Quick Summary
Situated in Brighton, United Kingdom, University of Sussex is a public research university established in 1961. Ranked #246 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 18565 students including 38% from outside United Kingdom. Known for strengths in Development Studies (Ranked 1st in the world), Sociology, English Language and Literature, it maintains an acceptance rate of 72%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Consistently ranked #1 in the world for Development Studies; unique location adjacent to a National Park yet 10 minutes from the vibrant city of Brighton; strong interdisciplinary research focus.
Subject Strengths
Development Studies (Ranked 1st in the world)SociologyEnglish Language and LiteratureCommunication and Media StudiesPsychology
Founded1961
TypePublic Research University
Total Students18565
Intl Students38%
Faculty Ratio15.4
CampusParkland Campus
Campus Size285 acres
Affiliated HospitalsBrighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), Royal Sussex County Hospital
AccreditationEQUIS, AMBA, AACSB (Sussex Business School), Privy Council
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#246
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Medicine
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), Sussex Sustainability Research Programme, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB (Sussex Business School), Privy Council
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate72%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL88
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SAT1200
ACT26
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 31 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (International)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Strong emphasis on the personal statement, particularly for Development Studies and Social Sciences. Highlight interdisciplinary interests and global awareness.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in British Pound Sterling
UG Tuition
£19,250/yr
per year · GBP
Living Cost
£13,000/yr
per year · GBP
PG Tuition
£20,500/yr
per year · GBP
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
£32,250/yr
tuition + living + essentials · GBP
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$6,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Medicine programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Development Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business and Management | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Physics and Astronomy | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong career services providing placements with NGOs, tech firms, and government bodies.
Industry Connections
Strong links with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS)American Expressand various Brighton-based creative agencies.
Notable Alumni
Ian McEwan, Festus Mogae, Thabo Mbeki, Shamina Singh, Richard Attenborough (former Chancellor)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Falmer Sports Complex, Sport Centre, Tennis courts, Football pitches
Student Clubs
Over 200 student societies and 30+ sports clubs
Library Resources
University of Sussex Library with over 800,000 books and extensive digital archives
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available