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Key information

Duration:: 3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: BBB-BBC
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: X120
Start date:: September 2026

Good for Overall Effectiveness in the Primary Age-Phase (Ofsted 2023)
Outstanding for Overall Effectiveness in Early Years ITT (Ofsted 2023)
2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (on track) in Education (The Complete University Guide 2026)

Teaching is a rewarding career – you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference to the life outcomes for children you’ll work with.

On this course, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to become a successful and creative teacher in two phases of education:

Primary (KS1 and KS2)
Early Years (EYFS).

At Sussex, you’ll learn from experienced and passionate members of staff. You’ll:

explore how children develop and learn in the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) and the full range of other primary curriculum subjects
develop strong and supportive relationships with young learners that nurture their wellbeing
plan and teach engaging lessons, tailoring learning experiences to students individual needs in an ever-changing society
critically reflect on theory, policy and classroom practice to develop your identity as a creative and research-driven teacher.

You’ll gain the confidence to apply your knowledge and ideas to both your academic studies at University and to your practice during your school placements. You’ll spend at least 120 days in a school throughout your degree – supported by a mentor and the school professional tutor. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply to study abroad.

In your final year, you’ll undertake a research project on an aspect of Primary Education that you’re passionate about. This will give you the skills to:

conduct educational research
interpret data
use evidence to enrich your classroom practice.

We’ll support you at every stage of your degree. As soon as you apply, we’ll help you get ready for your interview. You’ll be supported by a personal tutor throughout the course together with module, year and course leaders. And once you’re in the final year of your degree, we’ll work with you towards applying and interviewing for your first post as a teacher. We’re also keen to keep in touch and support you in your time as an early careers teacher.

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.

Sussex puts children at the centre of the curriculum. I’ve been encouraged to experience the environment as a child, and to make my teaching as exciting and engaging as possible.”Amy Knight
Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) BA

Choosing Sussex – Jessica Douglas, Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA

How to apply

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A-level

Typical offer	BBB-BBC
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 must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better.
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 21 credits at Distinction
Subjects	The Access course should be in the humanities, education or social sciences.
GCSEs	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M2 M2 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, M2 and M2 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 BB at A-level and M2 in Pre-U.

GCSEs

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. If you are taking the IB Diploma the science will need to be in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

If you are taking GCSEs, we would expect you to have at least grade 4 (or grade C) in English, Mathematics and Science.

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education ( Early Years Educator)

Typical offer	Grade A
GCSEs	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C). If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer	Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Merit 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 must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better

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

Typical offer	Grades BB 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 must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better

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

Typical offer	DDM
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
Subjects	BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma preferably in Business, Sport, Applied Science, Performing Arts, IT, Health and Social Care or Media.
GCSEs	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	ABBBB
GCSEs	You will need Scottish National 5 in English language, Mathematics and Science at grade C.

T Level

Typical offer	Pass T-Level with an overall grade of Distinction including grade B in the Core Component
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
Subjects	Preferably Education and Childcare
GCSEs	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4,4 or better.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer	BBB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
GCSEs	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science with at least grade C in each (or grade 4). If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of C,C (4,4) or better

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. If you are taking the IB Diploma the science will need to be in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

If you are taking GCSEs, we would expect you to have at least grade 4 (or grade C) in English, Mathematics and Science.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer	Overall result of at least 75%
Additional requirements	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 5 or better.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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 2.2 or better for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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).
Additional requirements	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation 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

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.

Subject-specific knowledge

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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 4.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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 18 /20.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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 MMMM

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 12/20.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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 2.2 or better.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

Greece

Typical offer

Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 18 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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 4,4,4 from three subjects including two electives.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results for entry into 1st year (depending on board and course choice):

70%-80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
70%-80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
70%-80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

We will also consider students for entry into our integrated foundation years with 60+%

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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 H2,H2,H2,H3,H3

Additional requirements

You must have at least grade O4 in Mathematics in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.
Additional requirements	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

Italy

Typical offer

Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato with a Final Diploma mark of at least 78/100.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Typical offer	Applicants with Nazarbayev Intellectuals Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate may be considered. The grades in the offer will match the published A level requirements for each course.
Additional requirements	Where courses have specific subject requirements, these will be expected to be studied at Advanced level.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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).
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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 43 points overall.
Additional requirements	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

Malaysia

Typical offer

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%).

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

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

Subject-specific knowledge

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 16/20.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 8.0.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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 2.0 from 4 subjects

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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 23 points overall.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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 7.5

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

Sri Lanka

Typical offer	Sri Lankan A-levels.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

Switzerland

Typical offer	Federal Maturity Certificate.
Subject-specific knowledge	You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.
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.

Additional requirements

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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

You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science.

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)

7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

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.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.

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

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

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)

185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill

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

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

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)

67 overall, including at least 62 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)

95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 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.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

Country exceptions

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

Disclosure and barring service check	Yes. All candidates offered a place on the course will be required to satisfactorily complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. International students will additionally be required to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Health check required	Yes
Interview	Yes
Specific application procedures	Yes. Find out more about specific entry procedures for this course.
Transfers into Year 2	No

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.

I would say my favourite thing about my course is my lecturers, and the staff members at the University.” Angelé Basden
Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) BA

Video transcript

Angelé: I would say my favourite thing about my course is... my lecturers, and... the staff members at the University. They’re a really close knit... I feel like as a family in our course, especially with teaching. I feel like they’re... researchers, academics, some of them have published books. Some of them are still teachers now in the classroom. And you can really feel the atmosphere in our lectures, which makes it really enjoyable to study.

How to apply

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Modules

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

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

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Experience Year
Year 3 at Sussex

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

Autumn and spring 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 2025/26. 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 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

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

Autumn and spring teaching

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

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

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

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

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Placements (each year throughout your degree)

You’ll spend at least 20 days in a school in Year 1, 40 days in Year 2 and 60 days in Year 3, and you’ll spend time in classes across the Primary age range.

We have very strong historic partnerships with local schools across the region. This, together with a knowledgeable and supportive group of mentors and University tutors, gives you all you need to enter the profession with confidence – and with creative ideas to inspire all the children you teach with a love of learning.

Teaching placements – Jessica Douglas, Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA

Interactive and supportive teaching and learning

At Sussex, we value getting to know and supporting each one of our students and you’ll be taught in relatively small groups.

Our taught sessions are interactive and engaging. They’re designed to give you the opportunity to learn from your peers as well as from your tutors. We have a designated teaching room that has been set up and equipped as a primary school classroom. It contains lots of resources for you to experiment with and to help you plan the lessons you’ll be teaching during your school placements.

The course incorporates visits and trips around Brighton & Hove and Sussex to support your learning of the various curriculum subjects and includes a day dedicated to Forest School activities.

We’re delighted to offer our Initial Teacher Education courses in partnership with the University of Chichester as the accredited provider for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) element of the course. On successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded a University of Sussex BA. The course is designed, managed and delivered by expert faculty from our School of Education and Social Work. All teaching takes place on our beautiful campus and in the classrooms of trusted partnership schools across Sussex.

How to apply

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Our staff

We’re committed to supporting, nurturing and inspiring you all – as the next generation of teachers.”Liz Cousins, Dr Marcelo Staricoff and Alka Townend
Leadership team for the Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA

Inspirational academics – Jessica Douglas, Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA

Mrs Fliss Bull

Assistant Professor in Primary Education

View profile of Fliss Bull

Ms Katherine Cole

Assistant Professor in Primary Education

View profile of Katherine Cole

Miss Liz Cousins

Assistant Professor

View profile of Liz Cousins

Ms Gillian Emerson

Assistant Professor in Primary and Early Years Education

View profile of Gillian Emerson

Dr Christina Hancock

Associate Professor in Primary Education

View profile of Christina Hancock

Miss Sarah Holland

Assistant Professor in Primary Education

View profile of Sarah Holland

Ms Catherine Messenger

School Tutor

View profile of Catherine Messenger

Miss Tamzin Nobes

Assistant Professor in Primary and Early Years Education

View profile of Tamzin Nobes

Mrs Hayley Preston-Smith

Assistant Professor in Primary and Early Years Education

View profile of Hayley Preston-Smith

Ms Jane Sedgewick

Assistant Professor in Education

View profile of Jane Sedgewick

Mr Rob Snow

Assistant Professor in Primary Education

View profile of Rob Snow

Dr Marcelo Staricoff

Assistant Professor in Primary Education

View profile of Marcelo Staricoff

Mrs Alka Townend

Assistant Professor in Primary Education and Early Years

View profile of Alka Townend

Miss Jo Tregenza

Reader

View profile of Jo Tregenza

Ms Claire Watts

Assistant Professor

View profile of Claire Watts

Mr Matthew Westgarth

Assistant Professor

View profile of Matthew Westgarth

Apply now

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Fees

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2026/27 – please check back in September 2025. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply

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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)

This course gives you Newly Qualified Teacher Status, as well as an internationally recognised academic qualification.

We have an excellent record in helping our qualified teachers secure their first job and offer specialist training on drafting applications.

The degree also equips you for careers working with children, young people, their families and their carers, in organisations such as:

local government children’s services
charitable organisations
the Civil Service
early years and primary education.

Graduate destinations

As a student on the Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) course, you can begin work as a qualified teacher on graduation.

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

Career ambitions – Ethan Richold, Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA

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 including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching 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

Rate My Placement Awards - Celebrating the Best Student Employers and Universities for Work Experience

Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards

How to apply

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Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) BA (Hons)

Key information

Choosing Sussex – Jessica Douglas, Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA

Entry requirements

A-level

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

International Baccalaureate

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education ( Early Years Educator)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

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

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

Scottish Highers

T Level

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

International Baccalaureate

European Baccalaureate

Other international qualifications

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Netherlands

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

USA

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries

List of exempt countries

Admissions information for applicants

Modules

Core modules