This course starts in 2021

International Relations and Sociology BA (Hons)

International Relations and Sociology BA (Hons)

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Key information

Duration:
3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:
AAB
Contextual A-level offer:
ABB-BBB
UCAS code:
LL2H
Start date:
September 2021
  • 9th in the UK for Sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020)

You’ll be based in one of the world’s largest dedicated International Relations departments. We pioneer new critical approaches to studying and tackling the major challenges facing our world today.

You’ll learn from experts driving debates and influencing policy on topics such as conflict and war, migration, human rights, social inequalities, racism, health, social exclusion, financial instability and climate change.

You’ll benefit from the vibrant and interdisciplinary environments in the School of Global Studies and the School of Law, Politics and Sociology.

My lecturers are not only published academics in their field, but are also friendly, approachable people that are passionate about their subject and always excited to hear a student’s perspective on things.”Lucy Turk
International Relations BA 
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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

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

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

Humanities or social sciences.

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 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. 

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer

Grade A in A-level, and DM in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer

Grades AB in A-levels and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. 

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer

DDD

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4  (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer

AAABB

 

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-level grades AAB

GCSEs

You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of 80%

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and over 92% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 3 or better.

Additional requirements

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 at least 1.8  or better.

Additional requirements

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. 

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).

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) 75%  from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation 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

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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 a least 4.5.

Additional requirements

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 at least 19/20.

Additional requirements

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.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer

Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale.

Additional requirements

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 EEEE

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with an overall final result of at least 14/20 

Germany

Typical offer

German Abitur with an overall result of 1.8 or better.

Additional requirements

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.

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, 4 from three subjects including two electives. 

Additional requirements

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 55544

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

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

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Typical offer

High School Diploma and Pre-University Certificate.

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

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis

Israel

Typical offer

Bagrut, with at least 8/10 in at least six subjects, including one five-unit subject.

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 at least 85/100.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Typical offer

Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate is suitable for entry to our Foundation Years. Find out more about Foundation Years.

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.

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).

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.

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  AAB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.5 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%).

Additional requirements

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 7.

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.

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 at least 4.5.

Additional requirements

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

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 75th percentile.

 

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of at least 18/20.

Additional requirements

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 8.5.

Additional requirements

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.

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 1.8 from 4 subjects. 

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

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. 

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.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer

Sri Lankan A-levels.

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 B grades in the majority of subjects.

 

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer

Federal Maturity Certificate.

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 5,5,4 from 3 AP 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

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)

6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

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

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

Duolingo English test (for 2020 entry)

115 overall

Check your Duolingo English test qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Duolingo English test 

Pearson (PTE Academic)

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

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

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.

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

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.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

Don’t meet our entry requirements?

If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:

If you don't have the required language skills for this course you could consider the International Study Centre. The ISC offers a range of foundation courses in combination with English language teaching.

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Modules

This is a joint-honours course, offering you a combinations of subjects, each taking up 50% of your time.

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

These modules are running in the academic year 2020/21. 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

    These modules are running in the academic year 2020/21. 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

        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

        “My year abroad has instilled in me new confidence and enthusiasm. I feel better equipped for my final year.” Eva Brittin-SnellInternational Relations
        Studied abroad at University of Ottawa Canada

        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. Find out more about placements and internships.

        “Not only did I get to attend meetings at European institutions but I also improved my French. It made me a more confident and capable person.” Ioana BadeaInternational Relations BA, Research Executive, FleishmanHilliard, Brussels

        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 2020/21. 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.

        Options

          Autumn teaching
          Spring teaching
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          Our staff

          International Relations

          Sociology

          Apply now
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          Fees

          Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2021. 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

          We believe in helping students in need of financial support so we continue to attract talented people. Scholarships for 2021/22 entry aren’t available yet, but check back soon for details.

          Book on an Open Day
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          Careers

          Develop communication, analytical and critical thinking skills with an International Relations and Sociology degree.

          These skills mean you could go into graduate jobs within health and social welfare, and work for employers such as:

          • the Civil Service and government
          • non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
          • charities and voluntary organisations.

          You'll also benefit from career events where you can meet employers, find out more about UK and international jobs, as well as graduate jobs, and get advice on applying for graduate schemes and preparing for assessment centres.

          Graduate destinations

          Recent International Relations graduates have started jobs as:

          • programmes administrator, International Rescue Committee
          • consultant, UN Migration Agency

          • project manager, American Express.

          (Department of International Relations careers database)

          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

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          Contact us

          Admissions enquiries

          Contact us with any questions around entry requirements or English language qualifications.

          If you haven’t applied yet:
          +44 (0)1273 876787
          Ask us a question

          After you’ve applied:
          +44 (0)1273 678416
          ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

          Course enquiries

          +44 (0)1273 678892
          global.ug.admissions@sussex.ac.uk

          Find out more about the Department of International Relations

          Tamima Chowdhury
          We have a lot of say in how and what we learn. I see that as a life skill. If you don’t know how to think critically, you don’t know how to live.”Tamima Chowdhury
          International Relations and Development BA

          Read Tamima’s story

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