University of Sussex - Undergraduate Visit Day
14 Mar 2026, 09:30
Brighton
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Economics and Sustainable Development (with professional placement year)
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time with year in industry
- 21/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Top 20 in the UK for Business and Economics (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
8th in the UK for Sustainability (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
About the course
Sustainable development is key to helping future generations flourish. Despite global efforts, our uncertain world can make this feel difficult to achieve. Is it possible to balance development with ecological preservation? And how can we ensure we meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
More than ever, we need innovative strategies and effective resource management. We need people who understand interconnected challenges to generate long-term prosperity. On this course, you’ll develop the skills to address sustainability issues by examining the complex dynamics of environmental change, human wellbeing and economic growth.
Integrating economics, geography and international development, you'll gain a multidisciplinary perspective on sustainable development. You’ll learn from academics with teaching and research excellence in economics, climate change, sustainability, development, quantitative methods and applied policy analysis.
By studying at Sussex, you will:
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analyse environmental and climate processes
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gain a comprehensive understanding of core economic fields
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develop strong quantitative skills
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learn to design policies for development issues, including economic stability, food security, global health, migration, displacement and the climate crisis.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready for a wide range of career opportunities. This could include:
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economic consultancy, policy or data science
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positions within public-sector agencies, research institutions and think tanks
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opportunities linked to the growing green economy.
About the University of Sussex Business School
Our work draws on management, economics, science, technology and innovation studies, to make an impact on the future of people and institutions the world over. We study the issues that matter, in order to transform our world and your future. Our expertise puts you at the forefront of our research, helping you make an impact on policy, practice and people.
Social responsibility and sustainability are important to us. We incorporate the seven Principles for Responsible Management into our teaching and research.
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.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time with year in industry • 4 Years
Start dates
- 21/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- LL18
- Institution code:
- S90
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Sussex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 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:
- LL18
- Institution code:
- S90
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Economics and Sustainable Development (with professional placement year) at University of Sussex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
POWERED BY 
Zehra
University of SussexLawHi! My name is Zehra, and I’m a first-year LLB Law student at the University of Sussex. I’m really excited to be part of the Student Ambassador Programme and to support students who are considering joining our community. My goal is to become a barrister, and I’m particularly interested in areas such as human rights, public, and employment law. I’m passionate about supporting and advocating for underrepresented communities. As a first-generation student, an ethnic minority immigrant from Turkey, a mature student, and someone living with a disability, I truly understand how important it is to feel supported, welcomed, and connected at university. That’s why I’m here — to share my journey, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in finding your own path. I speak both Turkish and English, and outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, watersports, chess, cinema, and music. I also have a cat who keeps me company during my study sessions! If you’re feeling unsure, curious, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help. Mykhailo
University of SussexBusiness, Management & MarketingI'm Mykhailo, a first year BSc Marketing student at University of Sussex. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, my course or student life. Shubby
University of SussexLawI am Nigerian but was born in Canada. I aspire to be a civil litigation or corporate lawyer in the future as this has been a long desire passion of mines. I am very passionate about helping other individuals in anyway I possible can! I also enjoy taking part in societies and staying involved in the community through volunteering. Khadija
University of SussexBusiness, Management & MarketingSecond-year business student who started with a foundation year. I’m really enjoying the course and hoping to work in operations or consulting after I graduate. Happy to chat about uni life or business. Sarah
University of SussexMedicineHi there! I’m Sarah, a fourth year medical student at Brighton and Sussex medical School. I am a mature student having worked for the UK Government for the past ten year, and a graduate, completing my first degree in Medical Neuroscience here at the University of Sussex. It really feels like I have come full circle now that I am back here studying medicine! I hope to become an obstetrician once I finish my degree, but we get so much exposure to different specialities I am also excited to explore. I enjoy yoga and cold water swimming which is great as I live by the sea for the first time! Lily
University of SussexPsychologyI'm a mature international student, and have just started studying this year, which comes with different challenges, but just as many rewards! As much as I love my course, I also love being able to be a part of so many different societies, and meet so many new and interesting people! Rudie
University of SussexEcology and ConservationI'm a Mature and Neurodivergent Student who didn't have the most conventional education due to a lack of support at school. If you feel like you need advice on the support Sussex offers or if this is the right University for you, I can help. I also organise a variety of surveying and STEM outreach events, both with the School of Life Sciences and the NGO Shelltering Sussex. So, if you want to know what extracurricular activities Sussex has to offer for Life Sciences students, I'm your person. Tomisin
University of SussexPoliticsI’m a British-Nigerian Politics and International Relations student. I’ve been enjoying the joint honour degree as it has personally helped me to expand my knowledge and connect the links between international history and British politics! I am also a Christian and passionate for Jesus! I enjoy attending church in Brighton, meeting more people and growing in faith 😄
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - ABB
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B).
We will also consider applicants with grade 5 in Maths if you are taking A-level Accounting, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Maths, Physics, Psychology or an LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies or Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths (grade B). AAT accounting qualifications can be used as an alternative to the grade 6 GCSE Maths requirement.
You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would normally be in Business.
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B). AAT accounting qualifications can be used as an alternative to the grade 6 GCSE Maths requirement.
You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 24 credits at Distinction.
The Access to HE Diploma would preferably be in Business Studies or include a Business pathway.
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B). AAT accounting qualifications can be used as an alternative to the grade 6 GCSE Maths requirement.
Scottish Higher - AABBB
You will need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics at grade B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
This score should be from the full IB Diploma.
Extended Project
We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Admissions at ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk
T Level - D
including grade B in the Core Component.
The T Level would normally be in Accounting, Finance, Management and Administration, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Digital Production, Design and Development, Science, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing.
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B).
You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Sussex, we recognise that not everybody has the same support to help them get to higher education. At Sussex it’s important to us to have a diverse, inclusive university community with a range of voices and experiences. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education ensuring that we have fair access to all regardless of background. A contextual offer is a reduced grade offer which is given to students who meet certain eligibility criteria.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers 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.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23500 | Year 1 |
| International | £23500 | Year 1 |
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
Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.
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