The University of Sussex

Summary

University Environment

Sussex University is located on a self-contained campus on the edge of Brighton. The campus is set in the South Downs National Park and is the only English university to be entirely surrounded by an area of “outstanding natural beauty”. Designed by Sir Basil Spence in the early years of the university, the buildings that make up the heart of the campus were given listed building status in 1993. Falmer House is one of only two educational buildings in the UK to be Grade I listed in recognition of its exceptional interest. The University’s architecture is an excellent example of classic 1960s design. 

The campus is located only 9 minutes from the centre of Brighton, which is 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport and 60 minutes from London. Recent developments include Northfield, a new halls of residence, the Jubilee building, home to the school of Business, Management and Economics and most recently the refurbishment of the Gardener Arts Centre, which will reopen this year as the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. 

History

The idea for a university in Brighton was first considered in 1911 but it wasn’t until 1958 that the government approved the scheme. Sussex University became the first of what was known as the “plate glass universities” and its royal charter was granted in 1961. The University was academically trail blazing in its methodology as it encouraged an interdisciplinary approach to study. In its early years, it was known for its radicalism but also its research excellence. From just 52 students in its first year, the university grew exponentially and now caters for around 14,000 students.

Academics

Schools & Departments

School of Business Management and Economics.

• Department of Business and Management
• Department of Economics
• The Science Policy Research Unit
• The International Summer School

School of Education and Social Work

• Department of Education
• Department of Social Work and Social Care

School of Engineering and Informatics

• Department of Engineering and design
• Department of Informatics

School of English

• Sussex Centre for Language Studies

School of Global Studies

• Department of Anthropology
• Department of Geography
• Department of International Development
• Department of International Relations

School of History, Art History and Philosophy

• Department of American Studies
• Department of Art History
• Department of History
• Department of Philosophy

School of Law, Politics and Sociology

• Department of Law
• Department of Politics
• Department of Sociology

School of Life Sciences

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Evolution, Behaviour and Environment
• Genome Damage and Stability 
• Neuroscience

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Physics and Astronomy

School of Psychology

Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Research

The University of Sussex has a distinctive approach to research, which encourages connections between subject areas and leads research that crosses traditional boundaries to benefit and enrich society, and influence national and international policy. Between 2014-15 the university was 4th in the UK and 34th in the world for research influence, of the world’s top 200 universities, as ranked by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework in 2014 categorised 28 per cent of research activity at Sussex as ‘world-leading’ and 48 percent as ‘internationally excellent’. Sussex’s excellent research centres include the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, the Sussex Centre for Migration Research, the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science and the Andrew and Virginia Rudd Centre for Adoption Research and Practice. The Keep – a new historical resource centre only a short walk from the campus – is home to the pioneering Mass Observation Archive and Special Collections, invaluable resources for social research.

International & Industrial Opportunities 

Some courses such as those in languages and American Studies include a compulsory year abroad. Many other students can elect to study abroad through the university’s “Sussex Choice” programme. Students can choose to study abroad for a term or for a full year, depending on their course, at one of the 140+ institutions worldwide with which Sussex has student and teaching exchange links. The range of partner institutions open to each individual student will vary according to their degree programme. Study abroad in Europe is supported through the Erasmus+ scheme, a European Commission initiative, and students on this programme usually benefit from non-means tested grants.

Taking a professional placement year is an excellent way for students to build up their skills and CVs prior to graduating. Students can choose to do a professional placement that they apply for once they start their course; a research placement, offered by some science courses to high-performing students; or an integrated placement that is a requirement for the course. Students can also add an extra year to their course for a professional placement. Placements are also available for a single term, allowing students to complete their degree in only three years, if they have permission from their school of study.

Fees & Finance

Scholarships

The Sussex Excellence Scholarships are available to new eligible undergraduate students being admitted in September 2016 with at least AAA in A level or equivalent. The Sussex Excellence Scholarships will be automatically awarded to all eligible students accepting Sussex as their first choice through UCAS and there is no separate application form. Students will receive a £1,000 cash bursary in addition to a £2,000 waiver of either rent or fees depending on their choice of accommodation. From 2015students can be eligible for both the Sussex Excellence Scholarship and the First Generation Scholars Scheme. There are a range of other scholarships including those available through individual schools and those for international students.

Sussex also offers sports scholarships to students that have achieved national standard in any sport.  This scheme is split into 3 tiers of support, based on ability. For more information see the University’s website. 

Bursaries

The University of Sussex offers a variety of support for its students. All home and EU students whose family income is less than £42,620 are eligible for the university’s First Generation Scholars Scheme. This provides students with a £1,000 cash bursary and a £2,000 waiver of either rent or fees depending on whether or not a student choses to live in University accommodation. They will also be eligible for a £1,000 cash bursary in subsequent years. There is also a limited hardship fund for students experiencing acute financial difficulties. 

Facilities

Learning Facilities

Sussex’s recently refurbished Library is open 24/7 during term-time, with a range of study facilities and many of its resources available online. The university offers on-line teaching support through Sussex Direct and Study Direct. These keep students up to date on things they need to know about their course such as their timetables, results and feedback. The university’s Skills Hub brings together all the workshops, web resources and other services at Sussex that can help student to develop their study skills. The SussexMobile app provides easy access to email, course timetables, details of Library loans and reservations and helps locate free study rooms and computer terminals. The Sussex Centre for Language Studies offers a range of courses, enabling students to extend their existing language skills, or start to learn a new language. Information Technology Services (ITS) also provide a range of training courses to help students use technology, to manage their course and maximise their learning.

Sporting Facilities

Sussex sport works with the Students’ Union to provide a packed sports programme for students and staff. Students can sign up to numerous classes including yoga, pilates, boxercise, trapeze, zumba, spinning and ballet. Coaching for racket sports is also available. The university’s extensive facilities include 2 large multi-purpose sports halls, 2 fitness rooms with state-of-the art cardiovascular and resistance equipment, a strength and conditioning room and a free weights room, a dance studio, 4 squash courts, a therapy room offering a sports injury clinic, treatments in massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic and beauty therapy services, a floodlit artificial turf pitch for hockey and soccer, 4 grass soccer pitches, a rugby and cricket pitch and 6 hard tennis courts. The campus is also just a stone’s throw from the Amex stadium, home to Brighton and Hove Albion FC, and the Sussex County Cricket Club ground, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Sussex offer sports bursaries to particularly talented students who represent their country. 

Students' Union

Students’ Union

The Sussex student’s union is an independent, democratic organisation that provides a range of activities, events and advice for students.

Membership of the union is free and all students automatically become members. Six full-time officers are elected every year to work on students’ behalf, making sure their voice is heard and that they have the best possible experience at the University. The Union supports over 180 clubs and societies, and over 30 sports teams; these include academic societies, musical societies and an award winning TV station. The union also run bars and shops on campus, which, in addition to the service they provide, employ over 200 students. 

The union works hard to keep students entertained, including during Freshers’ Week. They are also involved in numerous campaigns. They organise Black History month every year and One World Week to celebrate the cultural diversity of the student body. Student representation is central to the running of the university and student Reps provide feedback on their course and play a key role in how courses are run.

Student Support

Religion & Spirituality

The University of Sussex has an on campus chaplaincy called the Meeting House. They offer services spanning a range of denominations, and the space is also shared by the Jewish community. The campus also has a Muslim Student Centre and prayer facility. The Chaplains do not just provide a service for members of their faith group but for the whole campus community, whether this means chatting about faith issues or matters unrelated to religion and faith.

Health & Wellbeing

Sussex University has a range of support programmes for their students. At the Student Life Centre can drop in for advise on a multitude of issues including academic problems and money matters. Students with learning disabilities or mental health difficulties can find help in the Student Support Unit and those in receipt of the Disabled Students Allowance will be supported by the Sussex Regional branch of ACCESS. The University also has its own counselling Counselling Service. The UCS team includes eight permanent therapists and an 25 post-qualified and trainee counsellors.  Each year, over 1200 students are seen for counselling, either individually, in therapy groups, or in workshops offering strategies for managing mood. For all other health requirements, there is an on-campus NHS health centre, dentist and pharmacy. 

Career Facilities

The Careers and Employability Centre at Sussex aids students with all aspects of career preparation including, job hunting, CV preparation and information on different types of work, career pathways, employers, vacancies and training. They also run career events, workshops, fairs and employer talks. Students can use the service to find jobs once they have graduated or to find part-time work while they study. The Sussex Plus Employability Scheme, run by the Careers and Employability Centre, prepares students for making career choices, teaching them how to showcase their skills and interact with potential recruiters. Startup Sussex Entrepreneurship works with the Sussex Innovation Centre on campus to support students who are keen to start up their own social or commercial enterprise.

Accommodation

Sussex guarantees accommodation for all fulltime undergraduates who firmly accept an offer and submit a housing application by the deadline. They also set aside accommodation on-campus for students applying through. Sussex houses more than 4,200 other students from over 100 countries. The university offers a range of on-campus accommodation including self-contained flats, single-person units, five-bedroom houses and single study bedrooms. About 45 per cent of their accommodation has en-suite facilities and all on-campus rooms have Wi-Fi. For students who prefer city life, the university also have accommodation in Brighton & Hove, with easy access to campus. All rooms are self-catering. On campus, prices range from £63.30 for a shared room to £153 for a top of the range studio flat. Off campus housing s priced at between £78 and £122 a week. 

International

English Language Requirements

If a student’s first language is not English, they will normally be required to pass an English language test, such as IELTS or PTE, to study at Sussex. The level required varies from course to course so see the University’s website for more information. International students who have not yet reached the level required by the university can enrol on a course with the international study centre. They offer a foundation year course, a year one course and a pre-masters course. 

International Support

International students at Sussex will be joining a network of graduates from over 189 countries. The International Student Support office offers students advice and guidance on a range of issues. Student Advisers offer a confidential specialist advice service, answering any questions on immigration and guiding students through the process of applying for their visa. During the main arrival weekend in September, the support office organises for members of staff to greet and assist international students at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and they run a coach service from Heathrow airport to the campus. During welcome week the office organise specific events for international students as well as the social events they run throughout the year. There is a programme of day trips to various places across the country to ensure that students make the most of their time in the UK. The university has connections with over 90 overseas representatives who supply students with all the information and support they need. They also have a growing International Team who visit schools, universities and education fairs all over the world to offer information and advice.

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