Brand guidelines

Expressing our University identity 

How we all communicate our University as a collective is a really important part of how we are perceived by our students, businesses and the wider community.

In our increasingly global and highly competitive sector, it is essential - and in everyone’s interests – for all our communications to be easily identifiable and recognised internationally as the University of Essex. By appearing consistently ‘Essex branded’ our work benefits from being instantly recognisable.

We all play our part in the Essex story and building a strong reputation as a transformational research-led university, that is diverse and inclusive – a global family.

Communicating our University

Our Essex story

Rooted in our founding ethos, all about being different. We are freer, more daring, more experimental.

Our Essex personality

Who we are, how we speak, how we behave, and our Essex Spirit.

How to write like Essex

To write like Essex you’ll need to understand our tone of voice and our house writing style.

Expressing our visual style

Our 'one University' approach

We present a single over-arching brand and in general the use of sub-brands and logos is not allowed.

Our visual style

Our style is real and authentic. We pay homage to our architectural heritage and the geometric structure in our logo, taking an angular approach to any design expression.

Our colour palette

Our colours are what give us our personality.

Using our font

Our typeface reflects our no-nonsense approach.

Our University logo

Rules for using the University of Essex logo.

Our photography style

Find out how best to use photography in your communications and how to access the photo library.

Our video style

Read our detailed guidance on how to create an effective and engaging video.

Our web presence

Our University web presence refers to the entire online digital space of the University.

Celebrating our 60th anniversary

Bringing our 60th to life

In 2024, we celebrate 60 years of making change happen. To celebrate, we’ve developed a special 60th anniversary campaign running across two academic years.

60th Anniversary PowerPoint template

These templates are solely for use where it is appropriate to add the 60th celebration message to your presentation.

60th Anniversary Letterhead template

A special letterhead template designed to add the 60th celebration message to your correspondence.

60th Anniversary email signatures

Find out how to update your email signature to include the 60th logo with strapline.

Templates

Email signatures

Our email signatures are clear and simple. Find out how to use them.

Posters and notices templates

Take a look at the templates and guidelines we use to create posters and notices.

PowerPoint template

This template provides you with maximum flexibility so that your presentations communicate effectively with your audience, as well as being accessibility compliant.

Branded templates in Word

Take a look at the Word templates and guidelines we use to create branded reports.

Stationery templates

Take a look at the templates and guidelines we use for stationery.

Zoom backgrounds

A number of Essex images are available to use as a background for your Zoom meetings.

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Contact us
Brand management team Contact us for advice and guidance on expressing our University identity.