Key information
- Duration:
- 4 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- CCC
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- G402
- Start date:
- September 2026
“Foundation Year courses are a brilliant opportunity for students to fulfil their potential while they’re learning the skills required by a top university like Sussex.”
Chantal Irtelli English and A-Level Academic Leader
Computing Sciences at Sussex gives you the skills needed to succeed in a constantly evolving industry that’s revolutionising our lives.
Our Foundation Year prepares you for continued study in computing subjects. By learning about database and application development, object-oriented programming and programming design, you develop necessary mathematics and study skills, as well as basic programming skills.
After completing your Foundation Year, you can focus on Computer Science or combine it with subjects such as Business and Management, Digital Media or Artificial Intelligence.
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.
Entry requirements
Is a Foundation Year for you?
We welcome students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including:
- those who aren’t sure which subject, or branch of a subject, they’d like to specialise in
- those who don’t have the right combination of subjects for direct entry into Year 1
- those who don’t meet the expected requirements for direct entry into Year 1
- those who are returning to education after some time away.
You will need to demonstrate your potential to do well on a demanding degree, including the potential to succeed in your chosen discipline.
The following sets out some of the most common academic qualifications. However, each application is reviewed on its individual strengths and merits.
A-level
| Typical offer | CCC |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B). We will also consider applicants with grade 5 in Mathematics if you are taking A-level Computer Science, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
| Extended Project Qualification | 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. Â 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 us |
Other UK qualifications
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)
| Typical offer | P1 P1 M3 If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade C at A-level and, P1 and M3 in two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades CD at A-levels and M3 in Pre-U. |
|---|---|
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B). We will also consider applicants with grade 5 in Mathematics if you are taking A-level Computer Science, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 27 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of academic ability in a demanding degree. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level
| Typical offer | Grade C in A-level and Merit, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
|
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | We would normally expect applicants to have studied in relevant subject areas. |
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B). We will also consider applicants with grade 5 in Mathematics if you are taking A-level Computer Science, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. 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 Certificate and two A-levels
| Typical offer | Grades CC in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | We would normally expect applicants to have studied in relevant subject areas. |
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B). We will also consider applicants with grade 5 in Mathematics if you are taking A-level Computer Science, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. 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 (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
| Typical offer | MMM |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would normally be in IT or Computing (although applicants in other subject areas can be considered). |
| GCSEs | You will need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Scottish Highers
| Typical offer | CCCCC |
|---|---|
| GCSEs | You will need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics at grade B. |
T Level
| Typical offer | Merit overall with a grade C in Core Component. |
|---|---|
| Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
| Subjects | The T Level would normally be in Digital Production, Design and Development, Digital Business Services or Digital Support Services. |
| GCSEs | You will also need 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. |
| Additional requirements | We do not expect applicants to have previous programming experience. We encourage applications from anyone who enjoys the challenges of problem-solving and relishes the potential of new technology. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
| Typical offer | CCC from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
|
|---|---|
| GCSEs | You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade B (or grade 6). We will also consider applicants with grade 5/B in Mathematics if you are taking A-level Computer Science, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.
|
International Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 27 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of academic ability in a demanding degree. |
European Baccalaureate
| Typical offer | 70% |
|---|
Other international qualifications
Australia
| Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and a least 75% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER. Or a Queensland OP of 10 . |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Austria
| Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 2.7 or better. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Belgium
| Typical offer | Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bulgaria
| Typical offer | Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 4 overall with good grades in key subjects). |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Canada
| Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 60% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses British Columbia Certificate of Graduation BCCCC from 5 grade 12 courses We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| Typical offer | If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects. We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution. The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our . If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex. Check which for the International Foundation Year. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Croatia
| Typical offer | Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 3.4 overall |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Typical offer | Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 15/20 |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Czech Republic
| Typical offer | Pass in the Maturita with a score of 3 or better in each subject. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Typical offer | Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or studentereksamen with a good overall average. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Finland
| Typical offer | Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between MMMM - EMMM |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Typical offer | French Baccalauréat with overall final result between 12/20 and 13/20. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
| Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 2.5 or better. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of a least 15/20 |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Typical offer | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 4,3,3 from three subjects including two electives. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hungary
| Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Typical offer | Standard XII results for entry into 1st year (depending on board and course choice):
We will also consider students for entry into our integrated foundation years with 60+% |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | We expect to see good Maths results achieved throughout your secondary education. We do not expect applicants to have previous programming experience. We encourage applications from anyone who enjoys the challenges of problem-solving and relishes the potential of new technology. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific knowledge | You must have a good level of Mathematics.
|
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ireland
| Typical offer | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H3 H3 H3 H4 H4. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have at least grade O4 in Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Israel
| Typical offer | We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
|---|
Italy
| Typical offer | Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato with a Final Diploma mark of at least 71. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Typical offer | We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
|---|
Kazakhstan
| Typical offer | Applicants with Nazarbayev Intellectuals Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate may be considered. The grades in the offer will match the published A level requirements for each course. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | Where courses have specific subject requirements, these will be expected to be studied at Advanced level. |
| Subject-specific knowledge | You must have a good level of Mathematics.
|
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Latvia
| Typical offer | Pass Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with an overall average of 60% from 4 final state/school exams. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lithuania
| Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including an average score of 70% from at least three state examinations (other than English). |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must also have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Luxembourg
| Typical offer | Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific knowledge | You must have a good level of Mathematics.
|
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
| Typical offer | at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Netherlands
| Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO). |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
| Typical offer | We assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
|---|
Norway
| Typical offer | Norwegian Vitnemal den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of at least 3.5. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
| Typical offer | You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies. You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus. |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Poland
| Typical offer | Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 65th percentile.
|
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Portugal
| Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 14/20 |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements | You must have a good level of Mathematics. Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Romania
| Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall aver |
|---|