Summer at Sussex

Find out about our English language courses over the summer break.

Why study English language over the summer at Sussex?

These courses are for you if:

  • you are aged 18 years or over
  • you are not an English language beginner but want to spend part of your summer hoilday improving your English
  • you want to spend between two and four weeks studying abroad in the UK during August.

About the course

Classes take place over a period of four weeks in August. There are 21 hours of tuition per week. 

  • Course dates

    Possible start dates/Course length:

    • 3 August 2026 / 3-4 weeks

    • 10 August 2026 / 3 weeks

  • Fees

    £395 per week.

    For group enquiries, please contact englishgroups@sussex.ac.uk

  • Course structure

    The components of the core programme are:

    • listening and speaking skills
    • vocabulary development
    • grammar
    • reading skills
    • writing skills
    • British life and culture.

    Sample timetable

    See an example timetable for a week studying an English language course over the summer at Sussex.
     MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
    9am-10.30am Vocabulary Grammar Vocabulary Grammar Vocabulary
    11am-12.30pm Listening and speaking Reading skills Listening and speaking Writing skills Listening and speaking
    2pm-4pm British life and culture British life and culture   British life and culture  
  • Learning outcome 

    The course aims to provide an overall improvement in language proficiency and communication skills and to increase knowledge and understanding of British life and culture.

    The main emphasis will be on extending your vocabulary and developing your speaking and listening skills. You will also revise and consolidate your grammar and work on your reading and writing skills.

    You will be introduced to a variety of aspects of British life and culture through a wide range of media.

Entry requirements

We expect you to have achieved IELTS in the 4.0-6.5 range, or equivalent. All English tests are accepted, e.g. TOEIC, TOEFL, Duolingo, university level test.

If you are slightly above or below, please contact us to evaluate if we could still accept you on the course.

We do not accept Beginners or Advanced (above IELTS 7.0) students on this course.

How to apply

We are only accepting group bookings this year. Please email englishgroups@sussex.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Already applied?

If you've already been accepted onto an English language course, you can pay the remainder of your fees, including the rest of your tuition and accommodation fees. If you pay by bank transfer, you must email the receipt to englishgroups@sussex.ac.uk.

Visa information

You may need a visa to come to the UK. Depending on your nationality, you may need to get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Check if you need an ETA or a visa to study in the UK.

Accommodation

We have a limited number of self-catering single rooms in our newest accommodation on campus, East Slope.

East Slope residences are flats with a shared kitchen and lounge. Bathrooms are either ensuite or shared with one other student.

Watch our video tour.

Please email englishgroups@sussex.ac.uk to enquire.

Social programme

There will be a social programme during the course, offering a variety of activities on and off campus.

During the summer, you will meet and socialise with students on other language courses, as well as having access to University facilities such as the library and Sussexsport.

Onward study

If you have achieved an IELTS of 6.0 and would like to study an undergraduate academic subject over the summer after your English course, visit our Summer School.

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