Sussex Academic Framework approved
We are pleased to announce that the Sussex Academic Framework has recently been approved by the University Education Committee in February followed by Senate in March. This framework is a key component of our regulatory, policy, and guidance documents, aligning with the strategic priorities of Sussex 2035. It provides a comprehensive statement of our curriculum and credit architecture, emphasising inclusive and student-centred teaching, learning, assessment, and feedback.
Key changes and enhancements:
-
Part-time undergraduate study: Introduction of opportunities for part-time undergraduate study.
-
January postgraduate starts: New opportunities for January postgraduate starts.
-
Voluntary placement year: Improvements to support growth in undergraduate awards with unfunded voluntary placement years.
-
Credit pathways: Removal of 90-credit non-language pathways and level 3 language modules.
-
Graduate entry medicine: Introduction of a credit framework to support potential growth in this area.
-
Pathways, majors, and minors: Improved coherence and explanation.
These changes aim to reduce awarding gaps, exceptional circumstances, and academic appeals, while increasing anticipatory adjustments for disabled students.
The framework will take effect from 1 August 2025, for use within the 2025-26 academic year onwards. Faculties are creating specific approaches to the framework which will be brought for approval by the respective faculty education committees.
Sussex Choice update
A proposal for the future shape of Sussex Choice has been developed and circulated for consultation. The key elements include:
- Sussex Choice Board: Establishment of a board within the Sussex School for Progressive Futures to oversee the interdisciplinary cross-campus offer.
- Elective offer: Organising and reframing electives according to Sussex 2035 themes: Environmental Sustainability, Digital and Data Futures, and Human Flourishing.
- New pathways: Creation of new 60-credit pathways reflecting these themes, with interdisciplinary and citizenship engagement opportunities.
- Spirit of Sussex Award: Enhancing the award to enable interdisciplinary opportunities for all students.
The response to these proposals has been positive, and the next steps include launching the Sussex Choice board, creating new electives and pathways, and improving the presentation of electives to students.
Sussex Prospectus update
The Sussex Prospectus workstream, part of Curriculum Reimagined, has transitioned to business as usual. Its purpose is to enhance the applicant experience and course change adaptability.
Remaining deliverables in business as usual include improvements to the CMA handbook, training for the course change process, and transitioning from module-level to course-level prospectus content. These changes are expected to be implemented in 2026 for the 2027 UG prospectus launch.
This work is being delivered by the Academic Quality Partnerships and Digital & Creative Media teams with ongoing monitoring and oversight established to ensure progress and issues are reported up to University Education Committee.
As an essential part of Sussex recovery all course teams should be working to ensure information is attractive and relevant.
If you have any questions about any of these developments please speak to your Associate Dean for Education & Students.