University of Sussex Review: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Sussex is a research-led university located just outside Brighton, on the south coast of England. Established in 1961, it has built a strong reputation for progressive teaching, global outlook, and interdisciplinary study. Sussex offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with particular strengths in international relations, development studies, media, business, and the sciences. The campus is modern and self-contained, set within the South Downs National Park, offering a mix of green space and easy access to Brighton’s lively city centre.
University of Sussex Summary
- City: Brighton
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
92.9% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of the University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is a well-regarded public university located in Falmer, just 10 minutes from Brighton by train. It has around 18,000 students, including a large international community from over 140 countries.
Founded in 1961, Sussex has a strong reputation for research and teaching across the social sciences, sciences, arts, and humanities. It’s particularly known for its work in development studies, international relations, media, and neuroscience. Many of its courses are interdisciplinary, combining subjects across traditional academic boundaries.
The campus is compact and self-contained, surrounded by the South Downs National Park. It includes modern teaching buildings, on-campus accommodation, sports facilities, and a range of cafés and shops. The university continues to invest in new infrastructure, including a £200m campus development plan.
Sussex is also a member of the prestigious UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) network and performs strongly in global university rankings for research influence and international outlook.
University of Sussex Rankings 2026
UK Ranking (Complete University Guide 2026): 43rd
World Ranking (QS World University Ranking 2026): 278th
University of Sussex Courses and Programmes
The BSc Economics at Sussex is a 3-year full-time course focused on data-driven analysis and real-world economic issues. With a typical A-level offer of ABB, it prepares students for careers in finance, policy, and global organisations.
Ranked in the Top 100 globally for Economics and Business (US News 2025) and Top 20 in the UK (THE 2025), the course excels in both theoretical grounding and practical application. You’ll develop skills in econometrics, data coding, and visualisation using industry-standard tools.
Modules cover key areas such as:
- Climate change economics
- International trade
- Labour economics
- Global financial imbalances
The LLB Law at Sussex is a 3-year full-time degree offering a solid foundation in English law with opportunities to explore International, European, and Canadian legal systems. Entry typically requires AAB at A-level.
You’ll study under research-active staff and join a lively student law society. The course includes opportunities to work with the Sussex Law Clinics, where students provide supervised legal advice to real clients.
Key features include:
- Engagement with real legal cases through clinical work
- Participation in mooting, negotiation, and advocacy competitions
- Options to study areas like human rights, criminal law, and international legal systems
- A global legal perspective, with a focus on how law impacts society
The course is accredited and satisfies the academic requirements for both solicitor and barrister training in England and Wales, preparing you for the SQE or Bar training pathways.
The BSc Computer Science is a 3-year full-time programme designed to equip students with the technical and professional skills needed for modern computing careers. The typical A-level offer is ABB.
You’ll learn in Sussex’s Future Technologies Labs, featuring high-spec computers and dedicated project spaces. The course focuses on core computing principles and the engineering behind software systems, with an emphasis on preparing students for real-world, data-driven environments.
Key highlights:
- Top-ranked in the UK for spend per student in Computer Science (Guardian 2025)
- 100% of research impact rated internationally excellent or world-leading (REF 2021)
- Strong focus on software development, data analysis, and system design
- Accredited by BCS, meeting full academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional status
Graduates are prepared for careers in tech, finance, research, and emerging sectors that rely on data, automation, and digital systems. This is a solid, future-focused course ideal for students serious about computing.
The BSc Psychology at Sussex is a 3-year full-time programme, with a typical A-level offer of AAB. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
Sussex ranks 11th in the UK for Psychology (THE 2025) and is in the Top 20 for research in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience (REF 2021).
You’ll study in one of the UK’s largest psychology schools, with access to advanced facilities such as:
- A child development research suite
- A human psychophysiology lab
The course covers a broad range of topics, including:
- Clinical and health psychology
- Cognitive and developmental psychology
- Social, forensic, and applied psychology
- Neuroscience and research methods
University of Sussex Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Sussex Entry Requirements
| Applicant Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| UK Applicants | Minimum three A‑levels (or equivalent), plus GCSE English & Maths (grade C/4+) |
| International Applicants | Strong high school credentials (typically 70–80% or equivalent); consult course pages for specifics |
| Foundation Pathways | Available for those not meeting standard entry, via International Foundation Year or Year One |
English Language Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate academic-level English (unless exempt):
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5
- TOEFL (iBT): 80 overall, with minimum scores per section
University of Sussex Sports Facilities
Falmer Sports Complex
- Fully equipped fitness rooms with cardio, resistance, and free weights
- Dedicated strength and conditioning room
- Outdoor fitness area
- Floodlit 3G pitches for football, rugby, and American football (full-size and half-pitch options)
- Sand-dressed artificial turf pitch for hockey and football
- Six tennis courts and a netball court
- Grass pitches for cricket, rugby, and football
- Artificial cricket wicket
- Accessible facilities for disabled users
Sport Centre
- Two large multi-purpose sports halls (badminton, table tennis, football, basketball)
- Indoor cricket nets
- Indoor cycling room and general fitness studio
- Dance and martial arts studio
- Sports injury clinic and therapy room
University of Sussex Notable Alumni
Thabo Mbeki
Former President of South Africa
Studied economics at Sussex. Played a key role in post-apartheid leadership and African diplomacy.Ian McEwan
Award-winning author
Booker Prize winner, known for novels such as Atonement and Enduring Love.Helen Boaden
Former Director of BBC Radio
One of the most senior women in British broadcasting. Previously Head of BBC News.Rebeca Grynspan
Secretary-General of UNCTAD
Costa Rican politician and UN official, influential in global development and economics.Billy Idol
Rock musician
Punk icon and successful solo artist, known for hits like White Wedding and Rebel Yell.Shamshad Akhtar
Former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan
Also served at the UN and the World Bank in high-level economic roles.John Bercow
Former Speaker of the House of Commons
Notable for modernising parliamentary procedures and his distinct speaking style.Hassan Rouhani
Former President of Iran
Allegedly completed a PhD at Sussex in constitutional law (though disputed, it’s often cited).Hilary Benn
British Labour MP and former Secretary of State for International Development
Known for work on climate change and foreign policy.Lucy Worsley
Historian and broadcaster
Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and presenter of numerous BBC history programmes.
Experience the City of Brighton as a Student
Brighton is one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities. It’s just 10 minutes from the University of Sussex campus by train and offers a mix of culture, nightlife, and seaside living.
The city has a strong creative scene, with music venues, galleries, cafes, and independent shops throughout. Whether you’re into live music, vintage markets, or local food, there’s always something going on.
Brighton is also known for being inclusive and open-minded. It regularly ranks as one of the best places for student satisfaction in the UK. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere for international students, and plenty of part-time job opportunities in hospitality and retail.
For relaxation, the beach is a major draw. Students often head there after classes or during weekends. The South Downs National Park is also nearby, offering walking trails and green space.
Transport is simple. Brighton has a reliable bus network and is well connected by train to London (just over an hour away) and other major cities.
How much does it cost to live in Brighton as a Student
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared flat) | £550 – £750 |
| Rent (university halls) | £600 – £900 |
| Utilities & Wi-Fi | £50 – £100 |
| Groceries | £120 – £160 |
| Public transport | £50 – £70 |
| Social activities | £80 – £150 |
| Study materials | £30 – £50 |
| Mobile phone | £10 – £20 |
| Personal expenses | £30 – £50 |
University of Sussex Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/
- Address: Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 1273 606755
