Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.04.4
The University of Sussex is a world-leading research-intensive university (REF, 2021) located less than 10 minutes by train from central Brighton, a popular and vibrant seaside city. Welcoming and creative, Brighton is the perfect destination to live and study. With more than 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across over 50 subject areas, students at the University of Sussex have plenty of choice when choosing a degree. The university works hard to stimulate, excite and challenge students, and this is reflected in their research, campus, culture and courses.
Faculty at the university are all experts in their field, with many actively involved in impactful, globally relevant research projects. Members of teaching staff have included three Nobel prize winners, 12 Fellows of the British Academy and a winner of the highly acclaimed Crafoord Prize.
Students benefit from an excellent support network at the University of Sussex, including help with academic study, financial matters, career guidance, and both physical and mental health. The resources and teams available help ensure that students can enjoy every moment of their course and fully realise their potential.
The University of Sussex is taking active steps to become one of the world's most sustainable universities, with a goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2035. Sustainability covers all areas from research to teaching to infrastructure, and the university is currently working towards creating the UK's most biodiverse campus.
Students enjoy a conveniently located campus with excellent transport links to Brighton, Gatwick, London and further afield. Brighton was named one of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world in 2025, and 3rd in the UK. The city is famous for its lively arts and culture scene, including the Brighton Fringe Festival and Brighton Pride. Local attractions and amenities include shopping, entertainment, nightlife, beautiful coastlines and Brighton's famous beach and pier.
University of Sussex students on WhatUni say:
''The courses are engaging, and the campus offers a supportive and diverse environment. It's a fantastic place for both academic and personal growth.''
''Academically, I feel like I am making significant progress, supported by professors who are not only knowledgeable but also approachable and genuinely invested in our growth.''
''Accessible study space. A lot of social events. Quality tuition.''
4.2The University of Sussex boasts a world-class library providing all the resources students need to succeed in their studies. It contains 800,000 books and 40,000 online journals.
The university is committed to continually investing in its teaching and research facilities. Recent investment includes the state-of-the-art Sussex Humanities Lab, the £10 million Computing, Robotics, Electronics and Mechatronics Centre and the innovative Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.
On campus there are currently 11 bars, cafes and restaurants, a weekly market, supermarket, post office, launderette, bank, dentist and a health centre, and two sporting facilities. The university has also recently completed a state-of-the-art, one-stop-shop student centre.
University of Sussex students on WhatUni say:
''The campus has a really nice feel and I love the cosiness of the library. It is great that the station and bus stops are so close by.''
''Great campus with lots of facilities!''
''A decent campus with good location and facilities.
Brighton is a truly diverse, vibrant, and atmospheric city with lots to offer students. From trendy bars and quirky cafes to international cuisines and vintage shopping, there's plenty to explore.
Students enjoy relaxing on the seafront, cycling along the promenade and browsing the many independent shops in The Lanes. Brighton is also well connected to the rest of the UK by road and rail.
There are 180 clubs and societies on offer at the University of Sussex. Clubs include football, fencing, cheerleading and tennis, while societies range from feminism to film, poetry to poker.
Societies are great ways to meet like-minded people, and develop new interests and skills. Students can also start their own club or society.
No matter their interests, all students enjoy a friendly, diverse and vibrant student community at the University of Sussex, and the university ranked in first place in the Student Life category (South-East region) in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards (2025).
3.0The University of Sussex offers excellent graduate employment prospects among the best in the UK and globally, with a graduate employment rate of 92.9 percent.
Students can seek careers support from the university's award-winning careers and entrepreneurship team, available to students throughout their time at university, and for up to three years after graduating. Bespoke support includes one-to-one careers guidance appointments as well as mentoring sessions.
The university provides a full schedule of events and workshops designed to support students in improving their career prospects after graduation. These include skills workshops, careers fairs, and other networking events.
Course curricula are designed with employability at their core, with course-specific resources providing meaningful guidance and inspiration for students who want more clarity in their next step. Programmes offer extensive opportunities for students to improve their practical skills, with many also offering professional placements or internships to provide meaningful work experience.
The university's online graduate job-hunting community Sussex Connect enables current students to connect with University of Sussex graduates to better understand the world of work and ways in which they can achieve their professional ambitions. Students can also use the platform to engage with networking events, find job vacancies and broaden their professional network while they study.
4.0The University of Sussex offers nine self-catered residences on campus, with rooms to suit various lifestyles and budgets. Prices range from £123 to £215 per week, depending on the choice of halls. Students living on-campus may be eligible for a housing bursary to help with costs.
University-managed accommodation is guaranteed to first-year students who accept their offer of place and submit a housing application by the deadline. Some students love campus life so much, they choose to live on campus for the duration of their degree – an option that the university supports for any who want it. The housing services team can also offer advice and guidance on local private rental options.
University of Sussex students on WhatUni say:
''Really nice accommodation, perfect location away from main campus but not too far.''
''Amazing design for community feel, outdoor space and great facilities.''
''The accommodation was good value for money and had a good property management team, responding well to accommodate repairs and support.''
Scholarships and funding
The University of Sussex offers scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students. These may be awarded for various reasons, including academic or sporting achievement, or financial need.
Bursaries
Scholarships
Scholarships available to undergraduates in 2025 include:
Subject-specific scholarships are also available.
All students must pay tuition fees. The standard undergraduate tuition fee for domestic students for 2025/26 is £9,535 per academic year.
International students ordinarily have to pay higher tuition fees, and postgraduate tuition fees vary between courses. Students can refer to individual course pages to understand more about tuition fees and funding opportunities.
In the Complete University Guide (2026), the University of Sussex ranks in the top 50 nationally, and third for both childhood and youth studies, and American studies. In the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), it received a Silver award, acknowledging the very high quality of the overall learning experience.
Study programmes are available across more than 50 subject areas, and all are designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the working world. A mix of theoretical and practical learning keeps every course engaging, teaching students how to use the tools and resources needed for their future professional career.
All programmes are structured around the latest research conducted by the university, meaning students learn about the most up to date insights in their chosen field from informed and experienced lecturers. Students are supported to broaden their horizons and gain the skills and experience to take their future in any direction.
Degrees are flexible and customisable, allowing students to graduate with a bespoke degree suited to their own personal and professional goals. Interdisciplinary study is highly encouraged, and in many cases, students can build on their undergraduate course by applying to do a placement or study abroad.
University of Sussex students on WhatUni say:
''The teaching has been informative and there has been a lot of information about optional activities that are available for students.''
''Professors and tutors are always really passionate about their modules and always try to help.''
''Lots of available contact hours and lots of support off campus.''
The University of Sussex ranks 43rd out of 130 UK institutions (Complete University Guide, 2026), showcasing its overall value as a university. Regardless of students' chosen field, they are assured a top-quality education, where research-fed degree programmes offer an interdisciplinary outlook.
The University of Sussex is a research-intensive university, with 89% of its research considered world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Furthermore, 93% of the university's research is rated ‘outstanding' or ‘very considerable'.
This research is then used in a practical and impactful manner within the university itself: teaching and course materials are constantly improved and updated in line with the latest findings. Students continuously learn the very latest information and techniques, and graduate with highly relevant practical skills and the most modern insights.
As a result, University of Sussex graduates are in an advantageous position when applying for future roles, as they are equipped with the most contemporary knowledge of their field.
University of Sussex students on WhatUni say:
''Really interesting course, lectures and tutors are all really informative and know a lot about the subject at hand.''
''I also like when we engage in activities during lectures. It's a great way to interact with my fellow students and strengthen our cohort.''
''The university's strong commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse environment allows me to learn from both professors and peers who bring perspectives from around the world.''
4.1The University of Sussex Student's Union works hard to represent all voices in the student body. Run by elected members alongside 2,000 volunteers, it lobbies the university to make sure students feel heard on local, national and international issues.
University of Sussex students on WhatUni say:
''The campus is huge, with many different places to study all with different vibes. I love that there are coffee shops and shops.''
''The best thing about Sussex is it encourages you to be who you are. I also love the location, so close to Brighton, such a vibrant city.''
''There is always a lot going on and has great student life activities.''
4.2The University of Sussex offers a comprehensive suite of student support resources, enabling learners to fully focus on their studies without disadvantage or distraction. All services are free of charge.
Students can obtain welfare support at the student centre from 9am-5pm on weekdays across issues such as study progress, health and wellbeing, or money. Alternatively, students can approach advisors at the students' union for assistance.
Students receive extensive academic support from course tutors and dedicated academic advisers. A purpose-built platform, Study Direct, provides online access to timetables, lecture notes and other learning resources.
Students with additional learning needs or disabilities, and those in need of mental health support, can receive confidential, bespoke guidance from support workers, mental health mentors and dyslexia tutors.
International students and those who do not speak English as their first language can make use of support, writing sessions, workshops, and one-to-one tutorials from the English language for academic study service. Tailored support for international students is also offered. The university ranked top in the International category (South-East region) in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards (2025).
In order to help students feel safe on campus there are security cameras and officers on site at all times.
University of Sussex students on WhatUni say:
''My best aspect is that as a student, I always feel looked after, there are many places to go when you need aid.''
''My university has a massively inclusive environment and some great support elements.''
''Sussex provides a lot of resources for students seeking additional support.''
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