University of Essex Online

The University of Essex Online provides over 80 industry-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as business, computing, criminology, education, health, law, and psychology. Our students benefit from a flexible, online approach to learning while receiving the same dedicated support they expect from a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025).

TEF

We’re proud to be rated Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 undertaken by Office for Students (OfS). This recognises our commitment to delivering high quality student experiences, with outstanding ratings achieved for learning environment and academic support – as well as teaching assessment and feedback.

NSS

92% of our surveyed students agreed their course developed the knowledge and skills they need for their future, compared to 90% across the sector (National Student Survey, 2024).

PG & UG subjects available

• business
• computing
• criminology
• education
• health
• law
• psychology

Future career prospects

Take the opportunity to benefit from world-class research and teaching to become a valued member of a truly global community. All our programmes are awarded and validated by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 60-year heritage of teaching and research excellence.

Gaining a qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from their 2021 student survey showed:

• 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
• 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
• 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

On completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to graduate at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus and will receive the same certificate as campus-based students.

Studying online with the University of Essex Online meant I could study anywhere … so I went to the Algarve, Portugal for six months

Courteney Richardson-Hicks, BA (Hons) Business and Marketing

English language support

High English proficiency is required, as our courses are delivered in English. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 for postgraduate courses and 6.0 for undergraduate courses. We offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

You won’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Facilities and support arrangements

You’ll benefit from gold-standard teaching and learn via a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment that’s available 24/7, anywhere in the world. Upon successful completion of your course, you’ll be awarded a certificate from the University of Essex, ranked in the top 30 UK universities (Complete University Guide 2025).

Fees, funding and costs

• Your fees cover all course materials, assessments and resits. Tuition fees are the same for both UK and international students.
• Many of our students living in England are eligible for a government-backed student loan. If you are not eligible or choose to self-fund, we offer a simple monthly payment plan to spread the cost of your tuition fee.
• If you decide to pay your full course fee upfront, you will receive a discount. We also have several other scholarships and discounts.
• Finally we also offer a money back guarantee.

How to apply

We know that students from a non-traditional background have just as much potential to succeed, and that’s why we offer multiple entry routes onto our degrees. All of our undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programmes have two entry routes – academic and work experience – so you don’t need to have A-levels or a Bachelors degree to start studying. And for those without any academic qualifications or work experience, take a look at the open entry route onto our CertHE programmes, where you’ll just need to pass the first assignment in order to get on the route to a higher education qualification.

Another route into a postgraduate education that we offer is our range of online professional courses. No formal qualifications or experience is necessary to apply and upon successful completion you’ll have the option to progress onto a PG Cert, PG Dip or a full Masters.

Learn more about our online professional courses.

Whether you're an experienced professional looking to progress your career or a recent graduate who is looking to boost your CV, online study is a cost-effective, convenient and flexible way to get ahead.

To find the online course for you, visit our website.

If you’re ready to apply, complete our online application form.

Online graduation 2024 - Summer highlights video

Spring graduation 2024 - meet our graduates | University of Essex Online