Guardian University Guide places Essex 12th in UK

The University of Essex has moved up to 12th place in the latest Guardian University Guide – its highest ranking ever.

Ranking 1st for Drama in the Guardian University Guide 2026, Essex is also in the top 10 for many other subjects, including 3rd for anatomy and physiology, 6th for biology, 6th for nursing, 6th for mathematics and 10th for sports science.

In addition, Essex is in the UK top 10 for three social science subjects – criminology, economics and international relations, which are all 9th in the guide.

The overall ranking of 12th means Essex is ahead of many Russell Group universities and second in the East of England, only behind the University of Cambridge.

• Discover more about how Essex has climbed to 12th in the Guardian University Guide 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Frances Bowen, who spoke to The Guardian about Essex's rise up the rankings, said: “This is such good news and so well-deserved by everyone who contributes to delivering our excellent education and fabulous student experience.

“Positive feedback from our students shows how much they value the support we offer, the sense of community we nurture, the global connections we provide, and how we help them towards the careers they aspire to.

“We are excited to be working closely with our Students’ Union to continue listening to students to build on our strengths and help Essex thrive in the coming years.”

Other subjects in the UK top 20 include hospitality, event management and tourism, mental health nursing, philosophy, physiotherapy, politics and sociology.

Leading university for drama

Essex's number one ranking for drama covers East 15 Acting School and drama courses delivered by the Department for Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies (LiFTS).

East 15 Director Dr Chris Main said: "I am delighted to see this recognition for the exceptional learning and creative experience we offer at East 15. The conservatoire model is demanding, yet rewarding.

"Our staff are devoted to delivering the highest quality education – teaching, directing and supporting our students. Our students are dedicated and passionate – always striving to achieve. Our alumni are performing, creating new work, and teaching across the globe – making a difference through theatre and the arts. I am privileged to work in such a creative atmosphere.

"Staff and students alike should be proud to be recognised for their achievements."

Head of LiFTS Matthew De Abaitua said: “We teach drama in a way that enriches Essex. We pride ourselves on our close connection to the local culture. Being ranked 1st acknowledges the strength of the diverse nature of our students and the excellent work of our experienced team of playwrights, directors, stage production staff and actors in unlocking that talent.

"The arts need a wide range of voices to thrive, from all backgrounds, and that is especially true of drama. Our students thrive with a mix of inspiration from Shakespeare through to Chinese theatre makers, combined with strong practice in the professional context of a state-of-the-art theatre.”

Essex's outstanding international reputation

Essex is one of the most international universities in the world and is ranked 17th for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

Research strengths span the social sciences, science and health, and arts and humanities, with five Essex subjects in the UK's top 10 for research power, according to the Times Higher Education – sociology, law, economics and econometrics, politics and international studies, and computer science.

The top university in the East of England for 'overall positivity' according to feedback from students in the National Student Survey 2025, Essex is also the number one university in the UK for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), the flagship Innovate UK programme.

Away from the lecture hall, Essex is a top 30 sporting university. With our students securing BUCS National Championships for Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, and 10 league titles across other sports.