The first university created during the expansion of higher education in the 1960s, Sussex has its contemporary roots on display in the modernist architecture of its Falmer campus near Brighton, on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park. More recent campus improvements include the £28 million Student Centre, new accommodation on the East Slope with terraced student townhouses, and upgraded wi-fi. Much-improved results in our analysis of the latest National Student Survey (NSS) have triggered a ten-place rise for Sussex in our main academic league table (38th). The nightlife, diversity and seaside charm of Brighton is just a few minutes away by train from Falmer station, or 30 minutes by bus.  

What is the University of Sussex’s reputation? 

Sussex received its Royal Charter in 1961 and from the outset took an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. Undergraduates can study for 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. But our analysis of rising student satisfaction in the NSS jars with the TEF finding: Sussex is up 45 places according to feedback on teaching quality (65th) and a whopping 67 places for satisfaction with the wider undergraduate experience (25=). 

At Sussex’s 12 research Centres of Excellence, set up in 2023, academics are addressing a range of societal challenges such as genome-damaging diseases, quantum computing and AI. 

Excellent results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) led to a ranking of 32= in our research table. 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. Development studies is the university’s standout strength on a global scale: in 2024, for the eighth consecutive year Sussex is ranked top in the QS World University Rankings for that subject.

Sussex maintains a good record on course continuation rates with 96.1 per cent of students projected to carry on from the first to second years, ranking 24=. 

What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

No degrees or subject areas are closing in 2024 or 2025, though there will be some name changes as Sussex rationalises course titles. The first quantum technology students began in September 2024, as did those on the university’s new data science degrees — offered with the option of a placement year, and combined with maths or physics. A degree in creative industries will be introduced in September 2025. 

Sussex has established three degree apprenticeships — advanced manufacturing engineering; business analytics and digital technology; and data science and AI.

What are the University of Sussex’s entry requirements – and my chances of getting in?

Standard requirements start from BBC and rise to A*AA at A-level. Contextual offers are generally two grades lower. Sussex’s four-year degrees with an integrated foundation year typically require CCC. Applications approached 22,000 in 2023, their highest for four years, with about 27 per cent of the demand coming from international students. Clearing accounted for 14 per cent of the 2023 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 has fallen 23 places year-on-year to rank 87= in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey. Fifteen months after finishing their degree, 73 per cent of graduates were in high-skilled jobs or postgraduate study —  a performance which has limited the university’s rise in our main academic league table. 

What is the University of Sussex campus like?

Occupying a 200-acre site within rolling parkland, the university is increasing the proportion of land set aside for nature to 42 per cent by 2027 as part of its efforts to boost biodiversity. It has held a Green Flag award for eight years running in recognition of its well-managed green spaces.

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 “no-contact” campus shop. The Atrium Market uses Amazon technology with scanners and weighted shelves. Shoppers scan their payment card on entry, select their food or drinks — and walk out. 

Everything you need to know about student life and wellbeing support

Sussex has rules to protect lawful freedom of speech and expression for staff, students and visiting speakers. The university has a pro-vice-chancellor for culture, equality and inclusion and became a University of Sanctuary in 2020, offering two scholarships a year for forced migrants.

There are membership or pay-and-play schemes at a wealth of sports facilities as well as local lidos and sea swimming clubs. Sussex has a well-equipped gym plus two sports halls, squash courts, a dance and martial arts studio and outdoor pitches. Sea air, lively nightclubs and chilled attitudes help make Brighton a student haven.

Provision for students’ mental health includes short-term cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy for relationship issues. Workshops and therapeutic groups are offered as well as student-led peer support, and the 24/7 Togetherall app. New students must complete the mandatory online course about sexual consent.

What do the students say? 

“Brighton is a great place especially in the North Laine and the Lanes, plus coastal walks and lovely sea views. Our university campus sits within the South Downs, creating a peaceful environment for learning. Staff support has been brilliant in helping me to build confidence in my studies and my personal life. My favourite place to study is the Student Centre. It’s a nice space with lots of light."
Lou Bruce, BA in Criminology

What about student accommodation?

Sussex has about 5,000 residential spaces for students, almost all on campus — enough to guarantee a room to all first-years who apply by the deadline. By 2026, the first few hundred of 2,000 new study bedrooms will open on the West Slope, along with a health and wellbeing centre.

How diverse and inclusive is the University of Sussex? 

The university is 90th overall in our social inclusion index. For ethnic diversity, its performance is around the middle of the pack (61st) while the proportion of students who are the first in their family to go to university (36.8 per cent) places Sussex 87th. Students drawn from selective state and independent schools represented 16.3 per cent of the intake, according to the latest data (81st). 

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries

In 2024 about 30 per cent of entrants qualified for some form of 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. There is extra support for students leaving care. A range of academic scholarships are available for those studying music, engineering, business, sport or the environment.