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

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Key information

Duration:
4 years full time
Typical A-level offer:
CCC
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:
C701
Start date:
September 2025

“The foundation year was an ideal introduction to life at uni. It eased the transition, both academically and socially, and was a fantastic opportunity to get to know people and facilities before the first year.”

Carina Hobbs Life Sciences (with a foundation year) BSc

If you want to learn from scientists tackling some of the world’s most important challenges – such as conservation, cancer and dementia – this Foundation Year is perfect for you.

On our Foundation Year, you’ll have the opportunity to explore exciting subjects in Life Sciences before you choose your degree. You’ll gain knowledge and experience of the content of different courses.

To prepare you for whichever course you pick, you learn both practical and academic skills in:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • mathematics.

This gives you the perfect grounding for your studies.

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.

The favourite thing to me about my course is how diverse it is. There are so many subjects you can cover and so many different people you can meet.”Rudie Kauhanen
Life Sciences (with a foundation year) BSc

What is International Development? from University of Sussex on Vimeo.

  • Video transcript

    Rudie: The favourite thing to me about my course is how diverse it is. There are so many subjects you can cover and so many different people you can meet.

    And I feel like regardless of which degree I end up picking, it's really going to set me up for the future working in an interdisciplinary way.

How to apply
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Entry requirements

Is a Foundation Year for you?

We welcome students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including:

  • those who aren’t sure which subject, or branch of a subject, they’d like to specialise in
  • those who don’t have the right combination of subjects for direct entry into Year 1
  • those who don’t meet the expected requirements for direct entry into Year 1
  • those who are returning to education after some time away.

You will need to demonstrate your potential to do well on a demanding degree, including the potential to succeed in your chosen discipline.

The following sets out some of the most common academic qualifications. However, each application is reviewed on its individual strengths and merits.

A-level

Typical offer

CCC

Contextual offerView 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 should normally include at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). 

You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects.

 

GCSEs

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

Additional requirements

Alternatively, applicants with strong academic background not in relevant science subjects will be considered on case-by-case basis.

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

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

Typical offer

M3 M3 M3

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade C at A-level and, M3 and M3 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 CC at A-levels and M3 in Pre-U.

Subjects

A-levels or Pre-U Principal Subjects should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects.

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

27 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Subjects

Including at least 4 in Higher Level science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology or Maths).

Additional requirements

Successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of academic ability in a demanding science degree.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer

Grade C in A-level and Merit, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

 

Contextual offerView 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 should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. This science A-level should be grade C. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5).

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

Typical offer

Grades CC in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. 

Contextual offerView 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 should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). This science A-level should be at least grade C. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5).

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

Typical offer

MMM

Contextual offerView 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 should normally be in Applied science and must include the following modules

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management will also be considered. Successful applicants will need good grades in the following core modules: Animal Health and Diseases, Animal Biology, Animal Behaviour.

For the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, please contact admissions ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

GCSEs

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

Scottish Highers

Typical offer

CCCCC

Subjects

Scottish Highers must include either Biology, Chemistry, Physic, Psychology or Maths.

GCSEs

You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each.

T Level

Typical offer

Distinction overall in the Science T Level

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

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

 

Subjects

A-levels should normally include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). The science A-level should be at grade C. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects.

GCSEs

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

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

27 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Subjects

Including at least 4 in Higher Level science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology or Maths).

Additional requirements

Successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of academic ability in a demanding science degree.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

70%

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and a least 75% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER. Or a Queensland OP of 10 .

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics.

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

Austria

Typical offer

Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 2.7 or better. 

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

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

Belgium

Typical offer

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

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 4 overall with good grades in key subjects).

Additional requirements

You will need to have good grades in Science and Maths

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 60% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation BCCCC 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 3.4 overall

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 15/20

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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

Pass in the Maturita with a score of 3 or better in each subject.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 a good overall average.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of mathematics.

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

Finland

Typical offer

Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto with an overall average result of 4.5.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 of at least 11/20.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

Subjects must include a science from (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology or Maths).

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 2.5 or better.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 a least 15/20

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 4,3,3 from three subjects including two electives. 

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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

  • 65% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)  
  • 65% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
  • 65% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

 

 

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4.

Additional requirements

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) should include either Biology, Chemistry or Physics at H2. You will also have O4 in Mathematics and two Science subjects.

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree.

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

 

Israel

Typical offer

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 at least 71.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

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

Japan

Typical offer

We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer

Pass Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with an overall average of 60% from 4 final state/school exams.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 an average score of 70% from at least three state examinations (other than English).

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

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

Luxembourg

Typical offer

Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires.

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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).

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

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

Nigeria

Typical offer

We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer

Norwegian Vitnemal den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of at least 3.5.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 65th percentile including at least one from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

 

Additional requirements

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.

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 14/20

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 of 7 to 7.5 including Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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

Maturitna Skuska or Maturita with honours.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 of  6.5.

Additional requirements

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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 C grades in the majority of subjects and to include grade C 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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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

Subject-specific knowledge

Evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with a good level of Mathematics.

Please note

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

USA

Typical offer

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 your potential to do well in a demanding science degree with 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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    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

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How to apply
TEF 2023 silver

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

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Fees

Home students:
£9,535 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
£9,535 per year
International students:
£22,575 per year

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.

If you’re an international student, note that fees for the foundation year are at the standard lower rate but fees for courses you can choose to continue your studies are at the standard higher rate. This means your fees will rise from lower to higher level after the foundation year.

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.

Please note: Foundation Year courses are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loan funds. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

How to apply
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Next steps

Successfully completing your Foundation Year means you’re able to take a range of degrees at Sussex. The current list of courses available is:

How to apply

A-level - contextual offer

CDD, including grade C in a relevant science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer

Grade C in A-level and Merit, Pass in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.

 

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

Grades CD 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

MMP

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Enquiries

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+44 (0)1273 876787
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