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Life Sciences (with a foundation year)

Study level:
Undergraduate

Course summary

About the course

If you want to learn from scientists tackling some of the world’s most important challenges – such as conservation, cancer and dementia – this Foundation Year is perfect for you.

The flexibility of the Foundation Year allows you to progress onto a range of our exciting degrees in the School of Life Sciences. To prepare you for whichever course you pick, you learn both practical and academic skills in biology, chemistry and mathematics, giving you the perfect grounding for your studies.

About Sussex

Sussex graduates change the world. Our students become the leaders of the future, making discoveries, improving lives and changing things for the better.

Study with us to join a welcoming and inspiring community of staff and students from more than 140 countries.

Location

We shape the world from a fantastic campus on the UK’s beautiful south coast.

We are the only UK university surrounded by a national park, so you can step off campus to explore the hills and woodlands of the South Downs. The vibrant, colourful and creative seaside city of Brighton & Hove is just nine minutes away.

With Brighton voted the happiest city in England for students, (Student Living Survey, Sodexo, 2018) there can be few better places to study.

Modules

See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.

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How to apply

This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C701
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - CCC

A-levels should normally include at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Marine Science, Maths/PureMaths/Further Maths, Physics, Psychology, Statistics or Life & Health Sciences (Double Award only). You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one of the science subjects. You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma should normally be in Applied science and will need to include specific modules - Please see the university website for more details. The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management will also be considered. Successful applicants will need good grades in the following core modules: Animal Health and Diseases, Animal Biology, Animal Behaviour. You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B). For the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, please contact admissions ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

Scottish Higher - CCCCC

Scottish Highers must include either Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Maths. You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each. You must supply evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points

From the full International Baccalaureate Diploma, including at least 4 in relevant HL science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology or Maths). Successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of academic ability in a demanding science degree.

T Level - D

Distinction overall in the Science T Level You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Is a Foundation Year for you?
We welcome students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including:

-those who aren't sure which subject they'd like to specialise in
-those who don't have the right combination of subjects for direct entry into Year 1
-those who don't meet the expected requirements for direct entry into Year 1
-those who are returning to education after some time away.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Including at least 5.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online.
PTE Academic59Including at least 59 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)80TOEFL (iBT), including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

Please see our English language requirements. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirements

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

CCD Most common
  1. BCC
  2. Highest grades
  3. DDD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

98% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025-26. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

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