How to choose your modules

Find out the structure of your teaching at Sussex, our assessment process and how your credits transfer back to your home institution.

Choosing your modules

See below for guidance on how to choose modules for a Semester or Year at Sussex.

• Summer School

  Undergraduate Summer School

  Our Undergraduate Summer School teaches over two sessions and you'll study one module per session. You can come for one or both sessions and choose from our modules, designed and delivered by Sussex faculty.

  Each module carries 15 Sussex credits and lasts for three weeks (one session).

  Modules are taught at either Level 4 or 5 (first or second year University level) - most do not have specific academic pre-requisites, so you can choose to study something new if you wish. 

  Physics Summer School

  Physics Undergraduate Summer School teaches two credit-bearing modules. These are calculus-based and will provide a firm foundation in physical concepts and principles.

  Each module carries 15 Sussex credits and lasts for four weeks (one session). You take one module per session.

  At the start of your module, you will have a set of learning outcomes and you will be assessed at the end of the session.

• Study Abroad Semester/Year

  A module is a credit-bearing unit of study. Modules are listed by subject area, although some changes may be made to module form or content. The number of credits you generally take is:

  • full year: 120 credits (minimum 90 and maximum 150 credits)
  • autumn or spring term: 60 credits (minimum 45 and maximum 75 credits)

  You will be required to choose six modules on your application. You can take any combination of modules for which you are academically qualified, including a mix of arts, humanities, social sciences, science and technology modules.

  You need to list your modules in order of preference and include alternatives, as places may be limited due to student demand. We will always aim to place you on your preferred choices and if this is not possible, we’ll make sure to let you know at the earliest opportunity.

  If you are applying for our 'gap' semester or year programme after your senior secondary (high) school, you will need to select first year modules only.

Teaching

When you study abroad at Sussex, you’ll learn in a series of seminars and lectures and will be expected to:

• attend all classes scheduled in your timetable
• carry out lab work (if taking a science module)
• attend workshops
• undertake independent learning, such as reading, preparing for classes or writing assignments.

We can put reasonable adjustments in place for students impacted by disability and long-term health conditions. These can include extra time and rest breaks. Find out more about our student support.

• Summer School

  Please refer to the individual module outlines for teaching methods.

• Study Abroad Semester/Year

  For Semester or Year study, each module requires approximately 150 hours of work, and this will consist of contact time and independent study.

  When your place has been confirmed at Sussex. You will receive an email inviting you to register. It’s a straightforward process, you will need to follow the steps to confirm your details. You will then be able to view your timetable via a student portal called Sussex Direct.

Assessment and grading

Further information on how you will be assessed at Sussex and receiving your transcript.

• Summer School

  You will be assessed by a mixture of unseen exams, essays and presentations. An assessment method of 'observation,' considers your attendance and contribution to class discussions.

  The UK grading system may be different to your home institution. We use percentages to grade work. When you get your transcript at the end of the summer it will show your Sussex numerical mark. We’ll also convert this into a letter grade to guide your home institution.

• Study Abroad Semester/Year

  You will be assessed by a mixture of unseen exams, essays and presentations. If the mode of assessment says 'observation,' the module will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

  We recommend you don't take too many modules with a type of assessment that you may find difficult or stressful, and you should talk to your academic adviser at your home university so they can help you decide which modules are best suited for your degree.

  The UK grading system may be different to your home institution. We use percentages to grade work. When you get your transcript at the end of your study abroad it will show a percentage score and a pass/fail mark.

  If you are studying for the Autumn semester, you will receive your transcript in March.

  If you are studying for the Spring semester and the full academic year, you will receive your transcript in July.

Study level

We offer a range of study abroad modules at different undergraduate levels:

• Level 4 (Year 1) generally corresponds to US sophomore level and European second year
• Level 5 (Year 2) generally corresponds to US junior and senior levels and European final years
• Level 6 (Year 3) generally corresponds to US junior and senior levels and European final years

• Summer School

  All modules on the Summer School are level 4 or 5. You can select modules from any subject area and any level; however, some modules may require prior knowledge to meet specific pre-requisites. Check with our Summer School office if you need advice.

• Study Abroad Semester/Year

  Most students take level 5 modules but if you have a strong background in a subject, you can take level 6 modules. However, some modules have prerequisites (included in the module description). You may be able to choose level 4 modules if you want to take an introductory module in a subject you've not studied before.

  Some level 6 modules are very specialised and would normally be taken in graduate school at a US university.

Credit transfer

All our modules have been formally approved for Sussex credits. This means your study abroad experience can count towards your degree at most colleges and universities.

• Summer School – 15 Sussex credits
  
• Study Abroad Semester – 60 Sussex credits (minimum 45 and maximum 75 credits)
• Study Abroad Year – 120 Sussex credits (minimum 90 and maximum 150 credits)

Please note, policies and degree requirements vary. We recommend you consult with your study abroad advisor at your home institution, before choosing your modules to ensure the transfer of module credit is approved.

See how University of Sussex credit values convert into the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and US Semester Hours, although this varies between US universities.

Sussex	ECTS	US
120	60	30
60	30	15
30	15	8
15	7.5	4
6	3	1.5

Note: this guide serves as the ECTS Information Package

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You might also be interested in:

• fees and costs
• entry requirements
• how to apply.