Our at-a-glance guide to the University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is the only university surrounded by a (newly designated) national park, the South Downs. Yet, it's just 50 minutes from London by train and four miles from lovely, lively Brighton, with its vibrant nightlife, second-largest arts festival in the UK, al fresco lifestyle, great shops, Royal Pavilion and seaside attractions.
As well as a wide range of easily accessible amenities on campus, there is a large and active student union. Sussex has an excellent academic reputation with 100% of departments having world-leading research and a history of innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The 2010 national student survey revealed that more than 90% of Sussex final-year students were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of their course, placing Sussex seventh overall, while 92% were satisfied with their teaching, placing Sussex in the top three universities in the UK.
Fees
£3,375 for full-time undergraduates in 2011-12.
£9,000 for full-time undergraduates in 2012-13.
Bursaries
The new First Generation Scholars scheme will support students whose parents haven't been to university, as well as those from low-income families. The scheme, to be launched for 2012, includes free pre-entry summer schools for students to help them prepare for transfer to university; direct means-tested financial support to students of at least £1,000 a year while they study at Sussex, plus a £2,000 first-year fee waiver or the equivalent in rent reduction (£50 a week) to help students live on campus; a work-study programme to help students earn money while studying; funded placements to help students gain work experience; and three years' aftercare for students to help them into a graduate career.
High-flyer scholarships are also available to new students with high entry grades in certain subjects. Departmental scholarships are also available. Visit sussex.ac.uk/study/ug/funding.
Accommodation
Guaranteed for eligible first-years. Accommodation costs in 2010-11 ranged from £79 to £126 a week. Work has commenced on a £26m project - Northfield - for 777 en-suite study bedrooms with all modern facilities.
Facilities
The academic year 2011-12 is the university's 50th anniversary. Plans are under way for a revamped Gardner arts centre, to reopen as the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (in honour of former Chancellor Lord Attenborough). A new £10m teaching building for arts and science is to open in 2010, while work is now under way on a new academic building for law and business as well as the Northfield accommodation project. The library is currently undergoing refurbishment, to provide state-of-the-art facilities.
Transport
London is under an hour by train. Gatwick is half that. Train services direct from central Brighton to campus at Falmer: journey takes just eight minutes. Good 24-hour bus services too. Many people cycle.
Contact
Tel: 01273 606755
Email: ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Web: sussex.ac.uk
Accommodation: housing@sussex.ac.uk