Biology PhD : University of Sussex

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Key information

Duration:: Up to 4 years full time, 8 years part time
Start date:: Choose to start in September 2025, January 2026 or April 2026
Apply by:: 1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)

94% of our research overall in Biological Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Situated in the Brighton and Lewes Downs UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by the South Downs National Park, and close to Brighton and the coast, you’ll find yourself in the perfect location for a research project in biology.

From animal behaviour to molecular evolution, you work in field and laboratory settings, guided and supervised by our expert faculty.

International PhD Academy

Would you like to develop your knowledge and research skills before you undertake your PhD research? If you’re a self-funded or sponsored international applicant, join the thriving community in the School of Life Sciences’ International PhD Academy.

During your PhD degree, the structure of Year 1 can be tailored to your previous research experience. You’ll have opportunities for bespoke academic, personal and professional development. All this will give you the skills and confidence to excel in your PhD research, and open a wealth of career opportunities.

I really like how the University’s research on biodiversity and sustainability feeds into how the campus is managed, including having areas that are dedicated to encouraging wildlife.”Alice Clark
Biology PhD
Read Alice’s story

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Book an information session

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Degree requirements	You’re normally expected to have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Undergraduate degree requirement	Magistr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4 or 81%
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Undergraduate degree requirement	A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 7.5 or 8 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or CGPA 3.1/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 5-5.5/7 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70%-75% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Undergraduate degree requirement

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70%-75% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a CGPA of 3.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 7 (Good Performance).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70-75% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with a final mark of at least 13.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Undergraduate degree requirement	Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with CGPA 3.0/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with CGPA 3.2/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Undergraduate degree requirement	Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 80%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 4.0/5 or CGPA 3.33/4
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or B+.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.5/4.0 or 14/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Undergraduate degree requirement	Masters degree, depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Undergraduate degree requirement	A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0-3.49/4.0, 3.5-4.49/5.0 or 4.6-5.9/7.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with an overall grade of B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Undergraduate degree requirement	Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Undergraduate degree requirement

Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university.

Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with at least 80% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7.5/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 13/20 from a public university or 15/20 from a private university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Undergraduate degree requirement	Masters degree with 1.5/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.7/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 3 (on a scale of 4).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division or CAP 4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors (honours) degree with a second-class division 1.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.5 or 3.1/4.3 or B+
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors Special degree with an upper second honours.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Undergraduate degree requirement	Licence or Diplôme with 5/6 or 8/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 67%-80% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Undergraduate degree requirement	Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Uzbekistan

Undergraduate degree requirement	Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 80%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Undergraduate degree requirement

Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0 or 7.5/10.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript.

Subject-specific requirements

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Undergraduate degree requirement	Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Undergraduate degree requirement	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 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. Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We 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. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We 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. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

High level (70 overall, including at least 65 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version. We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

High level (62 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. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 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. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We 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%

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 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 A1-C6 (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 our English requirement. 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. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of 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
The British Overseas Territories
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for international students	Yes. You should apply for this course as early as possible so that you have time to apply for ATAS clearance. Find out more about ATAS clearance on the Student Hub.
Research proposal	If you are applying for a PhD, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

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Modules

Audited modules in our International PhD Academy

The structure of Year 1 of your PhD can be tailored to your previous research experience.

You’ll be embedded in the laboratory of your supervisor and start your research project. If you need extra training to support your progress, subject-specific taught modules are available. You’ll audit these modules, which means you take part in the teaching and learning activities but don’t submit any assessments for credit. This extra training will give you the skills and confidence to excel in your PhD research, and open a wealth of career opportunities.

Audited modules are aimed to improve your:

practical experimental skills
analysis skills
academic writing skills.

Find our more about our audited modules

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

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How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

browse funded projects in this subject area
browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

If you’re a self-funded or sponsored international student applying to the School of Life Sciences’ International PhD Academy, please label your supporting documents clearly with International PhD Academy in the title.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [email protected]

PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

Book an information session

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Our supervisors

We’re all here because of biodiversity. In the short time we each have on earth we should be focusing on that. It’s why I do what I do.”Dr Mika Peck
Senior Lecturer in Biology

View profile of Alan Stewart

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Funding and fees

How can I fund my course?

Funded projects and scholarships

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

China Scholarship Council (CSC) University of Sussex Scholarships

Up to 10 scholarships for outstanding PhD students from China

Find out more

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid.

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students

Home students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

International students: £26,250 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include:

- travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities)
- a laptop
- overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training)
- conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation)
- laboratory consumables and workshop materials
- participant costs
- transcription or translation costs
- open-access publication costs.

If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding.

If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

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Biology PhD

Key information

International PhD Academy

PhD open evening on campus

Entry requirements

Argentina

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Cyprus

Denmark

Ecuador

Egypt

France

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Iran

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kuwait

Lebanon

Malawi

Malaysia

Mexico

Nepal

Nigeria

Norway

Oman

Pakistan

Palestine

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Qatar

Russia

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

USA

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

LanguageCert Academic SELT

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

Pearson PTE Academic

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

GCE O-level

GCSE or IGCSE