University of Essex


Image of University of Essex
Spend a semester or year studying at the University of Essex, in Colchester, England.
Location: Colchester, England
Language of Instruction: English
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Colchester is the oldest recorded town in Britain
  • The university is located just two miles from the center of Colchester on 200 acres of attractive parkland, much of which was landscaped in the eighteenth century
  • Essex is eight miles from the sea on the east coast of England and 54 miles from London
  • It currently enrolls over 6,600 students and has 17 departments spanning the Humanities, Social Sciences and Science and Engineering

The KU Great Britain Direct Exchange Program (GBDX) is designed to stimulate and enrich the intellectual development of KU students through a direct experience in the British academic and cultural environment, promoting friendship with Great Britain and broadening international horizons. To realize this mission, KU has signed direct exchange agreements with ten universities in Great Britain, which allow KU students to study for a semester or year abroad at greatly reduced costs. In exchange, British students from these same universities will study for a semester or year at KU.

All universities offer year-long exchanges. Classes begin in late September or early October and finish in very late May or June. All universities offer generous vacation and travel times. There are also several semester-long options, although availability varies from semester to semester.

The university received its Royal Charter in 1965. It currently enrolls over 6,600 students and has 17 departments spanning the Humanities, Social Sciences and Science and Engineering. Its compact campus provides a friendly and informal atmosphere.

Colchester is the oldest recorded town in Britain. The town, located in "Constable Country", is influenced by its long military associations and the Colchester Garrison is still one of the major bases of the British Army. Colchester is a thriving shopping centre and offers a wide variety of entertainment.

The university is located just two miles from the center of Colchester on 200 acres of attractive parkland, much of which was landscaped in the eighteenth century. Essex is eight miles from the sea on the east coast of England and 54 miles from London.

Students may earn up to 30 hours of KU credit for the year. Most disciplines are offered in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business, Education and Health Fields. Students are encouraged to visit the University of Essex website to determine if Essex offers the selection of courses that meet their graduation requirements.

Essex courses and grades will be posted as KU equivalents on your KU transcript and grades will figure into your KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit and grades, and their application toward graduation.

Learn about selecting courses at Essex: Essex Course Selection Guide (.docx)

View the University of Essex Course Catalog: Essex Courses

See sample courses KU students can take at Essex: Essex Course Equivalencies

Students live in university residence halls or student apartments on or near campus. In most cases students will have a single room and will share a common kitchen and bath. Students will have meals provided, prepare their own meals, or purchase meals at reduced cost in the university cafeteria, depending on their choice of residence.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Open to KU students who have achieved junior status by the beginning of the program and who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Exceptions may be made for sophomores with high academic qualifications who meet the course prerequisites. Some of the British sites may have additional requirements, including pre-requisites and number of credit hours completed.