This email is being sent to all taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Hello
Whether you are in your final year at Sussex or not, I encourage you to explore what a Masters degree can offer. At Sussex we have a scholarship fund totalling £2 million for 2026/27 entry, you can find out more details via the Masters Scholarships page. A Masters qualification offers the opportunity to deepen your academic expertise and gain a higher level qualification that can enhance your career progression and professional development. If you are considering postgraduate study, make sure to book your place at the upcoming Masters Open Day on Saturday 14 March to explore your options and find out what is possible for you.
In honour of International Women’s Day 2026 (8 March), there is an exhibition in the University Library featuring 26 photographic portraits of inspirational women and their allies from across Sussex. The exhibition, curated by Dr Elizabeth Rendon-Morales, is in the Library Open Learning Space throughout March, celebrates research, collaboration, and allyship within our community.
Finally, I recognise that the unfolding events in the Middle East will affect many in our community. We have contacted all students based on their declared nationality or home address to offer guidance, support, or someone to talk to, and that information can also be found on the Student Hub.
Please read on for this week’s news including: | |
Polls close at 2pm today: Last chance to cast your vote in the SU election
Voting for the Students' Union Leadership Elections closes at 2pm today, so make sure to cast your vote and have your voice heard.
This is your chance to choose the students you want to represent you on the Executive and Trustee Board of the Union, helping to make decisions and steer the Union in a direction shaped by you. Visit the Students’ Union website to read the candidate manifestos and cast your vote today. |
Protecting our rivers: the power of citizen science and community action
How can local communities protect the rivers around them? What role can citizen science play in monitoring water quality, identifying pollution and holding institutions to account? And how can young people take meaningful action to support the natural world?
Join Dr Lucila Newell and Dr Ellie Rotheray from the University of Sussex this Thursday 19 March, 5pm to 6.30pm, alongside environmental campaigner and citizen scientist Sarah Butler and Ffion Thomas from Friends of the River Medway, for an engaging and accessible discussion exploring the Ripple Effect project. The session will consider how community-led research and local action can help safeguard rivers and biodiversity. This is a free event, but booking is required.
During the event, you will: | |
Off The Record: celebrating 50 years of Sussex student radio
Off The Record is an exhibition celebrating fifty years of student radio on our campus. It runs until 20 March, open on weekday afternoons in the Library Gallery. What began as a handful of voices, a few microphones and a great deal of enthusiasm has grown into generations of presenters, producers, DJs, technicians, organisers and nocturnal students perfecting their next playlist ahead of a live show.
Across five decades, URF has been a creative outlet, a confidence builder, a social circle and, for many, the place where university truly began to feel like home. This exhibition is an attempt to capture some of that history and celebrate the community that made it possible. |
What I Wish They Knew About Me: creative workshop for disabled and neurodiverse students
Join us on Monday 9 March, 1pm to 3pm in Woodland 3 and 4, Student Centre, for a welcoming and creative workshop for disabled and neurodiverse students and allies. Through mixed media collage and optional recorded conversations, you will have the opportunity to explore and share your experiences in a way that feels right for you. Taking part means work can be featured in the end-of-year Disabled Students’ Exhibition.
The session is designed to be inclusive and flexible, with sensory-friendly materials, a wheelchair-accessible venue, a quiet space, and a drop-in format so you can participate at your own pace. Refreshments will be provided.
For specific access requirements, email see@sussex.ac.uk
Get your free tickets and find out more. | |
Still time to join the living on campus waiting list
If you have not yet secured University accommodation for the 2026/27 academic year, there is still time to add your name to the official waiting list. This is a great option if you are hoping to live on campus and enjoy the benefits of student living, including being close to your lectures, no deposit or guarantor required, utility bills included, and the chance to live with friends where possible.
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National Student Money Week: win £50 and boost your money skills
National Student Money Week runs from Monday 2 to Friday 6 March 2026, offering a dedicated week of activities, resources and support to help you feel confident about your finances, both while you are studying and planning for life after Sussex.
Throughout the week there are opportunities to access advice, take part in financial wellbeing activities, and enter competitions to win prizes. Whether you are looking to understand more about budgeting, saving, managing your student loan or planning ahead financially, this is a great way to build your confidence and knowledge, and by taking part you could win daily student prizes of £50. |
Earn £3,500 with the Junior Research Assistant Scheme
Applications for the 2026 Junior Research Assistant (JRA) Scheme are now open. Each JRA will receive a bursary of £3,500, and £200 expenses allowance, enabling them to work full-time on their research. The scheme offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at Sussex and work alongside leading academics. It is open to undergraduate students from all Schools and subjects, including Brighton and Sussex Medical School.
View the launch event slides and video for an overview of the programme and guidance on how to apply. The submission deadline for all applications is Monday 16 March 2026. Apply now and take the first step towards your research journey at Sussex.
| Cheer on Sussex at Varsity 2026
Get ready for Varsity 2026, our annual sports showdown against Brighton University, running from Sunday 8 March to Friday 20 March 2026. Support our teams as they compete across a range of sports to claim the coveted Varsity title. Sussex is looking for our tenth consecutive win over Brighton University.
Keep up-to-date with fixtures and buy your tickets here. Key information for players and spectators can be found here. While I would encourage all students to go and cheer on our sports teams, please remember to be respectful and follow the full code of conduct for Varsity.
| With best wishes, Kate
Professor Kate O'Riordan Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |
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| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
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