Biology

General description of the programme for the university webpage:
The Biology undergraduate degree at the University of Sussex offers students a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, and evolution. This degree program is designed to provide both foundational knowledge and advanced skills in various fields of biological sciences, including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and biodiversity. Throughout the course, students will explore the complexity of biological systems and develop practical laboratory skills through hands-on experiments and research projects. The programme emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and data analysis, preparing graduates for careers in research, healthcare, environmental management, biotechnology, and education. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, and a vibrant academic community fostering innovative thinking and collaboration. The curriculum is carefully structured to blend theoretical learning with real-world applications, with opportunities for fieldwork and internships that enhance employability and professional development. The programme also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to understand the broader context of biological sciences in relation to environmental challenges, sustainability, and technological advances. With expert faculty and a dynamic learning environment, students are supported throughout their academic journey to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to scientific knowledge and societal wellbeing.

The School of Life Sciences is a vibrant international research community. Research in the School ranges from studies on the most basic chemical building blocks of life to how the brain generates behaviour or how insect societies are organised. We offer MPhil and PhD courses.

Evolution, behaviour and environment at Sussex focuses on how organisms evolve and interact with their environments. We address basic and strategic questions in both field and laboratory settings across a wide range of study taxa, and also use theoretical approaches. Major themes are:

• sexual conflict
• the role of natural selection in molecular evolution
• co-operation, conflict and organisation in social insect colonies
• mechanisms underlying animal behaviours, including navigation, visual perception, escape behaviour and collective decision-making
• ecology and conservation of animals and plants in tropical rainforests, temperate grasslands and pollinators
• policy-relevant global analyses • the measurement of environmental contaminants, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and their effects on human and animal health.

Our expertise encourages interdisciplinarity and we hold two regular Evolution and Development seminar series. We have also established ties with other research groupings at Sussex, such as those in Informatics, SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit and Neuroscience, and we collaborate with scientists in a wide range of external organisations, including formal links with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Student progress and support 

Throughout your studies, as part of your intellectual development, you take part in laboratory meetings, journal clubs and a weekly seminar series. All students are encouraged to attend, and present their work at, national and international scientific meetings.

The School offers full support to all research students by monitoring their research progress in the form of annual reviews, informal meetings, mid-year reports (Year 1) and active participation in the Postgraduate Research Colloquium. The Colloquium brings research students and faculty together for a wider discussion of the ongoing research projects within the School. All third-year doctoral students give a talk on their research, and all second-year students submit a poster depicting the key aims and objectives, methods and findings of their research project.

We aim to ensure that our PhD students have the best possible research experience. The relationships between supervisors and PhD students are among the most rewarding academic partnerships. We also host regular social events for our students to mingle with their peers and supervisors across various disciplines.

We take student feedback very seriously and PhD student representatives form an integral part of our Student Experience Committee.

Requirements

• Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4
• IELTS 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each section.
• If you are a non-EEA or Swiss national you must obtain clearance by the UK Government Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for this degree. Please ensure you allow sufficient time for your University application to be processed in time for you to apply for ATAS clearance (and a Tier 4 Student Visa if appropriate).
• Reference
• Transcript
• A personal statement
• The application fee is £13 if you’re applying to just one course

The University of Sussex offers various financing options for students enrolled in its Biology degree programmes. Tuition fee details vary depending on the student's residency status, with home/EU students benefiting from subsidized rates and international students paying higher fees. Domestic students can access government-funded loans and grants, including undergraduate maintenance loans that help cover living expenses. Additionally, the university provides scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, and specific criteria such as subject specialization or regional background. These financial aid options aim to reduce the economic barriers faced by students and support their successful completion of the degree.

Students are encouraged to apply early for financial support, as some funding opportunities are limited and awarded on a competitive basis. The university also offers payment plans that allow students to spread the cost of tuition fees over manageable installments, making it easier to finance their studies. For international students, in addition to tuition payments, there are costs for visas, health insurance, accommodation, and daily living expenses, which should be factored into the overall financing plan. The university’s welfare and financial advice services are available to help students navigate funding options, budget effectively, and access emergency support if unforeseen expenses arise.

External funding sources such as government scholarships, research council grants, and private sponsorships are also available for students pursuing research components within the programme. For example, some students may qualify for funding through research councils like UKRI, which support postgraduate research and integrated Master's pathways associated with the programme. Furthermore, the university's partnerships with local and national organizations sometimes offer additional scholarships and sponsorship opportunities.

Overall, the University of Sussex is committed to making education accessible and affordable. Clear information on eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and process details for each funding opportunity can be found on the university's official website or by contacting the admissions and finance offices directly. Prospective and current students are encouraged to thoroughly explore all available funding options early in their application process to ensure they can plan their finances effectively and focus on their academic success in the study of Biology.

The Biology program at the University of Sussex offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental and applied aspects of biological sciences. It is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions, and the complex systems that govern life processes. Students will explore various fields within biology, including genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and molecular biology, through a blend of lectures, practical laboratory work, and field studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and hands-on research skills, preparing graduates for careers in biomedical research, conservation, environmental management, biotechnology, and education. The curriculum is regularly updated to include the latest scientific advancements and technologies, ensuring that students are well-equipped with contemporary knowledge and skills. Additionally, the university promotes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to understand the connections between biology and other sciences such as chemistry, physics, and computer science. The program also offers opportunities for placements and internships, enabling students to gain real-world experience and develop professional networks. With state-of-the-art laboratories and access to research facilities, students can undertake independent projects under supervision, fostering innovation and expertise in their chosen areas of interest. The university's supportive academic environment includes dedicated academic advisors, research seminars, and access to various resources that enhance learning and career development. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue postgraduate study or enter the workforce in sectors such as healthcare, environmental consulting, pharmaceutical industries, and education. The program at Sussex aims to cultivate not only scientific proficiency but also skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in dynamic and evolving scientific careers.