By Marcus Williams, Director of Student Recruitment, Admissions and International Development
It almost goes without saying, but our website is the window into the University. The New Web Estate project, which will deliver a new public-facing website for Sussex from early 2026, is a fantastic opportunity for us to [re]shape how we showcase Sussex to prospective students across the world.
The 'Study With Us' section of our website receives by far the highest amount of traffic each month, so by making sure that the website provides compelling content we can tap into this most important audience. The website should be easy to navigate, quick to click and visually appealing.
With students from over 170 countries studying on our campus it is crucial that our website gives students - who may never be able to pay an in-person visit to Sussex before they apply - a chance to explore and learn about Sussex, what we stand for, and how they can be part of a community of changemakers who will create progressive futures for both people and our planet.
For students thinking about studying at Sussex our website is the shop window that displays both our course and student experience offers. It gives students and their supporters the information they need to make one of their most important life choices – choosing a degree and a place to study that will shape their future. Redesigning our website will make it easier to find key information, such as our prospectus and open day information, which will help to inspire people to visit our beautiful campus and see what we have to offer.
The New Web Estate project has been long in the making. In the most competitive student recruitment environment in history and with the most digitally savvy prospective students ever, it is imperative that our website is brought up to date. After two previous attempts in the last 20 years to undertake a root and branch review of the site, this project has been focused on understanding:
a) what makes a great user experience
b) how our information architecture can support users to find what they need quickly
c) how we can best support excellent content to appeal to our prospective students
d) how we can help staff provide the best possible content
As we prepare to launch our new strategy and re-grow our student numbers, a new website really can’t come soon enough. My thanks to all the staff (PS and faculty) who have been involved to date in getting us to this point.
Please email dcm@sussex.ac.uk if you have any questions or suggestions, or visit the New Web Estate project page for more information and articles related to the project.