Key information
- Duration:
- 3 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- ABB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- F801
- Start date:
- September 2025
- 3rd in the UK for our research impact in Geography and Environmental Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
- 9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
- =14th in the UK for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
At Sussex, you’ll cover a truly global range of issues, taught by experts who will help you to understand Earth systems and our relationship with the planet. Whether you are modelling climate impacts, analysing data from coastal, desert and periglacial environments, or using drone and satellite technology to map land cover change and help to understand the carbon dynamics of forests, we’ll guide you through as you develop your own set of interests and expertise.
We offer an excellent choice of local and global field-trip destinations, recently including the Mojave Desert, Los Angeles, China and Greece. Even when you’re working closer to home, our setting – within the South Downs National Park – means you’ll take your learning out into the field.
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 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.
BSc or BA?
- BA: explores human geography and the social sciences.
- BSc: looks at geography from an environmental and natural sciences perspective.
Whichever you choose, you’ll have the flexibility to combine human and physical geography, or focus more on one over the other.
The University’s location is perfect – there are field trips to learn about local geography, including the geology of the South Downs.” Georgia Lilley
Geography BSc
Entry requirements
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
|
|---|---|
| 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:
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. 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 |
|---|---|
| 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:
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
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| 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
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
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
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
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
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:
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.
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
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.
- Human Geographies of the Modern World
- Skills and Concepts in Geography I: Becoming a Geographer
- The Natural World
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
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.
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
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.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Field trips
Get involved in fieldwork from the start of your course. You develop research, analytical and team-working skills in regions where our academics actively conduct research.
In Year 2, you can pick from an exciting range of locations: recent destinations include the Mojave desert, China, Greece and Corsica. There is also a UK-based field trip.
Find out more about Geography field trips at Sussex
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.
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.
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
Beautiful nature, dog sledging in the Arctic, Swedish ‘fika’, and a great social life. I could not have chosen better!”Georgia Donati Clarke
Geography BSc
Studied abroad in Sweden
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 and 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.
- Advanced Sustainable Development: Sustainability in Policy and Practice
- Animal-Plant Interactions
- Disasters, Environment and Development
- Geohazards: Climate, Disasters and Sustainable Development
Autumn teaching
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.
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
I work at the interface of terrestrial ecology, land use, hydrology and climate change. This is linked to my teaching.”Dr Alexander Antonarakis
Reader in Global Change Ecology
Dr David Armstrong McKay
Lecturer in Geography, Climate Change an
Prof David Ockwell
Professor of Sustainability and International development
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 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 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
Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.
Careers
On our Geography BSc, you develop strong research, numerical, technical (including GIS) and resource-management skills. This means you can go on to careers in a wide range of sectors, including:
- environmental conservation and planning
- civil service and government
-
business sustainability.
Throughout your degree, you will receive support from your department and the university careers and employability centre, and can attend specialist careers events and workshops.
Graduate destinations
Recent graduates have gone on to jobs such as:
- policy and campaign manager, Wildlife and Countryside Link
- emergency food security adviser, Oxfam
- planning adviser, Environment Agency
- senior flood and climate resilience officer, Surrey County Council.
(Department of Geography careers database)
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
Team leader, Impact Analysis, UK Hydrographic Office
A-level - contextual offer
BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade B in A-level and Merit, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BC in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer
DMM