• International and Study Abroad
• Study Abroad Guide 2012-2013
• Studying at Sussex
• • Study periods
  • Learning resources
  • What it’s like to study at Sussex

Learning resources

The University of Sussex provides a range of specialist resources to support your studies and enhance your learning experience.

The University of Sussex has ambitious plans to engage you wherever you learn – on the internet, on digital media players and on mobile phones. We are transforming learning on and off campus. Using a blended approach, our teaching and learning is embracing technological innovation, allowing for the introduction of a 24/7 learning environment in a 24/7 culture.

The Library

The Library has recently undergone a substantial and exciting refurbishment, and its friendly staff are ready to help you from the day you arrive. Easy to find at the centre of campus, the Library is a quiet and comfortable place to study. It is open 24 hours a day during term time. Much of the Library’s information is also available online so you can use the electronic library anywhere and at any time.

The Library also runs InfoSuss, a web-based tutorial to help you find your way through the many online resources. 

In addition, the Library has a unique collection of manuscripts, archives and rare books, as well as housing the world-famous Mass Observation Archive.

Bookshop

Based in the Library, the bookshop stocks both academic and general-interest books. Experienced staff work with course tutors to ensure that course books are readliy available.

IT Services (ITS)

When on campus attending lectures and seminars, you can use your laptop to take advantage of our extensive wireless network. As well as being able to prepare your assignments when and where you choose, you will be in a better position to take advantage of the big investment Sussex is making in virtual learning and access online support and information services.

ITS provide a range of computer facilities. Located across the campus, often with 24-hour access, all PCs have a customised desktop, a full MS Office suite, email and internet access. You can print and use your personal file storage from all these PCs. In addition ITS provide specialist software and a small number of iMac computers.

There is also an extensive range of IT skills training courses.

Online learning support

Sussex Direct is a secure website offering personalised access to the information you need to study, work and socialise at Sussex. Many students use it to register before arriving at the University. Once here, you can use it for personal and secure access to information about your courses, reading lists, timetables and marks.

Study Direct is your online learninng environment where you will find your e-learning course materials and activities. An increasing number of courses are making use of computer-led technology so you can listen to your lectures again online.

Disability support

ITS currently support 10 adapted PCs with assistive software packages specifically for use by students with a disability or additional learning needs. The PCs are located across campus in easily accessible rooms.

The Sussex Regional Access Centre offers needs assessments, advice and training on assistive technology for disabled students. The Centre is easily accessible by wheelchair users and those with visual impairments.

To access support for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, ADHD, autism among others, contact the Student Support Unit on
T +44 (0)1273 877466
E studentsupport@sussex.ac.uk

Sussex Centre for Language Studies

The Centre offers self-access and structured learning facilities for students who need help with English and other languages, as well as study skills support.

The Centre offers a resource library of language-learning materials including computer programs, audio and video media, access to the internet, and satellite TV programmes. Teaching facilities include a digital multimedia language laboratory.

English language courses

If your first language is not English, you may like to improve your English language skills while at Sussex. The Sussex Centre for Language Studies is accredited by the British Council and runs a variety of courses throughout the year, which you can take before you start your academic courses. The Centre runs full-time English courses throughout the autumn and spring terms, as well as during the summer months. You can enrol on these courses for academic credit. Depending on how much English language training you will need to bring you up to the required level for academic study, you can take English courses lasting from a month up to one year as part of your Study Abroad programme. The Centre also provides part-time courses in English for Academic Purposes, covering topics such as academic writing and presenting seminar papers. Courses are also organised to prepare you for the Cambridge ESOL exams (FCE, CAE and CPE). All courses may also be taken for credit. Refer to Applying for more information on English language requirements.