Improving access to higher education
The Widening Participation team at Sussex supports learners who are under-represented in higher education. We can help you make informed choices about your future.
What do we offer?
If you're interested in studying at degree level, we offer an exciting range of activities.
This includes:
- campus visits
- subject masterclasses
- online webinars
- an Access programme for students in year 12 and above.
Why we do what we do
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background. We believe in the power of higher education to drive social mobility and that a diverse, inclusive university community can help make a fairer society for all.
Our work aims to equip learners from under-represented backgrounds with the awareness, advice and opportunities that they need to make informed choices about their future and succeed beyond school.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently running a virtual programme of online activities to continue providing advice and guidance. You can follow our updates on Twitter @access_sussex or contact our team by emailing: participate@sussex.ac.uk.
How to get involved
- Schools and colleges
If you work in a school or college and you’d like to find out more about how we can support your students, contact Chris Derbyshire at: C.J.Derbyshire@sussex.ac.uk.
- Academics
We love partnering with our academic colleagues to create engaging activities and events.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact Chris Mason at: C.Mason-Felsing@sussex.ac.uk or Anne-marie Bird at: a.bird@sussex.ac.uk. - Ambassadors
Ambassadors play a key role in our work. They support prospective students by answering questions and speaking about their own experiences.
Our ambassadors get access to training, on-going support and flexible paid work on campus.
If you're interested in becoming an ambassador and want to find out more, contact Mandy Cudby at: A.Cudby@sussex.ac.uk
You can also check for student ambassador vacancies (including roles with the Widening Participation team).
- Community groups and charities
We’re keen to connect with community groups and charities to find out how we can extend our outreach activities to benefit the local community.
Get in touch with Paul Wiggins to discuss how we could support the people you work with at: P.Wiggins@sussex.ac.uk.
- Parents and carers
If you’re supporting your young person’s education progression and would like some advice or guidance then contact our team at: participate@sussex.ac.uk.
Access and Participation Plan
The University of Sussex has created an Access and Participation Plan which is approved by the Office for Students.
This sets out our tuition fee limit and a commitment to access measures, from financial support for students to outreach schemes.