Student Welcome Pack
Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor
Welcome to your online global learning programme here at the University of Sussex, where you will be able to enrich your knowledge, grow your skills, and make connections across the world.
I have been hugely impressed by the passion, energy and creativity of our extended community of staff, students and alumni. So many current and former students from around the globe have told me how studying at Sussex has had a transformative impact on their lives.
At Sussex, you will become part of a community that is making vital contributions to tackling the most pressing threats to humanity and to our natural environment. This is a critical concern for all of us, and I am extremely pleased that our efforts in this area – from creating a forest food garden on campus, to supporting a wide range of planet-protecting research projects – are already gaining accolades.
In the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2026, published earlier this year, we were ranked among the top 5% of universities worldwide, and top 20 in the UK, for sustainability.
And once again, for the ninth consecutive year, Sussex has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) – testament to our established excellence in research and education in equitable and sustainable development, and to the strength and vitality of our partnership with the Institute of Development Studies on campus at Falmer, and with our collaborators across the globe.
During your online studies with us, you will benefit from the expertise and support of our outstanding educators. Sussex was recently awarded Silver in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – a key measure of quality for UK universities. This highlights the very high quality of student experience and student outcomes at Sussex.
We are delighted to have you join us, and on behalf of us all at Sussex, we wish you every success on your journey with us.
With my warmest wishes,
Professor Sasha Roseneil
President and Vice-Chancellor
Start here: what you need to do first
Registration is required to access your course and learning materials. Complete the steps below to register.
- Log in in to Sussex Direct using the details sent to you by email.
- Confirm your personal details.
- Upload a passport-style photo. We recommend using a computer to do this.
- Upload a valid form of ID (either a scan of your passport or driver’s license). This must be a different photo to the one uploaded in step three for verification purposes.
- Complete all required sections, including criminal convictions, payment agreements and permissions. Please ensure you complete the disabilities section if you require support during your studies.
Once finished, log back in to activate your registration.
Note: You need two forms of identification to complete this process.
Your University email account is the main way we’ll contact you.
Make sure you:
- log in and check your inbox regularly
- enable notifications so you don’t miss important updates.
You’ll receive key information about your course, including access details and next steps.
Canvas is your online learning platform, where you’ll:
- access your course materials
- join live sessions
- submit assignments
- connect with tutors and other students.
You’ll be able to log in once your registration is complete. Access details will be sent to your University email. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to generate your login details after registration.
Your Student Success Advisor will inform you of all key dates including start dates and assessment deadlines. We recommend adding these to your calendar and setting reminders.
If you have any questions about dates or deadlines, please contact the Student Success Team.
We will invite you to an online welcome webinar before your course begins.
As part of this webinar, you will:
- meet your course director
- meet a member of the Student Success Team
- learn about the support services available to you
- interact with other students on your course
- have the chance to ask questions.
Check your University email for your invitation and joining details.
Before your course starts
You should expect to study around 20 hours per week. This includes live sessions, independent study and assignments.
Plan study time around your existing work and personal commitments. For time management tips, contact the Student Success Team. They’re there to help you establish a manageable study-life balance.
Your course is delivered in a flexible carousel structure. If you need to take a break, you may be able to pause your studies.
Please contact your Student Success Advisor to discuss this. They can walk you through the next steps and support you with getting back on track as smoothly as possible.
To access your course, make sure you have:
- a reliable internet connection
- an up-to-date web browser
- a suitable laptop or desktop device.
Check full technical requirements.
How your course works
Your course is delivered online through Canvas, our virtual learning environment (VLE). All learning materials are available on Canvas, including readings, recorded content and activities.
Get more information about Canvas and a video demo of the platform.
You’ll take part in live online sessions such as seminars and discussions. These are delivered via Canvas, and we’ll provide details on how to join within each module.
Please contact the Student Success Team if you need any help joining a live session.
All work is submitted online through Canvas. For each module, check the ‘Assignments’ page for submission deadlines and instructions.
Please make a note of these deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure your work is submitted on time.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or have any questions about deadlines or how to submit work, please contact the Student Success Team.
Support and who to contact
The Student Success Team is committed to making sure you get the most out of your experience.
They should be your first point of contact for any issues that might affect your learning journey. They can help with:
- general questions about your course
- administrative support
- connecting you to the right person or service
- reminders about upcoming payments or assessment deadlines.
Your Student Success Advisor
Once you’re enrolled on your course, you’ll be assigned a dedicated advisor who will support you from enrolment through to graduation. You’ll have regular check-ins to ensure you’re on track and feeling confident and informed at every step.
How to contact Student Success
Email: studentsuccess@sussex.ac.uk
Call: +44 (0)1273 019313
You can contact the Student Success Team between 8am – 5pm UK time. If you have an urgent query over the weekend, email studentsuccess@sussex.ac.uk with the word ‘urgent’ in the subject line, and one of the team will aim to respond within 24 hours.
Please note: the Student Success Team will only contact you through your University of Sussex email account, so please check this regularly.
Your module leaders and tutors will deliver teaching and academic support, including leading live sessions and providing feedback on your work.
You can contact tutors via email. If you need any help contacting your tutor, reach out to your Student Success Advisor.
You’ll have access to online library resources and learning materials once you’ve completed registration. This includes eBooks, journals, newspapers and databases.
If the Library doesn’t have a copy of a journal article or chapter, you can ask for a digital scan to be emailed to you.
Our Online Distance Learning (ODL) Librarian can support you via live sessions, email and one to one with any Library and research-related queries, and they can provide live academic skills workshops to help you with assignments.
If English is not your first language, you can enrol with the English Language for Academic Study (ELAS) department.
You’ll receive help with academic skills via one-to-one support and workshops.
Learn more about ELAS and how to enrol.
We can provide careers support and guidance throughout your time with the University and for up to three years after graduation.
Access advice and resources on our careers page.
Your physical, emotional and mental health is extremely important to us.
Visit our health and wellbeing page for information on the support available to you. You can also contact the Student Success Team, and they will direct you to the right service.
Fees, payments and refunds
Before each module, you will receive an email with the payment date and a link to the payment portal.
Please ensure payment is made ahead of the payment deadline, otherwise you will not be enrolled onto your next module. It is essential that you reach out to your Student Success Advisor with any issues meeting each deadline.
Methods of payment
You can pay via debit card, credit card or PayPal. There’s also the option to pay via Convera bank transfer, but this must be initiated as soon as possible to ensure we receive the payment before the deadline.
Payments can be made online via the payment portal.
If you decide to opt-out from your module, you will need to inform us by 4pm UK time on the first Monday of the module.
Requests made after this date will not be eligible for a refund unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Refund requests must be made in writing. Contact us at studentsuccess@sussex.ac.uk, stating:
- your name
- student/applicant number
- course name
- reason for cancellation.
Please refer to the terms and conditions in your offer letter for more information regarding our refund process or speak to your student success advisor if you have any further questions.
Frequently asked questions
Contact the Student Success Team first — they’ll direct you to the right support.
Can I take a break from my course?
Yes — contact your Student Success Advisor to discuss your options.
When will I receive my marks?
Provisional marks will be released on Canvas and Sussex Direct. Please note that the exact date will vary from module to module.
Marks are usually released around 15 term-time working days after the end of a module.
I’m having technical issues — what should I do?
Visit the IT help page or contact the Student Success Team.
I’m having issues with Canvas
If you have any technical problems with Canvas, please call the Canvas helpline on +44 (0)800 060 8441. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Alternatively, click on the ‘Help’ button at the bottom of the left-hand navigation in Canvas; there’s a live chat link. You can also visit the Canvas Student Guides pages.
If you’re still stuck, contact the Student Success Team for assistance.
Note: Chrome is the recommended browser for Canvas. We recommend you always keep your browser up to date. Find more information on Canvas system requirements on the Canvas site.
Where do I find my login details?
You’ll receive these by email after completing registration. Please note that once you've registered, it can take up to 24 hours to generate your login details for Canvas.
I’ve forgotten my password. What should I do?
You can find information on resetting your passwords on the IT help page.
Who can help with payment queries?
Contact the Student Success Team for support.
Your student experience
Once you enrol, you’ll automatically become a member of the Students’ Union: a global community of over 20,000 students.
The Students' Union is a charity, separate from the University, and it exists to improve the student experience and ensure all voices are heard.
Learn more about the Students’ Union.
The SussexMobile App provides easy mobile access to your emails and course timetables, and other key services on the go.
Learn more about the app and how to download it.
Graduation and beyond
Once you’ve successfully completed your course, we will warmly invite you to attend your graduation ceremony.
Key information:
- Graduations are optional to attend.
- They are usually held in Brighton, East Sussex, UK.
- You can choose which ceremony to attend, allowing you to organise your attendance around any prior commitments or planned travel to the UK.
- Graduations usually take place twice a year in January and July, and there’s no time limit on attendance. You can complete your degree and attend a ceremony in the following years.
Please contact the Student Success Team for any questions about your graduation.
Once you’ve completed your postgraduate programme, you can join our alumni community to keep in touch and connect with fellow graduates.
You’ll have access to a range of discounts and benefits.
Learn more about Sussex’s alumni community.
Once you’ve graduated, you can join Sussex Connect to continue your access to careers support for up to three years after graduation.
Learn more about Sussex Connect and the support available to new graduates.