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Geography, Sustainable Development and Climate Change

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
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More about University of Sussex

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

3rd in the UK for our research impact in Geography and Environmental Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

=14th in the UK for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

About the course

Climate change and sustainability are two of the biggest global issues of our time. At Sussex, you’ll learn from specialists in their fields, including people who inform international climate change policy at the highest levels.

On this solutions-based course, you’ll look at:

  • the extent of environmental degradation and its root causes

  • the often complex pathways in which these causes lead to environmental damage

  • the alternatives that can be implemented to ensure sustainability.

You’ll take an interdisciplinary view on the scientific basis of claims of global climate change, the human responsibility and the future implications of the change. From a perspective that bridges physical and human geography, you’ll learn about environmental management and sustainable development. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to attend regular seminars from world leading policy-makers and practitioners.

Our setting – within the South Downs National Park – means you’ll have the opportunity to take your learning out into the field. We offer an excellent choice of local and global field-trip destinations, recently including the Mojave Desert, Los Angeles, China and Greece.

As a graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to start a career in a climate-related field around the world.

About 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.

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.

Modules

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

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 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:
F804
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

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:
F804
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

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Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - ABB

You will have A-levels which include Geography or another science subject at grade B. You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 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 preferably be in Applied Science. If not in Applied Science you should have an A-level in Geography or another science alongside your BTEC. You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 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 Diploma would ideally contain substantial amounts of Level 3 credit in Geography and/or another science subject. You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C).

Scottish Higher - AABBB

Highers must include either Geography or another science, with at least grade A. Ideally, you will also have this as Advanced Highers. You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics at grade C.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

This score should be from the full IB Diploma. Including at least 5 in higher level Geography or another science subject.

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

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

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.

Learn more on the University of Sussex website

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£27300Year 1
International£27300Year 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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