Our University logo
Our ‘one University’ approach was agreed by USG in December 2009. This means that we present a single over-arching brand and in general, use of sub-brands and associated logos is not allowed. This is so that nothing eclipses the University of Essex ‘parent brand’ and we can maximise and leverage our brand equity.
Faculties, schools, departments, services, centres or institutes should always be clearly identified as being part of the University of Essex and so do not have their own logos.
In any promotional materials, names are always shown in plain, stylised text.
Requesting the University of Essex logo
We have a range of branded templates available for University staff to use, which already include our logo. These are not intended to be shared with, or used by, partners or students.
If you require the logo for an alternative use, such as for merchandise or to send to a third party, please fill in our logo request form.
Third-party marketing materials and suppliers
We generally do not approve the use of our logo in third-party marketing materials or endorse our suppliers’ services.
If the University of Essex logo is used in an uncontrolled manner, we risk suggesting endorsement or ‘seal of approval’ where the connection to Essex may be minimal.
Using our logo alongside other logos
When any additional logos are used, they must not exceed the size of the University logo or overshadow it visually, so the University logo is the main focus.
If working with partners, see Partnerships and co-branding section below.
Our logo lock-ups
We recognise that in some cases, it may be appropriate for a particular unit to be more identifiable within the University structure.
Logo lock-ups are an exception, not the rule.
As specific context and approval is required, contact the Brand team branding@essex.ac.uk before commissioning any work on a logo lock-up.
If you are suggesting the University logo alone is not enough, an assessment will be made about whether any advantages of having your own logo lock-up can compare favourably to the disadvantages of loss of identity when the link with the University is less clear.
Logo lock-ups will not be approved when:
- Essex leads the commercial offer, largely academic
- entity is fully or majority funded by Essex
- entity is core business for Essex eg teaching or research
- audience expects and values Essex input more than the entity or Essex adds value, more value than the entity
Can I have my own logo?
Having your own logo will never be as recognisable as the University of Essex logo. In fact, a new logo can often be confusing - diluting the connection to the University - and will take time to become established and trusted by an audience.
If you'd like to discuss a project you believe requires a logo please contact the Brand team, by emailing branding@essex.ac.uk.
Partnerships and co-branding
Essex works with many partners and organisations in a number of ways. From research projects and collaborations, to events and campaigns. It is in the interests of all parties to be represented properly and for the relationship to be clear in the minds of our audiences.
Working with partners
When working with partners, the way we use our combined branding depends on the weight of balance in the relationship.
A partner should only use University branding if a formal partnership agreement, sponsorship agreement, Memorandum of Understanding or equivalent formal agreement exists.
Equally, our logo should not be added to a third party/external organisation’s content as an endorsement/labelling device unless the content itself is distinctively Essex and the provider can identify this aspect to us clearly.
In keeping with our ‘one University’ approach we do not typically give prominence to other brand logos in our marketing communication materials and assets. You can add the web address of any third party organisation instead in your communication as a practical solution.
We make exceptions only when use of that logo provides a recognised shorthand – ideally globally – in our communications. The list of approved logos for third parties within this context is:
- QAP (Queen’s Anniversary Prize)
- TEF Gold
- Times Higher University of the Year
- YERUN
- YUFE
- Public Health England
- NHS
- University of Sanctuary
- AMBA
- THE
- QS
- SU
- UN Global Compact
- Graduate Outcomes
- V16
In addition, use of the key social media logos is permitted based on this principle, eg:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Snapchat
These logos must not exceed the size of the University of Essex logo or overshadow it visually, so the University of Essex logo is the main focus.
Partnership agreements
When working with partners the partnership agreement will determine the way that we brand any materials. The agreement will determine whether Essex is a lead partner, equal partner, or if it is a multi-partner project. If you are unclear on your partnership project and require advice on how your materials should be designed, please contact branding@essex.ac.uk
Essex as lead partner
Essex is considered the lead partner on a project when the resources and funding are primarily provided by the University.
- The Essex brand and style should prevail.
- Partner logo(s) should appear at the bottom, arranged on a horizontal axis.
- Partner logos should have equal prominence.
Equal partnerships
For joint communications acknowledging equal partnerships, we should seek to maximise our presence by proposing CDS design any artwork, utilising our key brand elements.
- Both Essex and partner logo(s) should be used with equal prominence, size and spacing, with Essex taking the primary position.
- Ensure logos are clearly visible against the background.
In some cases, it may not be acceptable to have Essex as the lead identity and an independent identity may need to be developed. Our in-house Brand team can help with this. Please contact branding@essex.ac.uk for guidance in the first instance. Do not commission or design any logos without contacting the Brand team first.
Multi-partner projects
If the project is a partnership between Essex and other Universities, then depending on the weighting of contribution, it may not be appropriate to use the Essex identity.
In this situation an independent identity may be developed, with recognition given to all institutions involved in the project.
Research projects
Research is at the heart of our University and is central to our mission. Our research shapes thinking and influences policy. It helps build our reputation as one of the leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Many research projects at Essex are in partnership with other organisations. When this happens, the other organisations need to be represented on any materials or communications.
Recognising external funders
When research projects benefit from external funding, the funder’s contribution should be recognised through the use of their logo on project materials. On occasion, the funder may request that a name and/or brand is developed for the project.
Promoting your research project
The Communications Team is on hand to help you promote your research. Please contact comms@essex.ac.uk for further advice.
To discuss the funder’s requirement with regard to branding any promotional materials, or how to display the logos of the partners involved, please contact the Brand team branding@essex.ac.uk.
Research poster templates for conferences
If you require a research poster for a conference, we have a selection of University branded templates available for use.
Endorsement/sponsorship/accreditation of third parties
Where Essex has endorsed/sponsored/or given accreditation to another organisation, endorsement wording can be used to clearly define the relationship between Essex and our partners.
Choice of wording should be agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Examples of acceptable descriptions include:
- in partnership with
- in association with
- sponsored by/Proud Sponsor of
- an initiative with
- in collaboration with
Expiry date for logo usage
To ensure no misrepresentation in our communications, it is important to note expiry dates for any high level promotion of accolades.
After these expiry dates, we will remove logos from high-level promotional assets such as our letterheads, email signatures, and lamp post banners, so it no longer features as lead messaging.
Expired accolades will, however, continue to be referenced as historical information in our 'key facts and figures' alongside other notable achievements.
Special events, initiatives and anniversaries
From time to time, we do create a badge to mark special occasions such as core institutional campaigns and anniversaries. They are only used for a short-term duration to promote and identify that particular event or initiative.
Please contact the brand team branding@essex.ac.uk before commissioning any work on a special badge for an event, initiative or anniversary.
Our coat of arms
Our coat of arms is only used for ceremonial occasions and items (e.g. Graduation).
It's not permitted to be used on anything else (e.g. it cannot be used on merchandise for student societies or on students' dissertations or theses.
