(2013 entry)
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language and you will therefore need a good command of written and spoken English to complete a postgraduate degree. If your first language is not English, you will normally be expected to have passed an appropriate test in English, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If you do not have evidence of appropriate English language ability at the point when you apply, this will normally form part of the conditions of any offer.
The University has two different levels of English required for postgraduate study at Sussex, depending on your chosen degree. In terms of IELTS, the standard postgraduate requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in Writing and at least 6.0 in the other sections. However, for some degrees there is a higher level requirement of IELTS 7.0 overall, with not less than 6.5 in each section. (Note that the Brighton and Sussex Medical School has its own English language requirements. For more information, refer to Brighton and Sussex Medical School.)
The detail of which English language level is required is shown with each course listed on Postgraduate study, given in terms of IELTS and internet TOEFL scores. Please check carefully to ensure you know the level of English required for your chosen degree.
English language requirements – IELTS and TOEFL scores
| IELTS score | Internet TOEFL | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | |
| 6.5 | 88 | 20 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| 7.0 | 95 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 |
If you register for a TOEFL test, you will be able to arrange to have your results sent directly to Sussex. When you register, TOEFL will ask you for the University’s designated institution code, which is DI9166.
If you have taken a TOEFL qualification, the table above shows the grades required by Sussex in comparison to IELTS.
The University will also accept other tests of English language, such as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with at least grade C, English Language Skills Assessment (ELSA) and a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE or IGCSE) in English as a first language, with at least grade C.
If you have taken one of these tests and are unsure if you meet our English language requirements, contact Postgraduate Admissions:
E pg.applicants@sussex.ac.uk