The University of Brighton

The University of Brighton has a number of campuses with the main ones being the Grand Parade, Falmer and Mouslecoomb sites in Brighton, with two satellite campuses at Eastbourne (about 15 miles away) and Hastings (around 30 miles away). All campuses are a short walk from the sea, giving Brighton a more relaxed, laid back feel than many universities.  

Background and History

Brighton University started life as a small art college in rooms in the fantastic Royal Pavilion in 1858. The Brighton School of Art got its own building on the Grand Parade in 1876 and in 1897 the Municipal School of Science and Technology opened offering more technical courses in the area. These two schools grew and through a number of mergers over the next 90 years became Brighton Polytechnic. In 1992 the Poly was one of the many to become full universities and the modern Brighton University was born.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: Access to the campuses by rail is the easy option as all are within walking distance of a good train station. Brighton Rail and Mouslecoomb Station offer access to the Brighton campuses and Eastbourne and Hastings rail to the others. Services to London are under an hour, and from there connections are available throughout the country.

By Road: Parking in the centre of Brighton is a nightmare, particularly in summer when it's flooded with tourists. If you can, leave the car at home. If you have to drive then the best access is offered via the M23 and then the A23.

Most facilities are wheelchair friendly and accommodation is available designed for usage by people with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBA, Graduate (Conversion) Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, PhD.

Entry Requirements

There is some flexibility with Access courses and other qualifications are considered, particularly if you're willing to undertake a foundation year before starting a degree. Exact requirements vary by course but examples include:

Architecture: AAB at A-level or 36 points in the IB.

Chemistry: BBB at A-level (must include Chemistry) or 32 points in the IB.

Sociology: BBB at A-level or 32 points in the IB.

University Accommodation

Rooms in halls are available at all of the campuses and come as catered or self-catering. Prices in Brighton vary, but things are a bit cheaper in Hastings.  

Private Accommodation

The university manages a number of houses for private landlords which are a good first port of call for students wanting to venture out in their second and third years. The accommodation service also runs a website for landlords who are registered with the university but who manage their own properties- check these sources first before looking at commercial estate agencies or private halls.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Brighton is composed of a number of schools and faculties: Brighton Business School, the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Education and Sport, the Faculty of Health and Social Science, the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Brighton is known for its excellence in areas relating to the built environment, such as its courses in Architecture and Interior Design. This is backed up by a world class Art and Design department which has produced Turner prize winners amongst other accolades. Moving away from the arts, Brighton is also at the forefront of automotive engineering, with research centres looking at combustion engines and new hybrid technologies to reduce the environmental impact of transport.

Tuition Fees

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

Financial Support

As well as the usual government sources of support there are a number of Brighton Bursaries' available which offer means tested support throughout your course. Other bursaries also exist depending on your personal background and what course you intend to study. Architecture, Pharmacy and Teaching all have their own bursary schemes which offer support to students.

Academic Facilities

The University has advanced laboratories in the areas of automotive, manufacturing and aeronautical engineering within the Science and Engineering Faculty, which also has a dedicated Sustainable Development Unit. All of the campuses have libraries, IT facilities and study rooms for the use of students, although provision is best at the larger Mouslecoomb campus. The Grand Parade site has excellent art and design facilities including looms, digital textile printing, laser cutting and rapid prototyping equipment.

Other on-site Amenities

Sport and recreational facilities at Brighton are excellent, and are bolstered by the fact it has a major teaching centre in sports science and sports coaching. In Brighton itself the university has astro-turf pitches, gyms, tennis courts, and badminton and squash courts, while Eastbourne has similar facilities but also a swimming pool. Each campus has its own cafes, restaurants and social spaces, some of which are run by the Students' Union.

Medical and Social Care

There are health centres at the Mouslecoomb and Eastbourne sites for university staff and students to use. There are also two nurseries at the Brighton campuses for students with children. Mental health support is available through the university counselling service and the chaplaincy, along with multi-faith and Islamic prayer rooms.

What's on in the Area

The sea, the pier, fish and chips, Brighton rock, Mods, Rockers and some of the best weather in the country (although often incredibly windy), Brighton is famous for many things. Expect to fight with mobs of tourists for your position on the famous beach in the summer, but once you're there you can enjoy the fairground rides, ice cream and windsurfing. Elsewhere about town Brighton is known for its liberal attitude, being home to the countries biggest gay scene and electing the first Green MP. Nightlife spans the full spectrum, with some clubs catering for the stag-do crowd but plenty of others offering alternative gigs, DJs or burlesque shows.

Moving On

Brighton is a relatively focused university and as such has a good reputation for what it does. Employability is particularly high for its well-known Art and Design and Architecture courses. The university offers a careers service which can help you find placements and internships during your course which will enhance you're employability when you graduate.

Two Turner Prize winners have studied at the Faculty of Arts and Anthony Gormley formerly taught there. Notable alumni include Jo Whiley, Paddy Considine and bizarrely the militant Islamist Abu Hamza al-Masri. Former student Norman Cook hosts regular beach parties in the summer.

Is Brighton for you?

It has a great reputation in Art and Design, Architecture and Automotive Engineering. Living by the coast offers great opportunities to crack out the swimming gear, but in summer Brighton is mobbed by tourists so living in the centre can be a pain. Why not consider Oxford Brookes for Automotive Engineering or Brunel if you want to work in the built environment and are keen on sustainability. If you like the idea of living on the sunny south coast Portsmouth and Plymouth are also options with Plymouth having some excellent surfing nearby.