Progressive since its 1961 foundation, Sussex broke the mould of single-discipline academic departments by organising research and teaching within interdisciplinary schools of study. The research powerhouse on the edge of the South Downs continues to make academic strides, and in 2024 became one of only a handful of universities to hold a Black Studies library collection, housing more than 750 rare and/or unique items related to black British history and culture.
The Sussex Business School has woven sustainability into its curriculum, and the university has launched a Climate Leaders Scholarship which awards £3,000 a year to environmental influencers. A Festival of Sust(AI)nable Education, exploring the intersection between education, sustainability and artificial intelligence, was held over six days in 2024. The university has acted to help students out with the cost of living with the £2 Sussex Saver meal deal in catering outlets, and a new Health and Wellbeing Centre is due to open at the heart of the campus, just outside Brighton, in 2026. Sea air, lively nightclubs and chilled attitudes help make this a student haven.
What is the University of Sussex’s reputation?
Excellent results were recorded in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Some of its strongest work was recorded in anthropology and development studies; communication, cultural and media studies; sociology; art and design, and education. Overall, 89 per cent of the submission was rated world-leading or internationally excellent (32=).
At Sussex’s 12 Centres of Excellence for research, academics are addressing a range of societal challenges such as genome-damaging diseases, quantum computing and AI. Development studies is the university’s standout strength: for the ninth consecutive year, Sussex is ranked top in the QS World University subject rankings for 2025.
Undergraduates can work towards a single or joint honours degree, or choose a major/minor course, spending 75 per cent of their time on their core subject and 25 per cent on another. The university was rated silver overall in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), with silver for student outcomes and bronze for student experience. However, Sussex comes out well in our analysis of the latest National Student Survey, ranking 29th for satisfaction with the wider undergraduate experience. Satisfaction with teaching quality has fallen nine places to 74=, however.
The Office for Students spent more than three years investigating Sussex after the departure in 2021 of Professor Kathleen Stock, a philosophy professor who was hounded out for her “sex-realist” views and criticism of gender self-identification. In 2025 it fined the university £585,000 for failing to uphold free speech in her case.
What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?
A degree course in climate justice, sustainability and development — the first of its kind in the UK — will be introduced in 2026. Another new course in 2026 will be economics and sustainable development.
The university’s arts and humanities degree is being renamed media, arts and humanities.
What are the University of Sussex’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?
Standard requirements range from A*AA to BBC at A-level. Contextual offers (which in 2024 accounted for 26 per cent of offers and 21 per cent of enrolments) are generally two grades lower. Sussex’s four-year degrees with an integrated foundation year typically require CCC.
In 2024, about 3,500 new undergraduates started courses (the fewest new starters for around a decade) and clearing accounted for 18 per cent of the intake.
What are the graduate prospects?
Undergraduates are encouraged to take work placements, study abroad and learn a language — and can make use of the university’s mentoring and internship schemes. But Sussex ranks only 86= in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey, with 73 per cent of graduates in high-skilled jobs or postgraduate study after 15 months. The 22-place fall is a factor in dragging down the university’s overall academic ranking, down seven places to 45th.
What is the University of Sussex's campus like?
Sussex has its contemporary roots on display in the modernist architecture of its self-contained Falmer campus on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park. Recent improvements include the £28 million Student Centre and new accommodation on the East Slope, featuring terraced student townhouses.
Teaching spaces have been refurbished all over the university, with extra space for quantum computing and upgraded engineering workshops. Sussex students are the first in Britain to have a “contactless” campus shop — the Atrium Market — using Amazon technology with scanners and weighted shelves. All you have to do is scan your payment card on entry, select your food or drinks — and walk out.
The university is increasing the proportion of land set aside for nature from 38 per cent to 42 per cent by 2027 as part of its efforts to boost biodiversity. It has held a Green Flag award for eight years in a row in recognition of its well-managed green spaces.
When can I visit?
sussex.ac.uk
Everything you need to know about student life and wellbeing support
Brighton’s nightlife, diversity and seaside charm – including sea swimming and a lido – is part of the university’s appeal. The city — and the coast — is only a few minutes away by train, or 30 minutes by bus. Membership or pay-and-play schemes are offered at a range of sports facilities and there are many free or cut-rate fitness classes for students. On campus there is a well-equipped gym, two sports halls, squash courts, a dance and martial arts studio and outdoor pitches.
The university has rules to protect lawful freedom of speech and expression for staff, students and visiting speakers, and a pro-vice-chancellor for culture, equality and inclusion. An online student hub offers tips on how students can exercise their right to freedom of speech, respect the rights of others and how to report bullying, discrimination, violence, a hate incident or abuse.
Provision for students’ mental health includes short-term cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy for relationship issues through the Student Hub. Workshops and therapeutic groups are offered as well as student-led peer support, and the 24/7 Togetherall app. New students must complete a mandatory online course about sexual consent.
What do the students say?
“Brighton is so cultural, so diverse and welcoming. Sussex offers lots of opportunities to gain practical and professional experience. I’ve attended summer schools in Mannheim and Vienna, where I connected with industry experts and collaborated with people from all over the world.”Dhruv Mandavkar, finance and technology student
What about student accommodation at the University of Sussex?
Sussex has almost 5,000 residential spaces for students, nearly all on campus — enough to guarantee a room to all first-years who apply by the deadline.
How diverse and inclusive is the University of Sussex?
The university is 89th overall in our social inclusion index. For ethnic diversity, its performance is around the middle of the pack (57th) while the proportion of students who are the first in their family to go to university (36.3 per cent) places Sussex 84th. Students drawn from selective state and independent schools represent 17.5 per cent of the intake, according to the latest data (80th).
Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Sussex?
A third of students qualify for financial assistance, which includes the Sussex Bursary of £1,000 in the first year to students from low-income households and £500 in subsequent years. The Andrew Rudd Scholarship provides an annual £5,000 bursary for students who have previously been in care. Sporting scholarships are also available, as well as a range of academic scholarships for those studying music, chemistry and environmental subjects.
