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Key information

Duration:: 3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: ABB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: F804
Start date:: September 2025

1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
3rd in the UK for our research impact in Geography and Environmental Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
=14th in the UK for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Climate change and sustainability are two of the biggest global issues of our time. At Sussex, you’ll learn from specialists in their fields, including people who inform international climate change policy at the highest levels.

On this solutions-based course, you’ll look at:

the extent of environmental degradation and its root causes

the often complex pathways in which these causes lead to environmental damage

the alternatives that can be implemented to ensure sustainability.

You’ll take an interdisciplinary view on the scientific basis of claims of global climate change, the human responsibility and the future implications of the change. From a perspective that bridges physical and human geography, you’ll learn about environmental management and sustainable development. You’ll have the opportunity to attend regular seminars from world-leading policy-makers and practitioners. From philosophy to law and modern languages, you take electives from other subjects to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.

We offer an excellent choice of local and global field-trip destinations, recently including the Mojave Desert, Los Angeles, China and Greece. Our setting – within the South Downs National Park – means you’ll have the opportunity to take your learning out into the field.

As a graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to start a career in a climate-related field around the world.

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.

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 Geography or another science subject at grade B.
GCSEs	You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
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	The Access Diploma would ideally contain substantial amounts of Level 3 credit in Geography and/or another science subject.
GCSEs	You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C).

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

You must have either Geography or another science at A-level grade B or Cambridge Pre-U Principal subject with a least M2.

GCSEs

You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C).

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	Including at least 5 in higher level Geography or another science subject.

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-level in Geography or another science subject.
GCSEs	You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

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 must include Geography or another science subject at grade B.
GCSEs	You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

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 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would preferably be in Applied Science. If not in Applied Science you should have an A-level in Geography or another science along side your BTEC.
GCSEs	You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	AABBB
Subjects	Highers must include both either Geography or another science, with at least grade A. Ideally, you will also have this as Advanced Highers.
GCSEs	You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics at grade C.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer

ABB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels

Subjects

A-levels must include Geography or another science subject.

GCSEs

You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade C (grade 4).

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	Including at least 5 in higher level Geography or another science subject.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of at least 77%.

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science subject (normally with a final grade of at least 8.0).

You must have a good level of 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must 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.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must have a good level of Mathematics.
Please note	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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must have a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Czech Republic

Typical offer	Maturita with a good overall average.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must have a good level of Mathematics.
Please note	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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Finland

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between MMMM - EMMM

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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

You will normally need to have a final mark of 12/20 in Geography or another science subject.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Germany

Typical offer

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

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science subject (normally with a final mark of 12/15).

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Greece

Typical offer

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

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Hungary

Typical offer

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

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level subjects must include Geography or another Science at grade H1.

You must have at least grade O4 in Mathematics.

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Japan

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English).

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Netherlands

Typical offer

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

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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.

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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.

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science and 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average between 8.0 and 8.5

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science and 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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 above 2.0 from 4 subjects.

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

South Africa

Typical offer	National Senior Certificate with very good grades.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer	Sri Lankan A-levels.
Subject-specific knowledge	Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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.

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science is desirable and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science and you must 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 existing academic ability in Geography or another science.

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

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	No

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.

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

Biodiversity & Ecology

Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course

At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.

As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives and pathways that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.

Discover our electives and pathways

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

Spring teaching

Global Landscape Dynamics

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course

At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.

Discover our electives and pathways

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

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 teaching

Advanced Sustainable Development: Sustainability in Policy and Practice

Autumn and spring teaching

Geography Thesis (BSc)

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

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

How to apply

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Our staff

Climate change is out of the research lab and on to the front page. I work on the shift to low-carbon energy and climate change’s impact in the developing world.” Professor Martin Todd
Professor in Climate Change

Prof Joseph Alcamo

Director of the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme

View profile of Joseph Alcamo

Dr Alexander Antonarakis

Reader in Global Change Ecology

View profile of Alexander Antonarakis

Dr David Armstrong McKay

Lecturer in Geography, Climate Change an

View profile of David Armstrong McKay

Dr John Barlow

Senior Lecturer in Applied Geomorphology

View profile of John Barlow

Prof Mick Frogley

Professor of Quaternary Science

View profile of Mick Frogley

Dr Andrew Hook

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Andrew Hook

Prof Dominic Kniveton

Professor of Climate Science & Society

View profile of Dominic Kniveton

Dr Melissa Lazenby

Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography

View profile of Melissa Lazenby

Prof Julian Murton

Professor of Permafrost Science

View profile of Julian Murton

Prof David Ockwell

Professor of Sustainability and International development

View profile of David Ockwell

Dr Pedram Rowhani

Reader in Geography

View profile of Pedram Rowhani

Prof Martin Todd

Professor in Climate Change

View profile of Martin Todd

Dr Yi Wang

Reader in Climate Sciences

View profile of Yi Wang

Apply now

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Fees

Home students:: £9,535 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £9,535 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 classes

On this course, all students go on assessed field classes. You may opt for a 30-credit overseas field-class in the second year of this course. Locations change every year but recent destinations have included Dubai, the USA, China and Greece. Students pay for their airfares, while transfers, meals and accommodation are partly subsidised. Prices vary but the total cost to students usually ranges from £500 to £1,500. An initial deposit of £150 is required by semester 2 of year 1 for all overseas trips.

Alternatively, you can attend a 15-credit Southeast England field-class, which is subsidised by the University and free for students.

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 Bursary

£1,000 in your first year of study (either Year 1 or Foundation Year).

£500 in subsequent years.

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

When you graduate, we’ll support you to find work in the climate profession.

You’ll be prepared for careers demanding specialist knowledge of climate change and sustainable development. These skills are in increasing demand in the Global North and South. You’ll have the cultural agility to compete in the global job market across a huge range of sectors including:

international and national private-sector companies

inter-governmental organisations

non-governmental organisations and charities

global and national media

consultancy companies

national government ministries and departments
education (school and universities).

As a graduate, you’ll also be prepared for further study, such as Masters degrees in Geography; Development; or Energy, Sustainability and Innovation.

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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Geography, Sustainable Development and Climate Change BSc (Hons)

Key information

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

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

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

West African Senior School Certificate