Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons)

Uncover the psychology of crime. Explore the principles of psychology alongside real-world scenarios, such as radicalisation and international crime.

Select your start date

Back to Course menu

Key information

  • Duration

    3 years full time

  • Typical A-level offer

    AAB

  • UCAS code

    C8LC

  • Start date

    September 2027

  • Location

    On campus - in person

Why choose this course at Sussex?

  • Develop research skills alongside an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and crime for diverse careers, from professional psychology to policing.
  • Take advantage of Sussex’s wide-ranging expertise to tailor your degree to your interests, studying topics including clinical conditions and forensics.
  • Learn from passionate academics leading research influencing UK public sector policy and benefit from our advanced research facilities.

Study in one of the UK’s largest schools of psychology, where you will learn from passionate academics who are world-leaders in the areas that they teach. You will combine this with learning from criminology experts.

You will learn how psychological theories and evidence can be applied to questions of crime and justice, enriching your understanding of both disciplines. You can tailor your course by choosing from an extensive range of modules and be supported by expert staff throughout your degree.

Our faculty influence UK public-sector policy on topics from radicalisation to international crime. Whatever your area of interest within the field of psychology – clinical, child development, cognitive, forensic, health, social and applied psychology or neuroscience – we have the expertise to support you.

You'll benefit from our advanced psychology research facilities, including a child development research suite and a human psychophysiology laboratory.

The course will prepare you for careers in a wide range of professional fields, including:

  • psychology
  • criminal justice
  • research
  • policy
How to apply

Undergraduate Visit Days

Learn more about your chosen course, explore our distinctive campus, and meet our staff and students.

Book a Visit Day

On campus - in person

You’ll study for this degree on our campus, joining our academics and fellow students. Combined with in-person contact time, digitally supported educational resources, library collections and independent study, this course is designed to give you an inclusive education. Your learning experience may also include work placements, field trips, studying abroad and internationalisation experiences.

Find out about our beautiful campus

Take our virtual tour

Be inspired by our beautiful campus and buzzing Brighton in this immersive 360° experience.

Begin your tour

ResearchPlus

As a founding partner of ResearchPlus, a collaboration of research-focused universities, we engage with government, industry and civil society to support economic growth, prosperity and wellbeing across the whole of the UK.

Find out more
Back to Course menu

Modules

This is a major/minor course, enabling you to study in depth in a core area (your major subject: taking up 75% of your time), while also exploring an additional area (your minor subject: taking up 25% of your time). Find out more from our guide to undergraduate study

Spirit of Sussex Award

Feel involved in life at the University, make friends and enrich your experience with us – the Spirit of Sussex Award is our way of recognising your extracurricular and voluntary achievements.

Find out more about the Spirit of Sussex Award

  • Video transcript

    Hi everyone! As I'm sure you've all heard by now, the Spirit of Sussex Award is now live.

    Students across the Sussex community are already earning their points

    What will you do to earn yours?

    There's so many ways to get involved.

    Head over to the website to start your Spirit of Sussex journey.

    Text: The Spirit of Sussex Award is an exciting new programme designed to recognise and celebrate the things you do outside your course.

    Participating in the Award makes it easy and fun for you to get involved and make the most of university life.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2027 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2027/28.

Find out about studying Psychology at Sussex, including clinical, cognitive, social, health, forensic, neuroscience and child development psychology

How to apply

Our experts

My research explores the limits of unconscious learning and has been applied, among other things, to devise a method of testing awareness in brain injured patients.”Dr Ryan Scott
Associate Professor in Psychology

Criminology

Apply now
Back to Course menu

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)

You’ll develop skills in critical thinking, research and data analysis for careers in professional psychology, or research. You can use the skills you’ve learned in criminology for jobs in policing, the prison service and youth justice.

Where do our graduates work now?

Surveyed 15 months after finishing their courses, our recent graduates from the School of Psychology worked for employers including: 

And our recent graduates from the Department of Sociology and Criminology worked for employers including: 

(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2022) 

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

  • our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
  • one-to-one appointments with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
  • entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

How to apply
Back to Course menu

Entry requirements

A-level

Typical offer

AAB

Contextual offerView 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 have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C).  

You should also 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

Additional 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

Contextual offerView 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

The Access course should contain Psychology or be in Science or Social Science.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (grade C).

 

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

Typical offer

M1, M1 and M2 in the Pre-U

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would expect you to have a grade B in the A-level and M1 and M1 in the two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subject, we would normally expect you to have grades AB in the two A-levels and M1 in the Pre-U. 

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (grade C).

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 at A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

 

Contextual offerView 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 have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (grade C).

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

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

Typical offer

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

Contextual offerView 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 have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (grade C).

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 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 offerView 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

Applied Science or Health and Social Care.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (grade C).

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

GCSEs

You will need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics at grade C

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer

AAB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels

 

Contextual offerView 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 have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (grade C).

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 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%

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Additional international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and 92% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 or better.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 1.8 or better for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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. 

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AAABB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 4.5

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 19/20 and above.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 EEMM 

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 14/20.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 1.8 or better.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 19/20 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Hong Kong

Typical offer

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 5, 4 from three subjects including two electives.

 

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics; you will need a score of 3 in Core Mathematics.

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

Hungary

Typical offer

Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

85% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
85% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
85% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

 

Additional requirements

We expect to see good Maths results achieved throughout your secondary education.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Please note

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

Ireland

Typical offer

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H3

Additional requirements

You must have at least grade O3 in Mathematics.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 85/100.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

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.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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).

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 48 points overall.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 ABB- AAB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.5 or UEC with an overall average grade A2,A2,B3,B3,B3,B3 ( or average 77%).

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 between 7-8.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 4.5

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 80th percentile.

 

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Portugal

Typical offer

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

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 8.7

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

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.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 1.5 from 4 subjects. 

 

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Slovenia

Typical offer

Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 24 points overall.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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. 

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Spain

Typical offer

Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 8.0.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Sri Lanka

Typical offer

Sri Lankan A-levels.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Switzerland

Typical offer

Federal Maturity Certificate.

 

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

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 5, 5, 4 from 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 must have a good level of Mathematics.

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

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)

169 overall, including at least 162 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)

169 overall, including at least 162 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)

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.

 

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 (grade 6 or above in GCSE from 2017).

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.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Additional admissions information

Transfers into Year 2

No

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

How to apply
Back to Course menu

Fees

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2027/28 – please check back in September 2026. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Living costs

We know the rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind, and affects us all in different ways. Our guide to living costs has been designed to help you plan and budget for life as a Sussex student.

Learn more about typical living costs

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2027/28.

How to apply

Contact us

Ask a student

Chat to Sussex students online via the UniBuddy chat platform.

Enquiries

Contact us with any questions about your course:

+44 (0)1273 876787
Ask us a question

Find out more about the School of Psychology

Prospectus

Order a printed prospectus

What do you want to do next?

Legal information

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Find out about our terms and conditions, including the student code of conduct and your cancellation rights

Find out about our complaints and appeals process

A-level - contextual offer

BCC

Access to HE Diploma - contextual offer

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 15 credits at Distinction

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer

Grade C in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

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

Grades BC in two A-levels plus Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer

DMM

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced - contextual offer

BCC from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels

Return to top of page