Student prizes

Find out more about the prizes available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Prizes for undergraduate students

There are a range of prizes for undergraduate Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy students, awarded annually for outstanding work.

Finalist prizes

Find out about the types of finalist prizes you may be eligible for.

Mathematics students 

• The Hirschfeld Prize

  This prize is awarded to the student with the highest overall grade from either Mathematics BSc or Mathematics MMath courses. It was first awarded in 2010, when a long-serving academic gave £20,000 to the University to enable the best Mathematics finalist to receive a prize of £1,000.

• Prize for outstanding performance on Mathematics MMath course

  This prize is awarded to the undergraduate student with the highest overall grade for the Mathematics MMath course.

• Prize for outstanding performance on Mathematics BSc course

  This prize is awarded to the undergraduate student with the highest overall grade for the Mathematics BSc course.

• Prize of membership to the Institute of Mathematics and its applications

  Two finalists are awarded the prize of a one year paid membership to the Institute of Mathematics and its applications in recognition of their outstanding results.

Physics and Astronomy students 

• The Andrew John Symonds Memorial Prize

  This prize is awarded to the undergraduate student with the highest overall grade on BSc courses.

• The Roger Taylor Prize

  This prize is awarded to the student with the highest overall grade on MPhys courses.

All undergraduate Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy students

• The MacQuitty prize for outstanding performance at undergraduate level
  

  The MacQuitty prize for outstanding performance at undergraduate level is awarded each year by Dr Jonathan MacQuitty (Sussex PhD 1979) to the highest performing undergraduate student studying mathematics, biology, technology, science or psychology. Inspired by the generosity of his own family to support him through his doctoral studies, Dr MacQuitty's prize of £10,000 aims to give the winning student financial flexibility as they enter their postgraduate career, whatever that may be. The prize money can be spent in any way they wish, whether it be to start a business, to donate to charity, to travel, to continue their education or to pursue a passion.

• Prize for outstanding project

  This prize is awarded to the undergraduate student with the most outstanding Mathematics MMath, Mphys or BSc project.

• The David Axon Prize for outstanding achievement (School level)

  This prize is awarded in memory of the late Professor David Axon (Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences 2009 - 2012), for students who have suffered adversity during their degree, or for recognition of those from an unconventional or widening participation background and who have subsequently excelled.

• The Civic Engagement Prize (School level)

  This prize is awarded to a graduating student (including MSc and PhD students) who has selflessly carried out some significant work to help the local community.

Progression prizes 

You may also be eligible for one of our progression prizes:

• outstanding achievement in year 1
• outstanding achievement in year 2
• outstanding achievement in year 3 of MMath courses
• outstanding achievement in year 3 of MPhys courses
• outstanding performance on the Foundation Year.

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My time at Sussex has been truly incredible from start to finish. After going through struggles with family illness and bereavement during my studies, with the support of friends, I am proud to be graduating with a First-Class Honours as well as being awarded the David Axon Prize.” Olivia Gardener-Stanbridge
Winner of the David Axon Prize

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Prizes for Masters students

You may be eligible for a prize for outstanding performance on specific MSc courses.

If you’re a Physics and Astronomy student, you may also be eligible for the William McCrea Prize (Astronomy/Cosmology).

Prizes for PhD students 

You may be eligible for The Roger Blin-Stoyle Award for outstanding PhD thesis. 

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You might also be interested in:

• life as a Mathematics and Physical Sciences student
• our School facilities and learning spaces.