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

- 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
Entry requirements
A-level
Typical offer | AAA-AAB |
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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 Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 24-27 credits at Distinction |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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% |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential. |
India
Typical offer | Standard XII results
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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%). |
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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. |
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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:
You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 | Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade of 1.5 from 4 subjects including at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics. |
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Additional requirements | 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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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 |
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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.
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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.
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
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. |
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If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
Modules
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
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
- Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
- Introduction to Ecology and Conservation
- Research Methods for Biology, Ecology and Zoology
Options
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
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.
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
- Animal Behavioural Ecology
- Geographical Information Systems
- Introduction to Sustainable Development
- Plant Physiology and Ecology
- Upland Ecology Field Course
Spring teaching
- Comparative Animal Physiology and Morphology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Mediterranean Ecology and Behaviour Field Course
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)
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
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
Spring teaching
Options
Autumn teaching
- Animal-Plant Interactions
- Coral Reef Ecology Field Course
- Life Science Bioscience Third Year Research Project
- Life Sciences Year 3 Research Project (Experimental)
- Palaeozoology of Dinosaurs and Megafauna
- Social Insects
- Tropical Rainforest Science (Field trip Ecuador)
Spring teaching
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
- Current Topics in Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation
- Masters Tropical Rainforest Field Course
- Rewilding and Ecosystem Services
- Scientific Scepticism and Critical Thinking
Spring teaching
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
Lecturer in Biology

Prof Daniel Colaco Osorio
Professor of Neuroscience
Research interests
bird, cephalopod, colour, cuttlefish, evolution, neuroethology, physiology, Vision

Prof Dave Goulson
Professor Of Biology
Research interests
Animal behaviour, Animal ecology, Behavioural Ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation Ecology, Insecticides, Pollination

Prof Paul Graham
Professor of Neuroethology
Research interests
Animal behaviour, Learning, Memory, navigation, neuroethology, social insect biology, Vision

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

Prof Jeremy Niven
Professor of Zoology
Research interests
Animal behaviour, Behaviour and Energy Efficiency, Behavioural choice, Behavioural Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Evolutionary biology, neuroethology, Sensor Integration, Sensory receptors, Systems neuroscience

Dr Mika Peck
Senior Lecturer in Biology
Research interests
coral reef conservation, ecology and conservation of biodiversity hotspots, impacts of global change, participatory governance, primate behaviour, primate conservation, REDD++, spider monkeys, tropical rainforest ecology

Prof Francis Ratnieks
Professor of Apiculture
Research interests
Animal behaviour, beekeeping, Behavioural Ecology, honey bee, Insects, Social evolution, social insects

Dr Christopher Sandom
Senior Lecturer in Biology
Research interests
Applied ecology, Community Ecology, conservation biology, Ecoinformatics, Ecological assessment, Ecosystem Services, Palaeoecology and palaeozoology, Rewilding

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

Dr Wiebke Schuett
Lecturer in Evolution Behaviour and Ecology
Research interests
Animal behaviour, Animal personality, Information ecology

Dr Alan Stewart
Reader in Ecology
Research interests
Community Ecology, Conservation Ecology, Conservation Science, Ecology, biodiversity and systematics, Entomology, Insects
Fees
- UK/EU students:
- £9,250 per year
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £9,250 per year
- International students:
- £22,500 per year
- Study abroad:
- Find out about grants and funding, tuition fees and insurance costs for studying abroad
- Placement:
- Find out about tuition fees for placements
Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.
Additional costs
Additional costs
Please note, all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Costs are paid at the start of your course unless specified otherwise. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out tips for budgeting as a student here.
Field trips
This course has a core mandatory Year 2 field course, which costs up to £200.
Optional field trips are available in Years 1, 2, 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 around:
Year 1: £410
Year 2: £1,210
Year 3: £1,300
Year 4: £1,300
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.
Article 26 Scholarship
Full overseas tuition fee waiver plus £11,500 maintenance per year of study.
Dr John Birch Music Scholarship
The scholarship is worth £800, paid in two instalments of £400. In addition, scholars will receive access to the Media Film and Music (MFM) practice rooms. All applicants who reach the audition stage, regardless of the success of their application, will be offered the opportunity to be part of a list of performers who are willing to perform at events around campus or are interested in collaboration with other musicians.
Dr John Birch Music Scholarship (Organ)
The scholarship is worth £800, paid in two instalments of £400. In addition, scholars will receive access to the Media Film and Music (MFM) practice rooms. All applicants who reach the audition stage, regardless of the success of their application, will be offered the opportunity to be part of a list of performers who are willing to perform at events around campus or are interested in collaboration with other musicians.
EU Excellence Scholarship
You receive a £2,000 cash award, paid as two separate payments of £1,000.
Sussex Excellence Scholarship
You receive £2,000 cash maintenance during your first year of study.
You receive the scholarship during your first year, as two identical payments of £1,000.
Careers
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.
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)
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