Campus tours
Join a campus tour this summer and get a feel for life at Sussex. With award-winning campus food, a National Park setting and buzzing Brighton on our doorstep, our location and facilities are hard to beat.
Book your visit
On campus - in person
You’ll study for this degree on our campus, joining our academics and fellow students. With in-person contact time, digitally supported educational resources, library collections and independent study, this course is designed to give you an inclusive education. Your learning experience may also include work placements, field trips, studying abroad and internationalisation experiences.
Find out about our beautiful campus
Virtual tour
Want to learn more about life at Sussex?
Our 360° virtual tour has been designed to introduce you to life in our diverse, supportive and inclusive community. Join our students for an immersive experience as they reveal why Sussex offers a space to follow your passions, find your voice, and discover people and places that will inspire you.
Begin your tour
As a founding partner of ResearchPlus, a collaboration of research-focused universities, we engage with government, industry and civil society to support economic growth, prosperity and wellbeing across the whole of the UK.
Find out more
Modules
This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject. Find out more from our guide to undergraduate study
-
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years. (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
-
Year 1 at Sussex
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Foundations of Data Analysis
- Introduction to Quantum Physics
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 1
- Mechanics
- Physics Study Success
Spring teaching
- Heat and Modern Physics
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 2
- Physics Year 1 Laboratory
- Waves and Fields
Your degree
In your first year, you’ll explore classical and modern physics. You’ll build on your mathematics skills to solve problems in physics and find out about the coding language Python. You’ll also explore current research in quantum technology and future frontiers.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include:
60%: Lecture
40%: PracticalAssessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework and examination.
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 420 hours of contact time and about 780 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
-
Year 2 at Sussex
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Applying Physics Skills
- Electrodynamics
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 3
- Physics Year 2 Laboratory
- Summer Research Placement 1
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Spring teaching
Your degree
In Year 2, you’ll build on the knowledge gained in your first year. You’ll develop a more advanced understanding of the principles and techniques needed for quantum technologies. Putting theory into practice, you’ll gain deeper theoretical skills and carry out more advanced experiments.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include:
50%: Lecture
20%: Seminar
30%: PracticalAssessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework and examination.
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 320 hours of contact time and about 880 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
-
Year 3 at Sussex
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Advanced Physics Laboratory A
- Atomic Physics
- Condensed State Physics
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Summer Research Placement 2
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Spring teaching
Your degree
In Year 3, you’ll master core topics in physics and explore how they can be applied to quantum technologies.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include:
59%: Lecture
9%: Seminar
32%: PracticalAssessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework and examination.
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 420 hours of contact time and about 780 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
-
Year 4 at Sussex
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn and spring teaching
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Your degree
In your integrated Masters year, you’ll apply all the knowledge and experience gained so far to understand cutting-edge topics in quantum technologies. As part of your research project, you’ll carry out original research in quantum technologies.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include:
52%: Lecture
48%: PracticalAssessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework, examination, practical work and written assessment.
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 300 hours of contact time and about 900 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Spirit of Sussex Award
Feel involved in life at the University, make friends and enrich your experience with us – the Spirit of Sussex Award is our way of recognising your extracurricular and voluntary achievements.
-
Video transcript
Hi everyone! As I'm sure you've all heard by now, the Spirit of Sussex Award is now live.
Students across the Sussex community are already earning their points
What will you do to earn yours?
There's so many ways to get involved.
Head over to the website to start your Spirit of Sussex journey.
Text: The Spirit of Sussex Award is an exciting new programme designed to recognise and celebrate the things you do outside your course.
Participating in the Award makes it easy and fun for you to get involved and make the most of university life.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Research placements (each summer throughout this degree)
Our MPhys course with a research placement is a stimulating intellectual challenge for well-qualified students, providing unique training for a future research career. You can apply to work on a research problem with a member of faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy each summer before Years 2, 3 and 4.
During the summer research placements, you receive funding to cover your living expenses.
Find out more about our research placements and summer projects at Department of Physics and Astronomy: Undergraduate Research
What makes our undergraduate Quantum Technology degree the first of its kind?
- Video transcript
Professor Winfried Hensinger: When people tell me something can't be done, I just love to try.
[Screen reads 'Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies’]
Professor Winfried Hensinger: Quantum physics is a theory that governs everything around us, every process in nature. Quantum computers will enable us to investigate the fabric of reality to create a better future.
[Caption reads ‘Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies’]
Professor Winfried Hensinger: I've spent 20 years working with colleagues to understand and develop the science. Now we are building a full-scale quantum computer that will be able to find the answers to some of the most urgent technical challenges of our time.
From designing drugs for healthcare to making aircraft engines more fuel efficient. University of Sussex has become a powerhouse for quantum technology. We've launched the world's first quantum technology undergraduate degree, where students carry out research from day one, and we have vital links with industry to make amazing things happen.
[Screen shows: University of Sussex logo]
Creating the right teaching environment makes an enormous difference to students’ education.”Sebastian Weidt
Professor of Quantum Computing and Entrepreneurship
Co-founder and CEO of quantum computing company Universal Quantum
Read Sebastian’s story
Our experts
Quantum technology transforms the world in seemingly impossible ways. On this course, you’ll learn from leading experts so you’re prepared to help shape the future of quantum research, applications and industry.”Professor Jacob Dunningham
Professor of Physics
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a friendly hive of activity. You’ll join a close-knit community. Our open-door policy means that whatever you need, we’ll be there to support you.
Dr Jacqueline De Beaudrap
Assistant Professor in Theoretical Computer Science
Careers
- 86% of Sussex undergraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course (University of Sussex Career Readiness data at point of graduation 2023/24)
During your studies, you’ll get careers and CV advice. With careers fairs, forums and a dedicated careers officer, we support your career development from day one. You’ll have opportunities to meet potential employers.
In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, you’ll have a wide range of paid work opportunities. This ranges from teaching and research opportunities in the summer, to outreach roles throughout the year. We are a core part of the SEPnet (South East Physics Network) consortium, which gives us links to universities and industries across the region.
On graduation, you’ll have the range of versatile and technical skills required by employers. You’ll be well prepared for a variety of technical and management roles in the quantum technology sector. You could also choose to progress into roles in:
- research and academia
- finance
- teaching
- consulting.
Where do our graduates work now?
Surveyed 15 months after finishing their courses, our recent graduates from the Department of Physics and Astronomy worked for employers including:
- Babcock
- EDF
- Frenetic
- KPMG
- National Physical Laboratory
- NHS
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Deloitte
- BAE Systems.
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2022)
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations such as Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, the Knepp Rewilding Project, and fashion brand Puig
- one-to-one appointments with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
-
Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024
-
Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024
-
Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 Higherin Awards
Entry requirements
Find your place in Clearing
This course will be available in Clearing. Explore your options at Sussex – right here, right now.
Fees
Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our Tuition fees page.
Home students
£9,790 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
£9,790 per year
On 19 March 2026 the UK Parliament set out that the tuition fee cap for 2026 entry will be £9,790. As the University of Sussex keeps fees for Home students and Channel Islands and Isle of Man students in line with UK Government-approved levels, fees will be £9,790 in 2026. In line with our terms and conditions, the University charges fees at the maximum levels set by the UK Government.
International students
£27,300 per year
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Additional costs to your tuition fees may include field trips, equipment, materials, bench fees or studio hire. These costs are best estimates based on current market values which we review each year. These costs may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances where the University has limited control such as a change in a service provider or government guidance. We will let you know at the earliest opportunity if there is any change to these costs. We will also tell you if these costs are mandatory for passing your course or optional. Find out how to budget for student life.
Placements
You will take part in research placements during the summer, usually on the University campus. You will get bursaries for your placements:
Year 1: £1,750 for a four-week placement
Year 3: £3,500 for an eight-week placement.
In Year 2, if you're applying for the Junior Research Associate (JRA) Scheme, you'll receive either JRA funding or £2,000. If you don't apply for the JRA, you won't receive a bursary. Find out more about the Junior Research Associate (JRA) Scheme
Living costs
We know the rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind, and affects us all in different ways. Our guide to living costs has been designed to help you plan and budget for life as a Sussex student.
Learn more about typical living costs
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.
-
Chancellor's International Scholarships
£5,000 in the first year of full-time study
-
Climate Leaders Scholarship
£3,000 cash per year of full time study.
Scholarships recipients will be supported to develop a high level project plan and provided with mentoring support.
-
Emily O Akinluyi Scholarship
£5,000 cash award
-
Sanctuary Scholarship (Undergraduate)
- Full 'Overseas' tuition fee waiver
- £16,440 per year of undergraduate study (up to 4 years)
- Sussexsport membership
- Guaranteed continuation of housing
-
Sussex Bursary
£1,000 in your first year of study (either Year 1 or Foundation Year).
£500 in your subsequent years of study.
-
Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Undergraduate)
£4,000 discount on the first year of tuition fees
-
Sussex Türkiye Scholarship (Undergraduate)
£4,000 discount on the first year of tuition fees
-
Undergraduate Enrichment Award
£6,000 over 3 years of study
Contact us
Ask a student
Chat to Sussex students online via the UniBuddy chat platform.
Prospectus
What do you want to do next?
Legal information
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.