Here's what you will need to get a place on the Biology course at University of Sussex.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A,A,B
A-levels must include at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics or Sports Science. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| England | £9,535 per year |
| Scotland | £9,535 per year |
| Wales | £9,535 per year |
| Northern Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| Channel Islands | £9,535 per year |
| Republic of Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| EU | £27,300 per year |
| International | £27,300 per year |
UCAS code: C101
Here's what University of Sussex says about its Biology course.
94% of our research overall in Biological Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
About the course
How could we cure cancer? How can we end the despair of Alzheimer’s? How can we protect rare species from extinction, or prevent epidemics from spreading globally?
This course sets you up to understand new discoveries. You’ll develop critical thinking, scientific teamwork and technical communication skills, alongside a solid grounding in biology. You can choose to focus on areas such as cell and molecular biology, evolution and ecology, or neuroscience and behaviour.
From Year 1, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in laboratories and in the field. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of the South Downs National Park. Further afield, we offer inspiring field trips with destinations such as:
Wales
Ecuador
Portugal
Southern Africa
the Red Sea.
At Sussex, our research has real-world impact. You’ll learn from experts tackling some of society’s biggest issues – from research into cancer treatments to the declining bee population. In your third year, you could have the opportunity to join a lecturer’s research lab and carry out your own project. In the School of Life Sciences, you’ll be supported by a friendly scientific community.
When you graduate, you’ll have experience of conducting experiments, statistical data analysis, and drawing conclusions from scientific evidence. This – combined with your data-handling and analytical skills – means you’re prepared for a career inside and outside of science. Biology is a route to many careers, in fields including:
the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries
healthcare
sustainability
scientific writing and communication.
And in addition, in your integrated Masters year, you gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a career in – or related to – research. You’ll spend a semester working on an individual research project in one of our Biology research teams. In this year, you’ll develop advanced skills in technical, analytical and scientific communication skills.
MSci or BSc?
We also offer this course as a three-year BSc.
Location
Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.
About the University of Sussex
Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.
Source: University of Sussex
Qualification
Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)
Department
Neuroscience
Location
Main Site | Brighton
Duration
4 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Biology
Start date
September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.
Showing 120 reviews
Two stars: Could be better
1 year ago
Not really a social being
1 year ago
Accommodation is quite expensive in this region and the need for a guarantor adds another expense.
1 year ago
As an international student, i have had a pleasant experience with the staff members especially with the academic advisor team
1 year ago
Ancient and not really modern
1 year ago
The modules on my course have been carefully chosen to reflect the current movement and actualities within the financial industry
1 year ago
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from University of Sussex students who took the Biology course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
90%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
83%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
100%
high
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
83%
med
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
93%
med
Learning opportunities
85%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
90%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
93%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
87%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
90%
med
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
67%
low
Assessment and feedback
71%
med
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
60%
low
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
73%
low
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
67%
med
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
77%
med
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
80%
med
Academic support
87%
med
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
87%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
87%
med
Organisation and management
92%
high
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
90%
high
How well organised is your course?
93%
high
Learning resources
88%
med
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
85%
med
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
93%
med
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
90%
med
Student voice
77%
med
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
50%
low
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
97%
high
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
83%
med
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
75%
med
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
93%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
79%
med
See who's studying at University of Sussex. These students are taking Biology or another course from the same subject area.
| Most popular A-levels studied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Grade | |||||
| Biology | A | |||||
| Chemistry | C | |||||
| Mathematics | B | |||||
| Economics | B | |||||
| Psychology | B | |||||
Facts and figures about University of Sussex graduates who took Biology - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
55%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
80%
In work, study or other activity
65%
Say it fits with future plans
80%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
30%
Business and public service associate professionals
20%
Elementary occupations
15%
Teaching Professionals
5%
Administrative occupations
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings from University of Sussex graduates who took Biology - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£21.5k
First year after graduation
£25.4k
Third year after graduation
£31k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Biology.
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
Students are talking about University of Sussex on The Student Room.
Are you thinking of applying to this university?
Before you do, it's a good idea to go to an open day. You can have a good look around campus, getting a better idea of what it's like to study there. You'll meet current students and staff and get the chance to ask them questions.
Universities will list upcoming open days on their websites. Most will also have virtual open days; these are a great alternative if you really can't get there in person. For tips on preparing for open days, check the advice section here on The Uni Guide.
