Virtual Open Day: Saturday 5 June

Our Virtual Open Day has now finished, but you can still watch taster lectures and some of the talks from the Open Day below.

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How to make the most of your day

Our Virtual Open Day is packed with information, so to ensure you don’t miss anything we’ve got some tips on what you can expect to find in the video below.

To help you make the most of your visit all of our sessions are optional and you can drop in and out as you wish – but please do check the start times!

  • Video transcript

    Hi everyone my name is Ellen, and I'm here to give you some tips on how to make the most out of your Virtual Open Day experience.

    Whichever day you've signed up for we'll be running a series of events that will help give you a taste of what it's like to study at Sussex. You'll have the chance to learn more about the subject you're interested in, take a look around our accommodation, discover opportunities to study abroad and lots more.

    Each of our academic and student experience teams will be running live 30 minute talks followed by live 30 minute Q&A sessions. Don't forget to look out for the subject talks related to any joint or minor degree you're thinking of studying. You can learn more about our joint and minor degrees through our 'Introduction to studying a joint degree' talk, where you'll learn more about what a joint degree programme means for your subject and your workload.

    You'll be able to chat with some of our current students, both UK and International, during our live student panels. Join our 'Customise your course' talk to hear more from students who have developed new skills and gained new experiences through a Year Abroad, a Placement Year, or a language elective.

    Although we can't welcome you to campus today, we do offer a 360 degree virtual tour where you can view some of our teaching spaces, labs and library.

    This time around, we'll also be offering our 'Life in Brighton' talk, which will introduce students interested in studying at Sussex to the busy and bustling city of Brighton, which is just 10 minutes from campus.

    The virtual tour also features some of our current students talking about what they love most about studying at Sussex. But, of course, there's more to Sussex life than just studying. Our Students Union and sports teams will be hosting live Q&As, where you can find out more about the clubs, societies, sports teams and scholarships we have on offer. You can find a copy of your programme in your welcome email.

    Don't forget to download our Day Planner to make sure you don't miss anything important. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions, don't panic. We have a huge range of pre-recorded materials so that you can listen on demand.

    I really hope you enjoy your Virtual Open Day experience. Remember, our academics and our current students are here to help, so don't be afraid to ask any tricky questions. I'd recommend having a pen and paper or notes app ready, so that you can take down any contact details that might be useful later.

    And finally, don't forget, our enquiries team will be there to help throughout the day, so if you have any questions, just visit our enquiries chat portal.

Your Virtual Open Day Planner

Download our handy Virtual Open Day Planner [DOC, 16KB] to keep track of the events you would like to attend.

Programme of events

Welcome to your Virtual Open Day | 9.10am (BST)

A live introduction to Sussex and the day ahead from Dr Graeme Pedlingham, our Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Student Experience.

  • Your student experience - live talks | From 9.30am - 3.30pm (BST)

    Representatives from our student experience teams will be delivering live talks throughout the day. Each talk will last approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by a 30 minute Q&A session.

    Make a note of the times below to plan you visit in advance.

    Student experience talks
    9.30am and 1.30pm

    Housing 

    Where you live in your first year is an exciting part of your student experience. We know how important your housing research is so our housing team are here to tell you everything you need to know and answer your questions.

    9.30am and 12.30pm

    Applications

    Join our admissions team to learn more about what happens with your application, how we reach decisions, and what happens through the rest of the application cycle. It’s also your chance to ask any general questions you may have about UCAS and the admissions process.

    If you would like to speak to us directly the Admissions Office is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Call us on 01273 678416, alternatively you can email us at ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk 

    This session may be particularly useful for parents and carers.

    9.30am and 12.30pm

    Empowering you to design your future: Careers, Internship and Entrepreneurship Support at Sussex

    Join our Careers and Entrepreneurship team to explore the exciting range of opportunities at Sussex for building your skills, experience and employer networks from your arrival until three years after graduation.

    9.30am and 2.30pm

    Life in Brighton

    Find out more about what it’s like to live and study in Brighton – our famous city by the sea – just a few minutes by train from campus. This talk will guide you through some of Brighton’s highlights, must sees and hidden local gems.

    10.30am and 1.30pm

    Sussexsport

    Whether you’re a beginner or a sports fanatic, join staff from Sussexsport to hear about our range of gym memberships, sports clubs and teams, Sports Scholarships Scheme and Active US – our social sports programme, designed for students by students.

    10.30am and 1.30pm

    Student Life on Campus

    Discover our beautiful campus – nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park and only nine minutes by train from the heart of Brighton. Get a real feel for student life and living on campus as we explore our location, academic points of interest and the wide range of student services and facilities available to all Sussex students.

    10.30am and 12.30pm

    Study Abroad

    Experience another culture, improve your language abilities and gain an edge when it comes to your career. A year or term abroad gives you the opportunity to study at an international university or work in another country. We have one of the best study abroad programmes in the UK with more than 140 universities worldwide for you to choose from.

    10.30am and 1.30pm

    Personal Statement Masterclass

    Writing a personal statement might feel intimidating at first. Join this session to learn more about what to include, what to avoid, and how to get started with your personal statement.

    11.30am and 2.30pm

    Student Finance Explained

    Tom Steer, Enquiries Manager, will give a brief introduction to UK Student Finance with particular focus on student loans. Tom along with Jon Dale, a student finance expert who is based in our Student Funding team, will be available afterwards to answer any questions you many have about student finance. This session may also be useful for parents and carers.

    11.30am and 1.30pm

    Placement Years

    Join our placements team to find out how we support and guide you while you are applying for opportunities. Hear more about our e-learning, peer support networks, and employer links.

    11.30am and 2.30pm

    Introduction to Studying a Joint Degree Programme

    An opportunity to speak to students studying a degree programme with a Joint or Minor subject and hear what it means for their studies and their workload.

    12.30pm and 2.30pm

    Students’ Union

    Join our SU team for an introduction to the Union, hear about over 180 clubs and societies - from Dog Walking to Drum & Bass - getting involved in student media or volunteering, and how our Buddy Scheme will help you make friends and settle in to University life.

     

    2.30pm

    International Students at Sussex

    Find out more about life as an International student at Sussex by joining this talk with a member of the International Office. This talk will cover both the journey to Sussex and the support and services on offer once you arrive.

  • Ask our students - live! | 9.30am - 3pm (BST)

    Drop-in and chat to Sussex students live. Ask our panel of current students why they chose Sussex, what it’s like to live and study on campus, what our students love about the Sussex community or how they socialise on campus and in Brighton.

    Visitor chat room

    Chat live to other students visiting the Open Day.

    Chat to other students considering a future at Sussex, chat to students also interested in your subject, or just share experiences. Our current students will be sharing their experiences, and a member of our Student Recruitment team will also be on-hand to answer any questions you might have.

    Ask our students - live! & Visitor chat room
    10am to 3pm

    Chat live to current Sussex students and other students visiting the Open Day today

  • Live subject talks, Q&As and taster lectures | From 9.30am (BST)

    All of our academic areas will be offering live subjects talks followed by a Question and Answer Session. You can drop-in and chat informally with members of faculty and current students. Check our session times below - then just drop-in.

    Each talk will last for approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by a 30 minute Q&A Session.

    You will also find pre-recorded taster lecture and subject videos on these pages that are available all day, so you can watch them at a time that suits you. They will give you an insight into what we teach and how we teach it at Sussex.

    We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the subject talks and events described in this programme. However, we may need to make changes leading up to, and on the day, of the event.

    Live subject talks, Q&As and recorded taster lectures.
    Accounting, Banking and Finance

    Accounting, Banking and Finance talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    Find out more about our accounting, finance and banking degrees, including meeting our teachers, and current students. You'll also hear how you can gain the specialised skills and knowledge to boost your employability.

    Accounting, Banking and Finance taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on the impact of Covid-19 on financial markets banks and the global economy.

    American Studies

    American Studies talk and Q&A: 9.30am or 11.30am

    Find out more about our American Studies degree including the range of exciting things you will study, the skills you will acquire, and the possibilities it opens up for study in the US and Canada. 

    American Studies taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on race and policing in the US: past and present.

    Anthropology

    Anthropology talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out about our Anthropology degree including the course structure, the range of different topics you cover, and the different cultures and societies you study as a Sussex Anthropology student. 

    Anthropology taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture – Why Ethical Fast Fashion Doesn't Exist; The Anthropology of Time.

    Art History

    Art History talk and Q&A: 1.30pm

    Find out why Sussex is such an exciting place to study Art History and ask questions about life as a Sussex Art History student.

    Art History taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on Art History and the Civil Rights Movement.

    Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Genetics

    Talk and Q&A: 9.30am

    Find out why you should study Biomedical Science, Biochemistry or Genetics at Sussex. The subject talk will be followed by a Q&A session with current students.  

    Taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on the Cell Biology of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes and the evolutionary origin of chloroplasts and mitochondria.

    Biology

    Biology talk and Q&A: 1.30pm

    Find out more about the unique opportunities that a Biology degree from Sussex offers. This will be followed by a Q&A session in which you will be able to ask questions.

    Business, Management and Marketing

    Business, Management and Marketing and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out about our range of degrees including what it's like to study at a top-ranked Business School, and our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Hear about our flexible degrees, how we boost your employability prospects, and our support for your studies.

    Business, Management and Marketing taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on Marketing - Here, There and Everywhere by Maja Golf-Papez.

    Chemistry

    Chemistry talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out about our Chemistry degrees, the various teaching methods we use, our exciting research and the overall support available to help you develop your skills, maximise your potential and meet your career goals.

    Chemistry taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on modern materials.

    Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Media

    Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Media talk and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out what it is like to be an Informatics student at Sussex. You'll see some of our labs, and projects that students have worked on. This will be broadcast from our own studio and will be followed by an interactive Zoom session with subject specialists.  

    Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Media taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on Paradigms in AI.

    Criminology and Sociology

    Criminology and Sociology talk and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out about our Criminology and Sociology degrees including the course structure, the range of topics you can study, and hear from two current students who will talk about their experiences of studying at Sussex. 

    Sociology taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on Cultivating a sociological imagination.

    Criminology taster lecture

    Watch our Criminology taster lectures.

    Digital Media and Culture

    Digital Media and Culture talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    In this session we will look at the three strands of the degree (Digital Culture, Digital Production and Digital Analysis). You will also be introduced to the course structure: you'll find out what you study at each stage, how you'll be taught and assessed, and what choices you'll have for taking optional modules relevant to your own interests.

    Digital Media and Culture taster lecture 

    Watch our taster lecture, which looks at the implications of ‘big data’ for communications. 

    Drama, Theatre and Performance

    Drama, Theatre and Performance talk and Q&A: 1.30pm

    Find out about our Drama, Theatre and Performance BA including the shape of the programme, and what makes it so distinctive. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions to faculty members and current students.

    Drama, Theatre and Performance taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on theatre, perception and imagination.

    Ecology, Conservation and Environment

    Ecology, Conservation and Environment talk and Q&A: 2.30pm

    Find out about the unique opportunities that the University of Sussex degree programme offers. This will be followed by a Q&A session in which you will be able to ask questions.

    Economics

    Economics talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out more about our range of economics degrees. You'll hear how studying Economics at Sussex gives you an excellent grounding for a career in your field of interest. Our leading research is integrated into our teaching, giving you an edge in your career.

    Economics taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on how economists make choices about allocating resources, and how they deal with evidence and use models.

    Education and Teaching; Childhood and Youth Studies

    Education and teaching: Childhood and Youth Studies talk and Q&A: 11.30am 

    Find out about our BA in Primary and Early Years Education with QTS degree and the BA in Childhood and Youth. You'll hear what makes the courses distinctive and can ask questions of both faculty members and current students.

    Education and Teaching: Childhood and Youth Studies taster lecture

    Watch our Primary and Early Years Education taster lecture on planning the curriculum.

    Engineering

    Engineering talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out what it means to be an Engineer and what it is like to be an Engineering student here at Sussex. You'll see some of our exciting research and the projects that our undergraduate students have worked on. This will be broadcast from our own studio and followed by an interactive Zoom session with a faculty member, giving you time to ask questions.

    Engineering taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture which starts with exploring what Thermodynamics is all about and finishes by looking at the third and zeroth laws.

    English

    English talk and Q&A: 9.30am or 2.30pm

    Find out about the course structure and the wide range of topics, periods and authors you can study in English literature at Sussex. You'll also hear from current Sussex English students who will share their experiences of the course.

    English taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on Romanticism and Childhood. 

    English Language and Linguistics

    English language and linguistics talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out more about English Language and Linguistics and English Language and Literature at Sussex. You'll explore the exciting questions our degrees address, from the structure of the smallest parts of language up to the ways we use language to influence others. 

    English Language and Linguistics taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture which explores one of the fundamental building blocks of language: words.

    Filmmaking

    Filmmaking talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    Find out more about Filmmaking at Sussex, including the unique opportunities the Sussex degree programme offers. This will be followed by a Q&A session in which you will be able to ask questions.

    Filmmaking taster lecture 

    Watch our taster lecture by filmmaker Adrian Goycoolea.

    Film Studies

    Film Studies talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out more about our Film Studies degrees. The Head of Film Studies will discuss the structure of the course, the way we teach, and the benefits of studying film at Sussex and in Brighton. There will be an opportunity to ask questions about the course and about the university.

    Foundation Years

    Foundation Years talk and Q&A: 9.30am

    Find out what a Foundation Year at Sussex is, how it is structured, and what kind of content will be covered. We'll look at how we support transition into university, and give you a headstart for your onward studies (whichever subject you choose to go on to). 

    Geography

    Geography talk and Q&A: 9.30am or 1.30pm

    Find out what makes Sussex such a great university to study Geography at. The subject talk will be followed by a Q&A session for 30 mins with current Geography students at Sussex to provide a student perspective.

    Geography taster lectures

    Watch our taster lectures. The first lecture looks at a case study on tax havens, while the second lecture explores Ice Age Earth.

    History

    History talk and Q&A: 9.30am or 12.30pm

    Explore why History matters and what makes History at Sussex distinctive. You'll also hear from two current History students who will relate their experiences on the degree. The talk will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A session.

    History taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on the history of evolutionary science in the Victorian period.

    International Development

    International Development talk and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out more about studying International Development at Sussex and why we are world-leading in the field. There will also be a 30 minute Q&A with current students.

    International Development taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on Representations of International Development.

    International Relations

    International Relations talk and Q&A: 2.30pm

    Find out what the discipline of International Relations is and how you can study it here at Sussex. We will also be joined by current Sussex students who will give their perspectives and answer questions.

    International Relations taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on the Birth of International Relations.

    Journalism

    Journalism talk and Q&A: 9.30am

    Find out about our course structure and the interdisciplinary environment Sussex provides for the study of Journalism. The subject talk will be followed by a Q&A session with current Journalism students.

    Journalism taster lecture 

    Watch as Dr Marina Dekavalla introduces the work of our students during the pandemic.

    Language Electives

    Language Electives talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    Explore the possibilities for language study at Sussex. Applicants will be able to ask questions and discover the array of languages and levels on offer. With eight languages to choose from and every level from beginners' to advanced, from free-standing elective modules to three-year minors, there is something for everyone.

    Law

    Law talk and Q&A: 11.30am or 2.30pm

    Find out about our Law courses and extracurricular activities. The subject talk will be followed by a 30 minute Q&A session with the Head of Sussex Law School, an admissions tutor and student ambassadors.

    Law taster lecture

    Watch our short taster lecture clips which showcase different aspects of teaching law at Sussex.

    Liberal Arts

    Liberal Arts talk and Q&A: 1.30pm 

    This session will introduce the innovative Sussex Liberal Arts degree, showing how it is the first of its kind in the UK and explaining its unique mix of Global Humanities.

    Liberal Arts taster lecture 

    Watch our short video which introduces you to the interdisciplinary field of Liberal Arts.

    Life Sciences Foundation Year

    Life Sciences Foundation Year talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    Find out about the Life Sciences Foundation Year degree at Sussex. We will cover the options open to you on successful completion and you'll also have the opportunity to ask questions to both faculty members and current students.

    Life Sciences Foundation Year taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture which explores the content and methods used to teach chemistry on the Foundation Year in Life Science.

    Mathematics

    Mathematics talk and Q&A: 2.30pm

    Find out more about studying Mathematics at Sussex. The subject talk will be followed by a Q&A session with current Mathematics students at Sussex to provide a student perspective.

    Mathematics taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on continuity of functions.

    Media and Communications

    Media and Communications talk and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out more about Media and Communications at Sussex, including the course structure, what you'll study at each stage, how you'll be taught and assessed, and what choices you'll have for taking optional modules relevant to your own interests. 

    Media and Communications taster lecture 

    Watch our taster lecture about Questioning the Media: Power and Freedom in "Strange Times."

    Media Production

    Media Production talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    This session will introduce you to Media Production at Sussex, we will discuss our approach, course structure and the opportunities that this degree programme offers. After a 30 minute overview we will have a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    Music

    Music talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out more about Music at Sussex, including the way we teach, think and create, and what it would be like for you to join us. We will take you through the structure and content of our two undergraduate degrees BA Music and BA Music Technology.

    Music taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on the history and practice of songwriting.

    Neuroscience

    Neuroscience talk and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out more about studying Neuroscience and Medical Neuroscience at Sussex. You'll hear about the course structure, the range of topics on offer and we will be joined by a current student who will talk about their experiences of studying Neuroscience at Sussex. 

    Neuroscience taster lecture

    Watch our example of a Neuroscience lecture on Sensory Ecology.

    Philosophy

    Philosophy talk and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out more about studying Philosophy at Sussex. There will also be a Q&A with a faculty member and a current student.

    Philosophy taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture which looks at Harry Frankfurt's theory on bullshit and lies.

    Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

    PPE talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    Find out more about Philosophy, Politics and Economics as a degree programme and what makes the Sussex PPE programme distinctive. We will talk about the future options that a PPE degree opens up for you and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions.

    Taster lectures 

    Watch our taster lectures in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

    Physics and Astronomy

    Physics and Astronomy talk and Q&A: 12.30pm

    Find out more about Physics and Astronomy at Sussex, including the ways you can enhance your degree, and how we can help support you towards achieving your future career. Hear from one of our current students who will talk about their experience of being a Physics and Astronomy student at Sussex.

    Physics and Astronomy taster lecture

    Watch our series of short overview talks, which will give you a flavour of what it is like to hunt for dark matter and witness the formation of the first galaxies in our Universe.

    Politics

    Politics talk and Q&A: 1.30pm

    Find out about our Politics degree, the Politics department, and the wide range of subjects, countries, issues, and debates you can study here at Sussex. We will be joined by Sussex Politics students who will tell you about their experience of politics at Sussex.

    Politics taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on the Problem of Corruption.

    Product Design

    Product Design talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    Find out what it is like to be a Product Design student here at Sussex. You'll see some of our labs and the projects that our students have worked on. This will be broadcast from our own studio and followed by a Q&A session.

    Product Design taster lecture 

    Watch our taster lecture from sustainability expert Claire Potter, who will introduce you to the concept of ‘Circular Economy’ and what it means for product designers in the 21st century.

    Psychology

    Psychology talk and Q&A: 9.30am or 1.30pm

    Find out about Psychology at Sussex and what makes us different, followed by a Q&A with faculty and current students. You'll hear about careers, admissions, and life as a Sussex Psychology student.

    Psychology taster lectures

    Watch our taster lectures. The first lecture is about forensic psychology and eyewitness testimony and the second focuses on statistical modelling in psychology.

    Social Work

    Social Work talk and Q&A: 9.30am

    Find out about studying Social Work at Sussex, including the course structure, the range of topics you will study and placement opportunities. You will hear from a current student who will share their experiences of studying Social Work at Sussex.

    Social Work taster lecture

    In these sample lectures, Dr Robert James introduces you to how law and theory is applied in social work practice.

    Sociology and Criminology

    Sociology and Criminology talk and Q&A: 10.30am

    Find out about our Sociology and Criminology degrees including the course structure, the range of topics you can study, and hear from two current students who will talk about their experiences of studying at Sussex. 

    Sociology taster lecture

    Watch our taster lecture on Cultivating a sociological imagination.

    Criminology taster lecture

    Watch our Criminology taster lecture on What is meant by Police Abolition.

    Zoology

    Zoology talk and Q&A: 11.30am

    Find out more about our Zoology degree programme. We will describe why we think you should take a degree in Zoology and the unique opportunities that the Sussex degree programme offers. This will be followed by a Q&A session in which you will be able to ask questions.

General enquiries

Our enquiries team will be on-hand between 9am and 3.30pm to answer any general enquiries you may have, either about the Virtual Open Day or about Sussex. You’ll find the Chat button at the bottom of your screen once the Virtual Open Day is live. Alternatively, you can call us on +44 (0)1273 876787.

Not booked yet?

Make sure you book a place on our Virtual Open Day for an invite to the event pages on the day.