Entry requirements for UK applicants
We are looking for bright, enthusiastic and motivated students to join our undergraduate community. We accept a range of UK qualifications, and consider wider experience when offering places.
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man
If you are a recent school or college leaver, you will need to have at least the University’s general entry requirement of two A-levels (or equivalent).
For most courses, you need more than this minimum requirement and most successful applicants will have at least three A-levels (or equivalent).
Our standard offer levels are listed with each of our undergraduate courses. You will also need to meet any specific subject requirements (such as A-levels, GCSEs or equivalent qualifications).
You would also be expected to demonstrate a broad educational background in both numeracy and competence in English. For UK students, this will normally mean a good range of GCSEs (grades A* to C, or 4 to 9 in the new grading structure) including both English and Mathematics.
If you are a mature student, see our advice for applying to Sussex.
If you are an international student, see our international qualifications.
A-level applicants
You are normally expected to have at least three A-levels.
If you are taking both A-levels and BTEC qualifcations, see BTEC and OCR qualifications.
- Specific A-levels
There are some courses that require particular A-levels. You can see which A-levels you need in the entry requirements section for each of our undergraduate courses. You must have these particular A-levels. However, we do not have “preferred” A-levels and would encourage you to take the subjects where you feel you will achieve the best results.
- A-level resits
We are happy to consider you if you are re-sitting your A-levels to improve your overall grades.
- Assessing your application
Our standard offers are shown with each undergraduate course in terms of three A-level grades. We do however review each application on its individual strengths and merits and will take into account the full array of qualifications being presented (including additional AS-levels or the Extended Project Qualification).
We do vary some offers to take into account other information about you, such as your background, the school you attend, and any challenges you have faced.
Many of our standard offers are presented as offer ranges. This is to give you an idea of the sort of grades we expect. When we are reviewing applications, we will look for evidence of your potential to achieve at this level. We look at each application individually.
- Reformed and unreformed A-levels
Between September 2015 and 2017, AS and A-levels in England will become separate qualifications and AS-level grades will no longer count towards the full A-level.
As A-levels are reformed in England, we recognise that you may or may not be applying with AS-level results. We understand that some schools and applicants will no longer take AS-level examinations. In this transition period, we will not favour either reformed or old style A-levels and you will not be disadvantaged if you do not have AS-level results when you apply.
Sciences
Practical skills are an important part of our science-based courses. If you are applying for a degree in our School of Life Sciences, we would expect you to pass the practical element of the most relevant reformed science A-level(s). This will normally be a condition of your offer. For more information see the entry requirements listed for each of our undergraduate courses.
- Extended project qualification
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides an excellent opportunity for you to enhance your core A-level (or other Level 3) studies.
We take the EPQ into account when considering your application, but we do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer (and will normally make the offer over three A-levels).
However, we’re always happy to discuss this and will sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ (perhaps with a slight reduction in your A-level grades).
If you receive a conditional offer which doesn’t include your EPQ, and would like to review this with us, please email ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk.
Even where the EPQ is not included in the conditions, it can still be useful in the summer when your results are released should you narrowly miss the conditions of your offer. At Confirmation, we do take into account additional qualifications when reviewing students who miss the requirements.
If you are taking the EPQ, you may also find it useful to include information about it in your Personal Statement. Some of the best personal statements include details of research undertaken in the EPQ.
Other UK qualifications accepted by Sussex
We accept the following qualifications. You can find the specific entry requirements listed with each of our undergraduate courses.
- Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma
- BTEC and OCR qualifications
- European Baccalaureate (EB)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
- T-Levels
- Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma.
Qualifications counted as equivalent to GCSE
If you need specific GCSEs for your chosen course, you must have a grade C or above in the subjects required, unless otherwise stated.
We also accept:
- International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) – passes at grade C or above
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) O-level – passes at grade C or above
- Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) – passes at grade 1
- Certificate of Extended Education (CEE) – passes at grades 1, 2 and 3.
Find out if you need GCSEs for your undergraduate course