How To Gain Admission Into University of Sussex As An Undergraduate Students
Every student’s dream is to be in an institution that is conducive and sound academically both in theory and practical aspects of it. At this point, the University of Sussex is been recommended for you to take up your undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
Or, are you an international student looking for the best university to study your dream course? If yes, then the University of Sussex is the right choice for you.
Gaining admission into the university is quite easy if you adhere to the institution application guidelines and requirements.
In this article, you will be given detailed information on how to gain admission to the University of Sussex as an undergraduate student.
About University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is a public research university located in Falmer, Sussex, England. Its campus is surrounded by the South Downs National Park and it is a short distance away from central Brighton. The University received its Royal Charter in August 1961, the first of the plate glass university generation, and was a founding member of the 1994 Group of research-intensive universities.
More than a third of its students are enrolled in postgraduate programs and approximately a third of staff are from outside the United Kingdom. Sussex has a diverse community of nearly 20,000 students, with around one in three being foreign students, and over 1000 academics, representing over 140 different nationalities.
University of Sussex Admissions Policies for Undergraduate Students
We aim to offer a diverse, multicultural undergraduate student community that is open and welcoming to those with the potential to pursue our courses successfully.
Admissions Policy
Sussex has a long tradition of welcoming applicants with varied qualifications and backgrounds.
We work towards this by:
- Providing educational opportunities for all types of student satisfying the criteria of the policy, irrespective of their previous educational attainment, and reviewing each application individually on its merits
- Attempting to recruit a diverse community of undergraduates with regard to gender, age, nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic background and disability
- Providing specific progression routes for identified groups, including mature students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds in the locality and region.
The University is committed to:
- Equality of opportunity as set out in our Equality and Diversity policy [PDF 74KB]
- Giving applicants (who have applied by the UCAS deadline of 15 January and who have been offered a place) the opportunity to take part in a structured visit to the campus
- Taking properly into account all relevant factors bearing on the applicants’ previous and likely attainment
- Offering information and special assistance to applicants who need it, particularly those with a disability and those from overseas.
University of Sussex Entry Requirements for UK Applicants
We are looking for bright, enthusiastic and motivated students to join our undergraduate community. We accept a range of UK qualifications, and consider wider experience when offering places.
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man
If you are a recent school or college leaver, you will need to have at least the University’s general entry requirement of two A-levels (or equivalent).
For most courses, you need more than this minimum requirement and most successful applicants will have at least three A-levels (or equivalent).
Our standard offer levels are listed with each of our undergraduate courses. You will also need to meet any specific subject requirements (such as A-levels, GCSEs or equivalent qualifications).
You would also be expected to demonstrate a broad educational background in both numeracy and competence in English. For UK students, this will normally mean a good range of GCSEs (grades A* to C, or 4 to 9 in the new grading structure) including both English and Mathematics.
A-Level Applicants
You are normally expected to have at least three A-levels.
General Studies A-Level
We accept all A-levels, including General Studies. However, the General Studies A-level is not accepted for Medicine, which is taught at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS).
You would normally have General Studies as a fourth additional A-level, rather than one of your three subjects.
Specific A-Levels
There are some courses that require particular A-levels. You can see which A-levels you need in the entry requirements section for each of our undergraduate courses. You must have these particular A-levels. However, we do not have ‘preferred’ A-levels and would encourage you to take the subjects where you feel you will achieve the best results.
A-Level Resits
We are happy to consider you if you are re-sitting your A-levels to improve your overall grades.
Assessing Your Application
Our standard offers are shown with each undergraduate course in terms of three A-level grades. We do however review each application on its individual strengths and merits and will take into account the full array of qualifications being presented (including additional AS-levels or the Extended Project Qualification).
We do vary some offers to take into account other information about you, such as your background, the school you attend, and any challenges you have faced.
Many of our standard offers are presented as offer ranges, for example, AAB – ABB. This is to give you an idea of the sort of grades we expect. When we are reviewing applications, we will look for evidence of your potential to achieve at this level. We look at each application individually.
Reformed And Unreformed A-Levels
Between September 2015 and 2017, AS and A-levels in England will become separate qualifications and AS-level grades will no longer count towards the full A-level.
As A-levels are reformed in England, we recognise that you may or may not be applying with AS-level results. We understand that some schools and applicants will no longer take AS-level examinations. In this transition period, we will not favour either reformed or old style A-levels and you will not be disadvantaged if you do not have AS-level results when you apply.
Sciences
Practical skills are an important part of our science-based courses. If you are applying for a degree in our School of Life Sciences, we would expect you to pass the practical element of the most relevant reformed science A-level(s). This will normally be a condition of your offer.
Extended Project Qualification
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides an excellent opportunity for you to enhance your core A-level (or other Level 3) studies.
We take the EPQ into account when considering your application, but we do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer (and will normally make the offer over three A-levels).
However, we’re always happy to discuss this and will sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ (perhaps with a slight reduction in your A-level grades).
If you receive a conditional offer which doesn’t include your EPQ, and would like to review this with us, please email ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk.
Even where the EPQ is not included in the conditions, it can still be useful in the summer when your results are released should you narrowly miss the conditions of your offer. At Confirmation, we do take into account additional qualifications when reviewing students who miss the requirements.
If you are taking the EPQ, you may also find it useful to include information about it in your Personal Statement. Some of the best personal statements include details of research undertaken in the EPQ.
Other UK qualifications Accepted by Sussex
Find your qualification below.
Access To Higher Education (HE) Diploma
Typical offer: 45 credits at Level 3 with at least 30 credits at Distinction, and 15 credits at Merit. The diploma must normally be in a relevant subject. Some courses may require specific units and grades.
Compare your qualification with our A-level offer:
| UK A-level grades | Access to Higher Education Diploma |
|---|---|
| AAA | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including at least 30 at Distinction and the remaining 15 at Merit |
| AAB | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including at least 30 at Distinction and the remaining 15 at Merit |
| ABB | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above, including 24 at Distinction |
| BBB | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above, including 24 at Distinction. |
BTEC and OCR Qualifications
We will consider you if you are taking BTEC or OCR qualifications (either on their own or combined with A-levels). You need to be studying the equivalent of at least three A-levels (in terms of learning hours).
We accept:
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (and the former BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC National Diploma (NQF))
- Pearson Level 3 National Diploma (and the former BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF) or BTEC National Certificate (NQF)) when combined with either an A-level or a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (or former BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma)
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (or the former BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma (QCF)) alongside at least two A-levels
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (or the former Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) or BTEC National Awards (NQF)) alongside at least two A-levels
- OCR National Certificate and National Diploma (normally in combination with A-levels) and the OCR National Extended Diploma.
You need to check our undergraduate courses for any specific requirements. For example, we may expect your Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma to be in a particular subject, or you may need to combine your BTEC or OCR qualification with a particular A-level.
You must meet any GCSE requirements set out in the entry requirement section of our undergraduate courses, regardless of how strong your BTEC results are. For all courses you need a broad range of GCSEs (grades A* to C).
Compare your qualification with our A-level offer:
| AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | CCC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEARSON BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL EXTENDED DIPLOMA | DDD | DDD | DDM | DDM | DMM |
| PEARSON BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL DIPLOMA AND ONE A-LEVEL | DD and A | DD and A | DM and A | DM and B | DM and C |
| PEARSON BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL EXTENDED CERTIFICATE AND TWO A-LEVELS | Distinction and AA | Distinction and AB | Distinction and BB | Merit and AB | Merit and CC |
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma
We accept: the full Diploma or principal subjects from the Diploma combined with A-levels. You need to be studying the equivalent (in learning hours) of at least three A-levels.
Compare your qualification with our A-level offer:
| AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | CCC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMBRIDGE PRE-U PRINCIPAL SUBJECT AND TWO A-LEVELS | D3 and AA | D3 and AB | M2 and AB | M2 and BB | M3 and CC |
| TWO CAMBRIDGE PRE-U PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS AND ONE A-LEVEL | D3, M1 and AA | D3, M2 and A | M2, M2 and A | M2, M2 and B | M3, P1 and C |
| THREE CAMBRIDGE PRE-U PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS | D3, D3 and M2 | D3, M1 and M2 | D3, M2 and M2 | M2, M2 and M2 | M3, M3 and P1 |
European Baccalaureate (EB)
The European Baccalaureate (EB) entry requirements are listed with each of our undergraduate courses.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
The typical offers for the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are listed with each of our undergraduate courses.
You will normally be expected to complete the full IB diploma (rather than individual IB certificates).
Open University (OU)
Typical offer: 60 credits at level 1 for first-year entry. You may be able to transfer directly into the second year if you have 120 or more credits. Not all of our courses accept applications for direct entry into the second year.
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Typical offer: at least five Highers to be considered for first-year entry. However, in areas where we have a specific A-level subject requirement, we would normally expect you to have taken the Advanced Higher in this subject.
Compare your qualification with our A-level offer:
| UK A-level grades | Scottish Highers |
|---|---|
| AAA | AAAAA |
| AAB | AAAABB |
| ABB | AABBBB |
| BBB | BBBBBB |
| CCC | CCCCCC |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
Typical offer: Core certificate and grades A-B in A-level options.
Compare your qualification with our A-level offer:
| UK A-level grades | Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma and two A-level grades |
|---|---|
| AAA | Grade A and AA |
| AAB | Grade B and AA |
| ABB | Grade B and AB |
| BBB | Grade B and BB |
| CCC | Grade C and CC |
University of Sussex Qualifications Counted as Equivalent to GCSE
If you need specific GCSEs for your chosen course, you must have a grade C or above in the subjects required, unless otherwise stated.
We also accept:
- International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) – passes at grade C or above
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) O-level – passes at grade C or above
- Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) – passes at grade 1
- Certificate of Extended Education (CEE) – passes at grades 1, 2 and 3.
How To Apply for University of Sussex As An Undergraduate Students
At Sussex, we want your journey from application to arrival to be as smooth as possible. So that you’re fully prepared, we’ve set out a step-by-step guide to applying via UCAS, with advice on what we look for from successful students.
1. Choose Your Course
With more than 200 undergraduate courses from 46 subject areas to choose from, Sussex is the perfect place to find a degree that allows you to follow your passion and shape your future.
Choose from single-honours courses (where you study one main subject), joint-honours (the study of two subjects), major/minors (where you spend 75% of your time studying one subject, and 25% the other) and courses with an integrated placement, study abroad or Masters year.
2. Check the University Academic Entry Requirements
To find the entry requirements and offer levels for your chosen course.
- The specific qualifications needed for each course, including if you need a particular subject at A-level or equivalent qualification
- The typical offer level, which gives an indication of the grades you would need to achieve.
3. Check the University English Language Requirements
If your first language isn’t English, you also need to meet our English language requirements or successfully complete our Pre-sessional English course.
4. Apply Through UCAS
You must apply online through UCAS for full-time courses at Sussex and check your course for any specific application procedures.
You can apply for up to five courses via UCAS (although only four can be for Medicine). You do not need to use all five choices and you can apply for several courses at the same university.
Our UCAS code is S90 and our code name is SUSX.
The initial applications deadline is 15 January. However, for Medicine, the deadline for Brighton and Sussex Medical School is 15 October.
UCAS accepts late applications (until 30 June) but some courses may close earlier if they become full.
If you are a UK or other EU student, you are strongly advised to apply by 15 January.
If you are an international student, you can normally apply up until 30 June, but don’t leave it too late because if you do get a place, you’ll still need to arrange a visa and your accommodation.
5. Check Fees, Funding And Support
To help fund your studies, you may be eligible for a Government student loan.
We also have a range of undergraduate scholarships available.
If your application is successful, you will have your fee status assessed. If your fee status is unclear, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire. If you disagree with the outcome of your fee status assessment, you can appeal.
6. Receiving Your Decision
Keep up-to-date with your applications through UCAS Track.
UCAS notify you when we reach a decision on your application. Our offers will normally be conditional offers (if you are still studying towards your qualifications) or unconditional (if you have completed your qualification and met the conditions already).
When you have all your decisions back from all five of your choices, you use UCAS Track to decide which offer you want to accept.
If you receive an offer, we will invite you to an Applicant Visit Day.
If you are an international student studying a certain science- or engineering-based course you must apply for ATAS clearance after you receive your offer.
7. Confirming Your Place
If you achieve the grades required by your conditional offer, we will confirm your place via UCAS when the exam results are published in the summer.
In some cases, you may be asked to send in copies of your results when they are released.
You may also be asked to send in the verification of qualifications you have previously completed (especially if you received an unconditional offer).
All results (including verification) must be submitted by 31 August.
If you miss the conditions of your offer, we will review your application and it may still be possible to accept you. Alternatively, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation Years.
You can request to defer your entry for a year. But you can’t defer your place more than once.
If you are an international student and you are offered a place, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, so that you can apply for a student visa.
8. Before You Arrive At Sussex
You will be sent registration and pre-arrival information in early September.
- For most students, the registration process is completed online before the start of term.
- If you are an international student and you need a visa to study in the UK you complete most of the registration process online. But in order to finalise your registration you will need to attend in person, so we can take a copy of your passport and student visa.
For more information, you can visit University of Sussex
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