Key information
- Duration:
- 3 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- AAB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- LL23
- Start date:
- September 2025
- 8thin the UK for Sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
- 9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
- =9th in the UK for Politics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
Study in Brighton – one of the UK’s most politically diverse cities – and explore power, inequality, globalisation and the role of politics in society.
You’ll learn from experts influencing global debates from political corruption to gender inequality and enjoy regular political debates featuring guest speakers. Through sociology projects you will also develop practical research skills.
We also organise trips to Germany and France, where you can learn more about the current political scene and meet with politicians and academics.
Internship
As a final-year student, you can apply for a competitive internship with a Westminster MP.
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.
Join us at an Open Day
Saturday 5 October and Saturday 19 October
9am–3.30pm
Entry requirements
A-level
Typical offer | AAB |
---|---|
Contextual offer | View contextual offer 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 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 27 credits at Distinction |
---|---|
Subjects | Humanities or social sciences. |
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)
Typical offer | M1 M1 M2 If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade B at A-level and, M1 and M1 in two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades AB at A-level and M1 in Pre-U. |
---|---|
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (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 B in A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
|
---|---|
Contextual offer | View contextual offer 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 also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 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. |
---|---|
Contextual offer | View contextual offer 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 also 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 |
---|---|
Contextual offer | View contextual offer 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 also 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 | AAB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels |
---|---|
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 at least 80%. |
---|
Other international qualifications
Australia
Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 88% to 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 to 5 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 between 2.0 to 2.2 or better for first-year entry. |
---|---|
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). |
---|
Canada
Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70%-75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses. British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB-BBBBB 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 | If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects. We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution. The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but 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 4 and 4.2 |
---|---|
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 between 18/20 and 18.5/20 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. |
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 | Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or 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 between MMMM - EMMM |
---|---|
Additional requirements | 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 between 12/20 and 13/20. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 2.0 to 2.2 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 between 18 and 18.5 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, 4, 4 to 4, 4, 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 averageof 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) |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
Typical offer | 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 |
---|---|
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,H2,H2,H3,H3 to H2,H2,H2,H3,H3. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Israel
Typical offer | For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut. |
---|
Italy
Typical offer | Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 78/100 and 81/100. |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
Typical offer | 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 |
---|---|
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 | Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with between 43-46 points overall. |
---|
Malaysia
Typical offer | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of ABB-BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 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. |
---|
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. 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 |
---|---|
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 4. |
---|---|
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 between 16/20 and 17/20. |
---|---|
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 between 8.0 and 8.5 |
---|---|
Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
Typical offer | Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses. |
---|---|
Please note | 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 above 2.0 from 4 subjects.
|
---|
Slovenia
Typical offer | Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 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 between 7.5 and 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/or ACT grades We are particularly interested in AP tests and would ideally like to see three good AP scores. Advanced Placement Tests with scores of between 5,4,4 to 4,4,4 in three subjects. If you have taken the SAT reasoning tests we'd normally expect a combined score of at least 1300. 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)
6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We do not accept IELTS Online.
Other English language requirements
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.
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.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.
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.
Pearson (PTE Academic)
59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.
Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).
Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)
80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.
Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.
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
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% or Grade 3
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
For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.
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
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
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.
- 21st Century Sociology
- British Political History
- Explanatory Concepts in Political Science
- Themes and Perspectives in Sociology I
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
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 2024/25. 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.
Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
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
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.
- Beyond the Vote: Citizenship and Participation in Sociology
- Class, Culture & Conflict: A View from The Inside
- Sociology of Emotions and Mental Health
- Capitalism and its Critics
- Classical Sociological Theory
- Communicating Politics
- Education and Inequality
- Health across the Lifecourse
- Migration and Integration (Spr)
- Political Systems and Institutions: Contesting Electoral Autocracy
- Political Systems and Issues: France
- Political Systems and Issues: Germany
- Political Systems and Issues: India
- Political Systems and Issues: International Institutions and Issues
- Political systems and issues: Italian Politics and Society
- Political Systems and Issues: The European Union
- Political Systems and Issues: Turkey
- Political Systems and Issues: USA
- Sociology in a Digital World (Spr)
- The Sociology of Human Rights
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Trips abroad
We organise trips to Germany and France so you can learn more about the current political scene and meet with politicians and academics there.
If you study German politics, you can go on a trip to Berlin to visit the German parliament for discussions with politicians from all major parties.
You also visit other prominent historical landmarks such as the Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall.
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 2024/25. 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.
Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
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
If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Options
You 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.
- Electoral Autocracy and its Critics
- Environmental Politics in the Anthropocene
- Global Crisis and European Political Economy
- Identity and Interaction
- Migration, Identity, and Home
- Political Change: Contemporary France
- Political Change: Political Parties and Party Systems
- Political Change: The Rise of Anti-politics
- Political Psychology
- Politics from Below: Cooperation, Conflict and Resistance
- Sexualities / Intimacies / Intersections (Aut)
- Sociology Research Proposal
- The Body (Aut)
- The Cultural Life of Capital Punishment (Aut)
- Transcendence, Devotion and Desire
- Capitalism, Growth, and Ecological Crisis
- Immigration and the Liberal State
- Independent Study/Internship Option
- Medicine and the Body
- Political Corruption
- Populism and Politics
- Sexualities / Intimacies / Intersections (Spring)
- Sociology Project
- The Politics of (Post-)Truth
- The Politics of Feeling
- The Politics of Race in Europe
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
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 2024/25. 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.
Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
Writer-in-Residence Scheme
Aubrey Allegretti, experienced political journalist and current Chief Political Correspondent at The Times, is our Political Writer in Residence.
In this role, Sussex alumni Aubrey will deliver a number of writing workshops as well as a guest lecture for Politics students. He will also judge a political blog writing competition, contribute to our student-run Sussex Politics blog, and organise work shadowing days in London. This experience will give you the opportunity to develop your skills as a political writer and to become an outstanding political communicator.
Sussex gave me more opportunities than I could have hoped for, and I’m delighted to be returning to help pass on knowledge and skills to today’s students.”Aubrey Allegretti
Chief Political Correspondent, The Times
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
Our staff
Politics
Sociology
Prof Gerard Delanty
Professor of Sociology and Social Political Thought
Dr Nina Held
Fees
- Home students:
- £9,250 per year
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £9,250 per year
- International students:
- £22,575 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, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our Tuition fees page.
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.
Westminster internship travel costs
This course has an optional internship in Westminster in the spring term of the final year. Travel costs are around £600, or lower if based in the constituency. Spaces for the internship are limited.
Field trip (if module is chosen)
This course has an optional trip to Berlin in the spring term, costing between £150 and £200.
Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
Scholarships
Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.
Careers
By studying a Politics and Sociology degree at Sussex you will gain the critical, analytical and practical skills for a career in politics, health and social welfare, and public and human relations.
You could go into jobs such as:
- parliamentary or think-tank researcher in the UK and UN civil services
- campaign manager for pressure groups or non-governmental organisations
- press or communications officer.
We also offer sessions to help you apply for graduate schemes and jobs in the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
Graduate destinations
Recent Department of Politics graduates have gone on to jobs such as:
- UK anti-corruption policy team lead, Home Office
- campaign management, The Diana Award
- journalists, BBC and Sky News.
(Department of Politics careers database)
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
A-level - contextual offer
BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade B in A-level and Merit, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BC in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer
DMM