The University of Essex has demonstrated a stable yet evolving academic reputation, ranking among the top 500 universities globally. While its QS ranking has declined from #411 in 2021 to #472 in 2025, THE rankings show a more consistent trend, placing it within the #301-400 range for several years. However, its US News ranking has fluctuated, dropping from #643 in 2022 to #606 in 2024, indicating a mixed performance in global academic metrics.
Nationally, Essex has made notable progress. The Guardian University Guide ranked it #85 in 2021, but it has since climbed to #23 in 2025, reflecting significant institutional improvements. The Complete University Guide also shows steady performance, maintaining a top 30 position in the UK.
Subject-wise, the University of Essex has maintained strong rankings in Arts, Business, and Computer Science. Sociology (#72 QS 2025) and Philosophy (#101-150 QS 2025) continue to be its flagship disciplines. Business and Management, however, have seen a drop in QS rankings, moving from #401-450 in 2023 to #451-500 in 2025. In contrast, Electrical Engineering has improved significantly in the UK rankings, rising from #43 in 2023 to #32 in 2025, showcasing growth in technical education.
Explore: University of Essex Admissions 2025
University of Essex World Rankings
Global ranking agencies like QS, THE, and US News & World Reports rank the University of Essex under the top 500 universities in the world. Check out the University of Essex world ranking trend for the last 5 years in the table below.
| Ranking Body | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank | 2022 Rank | 2021 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | #472 | #459 | #465 | #439 | #411 |
| THE | #351-400 | #301-350 | #301-350 | #301-350 | #301-350 |
| US News & World Reports | - | #606 | #633 | #643 | - |
University of Essex National Ranking
National ranking agencies like the Guardian and Complete University guide have consistently ranked Essex as one of the top 30 UK Universities. Explore the national trend of the University of Essex rankings in the table below.
| Ranking Body | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank | 2022 Rank | 2021 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide | #23 | #30 | #42 | #64 | #85 |
| The Complete University Guide | #30 | #32 | #39 | #27 | #41 |
| QS- Europe University | #77 | #77 | - | - | - |
University of Essex Rankings for Computer Science and Engineering Programs
In the latest Guardian University Guide 2025, Essex is ranked #32 for Computer science and information systems. It is ranked #20 for Electrical and electronic engineering. Explore the other notable rankings of the University of Essex’s Computer Science and Engineering programs mentioned below.
| Ranking Body | Subjects | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | Computer Science and Information Systems | #401-450 | #401-450 | #351-400 |
| THE | Computer Science | #201-250 | #201-250 | #201-250 |
| Complete University Guide (in UK) | Computer Science | #41 | #46 | #51 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | #32 | #41 | #43 | |
| General Engineering | #25 | #28 | #33 | |
| Medical Technology & Bioengineering | #41 | #42 | #42 |
University of Essex Rankings for Business Programs
The University of Essex is ranked #67 in UK for Business and Management according to the Guardian University Guide 2025. Other notable rankings of the University of Essex Business programs include the following.
| Ranking Body | Subjects | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | Accounting & Finance | #151-200 | #151-200 | #151-200 |
| Economics & Econometrics | #189 | #151-200 | #150 | |
| Business & Management Studies | #451-500 | #451-500 | #401-450 | |
| THE | Business & Economics | #151-175 | #151-175 | #126-150 |
| Complete University Guide | Accounting & Finance | #55 | #56 | #46 |
| Business & Management Studies | #61 | #59 | #54 | |
| Economics | #43 | #45 | #48 | |
| Marketing | #65 | #48 | #48 |
University of Essex Rankings for Arts & Humanities Programs
Explore the latest rankings of the University of Essex’s Arts programs & Humanities programs.
| Ranking Body | Subjects | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | Sociology | #72 | #73 | #59 |
| Philosophy | #101-150 | #101-150 | #101-150 | |
| Politics | #101-150 | #51-100 | #51-100 | |
| Social Policy & Administration | #101-150 | #101-130 | #51-100 | |
| Law & Legal Studies | #251-300 | #201-250 | #201-250 | |
| Psychology | #251-300 | #301-330 | #301-330 | |
| Arts & Humanities | #401-450 | #401-450 | #364 | |
| THE | Arts & Humanities | #251-300 | #251-300 | #176-200 |
| Law | #87 | #49 | #47 | |
| Psychology | #126-150 | #176-200 | #176-200 | |
| Complete University Guide (in UK) | Childhood & Youth Studies | #37 | #39 | #45 |
| Creative Writing | #24 | #21 | #30 | |
| Drama, Dance, & Cinematics | #27 | #31 | #12 | |
| History | #58 | #48 | #53 | |
| Philosophy | #28 | #32 | #29 | |
| Politics | #48 | #38 | #37 | |
| Psychology | #50 | #50 | #45 | |
| Social Work | #42 | #43 | #49 | |
| Sociology | #47 | #47 | #38 |
The University of Essex demonstrates a balanced academic reputation, with steady global rankings and strong national growth. Its rise in UK rankings, particularly from #85 to #23 in The Guardian, indicates institutional progress. While some subject areas, like Business and Law, have seen fluctuations, disciplines such as Sociology, Philosophy, and Electrical Engineering continue to strengthen.
Despite a slight decline in QS rankings, Essex maintains stability in THE and US News rankings, proving its global competitiveness. Its specialized strengths in social sciences, humanities, and engineering make it a solid choice for students seeking quality education with strong career prospects.
FAQs
Ques: Is Essex University a good university?
Ans: Yes, the University of Essex is a well-regarded institution, consistently ranking among the top 500 universities globally. It has shown significant improvement in UK rankings, rising to #23 in The Guardian University Guide 2025. The university excels in social sciences, humanities, business, and engineering, making it a strong choice for students.
Ques: What is the ranking of the University of Essex?
Ans: The University of Essex ranks #472 in QS World Rankings 2025 and #351-400 in THE World Rankings 2025. Nationally, it is #23 in The Guardian University Guide 2025 and #30 in The Complete University Guide 2025, showing steady growth in reputation.
Ques: What is the acceptance rate for Essex University?
Ans: The University of Essex has an acceptance rate of 74%, making it a moderately selective institution. Strong academic performance and a well-prepared application can significantly improve your chances of admission.










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