The University of Sussex

Ideally located in picturesque countryside, the University of Sussex comprises a single campus outside the village of Falmer, which is only four miles from one of the best university cities in the UK, Brighton.

Background and History

Granted a Royal Charter in 1961, the University of Sussex was one of many Glass Plate' universities which emerged in the 1960s. Unlike some of its contemporaries, Sussex has moved from strength to strength, consistently climbing both the UK and world rankings to become one of the top thirty research universities in Britain.

Location and Accessibility

Rail: Trains from London and the West have to change at Brighton, however the nearest station to the university is Falmer which is conveniently located directly opposite the campus and only ten minutes from Brighton by train. Those travelling from the East have to change at Lewes which is likewise only ten minutes from Falmer. Students can enjoy discounted train fares between Lewes, Falmer and Brighton with the Unizone season ticket.

Road: When travelling from the East or West drivers should follow the signs for the University of Sussex on the A27, while those coming from London or the North should follow the signs for Brighton on the M23/ A23 before joining the A27 Eastbound.

The Student Support Unit offers a range of services to students with disabilities and dyslexia. Students are advised to visit the service as early as possible in order for the University to correctly assess the level of support required. This can range of information about access on campus to help applying for Disabled Student's Allowance.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, LLB, PG Cert, PG Dip, PGCE, MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil, PhD.

Entry Requirements

Admission is based on academic merit with the minimum of two A Levels required for general entry, and additional qualifications necessary depending on degree subject. Alternative qualifications, such as Scottish Highers, the Welsh/European/International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Access courses, BTEC qualifications, Advanced Diplomas and the Cambridge Pre-U, are likewise accepted. The University will consider work experience and other qualifications on a case-by-case basis for mature students or for those without formal qualifications.

University Accommodation

First year undergraduates are guaranteed a place in one of the 4,400 rooms available in University halls, either on campus or in Brighton Hove. While all accommodation is self-catered, students can enjoy a range of modern options, with over 900 new rooms added in 2012.

Private Accommodation

While the University owns accommodation in Brighton Hove, many students choose to live in private, rented accommodation. The University Housing Office provides information and a list of reputable letting agents.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Sussex is made up of 12 different schools: School of Business, Management and Economics, School of Education and Social Work, School of English, School of Engineering and Informatics, School of Global Studies, School of History, Art History and Philosophy, School of Law, Politics and Sociology, School of Life Sciences, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, School of Media, Film and Music, School of Psychology, Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

As one of the top 30 research universities in the UK, Sussex has strengths in the arts, social sciences, science and medicine. With over 90% of research conducted at Sussex recognised as world leading' or internationally excellent', the University has confirmed its place within the top 100 global universities for research.

Historically the University has an academically excellent record in a variety of subjects including Anthropology, Chemistry, Law, Physics and Sociology.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. For more precise information it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.

Financial Support

The University provides various grants and bursaries for students from low-income households. In particular the University runs the First-Generation Scholars Scheme which provides financial and general support for students whose parents didn't attend university.

Academic Facilities

With over 500 computers available on campus, many of them available 24 hours a day, and over 700,000 books in the Library, Sussex students have no excuse not to study. Situated in the heart of the campus the Library has an extensive archival collection, which includes the papers of Rudyard Kipling and Virginia Woolf. In addition to the fantastic Library and IT services, the University boasts many cutting-edge facilities. The Genome Damage and Stability Centre, for research into DNA and disease, and the top-of-the-range medical imaging equipment at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School are two of the many facilities students at Sussex are privileged to have available to them.

Other on-site Amenities

Both indoor and outdoor sports facilities are abundant at the University of Sussex. Split across two sites, the University has two multipurpose sports halls, indoor cricket nets, glass-backed squash courts, and a range of additional facilities for a host of other sports. And with over 25 sports clubs to pick from, students would be hard pushed not to find something they enjoy. For the less physically active there are over 140 societies for students to be involved in from the Ukulele Club to Amnesty International. Alternatively, students can visit one of the many cafs, restaurants and bars on campus. Additional onsite facilities include a Co-op supermarket, a post office, a newsagent, banks and a bookshop.

Medical and Social Care

The University has ample medical and social care facilities to cater for all student needs. A Chaplaincy, the Health Centre (containing a medical practice, dentist, pharmacy and professional counselling service) and a pre-school childcare service are all available on campus. Other centres for religious worship located in and around Brighton Hove are listed on the university website.

What's on in the Area

With both the beautiful South Downs National Park and Brighton on their doorstep, students can enjoy peaceful countryside and vibrant city life when studying at Sussex University. Whether it's sun, sea and sand or bars and clubs, Brighton has it all. Taking place in May is the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe which are England's biggest arts festivals. In September is the Gay Pride Parade which is the biggest of its kind in Britain. If the excitement of the city gets too much then a relaxing walk across the South Downs to Stammer village is in order. Sit back and enjoy the slower pace of life while enjoying a cup of tea (or a pint) at one of the many tearooms and pubs in the village.

Moving On

With links to the local area, through the Project V volunteering scheme, Sussex provides for its students both in Brighton and beyond. The Careers and Employability Centre provides a range of services for both students and recent graduates. Students can book appointments to see trained advisors or drop into the Centre to browse the vast array of up-to-date material available. Additionally, they can attend either specialist employability' workshops or the two recruitment fairs held during the year.

Sussex is the only university in England to have a campus that is surrounded on all sides by a national park.

All the main buildings on campus are designed to look like everyday objects, such as the Library, which resembles a book.

The University has a prestigious list of current and former staff, numbering among them three Nobel Prize winners, thirteen Royal Society Fellows and six British Academy Fellows.

Notable former students include comedian Frankie Boyle, author Ian McEwan and the television presenter and former Wimbledon Champion Virginia Wade.

Is the University of Sussex the place for you?

Come to Sussex if you appreciate both town and country while enjoying a vibrant campus life at an excellent university.

Avoid if the countryside and a campus are your idea of hell. For a good degree and city living, without a campus in sight, why not try SOAS?