International Study Centre

English Language requirement for undergraduate study

The International Foundation Year improves your English to the equivalent of IELTS 6.0-6.5, the level required to study an undergraduate degree at the University of Sussex.

The number of terms of preparation you will need to complete before you start your degree programme will be dependant upon your IELTS level:

• if you have an English level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 you can join the Foundation Year programme
• if you are currently at IELTS 4.0 you will need one term of English language Preparation, followed by your foundation course
• if you are at the equivalent of IELTS 3.0 you will need at least two terms of English Language Preparation, followed by the academic foundation

If you don’t have a current IELTS grade, you may still apply to the ISC. Please contact us to find out about alternative assessment of your English Language level.

Study plan options

The grid below shows the length of study required at the ISC in preparation for an undergraduate degree, and sets out your study plan options according to your English Language level.

English Language Preparation course

You must have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 to begin the Foundation Year. If you require additional language training in order to reach this level, you can first join the English Language Preparation (ELP) course, delivered at the International Study Centre. This intensive course will improve your English language skills up to the required level.