reading in the shade.
Shopping
Colchester town centre is popular for shopping, with a mixture of large
department stores and smaller specialist shops. The large weekly market
offers a selection of products, from clothes and handmade jewellery, to
freshly baked bread. With the shopping centres of Lakeside and Bluewater
both just over an hour away – you really will be spoilt for choice.
Out and about
The former fishing village of Wivenhoe is less than a mile from the
University’s Colchester Campus. It has a lively quayside and a variety of
pubs and restaurants to suit many tastes and pockets, making it a popular
destination for students living off campus. There is also an active music
scene in Wivenhoe, with a range of live music events throughout the year.
Its side streets are dotted with interesting shops and galleries where you
can enjoy unique locally-made arts and crafts.
The East Anglian coastline is also easily accessible, with popular
seaside locations such as Brightlingsea and Clacton only 20 minutes away.
For those who like their music and mud, the popular summer V Festival is
less than 30 minutes away at Chelmsford’s Hylands Park.
Well located
Colchester is served by excellent transport links, with the A12 running
into London and trains to central London taking only 45 minutes. Stansted
Airport, our gateway to continental Europe via the budget airlines, is just
an hour’s coach trip direct from the Campus. The ferry port of Harwich is
less than 30 minutes away by road. Colchester is also linked from the north
via Ipswich and the A14 to Birmingham, and the M1/M6 to the Midlands and the
north of England.