University of Essex had a campus in Southend for more than a decade. The spirit of entrepreneurship is nurtured by Essex Business School, the School of Health and Social Care is developing the next generation of caring professionals, the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies has a range of courses focused on therapeutic approaches and East 15 Acting School students have a proud tradition of creating inspirational theatre influenced by the area's unique heritage.
The award-winning The Forum Southend-on-Sea opened in September 2013 as a joint partnership between Southend Borough Council and South Essex College. It provides modern lecture rooms, rehearsal space and high-tech medical skills labs. Across town the Clifftown Theatre and Studios is a development and performance space for East 15 students with a busy programme of events.
Rankings
* University of the Year in 2018 at the Times Higher Education Awards
* Gold rated in the UK Government's Teaching Excellence Framework 2017.
* 22nd for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021
* Top 50 for social sciences in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019
* Top 50 for politics and sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
