The power of partnerships
Universities need strong partnerships to enhance education, research, student mobility and recruitment pathways while fostering transnational education.
Building sustainable links with universities around the world helps Essex to innovate and drives our mission to use research and teaching to benefit students, staff and wider communities locally and globally.
By leveraging our diverse partnerships – from transnational education agreements to mobility programs – the University has positioned itself as a leader in global higher education.
Celebrating our global network
The University of Essex is one of the most international universities in the world with students and academics drawn from more than 140 countries.
Over sixty years it has built a global network of partners and the past decade saw it build on this strength with an ambitious expansion of its international profile through new strategic partnerships in many regions.
A key focus has been delivering benefits for both sides - across research and education.
"There is a richness and depth to the opportunities a partnership can bring," said Director of Partnerships (Education and Research) Louise Blair. "They provide access to resources, diversify income streams, foster innovation, enhance educational experiences and contribute to the overall success and impact of higher education institutions."
We now have partnerships with more than 300 universities and our network is underpinned by our commitment to build international alliances, expand educational opportunities and share best practice.
Partnerships with global impact
The University of Essex has established a dynamic and varied portfolio of partnerships that spans continents and academic disciplines. These collaborations enhance education, research, student mobility and recruitment pathways while fostering transnational education.
European Alliances: YUFE and YERUN
Transnational education: Beaconhouse International College in Pakistan
Regional leadership: Aegean Omiros College in Greece
Business and innovation: Laksamana College of Business in Brunei
Strategic partnerships for global engagement: Northwest University in Xian, China
"The University of Essex can have a greater impact globally through our partners and we are enriched by their influence on us."
Louise Blair
Director of Partnerships (Education and Research)
YUFE - creating a new European University
We’re part of the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) Alliance, which connects ten research-intensive universities across Europe united by a young, forward-looking and committed spirit.
YUFE exemplifies Essex’s commitment to cross-border educational innovation and aims to shape the future of European higher education by establishing a European University that's open to all.
It provides students with the opportunity to study a variety of academic modules, learn new languages and connect and collaborate with other students across the YUFE network.
"The University of Essex is not only the gateway for future YUFE Bachelor students to the UK and the British higher education market, but also a highly valued collaboration partner that places our core values at the centre of our activities.
"Through YUFE, the University of Essex maintains strong ties with Europe, committed to local internationalisation with its European neighbours and strongly connected to the YUFE partners."
Maria-Valerie Schegk, YUFE Secretary General
YUFE offers:
- Student mobility: Students experience diverse European cultures and gain access to a multilingual and multidisciplinary learning environment.
- Collaborative research: Joint projects address societal challenges such as climate change and health inequalities.
- Career development: Enhanced opportunities for students and staff through internships and training programs.
Find out more about the new YUFE Bachelor
YERUN: building links across Europe
YERUN - Young European Research Universities Network - positions Essex within a prestigious network dedicated to excellence in research.
Its mission is clear: to shape a higher education environment where young universities have true impact.
It brings together 23 like-minded young universities from across Europe, with the aim to strengthen and develop cooperation in research, academic education and service which benefits society.
Since YERUN was launched in 2016, the network has established initiatives focusing on education and research collaboration, PhD partnerships, open science, research mobility, EU policies, sustainability and graduate employability.
YERUN’s objectives include:
- Research impact: Amplifying global research visibility by connecting with like-minded institutions.
- Policy influence: Shaping European policies on education and research funding.
- Academic networking: Facilitating interdisciplinary projects across member institutions.
Transnational education: Beaconhouse International College
Our collaboration with Beaconhouse International College in Pakistan underscores Essex’s leadership in transnational education where students are able to study for an Essex degree in countries around the world.
The partnership provides new opportunities to study an extensive range of Essex business, law and technology programmes at graduate and postgraduate levels in Pakistan.
Deputy Dean of Partnerships David Briggs said: “Together we can provide exceptional courses and educational opportunities with Beaconhouse International College to deliver a genuine international experience to its students, including new and innovative links between students studying with Beaconhouse International College in Pakistan and students studying with the University of Essex in the UK.”
Key benefits include:
- Accessibility: Removing financial and logistical barriers to studying abroad.
- Academic quality: Delivering Essex’s rigorous curriculum in Pakistan.
- Cultural exchange: Strengthening ties between UK and Pakistani higher education sectors.
From left: Safia Cassim, Country Operations Head at Beaconhouse International College, Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, Chairperson and Founder of Beaconhouse, and Dr Annecy Lax, Dean of Partnerships (Education) at the University of Essex.
From left: Safia Cassim, Country Operations Head at Beaconhouse International College, Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, Chairperson and Founder of Beaconhouse, and Dr Annecy Lax, Dean of Partnerships (Education) at the University of Essex.
"Our collaboration with the University of Essex in Pakistan brings world-class degree programs to our students, opening new doors to global opportunities. Together, we are committed to shaping the future of higher education in Pakistan, striving to become the country's leading provider of quality education."
Haroon Asghar - Head of Academics, Beaconhouse International College
Regional leadership: Aegean Omiros College
We are committed to regional educational development across the globe.
And our ambitious partnership with Aegean Omiros College (AOC) in Greece, where we are validating degree courses delivered by AOC, is a clear example of this.
The University of Essex’s portfolio of courses with AOC includes undergraduate and postgraduate validated degrees in the areas of business administration, shipping, tourism, IT, allied health, psychology and education.
This collaboration focuses on:
- Expanding programmes: Increasing the range of courses to cater to local and international students.
- Regulatory adaptation: Supporting AOC in aligning with Greek higher education reforms.
- Pathways to Essex: Creating seamless transfer opportunities for students wishing to complete their studies in the UK.
Business and innovation: Laksamana College of Business
The collaboration between Laksamana College of Business (LCB) and the University of Essex is truly ground-breaking.
It is the first franchise agreement for a UK university to deliver undergraduate level law courses in Brunei.
This agreement offers students in Brunei exciting new ways to study law and pursue their career aspirations and there are hopes this will provide a strong platform for further partnerships with LCB and a model for future collaborations.
Essex and LCB have longstanding links thanks to existing progression agreements with the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Essex Business School, the Edge Hotel School and the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science at Essex.
Essex supports LCB in:
- Diversifying delivery: Offering courses in multiple locations, including South Korea and Vietnam.
- Enhancing employability: Equipping students with industry-relevant skills.
- Cultural bridges: Fostering regional connections through academic exchanges.
Strategic partnerships for global engagement: Northwest University
We value our strong relationship with Northwest University (NWU) in Xian in China and are proud to deliver a prestigious joint four-year degree programme, which launched in 2017.
Students on this joint programme spend three years in China and one year in the UK. Successful students are awarded a BSc in Electronic Systems Engineering from Essex and a BSc in Electronic Information Science and Technology from Northwest.
The program prepares students for a broad range of careers in China or worldwide, such as software engineering or electronic systems within large companies, management of high technology projects, teaching and research.
Key aspects of the collaboration include:
- Joint degrees: Offering innovative programs tailored to Chinese students.
- Research collaborations: Promoting joint publications and cross-border academic initiatives.
- Adaptability: Responding to regulatory changes in the Chinese education sector.
Above: Professor Anthony Vickers with the first cohort of 118 students on the joint degree programme with Northwest University in China.
Above: Professor Anthony Vickers with the first cohort of 118 students on the joint degree programme with Northwest University in China.
“This programme has been a wonderful and unforgettable experience. I have met a lot of really good teachers and made a lot of very good friends. The labs and teaching environment are excellent, and I have really learnt a lot of new things.”
Northwest University student Lurui Xie (pictured right)
Northwest University Vice-President, Professor Cao Rong with Professor Maria Fasli.
Northwest University Vice-President, Professor Cao Rong with Professor Maria Fasli.
Digital leadership: Essex Online
The University of Essex Online was rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings 2024 - the first time THE has ranked online learning providers globally.
Dr Annecy Lax, Dean of Partnerships (Education), said: “The thousands of graduates who’ve benefitted from studying with the University of Essex Online inspire us every day, and we’re deeply proud of the personal journeys of students exceeding their ambitions."
Operated in collaboration with Kaplan Open Learning, University of Essex Online:
- Expands accessibility: Reaches a global audience of learners who prefer flexible study.
- Supports lifelong learning: Offers professionally-focused courses
Pathways to on-campus study
Since first joining forces with Kaplan more than ten years ago, we have continued to work with them to innovate internationally.
In partnership with Kaplan International Pathways we are now delivering a portfolio of programmes through the University of Essex International College based on our Colchester Campus.
The International College offers:
- Foundation courses: Preparing students for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
- Cultural transition: Supporting students’ adaptation to UK academic and cultural life.
We also have transfer agreements with global institutions to enable students to transition directly into Essex programs with prior recognition of learning.
Find out more
Picture courtesy of Nicolas Fagot
Picture courtesy of Nicolas Fagot
Our University partnerships
We work closely with partner institutions to develop and maintain high-quality and accessible learning opportunities in the UK and internationally.
Picture courtesy of YUFE
Picture courtesy of YUFE
Connecting with Europe
We've established partnerships with key European universities crossing disciplines to enrich our research and enhance learning opportunities for our students.
Sixty Stories
We’re celebrating 60 years of making change happen. 60 years of boldness and bravery from our students past and present. 60 years of creating change.
Built with Shorthand