Brighton, England
University of Sussex: Physics Summer Program
Program Overview
BRING YOUR LOVE OF SCIENCE TO ENGLAND’S SOUTH COAST
With a reputation for strong STEM programs and Nobel Prize winners in science, University of Sussex is an amazing place to improve your grasp of physics. Whether you choose the first four-week session or both sessions for eight weeks, academics are balanced with fun and exploration from your base in lively Brighton and beyond—London is just one hour away by train.
Details at a Glance
Application deadline
Minimum GPA
2.80
Credit load
4–8
Housing
Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option
Instruction language
Language prerequisites
None
Visa required?
Not in most cases. Learn more.
Academics
The University of Sussex offers one, four-week physics class per session:
Session 1
- Introductory Physics 1
Session 2
- Introductory Physics 2
Introductory Physics classes are calculus-based and provide a firm foundation in physical concepts and principles, covering kinematics and dynamics, fluids, elasticity, wave motion, sound, ideal gases, heat and thermodynamics. Applications of physics will be stressed, particularly those related to biological and medical phenomena, as well as those forming the basis of much of modern technology. Gain further insight by carrying out laboratory experiments and learning to analyze and interpret the data. A strong mathematics background is required.
Students who enroll in Session 1 only will earn 4 U.S. semester credit hours, or 8 U.S. semester credit hours if enrolled in Sessions 1 & 2 combined. Students may not enroll in Session 2 only.
View the University of Sussex Physics Summer School webpage for more information on specific skills and knowledge gained from each module offered.
Modules in the Physics Summer School fill up quickly: we recommend applying in January if you want to take physics classes at the University of Sussex.
New country, new way of learning!
Here’s what to expect at the University of Sussex:
- More emphasis on independent learning. The university recommends completing 10 hours of independent study for each academic credit you seek.
- More advanced instruction and work than you’d find in a class at the same level in the United States. Because most English university degrees are three-year programs, students gain specialized knowledge faster here.
- Less personal access to professors. Instead, it’s common to connect with more junior faculty members.
- Grades are often based on a single final exam or final paper, or on just a few assignments.
- Choose classes from one department to avoid scheduling conflicts. Local students usually specialize in one department for classes, which means different departments don’t schedule classes with other departments in mind.
Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources, including an assigned advisor for academic support. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
- You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
- Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.
Recommendation Letter
Not required.
TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.
Excursions
- Piers and Queers Brighton Exhibit: Since the 18th century, Brighton has become a cosmopolitan place of recreation, escape, and freedom. A destination for people who didn’t conform. With an LGBTQ+ population now estimated at 15%, Brighton celebrated England’s first civil partnerships, and hosts the UK’s largest Pride event as well as Europe’s first Trans Pride, rightly earning its title as the LGBTQ+ Capital of Britain. Peers and Queers is a tour of Brighton from LGBTQ+ perspective. This colorful 90-minute walk along the beach and historic city center takes in more than 200 years of history including Regency Dandies, 1950s lesbian and gay life, and political activism. Afterward, there’s time for a walk on the pier and fish and chips, just watch out for seagulls!
- London’s Southbank Walk and Borough Market. Wander the River Thames then nosh on fish and chips, Thai curry, and more—there are hundreds of produce and street food stalls to choose from. Soak up some history as you refuel—food markets have stood here since the Middle Ages.
- Buckingham Palace. On the bucket list for countless UK visitors, here’s your chance to see the majestic London home of British monarchs since Queen Victoria in 1837. (Look for the Royal Standard’s yellow, red and blue squares that signify the king is in residence.)
- Independence Day BBQ. You may be in the UK, but you can still celebrate the fabulous U.S. Independence Day with a festive get-together and meal.
Housing and Meals
Housing
Apartment/Flat, Single Room OptionMeals
Self-CateringDetails
Summer students live on campus in the East Slope student village, a new hillside complex that includes apartments and townhouses that share facilities. Students live in groups of six to 12.
- Location: 5-minute walk to the center of campus. The library is .2 miles away.
- Living space: Apartments with single bedrooms, each with a sink, bed, desk, lamp, chair, wardrobe, and storage, and private access to your own bathroom. Students provide bed sheets and towels.
- Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare or purchase meals in kitchens shared by groups of about eight. Students provide basic kitchenware. Many flatmates tell us cooking and sharing meals is a fun, social part of the day.
- Additional details: On-site management and security. Laundry on-site.
- Nearby: Falmer Station (10 minutes by train to Brighton). Brighton and Brighton Pier. Stanmer Park, a huge greenspace that’s part of south Downs National Park.
Dates and Fees
Get Started
Kevin Cañas
Enrollment Counselor