(2013 entry)
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations, sometimes combined with relevant experience, and the University will consider a wide range of different qualifications. Occasionally, we will also admit students on the strength of their life and work experience alone, without recent formal exams. We want to admit students who show intellectual capacity, whether or not that is reflected in actual exam passes.
The University receives many more applications than we have places to offer, and entry is therefore competitive. For this reason, you are encouraged to undertake suitable academic study before applying to the University in order to strengthen any application. Equally, good qualifications alone do not in themselves guarantee admission.
The University’s teaching language is English. Competence in English is therefore also a condition of entry. Refer to English language requirements.
For information about fee status classification, refer to Fee status.
Recent school or college leavers are expected to reach the University’s (minimum) general entrance requirement of two A level passes or a pass in an A level Double Award or an equivalent qualification (refer to Other qualifications taken in the UK), as well as evidence of a broad educational background.
For all degrees, however, you will normally need much more than the (minimum) general entrance requirements. Each course accessible via Undergraduate study gives an indication of the likely offer level required for each degree, expressed as A level or International Baccalaureate Diploma grades. We are also very happy to receive applications from students offering Access courses, BTEC qualifications, the European and Welsh Baccalaureates, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, and Advanced Diplomas, as well as the AQA Baccalaureate and Cambridge Pre-U. An idea of the comparable grade requirements for some non-A level qualifications is shown in the table in A level applicants and Other qualifications taken in the UK.
Students are also required to demonstrate both numeracy and competence in the use of English. For English and Welsh school leavers this would normally mean GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or above.
In assessing applications, however, the University will also look at wider experience, and there is more advice for students applying several years after leaving school or college in Mature students and wider experience. Work and other experience may be considered in lieu of the formal general entrance requirements.
In addition to the University’s general entrance requirements, certain degrees also have specific entry criteria (eg A level-standard mathematics in order to study engineering) and all students must satisfy these specific requirements, regardless of age and other experience or where they are from. The details of any such requirements are given for each course accessible via Undergraduate study. They are given in terms of GCSE, A level or IB requirements, but we will accept equivalent qualifications (refer to Other qualifications taken in the UK and Applicants from outside the UK). It is very important to check that you expect to meet any specific entry requirements for your chosen subject to avoid wasting your application. This includes the need to meet any declared GCSE requirements.