MPhil Art History and Theory

University of Essex

Essex uni is an incredibly supportive university. I have ADHD and chronic fatigue that has impacted my studies quite significantly, but they have helped me both practically with study skills and emotionally to make sure the stress doesn’t get too much. All my classes are very interesting and moodle is a well structured learning platform to learn outside of class.

As an Art History PhD student at the University of Essex, my experience has been very positive overall. The strongest aspect by far is the support from my School. There is dedicated funding for extra training (such as courses or summer schools) and for conferences, including attendance even if you’re not presenting. Over the course of the PhD, this covers travel, accommodation, and fees in the UK or abroad. I’ve also benefited from fieldwork funding and support for external academic events, which has been invaluable for my research. That said, there are some downsides. I’m not a big fan of the campus environment—the brutalist architecture feels more depressing than inspiring to me—and Colchester is quite quiet, although London being just an hour away helps a lot. I’m also not especially impressed by campus services, particularly the value for money in student housing and the limited affordable healthy food options. Overall, though, I’d rate my experience a strong 4+ out of 5. The academic support, funding opportunities, and supportive research culture more than make up for the negatives, and I feel taken seriously as an overseas student.

The best part of the uni is the students union and the departments support of the students. the worst part is being in a place removed from most of the important opportunities for my career path, some of the processes are difficult for international students

The atmosphere is exceptional, with all people being very nice and friendly and services designed to meet even the most sophisticated needs! I don't like the campus look though, but the facilities themselves are good.

The best aspect of my uni experience so far has been the people. There is a massive population of international students here which makes it a great place to be in. The student union is also very active and there's a decent amount of event happening weekly, from volunteering opportunities to markets and nights at the uni bar and club. The worst aspect for me personally would be that while the University Campus is a really beautiful place to be, Colchester is some what slow paced. Because of this, finding jobs does prove difficult, especially when all of the students jobs on campus are gone.