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    Sussex and Brighton January 2027 Start Courses: Two Universities, One City

    By Lightning Enrolment Editorial TeamPublished Updated 7 min read

    Reviewed against official UK university and UKVI sources. See oureditorial policy.

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    Quick answer: Both the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton run January start courses for 2027, in the same city on the south coast of England. Sussex publishes a dedicated January start subject list on its study site, and Brighton runs January starts for postgraduate courses. A January start gives you the same degree, the same academics and the same 2 year Graduate Route post study work visa as a September start, with a shorter wait if you missed the autumn deadline.

    University of Sussex, January 2027 Starts

  1. Sussex is a Russell Group adjacent research university in the top tier for development studies and social sciences, based on a green campus at Falmer, minutes from central Brighton by train.
  2. January start options are published as a subject level list rather than a single fixed catalogue, so the exact set of courses changes each cycle. Check the Sussex January start subject page for the current list before applying.
  3. Typical entry for a taught Masters is a 2:1 or a strong 2:2 depending on subject, with IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each component for most courses.

    4. University of Brighton, January 2027 Postgraduate Starts

  4. Brighton runs a January start route for postgraduate courses, mostly in business, computing, health and education subjects.
  5. Entry is usually a Bachelor degree at 2:2 or above, with IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 depending on the course.
  6. Brighton is a practice focused university with strong placement and professional accreditation links.

    7. Sussex or Brighton for a January 2027 Start

    University of SussexUniversity of Brighton
    ProfileResearch intensive, strong in social sciences, development, AI and life sciencesPractice focused, strong in business, health, education and designTypical Masters entry2:1, some subjects accept a strong 2:22:2 and aboveTypical English requirementIELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each componentIELTS 6.0 to 6.5CampusFalmer campus, parkland, 10 minutes by train from BrightonCity campuses in Brighton, Falmer and EastbourneBest forResearch, academic progression, competitive graduate rolesCareer changers, professional accreditation, placements

    Living Costs in Brighton

    Brighton is outside London for visa purposes, so the maintenance requirement is GBP 1,136 per month for up to 9 months, which is GBP 10,224, held for 28 consecutive days, plus your outstanding first year tuition. Real rents in Brighton sit above the national average because it is a popular coastal city, so budget roughly GBP 750 to GBP 950 a month for a room, bills and travel, and apply for accommodation as soon as your offer arrives.

    January 2027 Timeline

    MilestoneWhen
    Application submitted with full documentsNow to late October 2026Offer issued2 to 4 weeks, longer for research led subjectsDeposit paid and conditions clearedBy late November 2026CAS issuedLate November to mid December 2026Student Visa submittedWithin 7 days of CASTeaching startsJanuary 2027

    January courses at both universities close as soon as the CAS cut-off is reached, and popular subjects close earlier than the published date.

    What to Prepare Now

  7. Transcripts and degree certificate, scanned and, if needed, translated.
  8. Passport valid for the full course.
  9. English test result or a medium of instruction letter.
  10. A personal statement that explains why this subject and why a January start.
  11. Evidence of funds held for 28 consecutive days.

    12. Not sure which of the two you qualify for? Run the free eligibility check and we will tell you where your profile fits.

    Apply Through Lightning Enrolment

    We can review your profile against both universities and submit your January 2027 application, with no agent fee for students. Apply now or talk to admissions.

    Related

  12. January 2027 intake UK universities
  13. January 2027 deadlines by university
  14. Birmingham City University January 2027 intake
  15. Benefits of the January 2027 intake

    16. *Sources: University of Sussex January start courses page, University of Brighton postgraduate January starts page, UKVI Student Visa maintenance rules 2026.*

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does the University of Sussex have January start courses for 2027?+

    Yes. Sussex publishes a January start subject list on its study site. The exact courses change each cycle, so check the current Sussex January start subject page before applying.

    Does the University of Brighton have a January 2027 intake?+

    Yes. Brighton runs January starts for postgraduate courses, mainly in business, computing, health and education subjects.

    What are the entry requirements for Sussex and Brighton January starts?+

    Sussex taught Masters usually need a 2:1, with some subjects accepting a strong 2:2, and IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. Brighton usually needs a 2:2 or above with IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 depending on the course.

    How much does it cost to live in Brighton as a student?+

    Brighton is outside London for visa purposes, so the maintenance requirement is GBP 1,136 per month for up to 9 months, which is GBP 10,224. Real costs are higher than the minimum, so budget around GBP 750 to GBP 950 a month for a room, bills and travel.

    Is a January start degree the same as a September one?+

    Yes. The modules, teaching staff, degree certificate and the 2 year Graduate Route post study work visa are identical. Only the start and graduation months differ.

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