Research groups and areas

Our groups and areas of study

Arts and Humanities

At Essex we believe in research that allows people to take informed action. Our University was founded on interdisciplinarity and activism, and we draw on a broad range of perspectives to investigate what it means to be human.

Science and Health

Our departments host a range of research groups and areas of focus, in which our academics work together on their specialist interests. Postgraduate research students are encouraged to join a group related to their area of interest, so they can benefit from the support of multiple experts beyond their supervisor.

Social Sciences

Our Faculty is home to some of the most highly-rated research centres in the country. We have a powerful group of scholars, asking critical questions and challenging convention through their world-leading social science research (REF 2021). From how best to govern ourselves, to understanding society and how we acquire language, to how we conduct business and interact with each other, we answer profound questions.