Life Sciences(with a foundation year) BSc (Hons)
Source: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/life-sciences-with-a-foundation-year-bsc-hons Parent: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/
Life Sciences (with a foundation year) BSc (Hons)
Open doors in the Life Sciences and discover your passion. Develop the core skills to tackle some of the world’s most pressing scientific challenges.
Select your start date
Key information
-
Duration
4 years full time - ### Typical A-level offer
CCC-CCD - ### UCAS code
C701 - ### Start date
September 2027 - ### Location
Why choose this course at Sussex?
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for direct entry into Year 1 of our Life Sciences courses, or do not have the appropriate combination of subjects, then this course is for you.
You'll learn from scientists tackling some of the world’s most important challenges – such as conservation, cancer and dementia.
The Foundation Year is an intensive one-year programme that allows progression onto a large selection of degree courses at Sussex. You'll gain the knowledge, confidence and study skills necessary to engage and excel. In addition to science theory lectures and seminars, you'll develop laboratory skills and key transferable skills.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore exciting subjects in Life Sciences before you choose your degree. You’ll gain knowledge and experience of the content of different courses.
To prepare you for whichever course you pick, you learn both practical and academic skills in:
- biology
- chemistry.
This gives you the perfect grounding for your studies.
Our courses adapt to the latest demands of the working world and are informed by our Employer Advisory Panel of key organisations which hire our graduates. Our employability strand develops research skills, professional competencies, and includes dedicated sessions with our Careers and Entrepreneurship Team to help you bolster your CV, train for interviews, map out career trajectories, and more.
The favourite thing to me about my course is how diverse it is. There are so many subjects you can cover and so many different people you can meet.”Rudie Kauhanen\ Life Sciences (with a foundation year) BSc\
What is International Development? from University of Sussex on Vimeo.
Rudie: The favourite thing to me about my course is how diverse it is. There are so many subjects you can cover and so many different people you can meet.
And I feel like regardless of which degree I end up picking, it's really going to set me up for the future working in an interdisciplinary way.
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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
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
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Spring teaching
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.
[Music starts – light pop – no vocals]
#### On screen text
Want to help shape a better world through science?
Want to tackle real world problems?
And create world-changing impact?
It all starts at the University of Sussex.
Our research focussed courses span the whole of Life Sciences:
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Neuroscience
Biology
Zoology
Ecology and Conservation
Biomedical Science
Genetics
Using the latest in cutting-edge advances.
Guided by world-leading experts.
Gain hands-on experience, in both our teaching labs and out in the field.
Influence important policies on things such as the pesticides that kill our wildlife, and policies that protect endangered species.
Work towards unlocking the secrets of the brain and ending the despair of cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Join a community of leading scientists and like-minded students striving to make the world a better place for all.
And follow in the footsteps of our 3 Nobel-prize winning alumni.
We’re here today, to train the scientists of tomorrow.
And you could be one of them.
Find out more about the School of Life Sciences at sussex.ac.uk
[Music ends]
Entry requirements
Is a Foundation Year for you?
We welcome students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including:
- those who aren’t sure which subject, or branch of a subject, they’d like to specialise in
- those who don’t have the right combination of subjects for direct entry into Year 1
- those who don’t meet the expected requirements for direct entry into Year 1
- those who are returning to education after some time away.
You will need to demonstrate your potential to do well on a demanding degree, including the potential to succeed in your chosen discipline.
The following sets out some of the most common academic qualifications. However, each application is reviewed on its individual strengths and merits.
A-level
| Typical offer | CCC-CCD |
| 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 | |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
| Additional requirements | Alternatively, applicants with strong academic background not in relevant science subjects will be considered on case-by-case basis. |
| 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
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)
| Typical offer | M3 M3 M3 If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade C at A-level and, M3 and M3 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 CC at A-levels and M3 in Pre-U. |
| Subjects | A-levels or Pre-U Principal Subjects should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. |
| GCSEs | You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 27 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
| Subjects | Including at least 4 in Higher Level science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology or Maths). |
| Additional requirements | Successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of academic ability in a demanding science degree. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level
| Typical offer | Grade C in A-level and Merit, 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 |
| Subjects | A-levels should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. This science A-level should be grade C. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. |
| GCSEs | You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5). |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
| Typical offer | Grades CC in A-levels and Merit 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 |
| Subjects | A-levels should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). This science A-level should be at least grade C. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. |
| GCSEs | You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5). |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
| Typical offer | MMM |
| 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 | The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma should normally be in Applied science and must include the following modules The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management will also be considered. Successful applicants will need good grades in the following core modules: Animal Health and Diseases, Animal Biology, Animal Behaviour. For the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, please contact admissions ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk |
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
Scottish Highers
| Typical offer | CCCCC |
| Subjects | Scottish Highers must include either Biology, Chemistry, Physic, Psychology or Maths. |
| GCSEs | You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each. |
T Level
| Typical offer | Pass T-Level with an overall grade of Pass including grade C 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 | Science or Animal Care and Management (only if the Animal Care and Science pathway is taken). |
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
| Typical offer | CCC from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels |
| Subjects | A-levels should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). The science A-level should be at grade C. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. |
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5). |
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 27 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
| Subjects | Including at least 4 in Higher Level science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology or Maths). |
| Additional requirements | Successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of academic ability in a demanding science degree. |
European Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 70% |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
Additional international qualifications
Australia
| Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and a least 75% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER. Or a Queensland OP of 10 . |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics. 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 2.7 or better. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics. 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 4 overall with good grades in key subjects). |
| Additional requirements | You will need to have good grades in Science and Maths |
Canada
| Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 60% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses British Columbia Certificate of Graduation BCCCC 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| 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 3.4 overall |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 15/20 |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Czech Republic
| Typical offer | Pass in the Maturita with a score of 3 or better in each subject. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics. 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 a good overall average. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Finland
| Typical offer | Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto with an overall average result of 4.5. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 11/20. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Subjects must include a science from (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology or Maths). 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 2.5 or better. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 a least 15/20 |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 4,3,3 from three subjects including two electives. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hungary
| Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics. 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% Maharashtra HSC Higher Secondary Certificate - 70%-80% Tamil Nadu Board of Higher Secondary Education - 70%-80% Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board - 70%-80% Telangana State Board of Secondary Education - 70%-80% Kerala Board of Higher Secondary Education - 80% Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education - 80% Bihar School Examination Board - 80% Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board - 70% West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education We will also consider students for entry into our integrated foundation years with 60+% |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| 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 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4. |
| Additional requirements | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) should include either Biology, Chemistry or Physics at H2. You will also have O4 in Mathematics and two Science subjects. Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Israel
| Typical offer | We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
| Typical offer | Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato with a Final Diploma mark of at least 71. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Typical offer | 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Latvia
| Typical offer | Pass Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with an overall average of 60% from 4 final state/school exams. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lithuania
| Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including an average score of 70% from at least three state examinations (other than English). |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Luxembourg
| Typical offer | Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
| Typical offer | at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Netherlands
| Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO). |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
| Typical offer | We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
| Typical offer | Norwegian Vitnemal den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of at least 3.5. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 65th percentile including at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics. |
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Please note: Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Portugal
| Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 14/20 |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 7 to 7.5 including Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovakia
| Typical offer | Maturitna Skuska or Maturita with honours. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics. 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. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics. 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| 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 6.5. |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| 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 C grades in the majority of subjects and to include grade C in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics. |
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics 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 | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| 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 |
| Subject-specific knowledge | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
| Typical offer | Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year |
| Additional requirements | Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics. 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)
6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 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)
169 overall, including at least 162 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)
169 overall, including at least 162 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)
59 overall, including at least 59 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)
80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 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
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language (grade 6 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A – C in English
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
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
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
Scholarships
Please note: Foundation Year courses are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loan funds. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Next steps
Successfully completing your Foundation Year means you’re able to take a range of degrees at Sussex. The current list of courses available is:
- Biochemistry (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons)
- Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
- Biology BSc (Hons)
- Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
- Chemistry BSc (Hons)
- Ecology and Conservation BSc (Hons)
- Genetics BSc (Hons)
- Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
- Neuroscience with Psychology BSc (Hons)
- Zoology BSc (Hons)
Contact us
Ask a student
Chat to Sussex students online via the UniBuddy chat platform.
Enquiries
Contact us with any questions about your course:
+44 (0)1273 876787\ Ask us a question
Find out more about the School of Life Sciences
Prospectus
What do you want to do next?
### Browse our courses by subject area
### Find out where you’ll live
### Find out about student life at Sussex
### Support for international students
### Tips for writing a UCAS statement
Legal information
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Find out about our complaints and appeals process
A-level - contextual offer
CDD-DDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade C in A-level and Merit, Pass in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades CD 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
MMP
T Level - contextual offer
Pass T-Level with an overall grade of Pass including grade C in the Core Component