Key information
- Duration:
- 4 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- AAB
- Contextual A-level offer:
- ABB-BBB
- UCAS code:
- CD01
- Start date:
- September 2023
“Sussex emphasises the importance of practical fieldwork and we’ve been to a variety of fascinating habitats.”
Bailey Hemphill Ecology, Conservation and Environment BSc
Ecology and Conservation is for you if you’re curious and care about the natural world.
On your course, you’ll learn about the past, present and future of life on Earth. You’ll work towards finding solutions to some of the most important ecological problems facing humanity – from managing environmental change to conserving rare animals and plants. You’ll learn from ecologists who are influencing global debates on topics including evolutionary biology, species conservation and environmental sustainability.
Outside the classroom, you have the opportunity to:
- explore the South Downs National Park on local field trips
- go on trips to Wales, Devon, Yorkshire, Portugal, Southern Africa, the Red Sea and Ecuador.
During your integrated Masters year, you’ll develop advanced research skills by working with an Ecology research group. This experience will prepare you for a future in scientific research, and also for a variety of careers in the environmental sector and beyond.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our students know as soon as possible.
MSci or BSc?
We also offer this course as a three-year BSc. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.
Open Days and virtual visits
Meet us on campus or online
Entry requirements
A-level
| Typical offer | AAB |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | ABB-BBB Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | A-levels must include Biology grade B. You will also need to pass the separate science practical assessment. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
|
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
| Extended Project Qualification | We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us |
Other UK qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
| Typical offer | Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 24-27 credits at Distinction |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Substantial amounts of Level 3 credit in biology related science subjects. |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects (including A-level mixes)
| Typical offer | D3, D3 and M2 in the Pre-U If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would expect you to have a grade A in the A-level and D3 and M2 in the two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would normally expect you to have grades AB in the two A-levels and D3 in the Pre-U. |
|---|---|
| Subjects | A-levels or Cambridge Pre-Us must include Biology. If you are taking a science subject at A-level that has the separate science practical assessment, we would normally expect a pass. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, your application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Higher Levels must include Biology with a grade of 5. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level
| Typical offer | Grade A in A-level and DD in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma. |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | Grade B in A-level and DD in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma. Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | A-level must be in Biology. Applicants combining a different A-level with the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have taken a science A-level you will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in a science subject. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
| Typical offer | Grades AB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | Grades BB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | A-levels must include Biology. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
| Typical offer | DDD |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | DDM Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma will need to be in Applied science and must include the following modules For the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, please contact admissions ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
Scottish Highers
| Typical offer | AAABB |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Highers must include Biology. Ideally, you will have Biology at Advanced Higher. |
| GCSEs | You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics and two sciences at grade B. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
| Typical offer | AAB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels. |
|---|---|
| Subjects | A-levels must include Biology. |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5). |
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Higher Levels must include Biology with a grade of 5. |
European Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | Overall result of 80% |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential (at least a score of 8). You must also have a good level of mathematics. |
Other international qualifications
Australia
| Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and 92% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 3 or better. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Austria
| Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 1.8 or better for first-year entry. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Belgium
| Typical offer | Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bulgaria
| Typical offer | Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects). |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
| Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| Typical offer | If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects. We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution. The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex. Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Croatia
| Typical offer | Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 4.5 |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Typical offer | Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 19/20 and above will be considered for first-year entry. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Czech Republic
| Typical offer | Maturita with a good overall average. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Typical offer | Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 to 10 on the new grading scale. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Finland
| Typical offer | Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least EEMM |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Typical offer | French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 14/20. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You will need to be taking the science strand within the French Baccalauréat with good results (12/20) in Biology. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.
|
Germany
| Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 1.8 or better. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results (12/15) in Biology. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 19 will be considered for first-year entry. You must also have either Apolytirion pathway in Biology, with a score of 19 or the Pan Hellenic in Biology with an overall score of 17. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Typical offer | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 5, 4 from three subjects including two electives |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hungary
| Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55555 to 55544. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Typical offer | Standard XII results
|
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ireland
| Typical offer | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H3. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Highers will need to include Biology, with a grade of H1. You must have at least grade O4 in Mathematics. |
Israel
| Typical offer | For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
| Typical offer | Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of 85/100. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Latvia
| Typical offer | Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lithuania
| Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English). |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Luxembourg
| Typical offer | Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with 48 points overall |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
| Typical offer | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of AAB, Maticulation 3.5, UEC overall average grade A2 78%.
|
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Netherlands
| Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 8. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
| Typical offer | You are expected to have one of the following:
You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
| Typical offer | Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4.5 |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
| Typical offer | You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies. You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Poland
| Typical offer | Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 80th percentile including Biology.
|
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Portugal
| Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 18/20. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Romania
| Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of between 8.7 including a score of 8 in Biology. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
| Typical offer | Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
| Typical offer | A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovakia
| Typical offer | Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade of 1.5 from 4 subjects including Biology. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovenia
| Typical offer | Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 25 points overall. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
| Typical offer | National Senior Certificate with very good grades. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
| Typical offer | Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 8.0 |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
| Typical offer | Sri Lankan A-levels. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sweden
| Typical offer | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include A and B grades in the majority of subjects and to include a grade B in Biology. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
| Typical offer | Federal Maturity Certificate. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
| Typical offer | We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
| Typical offer | We look at your full profile considering everything you are studying, including the High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades and AP tests. We expect to see a combination of these qualifications. Alongside your High School Graduation Diploma, we would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores with either, a combined SAT test score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300, or a combined ACT score of 26 AP and SAT Subject tests Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level offer and see below for the corresponding scores we would require from AP test scores:
We will also accept a combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test in the above table If you are applying for a degree with an A level subject requirement in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology will normally need to hold an AP test in that subject. College level credits We also accept college level 3-credit courses in academic subjects as the equivalent of a UK A Level on a case by case basis. These can be combined with AP tests and or SAT subject tests Associate degrees An Associate degree with a GPA of 3.0 will meet our entry requirements for year 1. Foundation Year entry Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year
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| Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Biology with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements
Other English language requirements
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Duolingo English test
105 overall, with no component score below 90
Check your Duolingo English test qualification meets all of our language requirements
Pearson (PTE Academic)
59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.
Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements
TOEFL (iBT)
80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.
Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A – C in English
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
Admissions information for applicants
| Transfers into Year 2 | Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year. |
|---|
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.
Modules
This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown below.
Autumn teaching
Core modules
- Cells, Organisms and Systems
- Skills, Ethics and Society
- The Natural World
Spring teaching
Core modules
- Biodiversity and Ecology
- Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
- Research Methods in Biology, Ecology and Zoology
Options
- Neuroscience and Behaviour
- Survival Ecology Field Course
To ensure we offer the best possible experience, this course is currently being updated. The information and modules shown may change for students starting this course in September 2023. We’ll update this information as soon as we can.
Explore modules from other subjects
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you can explore subjects that are different to your course through electives and pathways that complement your main subject. You will either have the option to choose an elective as part of this course, or it may be necessary to choose an elective or pathway to meet the credit requirements.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown below.
Autumn teaching
Core modules
- Conservation Biology
- Research and Professional Skills 1: Zoology and Ecology
- Upland Ecology Field Course
Options
- Animals in their World: from Physiology to Behaviour
- Introduction to Sustainable Development
Spring teaching
Core modules
- Conservation Ecology Field Course
- Population and Community Ecology
- Research and Professional Skills 2: Zoology and Ecology
Option
- Evolutionary Biology
To ensure we offer the best possible experience, this course is currently being updated. The information and modules shown may change for students starting this course in September 2023. We’ll update this information as soon as we can.
Explore modules from other subjects
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you can explore subjects that are different to your course through electives and pathways that complement your main subject. You will either have the option to choose an elective as part of this course, or it may be necessary to choose an elective or pathway to meet the credit requirements.
Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
Recent Life Sciences students have gone on placements at:
- AkzoNobel
- Pfizer
- the NHS.
Please note: If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown below.
All year
Core module
- Life Science Bioscience Third-Year Research Project
Autumn teaching
Core module
- Advanced Topics in Conservation
Options
- Behavioural Ecology
- Communicating STEM for Life Sciences
- Field Course
- Palaeozoology
- Programming for Life Sciences
Spring teaching
Core module
- Conservation in Practice
Options
- Advanced Animal Behaviour
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Field Course
To ensure we offer the best possible experience, this course is currently being updated. The information and modules shown may change for students starting this course in September 2023. We’ll update this information as soon as we can.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown below.
Autumn teaching
Core modules
- Research Foundations
Options
- Current Topics in Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation
- Masters Tropical Rainforest Field Course
- Rewilding and Ecosystem Services
- Scientific Scepticism and Critical Thinking
Spring teaching
Core module
- Life Sciences MSci Research Project
To ensure we offer the best possible experience, this course is currently being updated. The information and modules shown may change for students starting this course in September 2023. We’ll update this information as soon as we can.
Our staff
My research, which I feed into the modules I teach in tropical rainforest conservation, focuses on endangered species and biodiversity hotspots.”Dr Mika Peck
Senior Lecturer in Biology
Fees
Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2023/24 – please check back in September 2022. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.
Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
Scholarships
Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2023/24.
Careers
You’ll develop skills in problem-solving, analysis, laboratory work and communication. About one in five of our graduates go on to further study, and we provide you with an excellent preparation for a career in:
- research and consultancy
- biotechnology and health
- other roles in ecological and related sciences.
You are supported through careers-focused events – including drop-in sessions, talks and workshops – tailored to your subject. Access to careers support from Sussex continues after you’ve graduated.
Working while you study
Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
The skills gained from field trips and writing up my own research have been highly valuable in securing positions.”Sam Crofts
Research Assistant, University of Oxford