Ecology, Conservation and Environment MSci : University of Sussex

Back to Course menu

Key information

Duration:: 4 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: AAA-AAB
UCAS code:: CD01
Start date:: September 2020

4th in the UK for graduate prospects in Biological Sciences (The Complete University Guide 2019)
100% for overall satisfaction in Ecology, Conservation and Environment (National Student Survey 2017)
96% of Life Sciences students were in work or further study six months after graduating (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2017)

If you want to understand the science behind the world’s most serious environmental and ecological challenges, this is the course for you.

You learn from experts influencing global debates. Topics include sustainable development, endangered species conservation and animal behaviour.

This course includes an integrated Masters year, allowing you to develop advanced research skills and work with one of our research groups.

Outside the classroom, you have the opportunity to explore the South Downs National Park on local field trips and to go on trips to Wales, Devon, Yorkshire, Portugal, Southern Africa, the Red Sea and Ecuador. This – alongside modules on research methods and technologies such as Geographical Information Systems – gives you real-world research experience before you graduate.

MSci or BSc?

We also offer this course as a three-year BSc. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.

Sussex emphasises the importance of practical fieldwork and we’ve been to a variety of fascinating habitats.”Bailey Hemphill
Ecology, Conservation and Environment BSc

Find out how to apply

Back to Course menu

A-level

Typical offer	AAA-AAB
Subjects	A-levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. Where you are taking a science subject that has the separate science practical assessment, the University would normally expect a pass. If students are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, 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 with 45 level 3 credits at Merit or above of which 30 credits must be at Distinction.
Subjects	Substantial amounts of Level 3 credit in science subjects.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, 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, M1 and M2 in the Pre-U If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal 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 a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would expect you to have grades AB in the 2 A-levels and D3 in the Pre-U.
Subjects	A-levels or Cambridge Pre-Us must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. Where you are taking a science subject that has the separate science practical assessment, the University would normally expect a pass. If students are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (grade B).

Typical offer

D3, M1 and M2 in the Pre-U

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal 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 a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would expect you to have grades AB in the 2 A-levels and D3 in the Pre-U.

Subjects

A-levels or Cambridge Pre-Us must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.

Where you are taking a science subject that has the separate science practical assessment, the University would normally expect a pass. If students are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (grade B).

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	34-36 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	Higher Levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics, 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.
Subjects	A-levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. Where you are taking a science subject that has the separate science practical assessment, the University would normally expect a pass. If students are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, 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.
Subjects	A-levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. 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 must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, 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
Subjects	In Applied Science and you will need to have opted for substantial numbers of modules in Biology or Chemistry related topics.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	AAAAA-AAABB
Subjects	Highers must include one or two science subjects (other than Maths). Ideally, you will have at least one science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at Advanced Higher.
GCSEs	You will also need Scottish National 5 in English, Mathematics and two sciences with grade B in each.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer	Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-level grades AAA – AAB
Subjects	A-levels must include at least one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5).

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	34-36 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	Higher Levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics, with a grade of 5.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer	Overall result of at least 80%-83%
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer	Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 92% to 95% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 3 to 2 or better.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Austria

Typical offer	Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 1.6 to 1.8 or better for first-year entry.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Belgium

Typical offer	Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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).
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Typical offer	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 80%-75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses. British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AAAAB-AAABB from 5 grade 12 courses. We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 80%-75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AAAAB-AAABB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

China

Typical offer	We usually do not accept Senior High School Graduation for direct entry to our undergraduate courses. However, we may consider you if you have studied one year or more of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution, or if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year. If you have the Senior High School Graduation, 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.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Typical offer

We usually do not accept Senior High School Graduation for direct entry to our undergraduate courses.

However, we may consider you if you have studied one year or more of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution, or if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year.

If you have the Senior High School Graduation, 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.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Please note

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 between 5 and 4.5
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Cyprus

Typical offer	Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of at least 19/20 will be considered for first-year entry.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Czech Republic

Typical offer	Maturita with a good overall average.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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.

Finland

Typical offer	Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least EEEE, Which must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
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.

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least EEEE, Which must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

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.

France

Typical offer	French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 15/20 to 14/20.
Additional requirements	You will need to be taking the science strand within the French Baccalaureat with good results (13/20) in at least one science subject other than Mathematics.

Germany

Typical offer	German Abitur with an overall result of 1.6 to 1.8 or better.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results (12/15) in at least one science other than Mathematics is essential.

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 at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a score of 19 or the Pan Hellenic in at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with an overall score of 17.
Additional requirements	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, 5 to 5, 5, 4 from three subjects including two electives
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

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 science subjects with good results is essential.

India

Typical offer	Standard XII results 85%-80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE) 85%-80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) 85%-80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Typical offer

Standard XII results

85%-80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
85%-80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
85%-80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Iran

Typical offer	High School Diploma and Pre-University Certificate.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
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,H2 to H1,H1,H2,H2,H3
Additional requirements	Highers will need to include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a grade of H1. You must have a good level of Mathematics and English.

Typical offer

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H2 to H1,H1,H2,H2,H3

Additional requirements

Highers will need to include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a grade of H1.

You must have a good level of Mathematics and English.

Israel

Typical offer	Bagrut, with at least 8/10 in at least six subjects, including one five-unit subject.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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 between 85/100 and 90/100.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Japan

Typical offer	Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate is suitable for entry to our Foundation Years. Find out more about Foundation Years.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
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.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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).
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer	Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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 AAA-AAB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.5 or UEC with an overall average grade A2-B3 (80%-75%).
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Netherlands

Typical offer	Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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: Higher National Diploma One year at a recognised Nigerian University Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria Advanced Diploma You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Please note

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 between 4.5 to 5
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Pakistan

Typical offer	Bachelor (Pass) degree in arts, commerce or science.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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 at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
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.

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 80th percentile including at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

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 at least 18/20.
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Romania

Typical offer	Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of between 8.7 including a score of 8 in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
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.

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of between 8.7 including a score of 8 in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

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.

Singapore

Typical offer	A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer	Maturitna Skuska or Maturita with honours, normally including scores of 1 in at least three subjects.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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 science subjects with good results is essential.

South Africa

Typical offer	National Senior Certificate with very good grades.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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 -8.5
Additional requirements	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer	Sri Lankan A-levels.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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 either Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

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.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.
Please note	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

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile taking into account everything you are studying, including the high school graduation diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades We are particularly interested in AP tests and would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores

Advanced Placement Tests with scores of between 5,5,5 to 5,5,4 in three subjects.

If you have taken the SAT reasoning tests we'd normally expect a combined score of at least 1300 and will look for around 600 in relevant subject tests.

If you've taken the ACT we'd expect to see a composite score of at least 26.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential.

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)

6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

If you are applying for degree-level study we can consider your IELTS test from any test centre, but if you require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for an English language or pre-sessional English course (not combined with a degree) the test must be taken at a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)-approved IELTS test centre.

Find out more about IELTS

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

62 overall, including at least 56 in all four skills.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

TOEFL (iBT)

88 overall, including at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. 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

German Abitur

A score of 12 or above in English.

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%

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

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

Find out how to apply

Back to Course menu

Modules

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Study abroad or Placement
Year 3 at Sussex
Year 4 at Sussex

These modules are running in the academic year 2019/20. We also plan to offer them in future academic years. They may become unavailable due to staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of such changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Core modules

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Options from other courses

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.

Find out what opportunities your course offers

Core modules

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Options from other courses

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.

Find out what opportunities your course offers

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)

A placement is a great way to network and gain practical skills. When you leave Sussex, you’ll benefit from having the experience employers are looking for.

Recent Life Sciences students have gone on placements at:

AkzoNobel
Pfizer
the NHS.

Find out more about placements and internships.

Please note: If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of this program with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Core modules

Spring teaching

Conservation in Practice

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Core modules

Autumn teaching

Research Foundations

Spring teaching

Masters Research Project (45 credits)

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

My research, which I feed into the modules I teach in tropical rainforest conservation, focuses on endangered species and biodiversity hotspots.”Dr Mika Peck
Lecturer in Biology

Find out how to apply

Back to Course menu

Our staff

Prof Daniel Colaco Osorio

Professor of Neuroscience

Research interests

bird, cephalopod, colour, cuttlefish, evolution, neuroethology, physiology, Vision

View Daniel Colaco Osorio’s profile

Prof Dave Goulson

Professor Of Biology

Research interests

Animal behaviour, Animal ecology, Behavioural Ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation Ecology, Insecticides, Pollination

View Dave Goulson’s profile

Prof Paul Graham

Professor of Neuroethology

Research interests

Animal behaviour, Learning, Memory, navigation, neuroethology, social insect biology, Vision

View Paul Graham’s profile

Prof William Hughes

Professor of Evolutionary Biology

Research interests

Animal behaviour, Behavioural Ecology, biology and conservation of apex predators, causes and consequences of 'animal personalities', conservation biology, disease ecology and evolution, evolution of sociality and symbiosis, Evolutionary biology, host-symbiont interactions and evolution, lions, pollinator conservation, social insect biology, white sharks

View William Hughes’s profile

Prof Fiona Mathews

Professor of Environmental Biology

View Fiona Mathews’s profile

Dr Jeremy Niven

Senior Lecturer in Zoology

Research interests

Animal behaviour, Behaviour and Energy Efficiency, Behavioural choice, Behavioural Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Evolutionary biology, neuroethology, Sensor Integration, Sensory receptors, Systems neuroscience

View Jeremy Niven’s profile

Dr Mika Peck

Senior Lecturer in Biology

Research interests

ecology and conservation of biodiversity hotspots, impacts of global change, primate behaviour, primate conservation, REDD++, spider monkeys, tropical rainforest ecology

View Mika Peck’s profile

Prof Francis Ratnieks

Professor of Apiculture

Research interests

Animal behaviour, beekeeping, Behavioural Ecology, honey bee, Insects, Social evolution, social insects

View Francis Ratnieks’s profile

Dr Christopher Sandom

Lecturer in Biology

Research interests

Applied ecology, Community Ecology, conservation biology, Ecoinformatics, Ecological assessment, Ecosystem Services, Palaeoecology and palaeozoology, Rewilding

View Christopher Sandom’s profile

Prof Jorn Scharlemann

Professor of Conservation Science

Research interests

agriculture and conservation, Applied ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation, Conservation Science, Environmental modelling, Environmental policy, Environmental Statistics, GIS Mapping, Remote Sensing & Earth Observation, Sustainability: Environmental

View Jorn Scharlemann’s profile

Dr Wiebke Schuett

Lecturer in Evolution Behaviour and Ecology

Research interests

Animal behaviour, Animal personality, Information ecology

View Wiebke Schuett’s profile

Dr Alan Stewart

Reader in Ecology

Research interests

Community Ecology, Conservation Ecology, Conservation Science, Ecology, biodiversity and systematics, Entomology, Insects

View Alan Stewart’s profile

Find out how to apply

Back to Course menu

Fees

Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2020. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Additional costs

The Additional Fees below are for the academic year 2019/20, to give you an idea of the additional costs you may have to pay on this course. All costs are best estimates based on market values at the time they are published. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out tips for budgeting as a student.

Field trips

This course has mandatory Year 2 field courses, which together cost £200.

Optional field trips are available in Years 1, 3 and 4 of this course. The School subsidises the trips but if you attend you'll need to pay some of the costs towards travel and, in some cases, subsistence. Costs vary, depending on location and on number of courses taken, but are usually:

Year 1: £60
Year 3: £450–1,000
Year 4: £250–1,000.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2020.

Find out how to apply

Back to Course menu

Careers

Graduate destinations

Recent Life Sciences graduates have taken up a range of roles including:

assistant environmental consultant, Argyll Environmental
senior researcher, Community Wood Recycling
field research assistant, Locus Agricultural Solutions.

(Recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2017)

Your future career

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

Find out how to apply

Return to top of page