Facts and figures
The ßÏßÏÊÓƵ is a leading higher education and research institution near Brighton, in the south of England. ßÏßÏÊÓƵ was the first of the new wave of UK universities founded in the 1960s, receiving its Royal Charter in 1961.
Innovative research and scholarship
ßÏßÏÊÓƵ is a leading research university, as reflected in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
For REF 2021, 89% of the research we submitted was categorised ‘world-leading’ (40.6%) or ‘internationally excellent’ (48.4%).
Also, 93% of our research impact was assessed to be ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ – up from 80.7% in 2014.
Find out more about REF 2021 at the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ.
Teaching and learning
The ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has 17,765 students (2023-24 full-time equivalent figures), of which around 22% are postgraduates. 69% of our student population are UK students and 31% are overseas students.
Looking at real world issues in innovative ways, diversity in our teaching, intellectual challenge and interdisciplinarity have always been fundamental to a ßÏßÏÊÓƵ education.
Our goal is to deliver teaching and learning programmes informed by current research, that help our students to go out and make a positive difference to the world.
Our staff
ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has developed a reputation for innovation and inspiration, and attracts leading thinkers and researchers.
In 2023-24 the University employed 3,825 staff which is equivalent to 2,955 full time employees. This incorporated 1,710 staff in a Teaching or Teaching and Research role (equivalent to 1,135 full time employees). Other staff were employed in Research only or Professional Services positions (HESA 2023-24 rounded data).
Six Nobel Prize winners have been members of staff at Sussex. We have also had 12 Fellows of the British Academy and a winner of the prestigious Crafoord Prize on our staff.
International ßÏßÏÊÓƵ
From its foundation, ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has had an international perspective and fostered a diverse, multi-national community in our academic activities and outlook.
We attract staff and students from over 170 countries to our campus, and over a quarter of staff come from outside the UK.
Our research tackles major world issues with leading areas of expertise such as climate change and development studies.
We have extensive links with institutions worldwide. To get a sense of our partners and the type of partnership work we engage in, please see our Global Engagement pages.
Campus life
ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has one of the most beautiful campus locations in the UK.
Situated in rolling parkland on the edge of Brighton, the campus combines award-winning architecture with green open spaces.
The campus is surrounded by the South Downs National Park but just a few minutes away from the lively city of Brighton & Hove.
Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the buildings that make up the heart of the campus were given listed building status in 1993. Falmer House is one of only two educational buildings in the UK to be Grade I-listed in recognition of its exceptional interest.
Business and the community
ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has a long tradition of engaging with business and the community, which continues today through activities such as the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ Innovation Centre, public lectures and services to the community.
Our goal is to help businesses and organisations in the region develop higher staff skill levels through training, and to stimulate innovation through partnership with other institutions outside ßÏßÏÊÓƵ to benefit the wider society.
provides support for the creation and growth of technology- and knowledge-based companies in Sussex.
The Centre is now a thriving business environment for nearly 80 high-growth companies.
Since its creation more than 160 companies have been based at the Centre; their cumulative revenue exceeds £250 million and they employ hundreds of people locally.