Key information
- Duration:
- 4 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- AAA
- UCAS code:
- F3FM
- Start date:
- September 2020

- 94% of School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences students were in work or further study six months after graduating
(Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2017)
If you want to gain a broad understanding of physics while exploring astrophysics, this course is for you.
You'll learn from experts working at the forefront of astrophysics, from exploring dark energy to the early universe. You study modules based on the latest research, from quantum mechanics to particle physics. You have opportunities to work alongside our world-leading faculty on ground-breaking discoveries. This is through your final year project and various research placement opportunities. During your integrated Masters year you develop advanced physical skills by working with a departmental research group.
During your course, you’ll:
- develop transferable skills
- get dedicated careers and CV advice
- have opportunities to meet potential employers.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
MPhys or BSc?
We also offer this course as a three-year BSc. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.
Find out about Reese’s experience as a Physics student at Sussex
The degree has inspired me to be a researcher one day. We are pushed to think independently, to come up with additional analysis in the lab. This can be quite challenging but also really rewarding.”Elvira Castello
Astrophysics MPhys
Entry requirements
A-level
Typical offer | AAA |
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Subjects | A-levels must include Mathematics. Physics A-level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs 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 |
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Subjects | Evidence of exceptional academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics is essential.
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Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects (including A-level mixes)
Typical offer | D3, M1, M2 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 M1 in the two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades AA in 2 A-levels and D3 in the Pre-U. |
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Subjects | You must have either Mathematics at A-level or as a Cambridge Pre-U Principal subject. Physics A-level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 36 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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Subjects | Higher Levels must include Mathematics, with a grade of 6. For entry in 2021, either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level will be accepted. Higher level Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis with only standard level |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
Typical offer | Applications for BSc only. |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
Typical offer | Applications for BSc only. |
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Scottish Highers
Typical offer | AAAAA |
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Subjects | Highers must include Mathematics, at grade A. Applicants must also have Advanced Highers in Mathematics (grade A). Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Typical offer | Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-level grades AAA |
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Subjects | A-levels must include Mathematics. Physics A-level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 36 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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Subjects | Higher Levels must include Mathematics, with a grade of 6. For entry in 2021, either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level will be accepted. Higher level Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis with only standard level |
European Baccalaureate
Typical offer | Overall result of at least 83% |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability in Mathematics is essential (normally with a final grade of at least 8.0 in each). Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. |
Other international qualifications
Australia
Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and a score of 95% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 2 or better.
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Austria
Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 1.6 for first-year entry. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 at least 5. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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 will be considered for first-year entry. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 10 on the new grading scale. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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 LEEE, including Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. |
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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 15/20. |
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Additional requirements | You will need to be taking the science strand within the French Baccalaureat with a final result of at least 14/20 in Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 1.6. |
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Additional requirements | You will need to achieve a final mark of at least 13/15 in Mathematics. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 19.5 will be considered for first-year entry. You must also have either Apolytirion pathway in Mathematics with a score of 19 or the Pan Hellenic in Mathematics with an overall score of 17. |
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Additional requirements | Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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 from three subjects including two electives |
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Additional requirements | You must have some advanced/higher level ability in Mathematics, and will need to complete both the Compulsory and Extended Mathematics components. Advanced/higher-level ability in Physics is desirable. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hungary
Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55555. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics is essential. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
Typical offer | Standard XII results
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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. |
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Additional requirements | Highers must include Mathematics with a score of H1. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 90/100. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.5 or UEC with an overall average grade A2 (80%). |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 5 |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants 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. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics is essential. 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 including Mathematics in the 80th percentile.
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Additional requirements | Higher level Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. |
Portugal
Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 18/20. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Romania
Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of between 9.5 |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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 existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 Mathematics. A Physics qualification is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. |
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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 existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 8.5. |
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability in Mathematics is essential (at least 8/10). Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
Typical offer | Sri Lankan A-levels. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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 grade A in Mathematics.
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Additional requirements | Physics to a higher level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. |
Switzerland
Typical offer | Federal Maturity Certificate. |
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Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics 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
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Additional requirements | Evidence of existing academic ability to a high level in Mathematics is essential. Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis. 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
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
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for international students | |
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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.
Modules
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
These modules are running in the academic year 2019/20. For the academic year 2020/21, we will be updating the course content to improve the curriculum and are also excited to offer you more choice with options outside the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. This will give you the opportunity to enrich your learning experience with subjects different to your course – from languages to human rights and from philosophy to legal studies. Check back in December when this page will reflect the latest module updates. In the meantime, take a look at the new module structure.
Core modules
Autumn teaching
- Classical Mechanics
- Introduction to Astrophysics
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 1
- Physics in Practice
Spring teaching
These modules are running in the academic year 2019/20. For the academic year 2020/21, we will be updating the course content to improve the curriculum and are also excited to offer you more choice with options outside the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. This will give you the opportunity to enrich your learning experience with subjects different to your course – from languages to human rights and from philosophy to legal studies. Check back in December when this page will reflect the latest module updates. In the meantime, take a look at the new module structure.
Core modules
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
Placement (optional)
Spending a year or term with a company is a great way to network and gain practical skills. When you leave Sussex, you'll benefit from already having the experience employers are looking for.
Recent Mathematical and Physical Sciences students have gone on placements at:
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd
- NATS Holdings
- HEFCE.
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. For the academic year 2020/21, we will be updating the course content to improve the curriculum and are also excited to offer you more choice with options outside the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. This will give you the opportunity to enrich your learning experience with subjects different to your course – from languages to human rights and from philosophy to legal studies. Check back in December when this page will reflect the latest module updates. In the meantime, take a look at the new module structure.
Core modules
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Options
Spring teaching
These modules are running in the academic year 2019/20. For the academic year 2020/21, we will be updating the course content to improve the curriculum and are also excited to offer you more choice with options outside the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. This will give you the opportunity to enrich your learning experience with subjects different to your course – from languages to human rights and from philosophy to legal studies. Check back in December when this page will reflect the latest module updates. In the meantime, take a look at the new module structure.
Core modules
Autumn teaching
Autumn and spring teaching
Options
Autumn teaching
- Atom Light Interactions
- Data Analysis Techniques
- Further Quantum Mechanics
- General Relativity
- Programming in C++
- Quantum Field Theory 1
- Quantum Optics and Quantum Information
- Stellar & Galactic Astrophysics
Spring teaching
Find out more about studying Physics at Sussex, including astrophysics, theoretical physics and particle physics
Our staff
I try to understand how the first stars and galaxies formed in the early universe. To do this I use both observations, mostly taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, and super-computer simulations.”Dr Stephen Wilkins
Senior Lecturer in Astronomy

Prof Antonella De Santo
Professor Of Physics
Research interests
ATLAS experiment, Beyond The Standard Model, Collider Physics, Experimental particle physics, Large Hadron Collider, Neutrino Oscillations, Neutrino Physics, Supersymmetry

Prof Jacob Dunningham
Professor of Physics
Research interests
Atomic and molecular physics, Bose-Einstein Condensation, Quantum dynamics, Quantum mechanics, Quantum Metrology, Quantum Optics & Information, Quantum Theory

Prof Philip Harris
Professor of Physics
Research interests
Neutron electric dipole moment, Ultracold neutrons

Prof Simon Peeters
Professor
Research interests
Data Acquisistion, Data Science, Experimental particle physics, International Project Management, Neutrino Physics

Prof Veronica Sanz
Professor of Physics
Research interests
Applied machine learning, Bayesian Methods, Big Data Analytics, Holography, Particle physics - theory, strong coupling, symmetries

Dr Mark Sargent
Senior Lecturer In Astronomy
Research interests
Astronomy - observation, Astrophysics, Data Mining, Extra-Galactic Astronomy & Cosmology, Physics

Dr Robert E Smith
Senior Lecturer
Research interests
Cosmology, Data analysis, High Performance Computing, Mathematical modelling
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.
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
We are a core part of the SEPnet (South East Physics Network) consortium, which gives us links to universities and industries across the region.
Our courses help you develop versatile skills. With careers fairs, forums and a dedicated careers officer we support your career development from day one.
Our graduates find employment in a diverse range of fields, including geophysics, aerospace, consulting, teaching, and the scientific Civil Service. Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate research and PhD study.
Graduate destinations
Recent Physics and Astronomy graduates have started their careers as:
- SAP applications consultant at Capgemini
- geophysicist at CGG
- graduate diagnostic physicist at Diamond Light Source.
Some of our graduates have also gone on to study for a postgraduate qualification (for example a PhD, MSc or PGCE).
(Department of Physics and Astronomy 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