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Key information

Duration:: 3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: ABB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: C100
Start date:: September 2025

94% of our research overall in Biological Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

How could we cure cancer? How can we end the despair of Alzheimer’s? How can we protect rare species from extinction, or prevent epidemics from spreading globally?

This course sets you up to understand new discoveries. You’ll develop critical thinking, scientific teamwork and technical communication skills, alongside a solid grounding in biology. You can choose to focus on areas such as cell and molecular biology, evolution and ecology, or neuroscience and behaviour.

From Year 1, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in laboratories and in the field. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of the South Downs National Park. Further afield, we offer inspiring field trips with destinations such as:

Wales
Ecuador
Portugal
Southern Africa.

At Sussex, our research has real-world impact. You’ll learn from experts tackling some of society’s biggest issues – from research into cancer treatments to the declining bee population. In your third year, you could have the opportunity to join a lecturer’s research lab and carry out your own project. In the School of Life Sciences, you’ll be supported by a friendly scientific community.

When you graduate, you’ll have experience of conducting experiments, statistical data analysis, and drawing conclusions from scientific evidence. This – combined with your data-handling and analytical skills – means you’re prepared for a career inside and outside of science. Biology is a route to many careers, in fields including:

the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries
healthcare
sustainability
scientific writing and communication.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

MSci or BSc?

We also offer this course as a four-year MSci. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.

I’ve loved the opportunity to expand my learning on field trips, and the campus is ideally located for studying nature.”ROsie Cooper
Biology BSc

How to apply

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A-level

Typical offer	ABB
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels must include at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics or Sports Science at grade B. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).
Extended Project Qualification	We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer	Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 24 credits at Distinction
Subjects	Substantial amounts of Level 3 credits in relevant science subjects.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M1 M2 M2

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade A at A-level and, M2 and M2 in two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades AB at A-level and M2 in Pre-U.

Subjects

A-level or Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects must include at least one science from A-level listing above.

You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

GCSEs

You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	Higher Levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a grade of 5.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer	Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels need to be one of the relevant sciences listed in the A-level section above at grade B . Applicants combining a different A-level with the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have taken a science A-level you will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in a science subject. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer	Grades BB in A-levels and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels need to be one of the relevant sciences listed in the A-level section above at grade B. If you have taken a science A-level you will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in a science subject. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer	DDD
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma will need to be in Applied science and must include the following modules For the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, please contact admissions ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	AABBB
Subjects	Highers must include one or two science subjects (other than Maths). Ideally, you will have at least one science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at Advanced Higher.
GCSEs	You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics and two sciences at grade B.

T Level

Typical offer	The T Level in Science will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B)

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer	ABB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
Subjects	A-levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Marine Science, Physics or Sports Science.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5).

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	Higher Levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a grade of 5.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of at least 77%.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential (at least a score of 8).

Also you will need to have a good ability in mathematics.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 88% to 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 to 5 or better.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Austria

Typical offer

Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 2.0 to 2.2 or better for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Belgium

Typical offer

Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average of 65% or more.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bulgaria

Typical offer

Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects).

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results is essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70%-75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB-BBBBB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Typical offer

If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects.

We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution.

The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer

Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of between 4 and 4.2

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Typical offer

Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of between 18/20 and 18.5/20 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Czech Republic

Typical offer

Maturita with a good overall average.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer

Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Finland

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between MMMM - EMMM

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with overall final result between 12/20 and 13/20.

Additional requirements

Successful students will need to be taking the science strand within the French Baccalauréat with good results (12/20) in at least one science subject from Biology, Chemistry or Physics and have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Typical offer

German Abitur with an overall result of 2.0 to 2.2 or better.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in science subjects with good results (12/15) in at least one science from Biology, Chemistry or Physics and have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Typical offer

Apolytirion with an overall average of between 18 and 18.5 will be considered for first-year entry.

You must also have either Apolytirion pathway in at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a score of 19 or the Pan Hellenic in at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics with an overall score of 17.

Additional requirements

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Typical offer

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 4, 4 to 4, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hungary

Typical offer

Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Typical offer

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H2,H2,H3,H3 to H2,H2,H2,H3,H3.

Additional requirements

Highers will need to include at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics, with a grade H1.

You must have at least grade O3 in Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Israel

Typical offer

For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Typical offer

Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 78/100 and 81/100.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Typical offer

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer

Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lithuania

Typical offer

Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80% in at least three state examinations (other than English).

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer

Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with between 43-46 points overall.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer

at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Netherlands

Typical offer

Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer

Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Typical offer

You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies.

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile including at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark between 16/20 and 17/20.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average between 8.0 and 8.5 including a score of 8 in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Typical offer

Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer

A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer

Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade above 2.0 from 4 subjects including at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Additional requirements

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovenia

Typical offer

Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 points overall.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Typical offer

National Senior Certificate with very good grades.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer

Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result between 7.5 and 8.0.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer

Sri Lankan A-levels.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer

Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects and to include grade B in in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer

Federal Maturity Certificate.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential.

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile considering everything you are studying, including the High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades and AP tests. We expect to see a combination of these qualifications.

Alongside your High School Graduation Diploma, we would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores with either, a combined SAT test score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300, or a combined ACT score of 26

AP and SAT Subject tests

Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level offer and see below for the corresponding scores we would require from AP test scores:

A Level requirements	AP test grades
AAA	555
AAB	554
ABB	544
BBB	444

We will also accept a combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test in the above table

If you are applying for a degree with an A level subject requirement in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology will normally need to hold an AP test in that subject.

College level credits

We also accept college level 3-credit courses in academic subjects as the equivalent of a UK A Level on a case by case basis. These can be combined with AP tests and or SAT subject tests

Associate degrees

An Associate degree with a GPA of 3.0 will meet our entry requirements for year 1.

Foundation Year entry

Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in either Biology, Chemistry and Physics with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A – C in English

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

Admissions information for applicants

Transfers into Year 2	Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Don’t meet our entry requirements?

If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:

Life Sciences (with a foundation year) BSc (Hons)

If you don't have the required language skills for this course you could consider the International Study Centre. The ISC offers a range of foundation courses in combination with English language teaching.

How to apply

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Modules

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Experience Year
Year 3 at Sussex

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Spring teaching

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Human Genetics and Genomics

Spring teaching

Developmental Biology

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you

If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student

Placement (optional)

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Find out more about placements and internships

Recent Life Sciences students have gone on placements at:

AkzoNobel
Pfizer
the NHS.

Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn and spring teaching

Third Year Bioscience Research Project

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Video transcript

[Music starts – light pop – no vocals]

On screen text

Want to help shape a better world through science?

Want to tackle real world problems?

And create world-changing impact?

It all starts at the University of Sussex.

Our research focussed courses span the whole of Life Sciences:

Chemistry

Biochemistry

Neuroscience

Biology

Zoology

Ecology and Conservation

Biomedical Science

Genetics

Using the latest in cutting-edge advances.

Guided by world-leading experts.

Gain hands-on experience, in both our teaching labs and out in the field.

Influence important policies on things such as the pesticides that kill our wildlife, and policies that protect endangered species.

Work towards unlocking the secrets of the brain and ending the despair of cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Join a community of leading scientists and like-minded students striving to make the world a better place for all.

And follow in the footsteps of our 3 Nobel-prize winning alumni.

We’re here today, to train the scientists of tomorrow.

And you could be one of them.

Find out more about the School of Life Sciences at sussex.ac.uk

[Music ends]

How to apply

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Our staff

My speciality is bees and social insects, looking at how an ant colony is organised, and finding out how to control honey bee diseases.”Professor Francis Ratnieks
Professor of Apiculture (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment)

Prof Claudio Alonso

Professor of Developmental Neurobiology

View profile of Claudio Alonso

Prof Adam Eyre-Walker

Professor of Evolutionary Genetics

View profile of Adam Eyre-Walker

Prof Dave Goulson

Professor Of Biology

View profile of Dave Goulson

Prof Paul Graham

Professor of Neuroethology

View profile of Paul Graham

Prof Sarah Guthrie

Professor of Developmental Neuroscience

View profile of Sarah Guthrie

Prof Leon Lagnado

Professor Of Neuroscience 'Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award holder'

View profile of Leon Lagnado

Prof Fiona Mathews

Professor of Environmental Biology

View profile of Fiona Mathews

Prof Jeremy Niven

Professor of Zoology

View profile of Jeremy Niven

Dr Mark Paget

Reader in Molecular Genetics

View profile of Mark Paget

Dr Wiebke Schuett

Reader in Behavioural Ecology

View profile of Wiebke Schuett

Prof Michelle West

Interim Head of School of Life Sciences

View profile of Michelle West

Apply now

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Fees

Home students:: £9,250 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £9,250 per year
International students:: £26,250 per year
Study abroad:: Find out about grants and funding, tuition fees and insurance costs for studying abroad
Placement:: Find out about tuition fees for placements

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our Tuition fees page.

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

Field trips

You can choose to go on assessed field trips in Years 1, 2, and 3, partially subsidised by the School. If you attend, you'll need to pay a daily £50 fee, the costs towards travel and, in some cases, subsistence and accommodation. Non-refundable deposit payment is due by week 2 of the autumn term. Costs vary depending on location and on number of courses taken, but are usually around:

Year 1: Up to approximately £350
Year 2: Up to approximately £800
Year 3: From £1500, up to approximately £1,800

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Chancellor's International Scholarships

£5,000 in the first year of full-time study

Find out more
Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Egypt Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex India Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Nigeria Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Vietnam Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more

How to apply

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Careers

Throughout your course, transferable skills such as time management, communication and numerical and data analysis are embedded within the modules. You also develop your problem-solving and team-working abilities.

At Sussex, you can access careers support in the form of one-to-one appointments, drop-in clinics, exclusive jobs listings and talks given by industry professionals. This support continues up to three years after you’ve graduated.

What to do with a Biology degree

Explore the careers you might be interested in after studying for a degree in Biology

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

How to apply

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Biology BSc (Hons)

Key information

MSci or BSc?

Entry requirements

A-level

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

International Baccalaureate

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Scottish Highers

T Level

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

International Baccalaureate

European Baccalaureate

Other international qualifications

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Netherlands

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

USA

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

GCE O-level

GCSE or IGCSE

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education