How to apply

You need to achieve at least a 50% average Year 1 mark in order to be eligible for the Study Abroad programme.

Study abroad places are competitively allocated based on your 1st year mark (after those students on a compulsory degree such as American Studies or Modern Language or those studying Marine Biology), so the higher your mark, the higher your chance of securing a place at one of your preferred universities.

We'd strongly recommend attending our briefings in the Autumn term to learn more about the application and allocation process.

You cannot fail a core module in Year 1 or Year 2.

If you fail a non-core module in your second year, there are several options for you.

• If you fail your course-work, you will be allowed to undertake your re-assessment during the summer period.
• If you fail your exam and your period of studies commences after the re-sit period (usually at the beginning of September), you will need to take your re-sits at Essex before going abroad.
• If you fail your exam and your period of studies commences before the re-sit period (usually at the beginning of September), you may be allowed to defer your re-assessment (exam) until you come back from you year abroad (usually in September after completion of your year abroad). You may be also allowed to take your exam at a British Council exam centre.

Remember that you can fail a maximum 30 credits of non-core modules over both Year 1 and Year 2. If you fail over this amount, you will not be able to study abroad.

Read the rules of assessment for more information and come to speak to Essex Abroad office if you have any questions about this.

Committing a disciplinary offence can affect your right to undertake a period of study abroad or affect the countries in which you are permitted to study. You may be prohibited from studying abroad if you have been convicted of a serious offence such as, but not limited to:

• Conviction of a criminal offence

• Using, selling or possessing within the University any controlled drug

• Exhibiting threatening, intimidating or violent behaviour

Essex Abroad will liaise with the University of Essex Proctor with regards to offences which have been committed.

Students are required to inform Essex Abroad of any conduct matters arising since commencing their study at the University of Essex or that arise once they have applied for their year abroad.

Please refer to the Code of Student Conduct for more information and speak to Essex Abroad regarding any restrictions that may be imposed on you.

Academic offences such as plagiarism or false authorship are classed as a separate offence. Students who have committed an academic offence may have an impact that will lower their mark(s) and this may in turn affect their study abroad options as University allocations are actioned based on first year mark.

If you wish to add a year abroad to your studies you should request this by the end of the Autumn Term of your second year.  Do check that you meet the eligibility criteria listed below.  If you have any queries please check with the Essex Abroad team. Once you have added a year abroad to your studies you must inform Student Finance England.

If you are interested in undertaking a term abroad you would study abroad in the autumn term of your final year. You must meet the study abroad eligibility criteria listed below. The term abroad is only currently available to students from the following departments - History, Interdisciplinary Studies Centre, American (US) Studies, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Art History, Psychology and East 15.

Key information for term-abroad students

• Students who study abroad for a term are required to take modules that are similar to modules that will be missed in the autumn term and also to complete a Special Syllabus Request form which needs to be approved by their DSAO (Department Study Abroad Officer) and Dean of Faculty
• Students are required to pay full fees to Essex for the term away (none to be paid to the host university abroad)
• All modules undertaken will count towards the term mark
• Students must take the full credit load
• The term-abroad mark will count for 50% of the students’ final-year mark. The final-year mark is 60% of the total degree outcome, so a strong academic outcome from the term abroad is essential
• Campus accommodation at Essex is not guaranteed for students on their return in January
• Students can only study at a partner university whose first term ends in December – i.e. not Europe

If you wish to remove a year of study abroad you need to submit an online change of course request. You must inform Student Finance England of your change of course. You may wish to consider taking part in one of our short term programmes which usually take place over the summer months. These range in duration, cost and location and are a great opportunity to gain an international experience.