Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) BA (Hons)
Source: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/primary-and-early-years-education-with-qualified-teacher-status-ba-hons Parent: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/
Put learners at the heart of your degree to make a difference to their lives. Become a successful and creative teacher with expert support.
Select your start date
Key information
-
Duration
3 years full time - ### Typical A-level offer
BBB-BBC - ### UCAS code
X120 - ### Start date
September 2027 - ### Location
Why choose this course at Sussex?
Teaching is a rewarding career – you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference to the life outcomes for children you’ll work with.
On this course, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to become a successful and creative teacher in two phases of education:
- Primary (KS1 and KS2)
- Early Years (EYFS).
At Sussex, you’ll learn from experienced and passionate members of staff. You’ll:
- explore how children develop and learn in the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) and the full range of other primary curriculum subjects
- develop strong and supportive relationships with children that nurture their learning and wellbeing
- plan and teach engaging lessons, tailoring learning experiences to children’s individual strengths and needs in an ever-changing society
- critically reflect on theory, policy and classroom practice to develop your identity as a creative and research-driven teacher.
You’ll gain the confidence to apply your knowledge and ideas to both your academic studies at University and to your practice during your school placements. You’ll spend at least 120 days in a school throughout your degree – supported by a mentor and the school professional tutor. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply to study abroad.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a research project on an aspect of Primary Education that you’re passionate about. This will give you the skills to:
- conduct educational research
- interpret data
- use evidence to enrich your classroom practice.
We’ll support you at every stage of your degree. As soon as you apply, we’ll help you get ready for your interview. You’ll be supported by an Academic Personal Tutor throughout the course together with module tutors and leaders and the course leader. And once you’re in the final year of your degree, we’ll work with you towards applying and interviewing for your first post as a teacher. We’re also keen to keep in touch and support you in your time as an Early Careers Teacher.
- Goodfor Overall Effectiveness in the Primary Age-Phase(Ofsted 2023)
- Outstandingfor Overall Effectiveness in Early Years ITT(Ofsted 2023)
- 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (on track) in Education (The Complete University Guide 2026)
Accreditation
When you successfully complete this degree, the University of Sussex, as a UK-Government-accredited Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provider, will recommend you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). QTS is conferred by the Teacher Regulation Agency in England. The BA academic award is conferred by the University of Sussex.
Sussex puts children at the centre of the curriculum. I’ve been encouraged to experience the environment as a child, and to make my teaching as exciting and engaging as possible.”Amy Knight\ Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) BA
Choosing Sussex – Jessica Douglas, Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA
Undergraduate Visit Days
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On campus - in person
You’ll study for this degree on our campus, joining our academics and fellow students. With in-person contact time, digitally supported educational resources, library collections and independent study, this course is designed to give you an inclusive education. Your learning experience may also include work placements, field trips, studying abroad and internationalisation experiences.
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Modules
-
Silver The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.\ This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years. (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)\ Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
### Your modules
#### Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
##### Autumn teaching
- Developing Children’s Curiosity in Words, Numbers and Shapes
- Human Flourishing: Educating the Whole Child
##### Autumn and spring teaching
##### Spring teaching
- Engaging Pedagogies for English and Maths
- Inclusive Practices: Integrating Pedagogy into Real-World Education
### Your degree
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in child development, learning theory and the primary curriculum. You’ll explore the principles of effective teaching, and the role of the teacher in creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. And you’ll gain hands-on experience in your first school placement. You’ll also start to reflect on your own educational experiences and develop key professional skills. These include communication, critical reflection, collaboration and problem-solving.
#### Teaching
Teaching methods typically include interactive lectures and practical seminars, group work and discussion, and school-based learning.
10%: Lecture\ 70%: Seminar\ 20%: Practical
#### Assessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework with a range of creative and authentic tasks designed to develop your teaching practice and academic understanding.
#### Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 250 hours of contact time, about 150 hours of placement and about 800 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course. - Year 2 at Sussex
### Your modules
#### Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
##### Autumn teaching
- Engaging Young Learners - Growing, Playing, Talking and Learning
- Enquiry, Communication, Responsibility: English and Maths for Emerging Teachers
##### Autumn and spring teaching
- Curriculum Knowledge 2: Physical Philosophers
- Engaging in Professional Practice in Primary and Early Year Settings
##### Spring teaching
- Becoming a Researcher
- Critical Connections: English and Maths in Lifelong Learning Communities
- Evaluating Special Educational Needs, Disability, Inclusion and Diversity
### Your degree
In Year 2, you’ll develop your understanding in the core curriculum areas of English, Mathematics and Science. And you’ll expand into subjects such as Religious Education, PSHE, Physical Education, Computing and Science. You’ll explore creative and practical approaches to motivate and inspire children. You’ll learn to support diverse learners and promote equity in the classroom. In your school placement, you’ll work on planning and leading learning across the curriculum. You’ll also begin preparing for your independent project.
#### Teaching
Teaching methods typically include interactive lectures and practical seminars, group work and discussion, and school-based learning.
5%: Lecture\ 60%: Seminar\ 35%: Practical
#### Assessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework with a range of creative and authentic tasks designed to develop your teaching practice and academic understanding.
#### Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 215 hours of contact time, about 250 hours of placement and about 735 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course. - Experience Year
### Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid - Year 3 at Sussex
### Your modules
#### Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
##### Autumn and spring teaching
- Curriculum Knowledge 3: The World as a Stage
- Embedding Professional Practice in Primary and Early Year Settings
- Reflecting on Professional Knowledge in Primary and Early Years Settings
- Research Minded Project
### Your degree
Your final year is about what it means to be a teacher and the professional responsibilities the role entails. You’ll consolidate your expertise as a confident teacher. You’ll continue to develop your understanding of Science and explore practical approaches to teaching the foundation subjects. These include Music, Art, Design and Technology, and Modern Foreign Languages. You’ll also work on your independent educational research project. You’ll complete your extended school placement, demonstrating your readiness for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
#### Teaching
Teaching methods typically include interactive lectures and practical seminars, group work and discussion, and school-based learning.
5%: Lecture\ 45%: Seminar\ 50%: Practical
#### Assessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework with a range of creative and authentic tasks designed to develop your teaching practice and academic understanding.
#### Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 100 hours of contact time, about 360 hours of placement and about 740 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Spirit of Sussex Award
Feel involved in life at the University, make friends and enrich your experience with us – the Spirit of Sussex Award is our way of recognising your extracurricular and voluntary achievements.
Find out more about the Spirit of Sussex Award
Hi everyone! As I'm sure you've all heard by now, the Spirit of Sussex Award is now live.
Students across the Sussex community are already earning their points
What will you do to earn yours?
There's so many ways to get involved.
Head over to the website to start your Spirit of Sussex journey.
Text: The Spirit of Sussex Award is an exciting new programme designed to recognise and celebrate the things you do outside your course.
Participating in the Award makes it easy and fun for you to get involved and make the most of university life.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2027 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2027/28.
Placements (each year throughout your degree)
You’ll spend at least 24 days in a school in Year 1, 44 days in Year 2 and 60 days in Year 3, and you’ll spend time in classes across the Primary age range.
We have very strong historic partnerships with local schools across the region. This, together with a knowledgeable and supportive group of mentors and University tutors, gives you all you need to enter the profession with confidence – and with creative ideas to inspire all the children you teach with a love of learning.
Interactive and supportive teaching and learning
At Sussex, we value getting to know and supporting each one of our students and you’ll be taught in relatively small groups.
Our taught sessions are interactive and engaging. They’re designed to give you the opportunity to learn from your peers as well as from your tutors. We have a designated teaching room that has been set up and equipped as a primary school classroom. It contains lots of resources for you to experiment with and to help you plan the lessons you’ll be teaching during your school placements.
The course incorporates visits and trips around Brighton & Hove and Sussex to support your learning of the various curriculum subjects, including a day dedicated to Forest School activities and to a synagogue.
On successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded a University of Sussex BA. The course is designed, managed and delivered by expert faculty from our School of Education and Social Work. All teaching takes place on our beautiful campus and in the classrooms of trusted partnership schools across Sussex.
I would say my favourite thing about my course is my lecturers, and the staff members at the University.” Angelé Basden\ Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) BA\
Angelé: I would say my favourite thing about my course is... my lecturers, and... the staff members at the University. They’re a really close knit... I feel like as a family in our course, especially with teaching. I feel like they’re... researchers, academics, some of them have published books. Some of them are still teachers now in the classroom. And you can really feel the atmosphere in our lectures, which makes it really enjoyable to study.
Our experts
We’re committed to supporting, nurturing and inspiring you all – as the next generation of teachers.”Liz Cousins\ Course Lead for the Primary and Early Years Education (with QTS) BA \
Ms Katherine Cole
Assistant Professor in Primary Education
View profile of Katherine Cole
Miss Liz Cousins
Assistant Professor
Ms Gillian Emerson
Assistant Professor in Primary and Early Years Education
View profile of Gillian Emerson
Dr Christina Hancock
Associate Professor in Primary Education
View profile of Christina Hancock
Ms Catherine Messenger
School Tutor
View profile of Catherine Messenger
Ms Kate Murtagh
Associate Tutor
Miss Tamzin Nobes
Assistant Professor in Primary and Early Years Education
Dr Hayley Preston-Smith
Assistant Professor in Primary and Early Years Education
View profile of Hayley Preston-Smith
Ms Eleanor Savage
Associate
View profile of Eleanor Savage
Mr Robin Snow
Assistant Professor in Primary Education
Dr Marcelo Staricoff
Assistant Professor in Primary Education
View profile of Marcelo Staricoff
Miss Jo Tregenza
Reader
Ms Andrea Uphus
Assistant Professor in Primary and Early Years Education
Mr Matthew Westgarth
Assistant Professor
View profile of Matthew Westgarth
Careers
- 86% of Sussex undergraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course (University of Sussex Career Readiness data at point of graduation 2023/24)
This course gives you Newly Qualified Teacher Status, as well as an internationally recognised academic qualification.
We have an excellent record in helping our qualified teachers secure their first job and offer specialist training on drafting applications.
The degree also equips you for careers working with children, young people, their families and their carers, in organisations such as:
- local government children’s services
- charitable organisations
- the Civil Service
- early years and primary education.
Where do our graduates work now?
Surveyed 15 months after finishing their courses, our recent graduates from the Department of Education worked for employers including:
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2022)
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations such as Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, the Knepp Rewilding Project, and fashion brand Puig
- one-to-one appointments with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
- Winner Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024
- Winner Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024
- Top 50 Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK 2025 Higherin Awards
Entry requirements
A-level
| Typical offer | BBB-BBC |
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better. |
| Extended Project Qualification | We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us |
Additional UK qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
| Typical offer | Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21 credits at Distinction |
| Subjects | The Access course should be in the humanities, education or social sciences. |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better |
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)
| Typical offer | M2 M2 M2 If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade B at A-level and, M2 and M2 in two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades BB at A-level and M2 in Pre-U. |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better |
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 30 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. If you are taking the IB Diploma the science will need to be in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. If you are taking GCSEs, we would expect you to have at least grade 4 (or grade C) in English, Mathematics and Science. |
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education ( Early Years Educator)
| Typical offer | Grade A |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level
| Typical offer | Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma |
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
| Typical offer | Grades BC in A-levels and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. |
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
| Typical offer | DDM |
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma preferably in Business, Sport, Applied Science, Performing Arts, IT, Health and Social Care or Media. |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better. |
Scottish Highers
| Typical offer | ABBBB |
| GCSEs | You will need Scottish National 5 in English language, Mathematics and Science at grade C. |
T Level
| Typical offer | Pass T-Level with an overall grade of Distinction including grade B in the Core Component |
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | Preferably Education and Childcare |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
| Typical offer | BBB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels |
| GCSEs | You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English language, Mathematics and Science with at least grade 4 (or grade C) in each. If you have taken Combined Science GCSE, you must have a score of 4-3 or better. |
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 30 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. If you are taking the IB Diploma the science will need to be in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. If you are taking GCSEs, we would expect you to have at least grade 4 (or grade C) in English, Mathematics and Science. |
European Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | Overall result of at least 75% |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
Additional international qualifications
Australia
| Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 5 or better. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Austria
| Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 2.2 or better for first-year entry. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Belgium
| Typical offer | Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bulgaria
| Typical offer | Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects). |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
Canada
| Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses. British Columbia Certificate of Graduation BBBBB from 5 grade 12 courses. We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| Typical offer | If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects. We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution. The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex. Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Croatia
| Typical offer | Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 4. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Typical offer | Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 18 /20. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Czech Republic
| Typical offer | Maturita with a good overall average. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Typical offer | Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Finland
| Typical offer | Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least MMMM |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Typical offer | French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 12/20. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
| Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 2.2 or better. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 18 will be considered for first-year entry. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Typical offer | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 4,4,4 from three subjects including two electives. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hungary
| Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good averageof at least 55544. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Typical offer | Standard XII results for entry into 1st year (depending on board and course choice): - 70%-80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE) - 70%-80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) - 70%-80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra ) We will also consider students for entry into our integrated foundation years with 60+% |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ireland
| Typical offer | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 |
| Additional requirements | You must have at least grade O4 in Mathematics in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Israel
| Typical offer | For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
Italy
| Typical offer | Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato with a Final Diploma mark of at least 78/100. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
| Typical offer | Applicants with Nazarbayev Intellectuals Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate may be considered. Thegrades in the offer will match the published A level requirements for each course. |
| Additional requirements | Where courses have specific subject requirements, these will be expected to be studied at Advanced level. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Latvia
| Typical offer | Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lithuania
| Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English). |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Luxembourg
| Typical offer | Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with 43 points overall. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
Malaysia
| Typical offer | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%). |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Netherlands
| Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Nigeria
| Typical offer | You are expected to have one of the following: - Higher National Diploma - One year at a recognised Nigerian University - Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria - Advanced Diploma You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
| Typical offer | Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
| Typical offer | You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies. You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Poland
| Typical offer | Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
Portugal
| Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 16/20. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Romania
| Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 8.0. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
| Typical offer | Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
| Typical offer | A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovakia
| Typical offer | Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade of 2.0 from 4 subjects |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovenia
| Typical offer | Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 points overall. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
| Typical offer | National Senior Certificate with very good grades. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
| Typical offer | Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 7.5 |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
| Typical offer | Sri Lankan A-levels. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sweden
| Typical offer | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
| Typical offer | Federal Maturity Certificate. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
| Typical offer | We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. |
USA
| Typical offer | We look at your full profile taking into account everything you are studying, including the high school graduation diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and/or ACT grades We are particularly interested in AP tests and would ideally like to see three good AP scores. Advanced Placement Tests with scores of between 5,4,4 to 4,4,4 in three subjects. If you have taken the SAT reasoning tests we'd normally expect a combined score of at least 1300. If you've taken the ACT we'd expect to see a composite score of at least 26. |
| Additional requirements | You will need evidence of good ability in English, Mathematics and Science. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
Other English language requirements
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.
Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill
Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
Pearson (PTE Academic)
67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills.
Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).
Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)
95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing.
Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
English language support
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course
Additional admissions information
| Disclosure and barring service check | Yes. All candidates offered a place on the course will be required to satisfactorily complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. International students will additionally be required to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants. |
| Health check required | Yes |
| Interview | Yes |
| Specific application procedures | Yes. Find out more about specific entry procedures for this course. |
| Transfers into Year 2 | No |
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
Fees
Living costs
We know the rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind, and affects us all in different ways. Our guide to living costs has been designed to help you plan and budget for life as a Sussex student.
Learn more about typical living costs
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A-level - contextual offer
BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade C in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BC in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer
DMM
T Level - contextual offer
Pass T-Level with an overall grade of Merit including grade C in the Core Component
You will be required to have a satisfactory Health Check.