Nigel Parson joins the University as Tennis Performance Coach combining his role at the University with his duties as Performance Liaison Officer for Essex Tennis and responsibilities for Junior County Training.

The Women’s team compete in BUCS Tier 1 and our Men’s team compete in BUCS South Eastern Tier 2b. with ambitious plans for promotion and to compete in the BUCS National Trophy.

Tennis at Essex

Our tennis programme

Competitors will also have the opportunity to compete at the BUCS individual tennis championships

Our tennis programme will provide our students with:

  • Performance Coaching
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaching
  • Performance Analysis
  • Use of the onsite Sports Therapy Clinic
  • Access to on-site accommodation
  • lifestyle advisor network
  • Comprehensive workshop programme
  • Complimentary Gym Membership
  • 2 Team Training sessions
  • Individual training sessions

Scholarship fee discounts

Alongside performance coaching, recipients of the Performance Sport Scholarship programme also receive additional support services package benefits such as free kit, use of facilities and access to a range of support services worth up to of £1,500 per year (details outlined below). Our Performance Sport Scholarship programme has three different tiers:

Scholarship type; Award
Tier 1* Tuition fee discount up to 100%, performance coaching and support services package.
Tier 2 Cash bursary (of varying amounts), performance coaching and support services package (available for undergraduate students only).
Tier 3 Performance coaching and support services package.

*Some exceptional athletes in receipt of a tier 1 scholarship may also receive additional financial support.

Under tier 1 of the Performance Sport Scholarship programme, we award a number of tuition fee discounts to students on University of Essex undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses.

Tennis fee discounts available for students commencing their studies at Essex in 2024-25 are:

Number of awards Scholarship Award
4 x PG awards for international students (full-time only) Between 50-100% fee discount


Apply for a tennis scholarship

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) is a Sport England funded partnership between talented athletes, the University of Essex and national governing bodies of sport. We work together to bring the best out of our country’s most exciting young talent.

TASS helps athletes – aged 16-plus – to balance sport within the rest of their lives, be they in education, training or another form of personal development.

The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme recognises an education institution’s commitment to dual career support for talented athletes who are in full time education. The Dual Career Accreditation Scheme acknowledges an enhanced level of academic flexibility and understanding within an institution, allowing talented athletes to balance their studies with a hectic sporting schedule.

Tennis at the Essex Sport undercover courts
Tennis at the Essex Sport undercover courts
Tennis on the Essex Sport courts
Tennis on the Essex Sport courts
My time at the university was hugely impacted by being part of the tennis team. Having the opportunity to develop my tennis with high-performance coaching and support staff. The strength and conditioning have massively improved my game and helped reduce injuries. Representing the university was an honour and I will always be an Essex Blade by heart.  I am now excited to start my role as Tennis Development Officer at the University.
Amore Castelyn Tennis player and University of Essex Student
Rugby player in black about to be tackled by two other players in green and gold tops
Athlete Village

Both returning students who have previously represented the University in BUCS competitions, and new students who can evidence their level of performance in school, county or national level competition are welcome to apply to live in the Athlete Village.

Find out more about the Athlete Village