Q. I am on a course that is validated by the University of Sussex. What does that mean?
A. It means that the University judges your course to be of an appropriate quality and standard to lead to an award of the University of Sussex.
Q. What are the advantages for me to be on a course validated by Sussex?
A. Your course and its qualification have been validated by academics from within the University and at other respected UK universities. The qualification will be awarded by a world-class higher education institution and will be recognised globally.
Q. Is a student enrolled with a partner institution also a University of Sussex student?
A. No. If you are enrolled on a Sussex-validated course at a college (or another educational institution), you are a student of that particular college or institution. The course you are on is owned by the partner college and approved by the University.
Q. Do I have to pay a fee to the University?
A. No. The financial arrangements concerning validated provison are dealt with by the University and the College (or other educational institution).
Q. Can I join the University's Students' Union?
A. Current partnership arrangements do not allow for this. If you're interested, you might like to enquire at your own college about whether there is any student union activity there.
Q. Can I undertake part of my studies at the University of Sussex?
A. The nature of the agreement with the University's partner institutions does not extend to transferring to Sussex to continue your studies. If you wish to study here, you will have to apply through the usual procedures.
Q. Will my certificate be the same as one a Sussex student receives?
A. Students successfully completing and passing a validated course at one of the University's partner institutions will receive an award that has exactly the same value as an award received by a Sussex student.
The certificate is the same with a couple of additions:
- The name of the partner institution will be shown on the certificate.
- The name and signature of the head of the partner institution will also be shown on the certificate.
Q. Can I access the resources at the University?
A. Unfortunately, students on validated courses cannot access the resources at Sussex. However, the University does evaluate the resources at the partner institution where you are registered and ensures they are appropriate for your course.
Q. If I am unhappy with any aspect of my course, what can I do?
A. Firstly, it is important to follow the complaints or appeals procedure of the institution where you are registered. If, however, you have exhausted the complaints or appeals procedure and are not satisfied with the outcome, then you have the right to invoke the University's procedures. Details can be found on the Office of Governance and Secretariat website. It should be noted that there is no right of appeal against the academic judgements of examiners.