University of Sussex

Join a thriving community of Canadian law students at one of the UK’s most internationally minded universities. At Sussex Law School you’ll study the core foundations of common law and tailor your degree with options that match your interests, including Canada-relevant content in a welcoming, supportive and collaborative environment. Based in Brighton, England, you’ll join a thriving international community at a campus-based university.
  

STUDY AT Sussex law school  

Sussex Law School at the University of Sussex is a compact, research-active law department, combining interdisciplinarity and practice-orientated teachings. Sussex is committed to giving you an enriching and rounded education that will prepare you for your future. The award-winning faculty are on hand to support you throughout your studies, develop your ideas and maximize your full potential.  

At Sussex, learning about the law means developing the tools to understand and think critically about the law and communicate your knowledge and ideas clearly. It means that you’ll develop the transferable skills that make their graduates highly employable.

You will join a strong student body of around 1200 students, who are active in both their academics and extra curriculars! Each year around 70 new students from Canada join Sussex Law School, study content designed for the Canadian cohort, with 4 classes on offer that are directly relevant to you gaining accreditation in Canada:

• Foundations of Canadian Law
• Canadian Constitutional Law
• Canadian Administrative Law
• Aboriginal Law

You will be taught in lectures, seminars and workshops designed to be interactive, engaging, and with opportunities to put your legal knowledge into practical settings through things like authentic assessment.  

Away from the classroom, you’ll be encouraged to participate in their extra-curricular options to bolster the learning you’re undertaking.  
 

Law Clinics:

Develop legal, professional and vocational skills, and gain field level legal experience, by being involved in Sussex Law School’s award-winning pro-bono law clinics, which provide free legal advice and education to the local community.

The law clinics give you the chance to develop your skills and gain work experience that can be vital for your future career prospects. You'll apply classroom theory to real life issues, gaining hands-on experience of law in action. The wide range of clinics means you have the opportunity to focus on an area of law you are interested in, which can help shape your career plans.

In many of the clinics, you’ll be assigned client enquiries to research and prepare for in advance for a client interview. You’ll then draft a letter of formal legal advice. All of this will be in accordance with professional processes and in collaboration with clinic leads and supervisors.  

Some clinics are involved in the preparation of research briefings and notes, document preparation for external organizations, and delivering public legal education sessions beyond Sussex.  

The Clinics:  

• Citizens Advice
• Criminal Justice
• Environmental Justice
• Family
• Housing
• Migration
• Performing Arts
• Sports
• StreetLaw
• Wills, Trusts and Estates

Law skills competitions

Develop your legal skills and boost your employability with Sussex’s Law skills competitions. Through studying Law at Sussex you’ll have the chance to be actively involved in regional, national and international skills competitions at all stages of your studies.

A range of internal competitions run each year, typically including:

• negotiation
• client interviewing
• two mooting competitions
• criminal advocacy

By taking part in the competitions, you can gain valuable experience and enhance your skills before competing in highly prestigious national and international competitions.

You can also get involved in various mooting competitions in London and the UK, where their students have a strong history of success.
 

Mooting

You will present legal arguments before superior courts in a fictional, contentious case. Each moot has a lead and junior counsel arguing each side of the dispute.

The exercise will develop your presentation and advocacy skills, both of which are essential in legal practice.

Two internal mooting competitions also run annually, one for first year undergraduates and one for all Law students. These are designed to help you build your confidence, improve your presentation skills and potentially win legal work experience placements. You can get valuable feedback and peer support, and there are even cash prizes for the winners.  

To further develop your legal skills, you can represent Sussex in national and international mooting competitions.

Advocacy

You can benefit from early training and practice for trial advocacy by taking part in criminal advocacy competitions and advocacy workshops.

You will get the opportunity to participate in both Sussex advocacy competitions (supported by local criminal defense barristers and the Crown Prosecution Service) and the national Blackstone’s Criminal Advocacy Competition. The competition involves running a trial, where you’ll examine witnesses and make special trial applications to judges.

Client interviewing

You will be able to gain experience of client interviewing, helping you to develop your fact-finding and interviewing skills.

You can get involved in workshops which prepare you for a client interviewing competition.

The final is judged by a panel which includes experienced solicitors from DMH Stallard. Winners receive work placements, cash prizes and go onto represent Sussex in the National Client Interviewing Competition.

Negotiation

You will have the opportunity to practice negotiating, where you role-play the negotiation situations you can expect to be in as a qualified solicitor.

To prepare you for negotiating competitions, you will take part in a series of negotiation workshops, run by legal professionals and faculty members. You can then participate in a negotiating competition sponsored by law firm DMH Stallard.

Winners of these competitions receive work placements and cash prizes and go on to represent Sussex at the National Competition in negotiating.
 

Mediation

These workshops will introduce you to the theory and practice of mediation and its application to a variety of scenarios. You will explore key issues around mediation, including:

• the role and nature of mediatory intervention
• different mediation styles and models
• the impact of emotions on mediation power imbalances.

You will then be involved in role-plays about the resolution of disputes through mediation from a range of different scenarios.

You could then go on to be selected for the National Mediation Competition.
 

Areas of Legal expertise at SUSSEX LAW SCHOOL

Sussex Law School’s teaching draws on this world-leading research, with research centres in Human Rights, Gender, Sustainability, Trade Policy, Crime, and Information Governance. The faculty has expertise across areas including family responsibilities, corporate social responsibility, environmental law, intellectual property, terrorism and violent extremism, and international law.
 

LIFE ON CAMPUS

The University of Sussex campus is just outside of Brighton and offers the perfect blend of campus life and enjoying the city.  Home to great facilities in a stunning location, the beautiful single-site campus is designed to help you make the most of your time here. It exudes a unique combination of energy and tranquility.  

Sussex’s campus boasts iconic Sixties architecture and natural landscapes, with fantastic facilities to meet all your needs. There are fantastic amenities, including a full healthcare centre, supermarket, post office, theatre, over 14 places to eat and drink, 3 sports facilities, and 24/7 security. It’s a small town for the Sussex community of around 15,000 students.  
 

STUDENT SUPPORT AT Sussex

Sussex is going to be here to support you along your journey:

When you’re applying and before you arrive.  

You can speak to their Canadian expert, Kasia, with 1-1 online appointments throughout the week: https://calendly.com/kasiasussex or drop her an email on k.symons@sussex.ac.uk Kasia frequently travels to Canada and can set up in person meetings with you.  

If you receive an offer from Sussex, you’ll be invited to a number of webinars designed to make your transition to life in the UK smooth and simple.  
 

During your studies:

Within the Law School:

You’ll have access to your academic advisor as well as frequent office hours throughout the week with the teachers of your modules. You will also have tailored-career support and study skills.  

Canadian students at Sussex benefit from two Canadian faculty members who are well-versed in the NCA process and also settling into life in the UK.  
 

Wider University support:

Whether you’re concerned about your studies, need financial or career advice or have emotional or health concerns, Sussex’s student support services are here to help.  

Guidance for all students:  

The Student Centre offers support on a range of welfare issues. They can help with:

• concerns affecting study progress
• health and wellbeing issues
• money matters
• improving your academic performance

You can drop in to the Student Centre during the week and book appointments with experienced advisers.
 

Careers support

To ensure you get the best possible start to life after University, Sussex offers specialist careers guidance, support to start a business, and opportunities to engage with employers. You will also have access to graduate, placement, internship and part-time job vacancies, as well as a menu of work experience exclusively for Sussex students.
 

Residential Life team

If you live in University-managed accommodation you can also speak to the Residential Life team. They offer welfare support and run a drop-in service on campus during the week. There is also an out-of-hours emergency support phone number to make sure you have all the help you need.
 

Disability support

You can also get advice if you have disabilities, mental health conditions, autism spectrum conditions and specific learning difficulties through their specialist support services.

Sussex’s network of expert staff includes support workers, mental health mentors, note-takers and dyslexia tutors.

This is available for students who have support needs before they come to Sussex, or who develop a condition or become unwell during their studies.
 

International student advice

At Sussex, you’ll join an international community of students and staff from more than 140 countries. Your support begins before you start at Sussex – they can help you apply for a visa and find out what to expect when you arrive.

Throughout your studies, you’ll be invited to activities and events to help you make new friends and settle into life in the UK.
 

Faith and spirituality

The Meeting House is the base for Sussex’s on-campus chaplaincy, with services spanning a range of faiths and denominations. The campus also has a Muslim Student Centre and prayer facility.

Sussex UNIVERSITY FACILITIES  

Sussex Law School is housed in the Freeman Centre on the northern edge of campus. It is a modern building and is where you’ll spend a lot of time as a Law student; most of your seminars will be in here. It is also where you’ll find your advisors’ offices for attending office hours or feedback sessions.

The Freeman Centre also has a Moot Room for you to put theory into practice. Additionally, you’ll find a student in common room to unwind in, a computer suite, a legal library and the School Office for assistance with your administrative needs.  
 

law societies and sports at Sussex University

Sussex Law School encourages you to engage with the University’s fantastic extra-curricular opportunities for both professional development and connecting with the Law School community. Societies are a great way to do that, and here are the ones at the Law School:  
 

Law Society

The University of Sussex Law Society exists to enhance the experience of law and non-law students. Their society's promise is to provide the members with the best possible opportunities in order to grow and flourish during their time at University. The USLS is a very active society in Sussex, running a vast array of social and career events, speakers’ events, workshops, the Law Ball and many more. This society grows continuously and is affiliated with law firms and recruitment agencies.
 

Canadian Students Law Society

A society focused on bringing together Canadian students studying law, for fun and professional development.
 

Women in Law Society:

The Women in Law Society is committed to making women feel empowered through support and collaboration with other students here at Sussex.

Their focus is on connecting students studying law or considering pursuing a career in law with a strong emphasis on the representation of women within the legal field, with an accessible and warm community where all interests are seen, heard and represented. Sussex prides itself on creating and sustaining a safe space for all opinions to be expressed and discussed.

Women in Law provides exposure to a diverse range of guest speakers, events and campaigns, including their Mentorship Scheme and Wellness Retreat and also aim to help members with legal opportunities through exposure to career opportunities and webinars.
 

Fashion Law Society

Discover where fashion meets the law. The Fashion Law Society explores the legal side of the fashion industry, from intellectual property to branding, and ethics. Whether you are interested in law, fashion, business, or just love style, this society gives you the chance to learn, connect, and network with like-minded students. Enjoy exclusive events plus access to their members-only newsletter featuring the latest fashion law updates.

Away from the Law School, you can immerse yourself in extra-curriculars with over 180 different options to try. During Welcome Week, their Freshers Fair will get you acquainted with all the options available that year, and you can sign up to as many as you find interesting.  

At Sussex, sport plays a big role in campus life, offering over 40 clubs for you to get involved in, from competition level teams to development and social options. Their Canadian cohort really immerse themselves in this arena, particularly their Lacrosse Teams! Sussex also has a dedicated Varsity event against their rival university in the spring; 2025 marked their 9th victory in a row!  
 

ACCOMMODATION AT Sussex

Moving somewhere new is an exciting part of student life, but it can also feel a little daunting. As you take the next step on your journey, Sussex can help you find the right place to call home. Sussex’s housing options are designed to suit your lifestyle and support your wellbeing, so you can start to settle in from day one. The University can also help you to explore the world beyond the University and learn about life in Brighton & Hove.  

There is a wide range of self-catered, single-roomed housing options to match your budget and your preferences. In each residence, your rent will cover all utilities, cleaning, security and contents insurance.  

Campus accommodation is guaranteed for your first year, and you can apply to live on campus for the rest of your degree. Alternatively, you are welcome to live in Brighton, which is an easy commute to campus.  
 

Canadian focus and InterNationalisation  

Sussex is an incredibly international university, with 30% of its students coming outside of the UK from over 150 different nations. Sussex’s international students are fully integrated into the University, with specialized support around visas and working to assist you settling in.  

The Canadian community is the second largest undergraduate international group at Sussex, and this mostly seen in the Law School. The 2024/25 academic year there were over 180 Canadian students studying in the Law school. You will be joining a community of like-minded career focused students studying Law at Sussex. 
 

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS

Each year, the university hosts the University of Sussex annual careers fair, bringing together representatives from leading law firms to meet with their current students. It’s a great opportunity for you to network with employers in your field.

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. The dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Recent Law students have gone on placements at:

• Mott MacDonald
• United Biscuits
• QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke

The Federation of Law Societies National Committee on Accreditation for Canada (NCA) regulates access to the legal profession from lawyers who have taken law degrees outside Canada. The NCA recognizes both the LLB Law degrees at Sussex. However, you need to achieve at least a 2:2 degree result and take Canadian Law exams in Canada.  
 

Internships and study abroad options

Sussex students can gain relevant work experience through an internship during their studies. If you are a second, third or final year undergraduate, you can apply for a Career Lab UK summer internship or the Online Global Summer Internship Programme which are paid internships exclusive to Sussex students.

Sussex also offers the opportunity to study abroad, to give you the opportunity to gain an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career.  
 

EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Sussex’s Careers and Entrepreneurship Team support you to maximize your employment potential. The team can help you build confidence, find and prepare for placements, polish CVs and network with relevant industries. They’ll help you develop skills to make you a real asset to employers – or even to be your own boss!

By studying Law at Sussex, you’ll join a vibrant community with an active student body, links with leading law firms and academics from around the world. You’ll make invaluable connections with peers and professionals from across the sector that could last a lifetime and open doors to your future career. You’ll be prepared – subject to completion of the necessary further qualifications – to practice law as a solicitor, a barrister or an in-house lawyer for a public limited company or a government agency.
 

STUDY IN Brighton

If you were asked to create the perfect student city, Brighton would be it. Recently voted for the Happiest UK city. This vibrant beach city with beautiful surroundings has everything you want.  

Brighton is a city of around 300,00 people, and is a young, busy city just an hour from London (by direct train). The city is well known for its dynamic, cosmopolitan environment with a sense of inclusivity- it’s a place where you can express yourself and be who you want to be, all just a few minutes from their campus.

Brighton’s seafront is the ideal place to soak up the sun in the summer or take bracing walks to clear your head on winter days. Along the seafront, you’ll find cafés, bars and nightclubs, as well as beach and water sports.

Away from the beach, you can enjoy a fantastic city life. The centre of Brighton has great shopping options, and you’ll find the true heart of the city in The Lanes. The Lanes is a maze of alleyways crammed with quirky boutiques, antique jewellery shops and tempting cafés, bars and restaurants. North Laine has one of the largest selections of independent shops on England’s South Coast and is a perfect spot to grab a coffee and watch the world go by.
 

Nightlife, Music and Culture

The city has some of the best club nights in the country, along with fantastic pubs, restaurants, independent cinemas and a great live music scene.

Music is a way of life in Brighton. Walk around the city and you might bump into legends past and present who’ve found a home in this unique location. With an estimated 500 bands in the city, and gigs every night of the week, you’re bound to find something for you.

Internationally, the city is known for The Great Escape, the UK’s leading showcase for new music.

Throughout May the city hosts England’s biggest arts festival. Brighton Festival features theatre, music, art and visual media by leading names from around the world. And all year round there are plays, art exhibitions, gigs and events at many of the theatres, pubs, museums and galleries in the city.

Brighton is a hub for the performing arts. Venues range from small theatres above pubs to The Theatre Royal, featuring West End productions.

Brighton is also home to the Duke of York’s Picture House, an art house cinema, which is claimed to be the oldest in the country. There are also two multiplex cinemas in the city.

Other major arts events include:

• Brighton Pride, the UK’s biggest LGBT pride festival
• Artists Open Houses, explore artists’ homes to browse and buy original artwork
• CINECITY, the region’s major celebration of film

The food scene in Brighton is top-tier, and is crammed with cafés, restaurants and coffee shops. Whether you want to dine in style or grab a cheap deal, take afternoon tea or try an award-winning curry, you’ll find something to suit your taste and your budget. Brighton also has some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country.
 

Sport

If you’re the sporty type, or just a spectator, the city has plenty of opportunities to get involved:

• the Amex Stadium, close to their campus, is home to Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club
• watch cricket at Sussex County Cricket Club in nearby Hove
• join over 12,000 other runners through the streets of Brighton for the Brighton Marathon – there’s also a half marathon in February
• ride the London to Brighton Bike Ride, where thousands of cyclists complete the 50-mile course from the capital to Brighton

The seafront is also a great place to get active, with sea swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, sailing and paddle boarding.
 

An international city

Grab some Mexican street food, try Pan-Asian fine dining or buy ingredients from an Afro-Caribbean or Asian supermarket. Brighton’s international community and culture mean you are never far from home comforts or trying something new.

You can go to a range of events that celebrate Brighton’s diversity, including:

• CINECITY, which showcases films from all over the globe
• Brighton’s range of expat groups, which host formal and informal events

There are also three mosques and an Islamic centre, Catholic and Anglican Churches, a Buddhist centre, four synagogues, and Greek and Coptic Orthodox churches in Brighton and the local area.
 

Why STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF Sussex

The University of Sussex is a place where research inspires teaching on all its courses. Students are empowered to play to their strengths and follow their passions.  

Sussex’s teaching and research lead to pioneering changes for people and the environment, shaping a better future for the world. Sussex offers a welcoming, beautiful, and friendly campus environment with all the support and opportunities that students need to succeed.

Sussex has held a global perspective since their inception, and you will be part of a vibrant community of over 150 nationalities.

Sussex enjoys an enviable location with a green and vibrant campus located in the beautiful South Downs National Park. The university is just an hour away from London by train, and less than a ten-minute train journey from the exciting coastal city of Brighton.