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Bachelors

Social Sciences (with a foundation year) BA (Hons)

University of Sussex
Brighton , United Kingdom
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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
About Program
About University
Admission Requirements
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Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Anthropology | Sociology | Political Sciences and Civics
Area of study
Social Sciences
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview

The University of Sussex's Social Sciences BA (Hons) with Foundation Year is a four-year program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the field. Students explore core disciplines, develop critical thinking skills, and tailor their studies through optional modules in the Foundation Year. The program emphasizes real-world engagement, transferable skills development, and support from experienced faculty, preparing students for successful careers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This four-year full-time program is designed for students who want to develop a broad understanding of the social sciences. It provides a foundation in various disciplines, including geography, anthropology, international relations, development, law, politics, and sociology. The program aims to equip students with essential skills in critical analysis, argument development, and self-expression. The Foundation Year allows students to explore a range of social science subjects before specializing in a specific degree. Successful completion of the Foundation Year guarantees entry into a wide range of social science degrees at Sussex.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

  • Core Modules:
  • Academic Development for Social Sciences 1 & 2:
    • These modules focus on developing essential academic skills, such as critical thinking, research methods, and effective communication.
  • Local Lives: Identifying Global Studies: This module explores the interconnectedness of local and global issues, examining how social, economic, and political factors shape our lives.
  • Options: Students can choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor their studies to their interests.
    • Some examples include:
  • Analysing Media, Film and Music
  • Arabic Beginners A & B
  • British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 1A & 1B
  • Business in Society & Business in Action
  • Chinese Beginners A & B
  • Cradle to the Grave A & B: Welfare and Wellbeing Across the Lifecourse
  • Foundation Mathematics A & B
  • Foundations in Clinical Psychology & Foundations in Health Psychology
  • Foundations in Psychology: Applied Psychology & Foundations in Psychology: Social Psychology
  • French Beginners A & B
  • German Beginners A & B
  • Introduction to Product Design 1: Process & Introduction to Product Design 2: Practice
  • Italian Beginners A & B
  • Japanese Beginners A & B
  • Leading Social Change: Communication and Activism & Leading Social Change: Taking Action
  • Making History A & B
  • Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics: Maths & Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics: Statistics
  • Reading Literature 1 & 2
  • Spanish Beginners A & B

Year 1-3:

Other:

  • The program is highly regarded, ranking 9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
  • The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, research, and communication, which are valuable in a wide range of careers.
  • The program provides opportunities for students to engage with real-world issues and develop their understanding of the social world.
  • The program is taught by experienced and dedicated staff who are committed to supporting students' academic and personal development.
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University of Sussex

University of Sussex

Overview:

The University of Sussex is a leading, research-intensive university located in Brighton, UK. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on creating a vibrant and diverse campus community.

Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus housing options are available for students, with various types of accommodation to suit different needs and budgets.

    Student Support:

    The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.

    Careers:

    The university offers career services to help students find internships, graduate jobs, and develop their career skills.

    Library:

    The university library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.

    IT Services:

    Students have access to a range of IT services, including computer labs, wireless internet, and online learning platforms.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Sussex can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams for students to join. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Brighton.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Research Excellence:

    The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

    World-Class Faculty:

    The university boasts a world-class faculty, with experts in a wide range of fields.

    Vibrant Campus Community:

    The university has a diverse and welcoming campus community, with a strong sense of belonging.

    Location:

    The university is located in Brighton, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a thriving arts and culture scene.

Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts and Humanities:

    English, History, Philosophy, Music, Theatre, and more.

    Social Sciences:

    Politics, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, and more.

    Science and Engineering:

    Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.

    Business and Management:

    Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and more.

Total programs
453
Average ranking globally
#276
Average ranking in the country
#25
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

UK Requirements:

  • A-level: Typical offer: CCC
  • GCSEs: Evidence of a broad range of GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above (or grade C).
  • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Taken into account when considering the application.
    • May be included in alternative offer conditions.
  • Other UK qualifications:
  • Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes):
    • Typical offer: M3 M3 M3
  • If one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects: Grade C at A-level and M3 in two Pre-Us.
  • If two A-levels and one Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject: Grades CC at A-level and M3 in Pre-U.
  • International Baccalaureate: Typical offer: 27 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
  • 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.
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced:
    • Typical offer: CCC from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.

International Requirements:

  • International Baccalaureate: Typical offer: 27 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
  • European Baccalaureate: Typical offer: 70%
  • 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 academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Austria: Typical offer: Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 2.7 or better.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Belgium: Typical offer: Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average.
  • Bulgaria: Typical offer: Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 4 overall with good grades in key subjects).
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • 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
  • Also recognizes the High School Diploma from other provinces - including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick - where they look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • China: Assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Croatia: Typical offer: Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 3.4 overall
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Cyprus: Typical offer: Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 15/20
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Czech Republic: Typical offer: Pass in the Maturita with a score of 3 or better in each subject.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Denmark: Typical offer: Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or studentereksamen with a good overall average.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Finland: Typical offer: Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between EEMM - EMMM
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • France: Typical offer: French Baccalauréat with overall final result between 12/20 and 13/20.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Germany: Typical offer: German Abitur with an overall result of 2.5 or better.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Greece: Typical offer: Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 15/20
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • 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 academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Hungary: Typical offer: Erettsegi/Matura with a good average
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • 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 academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Iran: Where direct entry is unsuitable, they'll automatically consider you for one of their Foundation Years.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Additional requirements: Including essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Israel: Assessed 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 academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Japan: Assessed 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.
  • Lithuania: Typical offer: Brandos Atestatas including an average score of 70% from at least three state examinations (other than English).
  • Luxembourg: Typical offer: Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Malaysia: Typical offer: Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BCC, Matriculation with a least a grade of between 2.5 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (65%).
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Netherlands: Typical offer: Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO).
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Nigeria: Assessed 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 academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).
  • Poland: Typical offer: Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 65th percentile.
  • Portugal: Typical offer: Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 14/20
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Romania: Typical offer: Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 7 to 7.5
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Russia: 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 their bachelor’s degree courses.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Singapore: A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Slovakia: Typical offer: Maturitna Skuska or Maturita with honours.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Slovenia: Typical offer: Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • South Africa: Typical offer: National Senior Certificate with very good grades.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Spain: Typical offer: Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of 6.5.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan A-levels.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Sweden: Typical offer: Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include C grades in the majority of subjects.
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Switzerland: Federal Maturity Certificate.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • Turkey: They'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, they'll automatically consider you for one of their Foundation Years.
  • Subject-specific knowledge: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.
  • USA: Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for their Foundation Year
  • Additional requirements: Evidence of academic ability in essay-based humanities and social science subjects.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component.
  • 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.
  • They accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
  • They do not accept IELTS Online.
  • Other English language requirements:
  • Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE):
    • 169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
  • They 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.
  • They 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.
  • 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.
  • They 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.
  • 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.
  • They 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:

  • 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 their 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.

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
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