Welcome to the University of Essex Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony Forster Thursday 20 September 2012

Our founding principles and vision Founded in 1964, we are interdisciplinary, international and inclusive. Our vision We are a globally competitive, research intensive, student-focused university that takes seriously its economic, social and cultural responsibilities to the eastern region, the UK and the world. Today we have 16 departments and schools, and more than 30 centres and institutes.

Our four academic faculties Faculty of Social Sciences Professor David Sanders Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise Faculty of Law and Management Professor Nigel South Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic Partnerships Faculty of Humanities and Comparative Studies Professor Jane Wright Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic Standards Supported by the Professional Services Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Jules Pretty Deputy Vice-Chancellor Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability and Resources

Our national profile Ranked 9 th in the UK for the quality of our research. Ranked 20 th out of all mainstream English universities for student satisfaction. In the ‘1994 Group’ of 15 UK universities – others include Bath, UEA, Goldsmiths, Reading and Sussex. Partner institutions are Colchester Institute, Kaplan Open Learning, South Essex College, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, University Campus Suffolk and Writtle College.

About our students Our students come from 132 countries Colchester students 11,439 Southend students982 Loughton students 444 Total students 12,863  29 per cent are postgraduate students  36 per cent are UK undergraduates from low-income households (< £25k)  16 per cent of our students come from the EU  22 per cent of our students come from outside the EU/international  17 per cent of our undergraduate students are ‘mature’ students

A successful and ambitious institution We aim to provide the highest quality education for our students – and a first-class student experience We aim to maintain our position as one of the UK’s top ten universities for research quality We are committed to research-led teaching, our curriculum is informed by latest research, and our students undertake research themselves We aim to be in the top 25 in the Times UK league table Our £200m capital investment programme is improving educational facilities across Colchester, Southend and Loughton Campuses

Changes in Higher Education The 2011 Higher Education White Paper represented far-reaching reform for the sector – but the Bill has been postponed. What has this meant for the University?  We now charge £9,000 per year tuition fees  We have measures in place to support students from low-income families  We are operating within an increasingly competitive environment and student expectations are high  Visa restrictions have the potential to impact on our international students And not covered in the White Paper: a vision for the sector, research strategy or postgraduates

2012 and beyond – highlights 2012 Research income up to £25.5m Essex Centre for the Study of Integrity created €1 million funding to study the economics of social networks Biological sciences five-year research project on drought-resistant crops Academic expansion strategy –100 new academic staff over five years Preparing for the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Revising the strategic plan for 2013 onwards We are revising the University’s strategic plan for 2013 onwards. This will involve ongoing consultation with Senate, staff and students. The final strategic plan and vision to be approved in 2013.

Contact details Professor Anthony Forster FHEA FRSA AcSS Website: