The University of Essex operates across three distinct campus locations in the county of Essex: Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Loughton. Established by Royal Charter in 1965, the university provides academic programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, sciences, health, law, business, and performing arts.

The Colchester Campus serves as the university’s largest and primary footprint, set within 200 acres of historic, landscaped grounds at Wivenhoe Park. The self-contained, pedestrian-friendly site combines mid-century architectural squares with modern developments. It brings together academic departments, the Albert Sloman Library, extensive sports facilities, and on-campus residential accommodation around central public squares. Notable campus assets include the landmark Essex Business School building—designed around sustainable, zero-carbon principles—alongside the Wivenhoe House hotel, the Lakeside Theatre, and specialized research institutes.

Located forty miles to the south, the Southend Campus delivers an urban learning environment situated directly off Southend-on-Sea’s high street. Integrated into the town center, this location houses modern teaching spaces, the Forum learning hub, nursing simulation wards, and dedicated business facilities. In western Essex, the Loughton Campus sits on the edge of Epping Forest near London, serving as the specialized home for the university's East 15 Acting School. Featuring professional rehearsal studios, performance spaces, and technical workshops, Loughton provides a dedicated creative environment within easy reach of central London transit connections.