We maintain strong links with the South East England knowledge economy. As well as degrees that relate to particular areas of activity (e.g. local computer games companies and the Games and Multimedia Environments (GAME) BSc), we have set up courses in consultation with the regional e-learning sector commercial grouping, and have an established partnership with American Express.
Sussex American Express sponsored Masters programme
Since 2003, over 100 students have passed through a groundbreaking collaborative industry/academic training scheme that the University of Sussex has created in partnership with American Express. Around half of those students have been taken on by the company and the rest have a CV full of applied work experience and expert knowledge in their field. Some of the graduates of the scheme have already progressed to management level within the company and are themselves coaching and leading new students and graduates through work placement projects.
With each intake, between 15 and 30 students a year work part-time for American Express for two years, based in the Sussex Innovation Centre on the Sussex campus, while also studying for a Masters degree.
The tuition fees and an annual salary are paid by American Express, who also provide a bonus on completion of each year. At the end of the two years, the highest performing students have an opportunity to gain a full-time job with American Express.
By combining intensive on-site experience with Masters degrees that evolve in response to the needs of the company, American Express has been able to recruit a large number of proven and highly trained graduates. This highly successful scheme is unique in the UK but is increasingly being recognised as best practice.
See also
Information on how Sussex can help create a talent pipeline for your business [PDF 437KB]
Students take one of the following degrees:
- Human-Computer Interaction MSc
- Information Technology with Business and Management MSc
- Intelligent Systems MSc
- Technology and Innovation Management MSc
Find out how to apply for the Sussex American Express sponsored Masters programme.