Essex has jumped into the UK’s top 20 universities for offering the best all-round student experience.

The University climbed 25 places to 15th in the Times Higher Education (THE) survey, published today (14 January), which collected the views of more than 11,000 full-time undergraduates.

Essex scored strongly for its high-quality and helpful staff, good community atmosphere and campus environment, well-structured courses and good extracurricular activities.

The University was shortlisted in October’s THE awards for most improved student experience, featuring in the top four highest climbers. Students themselves chose the categories which were most important to the overall student experience.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: ‘The University has grown significantly in recent years and we have recognised the need to improve student facilities as well as maintaining our emphasis on high-quality teaching, informed by our research, and flexible degree structures.

'To achieve this ranking is a tribute to the hard work of our staff and our close relationship with the Students’ Union. Students’ Union venues have been completely transformed, and our multi-million pound investment programme is already delivering improvements to teaching and learning space, student accommodation and sports facilities.’

The University’s Students’ Union was awarded the prestigious Investors in People Gold Award, in recognition of its first class people management, last month.