Students on our MPhys programmes (including programmes with a minor) have the opportunity, providing they have maintained a good academic record, to participate in an exchange scheme with universities in North America and Canada. Subject to timetabling restrictions, students may study abroad for one or two terms, during Year 3 of their degree. Some MPhys students may be able to go abroad for the whole of their Year 3.
The scheme provides an excellent opportunity to experience North American culture. Faculty at Sussex and at the exchange universities give special attention to the welfare and academic progress of exchange students.
Availability of placements varies from year to year, but we usually have space at:
The University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is 40 years old, so, like Sussex, it is a relatively modern campus. It is situated in 1,000 acres of beautiful countryside, in the city of Waterloo, just over an hour's drive from Toronto. It is well known for its innovative teaching methods and its particularly strong links with commerce and industry.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is situated in the small college town of Corvallis, about an hour's drive south of Portland. It lies in the Willamette valley, between the Oregon coast and the Cascade mountains. Like Sussex it operates a term system.
University of Alaska at Fairbanks
This is an option for the really adventurous. Fairbanks is the second city of Alaska, but has a population of only 30,000. The University of Alaska at Fairbanks (UFA) has excellent programmes in environmental science (and has lots of environment to explore!) and is a world centre for research on the aurora borealis. UAF operates a semester system so you would have an elongated autumn term (but not more work, as you would take a slightly lower load than regular UAF students).
There are also occasional opportunities to study at other North American institutions.
Modules
All students take some modules abroad that are quite similar in content to the ones which they would take in Sussex at the same time. This means that you will not be disadvantaged in subsequent modules. However, there is also some scope to take modules which would not be available in Sussex.
Assessment
The modules which you take in North America will be assessed there before you return to England. The material will not be reassessed in Sussex examinations. You will find that the North American approach to teaching and assessment is rather different, and you should find the change of pace stimulating and refreshing.
Finance
Students who are going abroad for part of an academic year pay their usual fees to Sussex, not to the North American institution (where you would normally have to pay expensive overseas fees). Your normal loans and other sources of finance are expected to continue. You will be expected to pay your living expenses, travel costs and health insurances. Students who are going abroad for a full academic year pay a reduced fee to Sussex.