During registration we ask all new students to complete a criminal convictions declaration. This allows us to fulfil our safeguarding obligations to everyone in our community.

Our criminal convictions policy

We believe that an unspent criminal conviction should not automatically prevent you from studying at the University of Sussex. Consequently, we don’t ask about criminal convictions as part of the application process (except in the small number of professional courses in our School of Education and Social Work) and will assess your application on academic suitability (without reference to any previous convictions).

However, we have a duty of care to the whole University community, so we will ask you, when you arrive at the University, if you have any relevant, unspent convictions as part of the registration process.

Certain criminal convictions may result in your registration being stopped or suspended, or conditions being imposed upon you to allow your registration to proceed.

Evaluation of your criminal convictions disclosure will be undertaken by the University’s Criminal Convictions Panel.

If you know during the admissions process that you will need to declare a relevant, unspent criminal conviction when you arrive to register, you should contact the University immediately after receiving your offer (and certainly before accepting it) to make a self-declaration. This will enable your case to be considered well in advance of registration so that you know what (if any) implications your conviction will have on your ability to register with Sussex.

If you are eligible to apply for a place in University-managed accommodation, we will also ask you about relevant, unspent criminal convictions during the housing application process. Certain criminal convictions may prevent or limit your access to University-managed housing.

  • Criminal Convictions Panel: Draft terms of reference (2026)

    Draft terms of reference (2026)

    1. Purpose

    The Criminal Convictions Panel is responsible for assessing cases where applicants or students have disclosed a criminal conviction, or where a conviction has come to light. The Panel will determine the appropriate course of action in accordance with the University’s Criminal Convictions policy and regulatory obligations.


    2. Remit

    a) To determine the admission status of an applicant who:

    • has declared a criminal conviction upon application, or
    • acquires a criminal conviction after receiving an offer, or
    • has a conviction come to light after receiving an offer.

    The Panel will decide whether the applicant should:

    • be admitted,
    • be admitted with stated conditions, or
    • be refused admission.

    b) To assess applications for courses requiring an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where the student/applicant has:

    • disclosed any convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that would appear in an enhanced DBS check, or
    • had such information come to light after receiving an offer but before registration.

    The Panel will decide whether the applicant should:

    • be admitted,
    • be admitted with stated conditions, or
    • be refused admission.

    c) To validate a decision to refuse admission where a prior conviction would prevent an applicant from securing a professional placement.

    d) To review cases where a current student acquires and discloses a criminal conviction (either during the annual re-registration process or at any other point during their studies) or where a previously undisclosed conviction comes to light. The Panel will decide:

    • if the student’s studies were interrupted due to intermission, whether they should be permitted to resume their studies (with or without conditions);
    • if the student’s studies were not interrupted, whether they should be permitted to continue their registration (with or without conditions).

    For students on a social work course, if a conviction is acquired or comes to light, the Termination of Training procedures take precedence. If termination is not enacted, any decision regarding the conviction must be validated by the Criminal Convictions Panel.

    e) Where any applicant/student is subject to an Order of a Criminal Court, including Probation, or is a serving prisoner, or on Prison Licence, including day release from an open prison:

    • to decide and direct what appropriate disclosure is made within the University to manage risk, support the student, and comply with any requirements of the Order/Licence/Sentence. This may include (but not be limited to) the Executive Dean, Associate Dean for Education & Students and the Head of Faculty Operations
    • to establish what reporting (if any) is needed between the University and any Statutory Authority operating the Order/Licence/Sentence and whether appropriate arrangements can be arranged, managed and resourced within the University
    • to set up an effective channel of communication to provide any necessary reporting by the University (usually the Faculty admitting the student) and the Statutory Authority operating the Order/Licence/Sentence

    f) to liaise with the Student Discipline Team as appropriate.


    3. Panel composition

    The CCP will be composed of:

    • Chair (appointed by the Vice-Chancellor or their nominee) - to lead discussions and ensure decisions align with University policy and values.
    • Lead for University Housing Services (or their nominee) – to provide expertise on the impact of decisions on student accommodation.
    • Director for the Student Experience (or their nominee) and/or
    • Director for Student Support and Wellbeing (or their nominee) – to advise on support and wellbeing considerations, particularly for applicants with additional needs or vulnerabilities.

    The following members will be appointed by the Chair for a three-year term renewable term. Each can delegate to a nominee with the consent of the Chair:

    • one member of staff from the Law Department with admissions experience – to provide legal expertise and ensure compliance with University policies and legal obligations
    • one member of staff from the Education or Social Work departments – to provide insight into the implications for students on these courses and policies where applicable
    • one Trade Union representative with health and safety experience – to ensure decisions prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the University community.

    The following members will be appointed by the Chair for the duration of their time in role:

    • two elected full-time Students’ Union officers (one being the Wellbeing Officer) - to represent the student voice and advocate for students’ mental health and wellbeing.

    Advisory (Non-Voting) Attendees:

    • a Student Discipline Team member (advisory capacity) – to provide procedural and best practice guidance.
    • a Student Casework Officer (secretary) – to take minutes and manage meeting logistics.

     

    4. Guidance and Procedures

    The Panel will follow the procedures outlined in the Guidance for the Criminal Convictions Appeal Panel when reviewing and determining cases.


    5. Appeals

    Panel decisions can be appealed. Appeals must be submitted to the Chief Operating Officer via criminal-convictions@sussex.ac.uk within 10 days of the outcome. Further details are set out in the Guidance for the Criminal Convictions Appeal Panel.

  • Guidance and procedures for the Criminal Convictions Panel and Criminal Convictions Appeal Panel (2026)

    1. Introduction

    This guidance should be read alongside the University’s Criminal Convictions policy.

    If an applicant or a registered student discloses a relevant, unspent criminal conviction, or if the University becomes aware of such a conviction, the Criminal Convictions Panel (CCP) will convene to assess the case. The CCP will determine whether the individual should be permitted to register or continue on their course, whether any conditions should be imposed, or if no action is necessary.

    This document outlines:

    • the remit and membership of the CCP
    • procedures for convening the CCP
    • the decision-making process and risk assessment
    • potential outcomes
    • the appeals process.

    The objective is to ensure fair, transparent, and consistent decision-making, balancing the safety and welfare of the University community with the educational aspirations of applicants and students. Where the applicant or student is a serving prisoner, a further objective is to support the reporting requirements of the prison, where possible, to facilitate the course attendance requirements.

    In this document, the term ‘student’ includes prospective students and applicants.


    2. Remit of the CCP

    The CCP will consider cases involving prospective or registered students who:

    • hold an offer from the University and disclose a relevant, unspent conviction before registration, or where the University becomes aware of such a conviction. This will include students who are on temporary prison licence
    • apply for a course requiring an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and disclose convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings that would appear on an enhanced DBS check
    • acquire a relevant, unspent criminal conviction during their studies and disclose it to the University (either at annual re-registration or at another point), or where the University becomes aware of such a conviction.

    The University defines relevant unspent convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended). This includes:

    • a conviction for any serious violent, sexual, or terrorist offences listed in Schedule 18 of the Sentencing Act 2020, which resulted in imprisonment (or detention in a young offender institution) for over 4 years or a public protection sentence (of any length). NB: these convictions are never spent
    • any conviction where a penalty of over four years imprisonment (or detention in a young offender institution) was imposed and where release from prison was within the last seven years (three and a half years for people aged under 18 when convicted)
    • any conviction where a penalty of between one to four years imprisonment (or detention in a young offender institution) was imposed and where release from prison was within the last four years (two years for people aged under 18 when convicted)
    • any conviction where a penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment (or detention in a young offender institution) was imposed and where release from prison was within the last 12 months (six months for people aged under 18 when convicted)
    • any conviction resulting in a Probation/Community/Youth Rehabilitation Order for the duration of that Order
    • any conviction where a penalty of a fine was imposed within the last 12 months (six months for people aged under 18 when convicted)
    • a Diversionary/Conditional/Youth Caution that was imposed within the last three months.

    Convictions from outside England & Wales that correspond to these offences must also be disclosed if they are unspent. Detailed guidance on what constitutes an unspent conviction is available here Spent and Unspent Convictions | Criminal Record Advice | Nacro (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders)

    Convictions that are spent, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended), are outside the CCP’s remit and do not need to be disclosed. It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether their conviction is unspent and, if so, disclose it to the University.


    3. Convening the CCP

    3.1. Membership

    The CCP will be composed of:

    • Chair (appointed by the Vice-Chancellor or their nominee)
    • Head of University Housing Services (or their nominee)
    • Director for the Student Experience (or their nominee) and/or
    • Director for Student Support and Wellbeing (or their nominee).

    The following members will be appointed by the Chair for a three-year renewable term. Each can delegate to a nominee with the consent of the Chair:

    • one member of staff from the Law Department with admissions experience
    • one member of staff from the Education or Social Work departments
    • one Trade Union representative with health and safety experience.

    The following members will be appointed by the Chair for the duration of their time in role:

    • two elected full-time Students’ Union Officers (one being the Wellbeing Officer).

    Advisory (non-voting) attendees:

    • a Student Discipline Team member (to clerk and provide advice on policy & procedure)
    • a Student Casework Officer (Secretary).

    3.2. Quorum

    A minimum of four members, including the Chair and one elected Students’ Union Officer, must be present for decision-making.

    3.3. Administration

    Minutes of the meeting will be taken by the Secretary, who will also assist the Chair with any other administrative matters.

    3.4. Awareness and training for CCP members

    CCP members must have read and be familiar with:

    • the University’s Criminal Convictions Policy
    • the University’s Criminal Convictions Panel Terms of Reference - 2025-26 (currently in draft form)
    • the University’s Housing Policy on Criminal Convictions
    • the UCAS advice and Good Practice Guide
    • the Unlock Guidance and Toolkit (Unlock is supported by the Bruno Schroder Trust and works to encourage more universities to offer fair admissions and recognise students with criminal records as a widening participation group. Their guidance was created in close collaboration with UCAS and represents best practice in the sector).

    CCP members are encouraged to stay up to date with statutory requirements including UCAS guidance changes. Members can request training at any time by informing the Chair.

    3.5. Timeframe

    The Chair will endeavour to schedule a Panel meeting within 21 days of receiving notice of the case. If a longer time period is necessary, the student will be notified as soon as possible.

    The Chair may (but is not required to) exercise a discretion to defer the Panel until the conclusion of any further ongoing criminal proceedings against the student and will inform the student of the reasons for any deferment.

    The Panel will usually take precedence over any University Disciplinary process and need not be delayed for internal Disciplinary Proceedings unless the Chair decides that exceptional circumstances exist that require this, in which case the student will be informed.

    3.6. Preliminary review

    Upon receiving notice of a case, a case pack will be provided to panel members at least seven days before the meeting. This will include:

    • details of the relevant criminal conviction
    • applicable University policies
    • the student’s UCAS application or postgraduate application form
    • a risk assessment form (Annex A)
    • written representations from the student
    • a statement from the student’s probation officer (if applicable)
    • a statement from the prison confirming the terms of the temporary licence (if the student is a serving prisoner intending to study on day release).

    Panel members must review the case pack before the Panel meeting. If a member cannot attend, they may submit questions or observations to the Chair in advance.


    4. Decision-making process

    4.1. Meeting and case deliberation

    The CCP will meet and consider:

    • risks to student, staff and community safety and any reputational risks to the University (based on the risk assessment)
    • the severity, number and nature of the conviction(s)
    • circumstances at the time of the offence and any relevant information as to whether their circumstances have changed since the conviction
    • the student/applicant’s age at the time of the offence (this is not necessarily the same as the date of the conviction, which can be some time after the offence)
    • the student/applicant’s age at the time of their conviction (this will impact when the conviction is spent and may affect consideration of the offence)
    • rehabilitation efforts (e.g. treatment programmes, therapy) and steps taken by the student to minimise the risk of re-offending
    • time elapsed since the conviction
    • personal and professional support in place for the student/applicant
    • in the case of applicants, their motivations and reasons to apply to study the course
    • whether the student is under supervision by the Probation Service (or other statutory authority), and if so, the views of the probation officer, including (if provided) their assessment of the potential for re-offending. Also, if there are any reporting requirements and, if so, whether appropriate arrangements can be arranged, managed and resourced within the University (see CCP Terms of Reference 1(e)).
    • whether the applicant is a serving prisoner and if so, what the proposed terms of the temporary licence will be, what disclosure is needed within the University, what reporting is required to the prison and whether appropriate arrangements can be arranged, managed and resourced within the University (see CCP Terms of Reference 1(e))
    • if the conviction was self-disclosed, or if the conviction otherwise came to the University’s attention
    • the impact on the student if admission or continuation is refused.

    4.2. Risk assessment

    The CCP must assess whether the student can safely be part of the University community. A risk assessment will be completed using the risk assessment form (Annex A) and will be completed during the CCP review of the case. The CCP must consider any risks:

    • to the student themselves
    • to the University community
    • to the wider community
    • to the reputation of the University.

    The risk assessment should be drafted after consultation with the Executive Dean, Associate Dean for Education & Students and the Head of Faculty Operations for the Faculty where the student/applicant is proposing to study. Consideration will be needed by the Faculty of any academic and operational risk factors which may affect the decision, including what conditions are appropriate.

    If the student/applicant is on a court order or is on license from prison, including a temporary licence, the risk assessment should include any advice on risk and address any stated conditions or requirements of the relevant statutory authority supervising that licence (see also 3.6 above).

    4.3 Legal and psychological advice

    For complex cases, the Chair may seek guidance from:

    • the University’s Office of General Counsel.
    • a mental health specialist or psychologist (only in exceptional circumstances), for guidance regarding the applicant’s health circumstances.

     

    5. Outcomes

    5.1. Possible decisions

    Based on the deliberations and risk assessment, the CCP shall determine which of the following is the most appropriate outcome:

    • admission (with or without conditions)
    • refusal of admission
    • rescinding an offer of admission
    • continued registration (with or without conditions)
    • withdrawal from the University
    • transfer to an alternative course
    • deferral of studies (with or without conditions, until the conviction is spent).

    5.2. Conditions

    Conditions may include, but are not limited to:

    • regular meetings with a designated advisor
    • restrictions to access of certain facilities or activities
    • a requirement to live off campus or other relevant housing decisions
    • non-contact orders between students
    • continual observation of external probation conditions
    • continual observation of prison licence conditions by the student
    • consent to the observation of prison licence conditions by the University, including but not limited to establishing a defined channel of communication to provide any necessary reporting by the University (usually the Faculty admitting the student) to the Statutory Authority operating the temporary licence.

    Non-compliance with conditions may result in disciplinary action, suspension and/or withdrawal from their course.

    5.3. Support

    If a student is admitted or permitted to continue their studies, the CCP will ensure they receive appropriate support to help them succeed at the University. This includes providing relevant information about the University’s support and wellbeing services.

    5.4. Timeframe

    The University will use its best endeavours to notify the student of the outcome of the Panel, including the grounds for the decision, in writing within seven days of the outcome being determined. However, in more complex or serious cases, the University may extend this timeframe where necessary.


    6. Student submissions, representation and face-to-face meetings

    6.1. Student submissions

    Students have the right to submit written representations to the CCP. These must be no longer than 1,000 words and submitted within seven working days of being notified of the referral to the CCP. Representations should include:

    • a statement of their case
    • any supporting evidence or character references
    • information on any rehabilitation efforts
    • any probation/licence conditions
    • any temporary licence requirements to facilitate day release from prison.

    6.2. Face-to-face meetings

    At the Panel’s discretion, a face-to-face meeting may be offered (either in person or remotely) to allow the student to provide additional information and enable the CCP to make a fully informed assessment.

    If a student is invited to a face-to-face meeting, attendance is voluntary. However, attending provides an opportunity to present further information and respond to any questions from the CCP. Students invited to a meeting will be given the opportunity to provide a short verbal statement.

    6.3 Representation

    The CCP will want to hear from the applicant/student directly so representation, including legal representation, is not required or permitted. This includes written student submissions and face-to-face meetings. If a meeting is offered, the student or applicant may be accompanied by a person of their choice for support, advice and assistance, not representation.


    7. Appeals process

    7.1. Grounds for appeal

    The University recognises that the requirements to declare a criminal conviction may have a different impact on applicants and current students. The following grounds of appeal are available.

    Applicants may appeal a decision on the grounds that:

    • there were procedural irregularities in the decision-making process that had a material effect on the outcome
    • new evidence has become available that was not previously accessible and could not reasonably have been submitted earlier.

    Current students may appeal a decision on the grounds that:

    • there were procedural irregularities in the decision-making process that had a material effect on the outcome
    • new evidence has become available that was not previously accessible and could not reasonably have been submitted earlier
    • the outcome was unreasonable based on the weight of the evidence considered.

    7.2. Appeal submission and timeframe

    Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Chief Operating Officer (via CConReg@sussex.ac.uk) within 10 days of receiving notification of the CCP’s decision. Appeals should include:

    • the grounds for appeal
    • supporting evidence.

    7.3. Consideration by the Chief Operating Officer

    The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will review the appeal to determine whether:

    • it has been submitted within the 10-day timeframe
    • in the COO’s reasonable opinion, there is a real prospect of success on one or more of the grounds of appeal, or there is another compelling reason why the appeal should be considered.

    If conditions are met, the appeal will be referred to the Criminal Convictions Appeal Panel (“the Appeal Panel”). If not, the CCP’s decision will stand, and the appeal will not proceed.

    7.4. Appeal panel composition

    If an appeal is referred to an Appeal Panel, it will be chaired by the Chief Operating Officer, who will appoint two additional members from the following:

    • a Pro Vice-Chancellor
    • a Director of a Professional Services Division
    • an Executive Dean, Head of School or other senior academic
    • one elected Officer of the Students’ Union.

    Panel members must not have been involved in the original CCP decision. They will be required to familiarise themselves with the relevant policies in accordance with section 3.4 above.

    7.5. Appeal meeting

    The Chair will use their best endeavours to convene the Appeal Panel within 28 days of accepting the appeal. At least seven days before the meeting, the Panel will receive the relevant papers, including:

    • the documents presented to the CCP
    • the risk assessment carried out by the CCP
    • the minutes of the CCP hearing
    • the appeal submission by the student/applicant.

    The Appeal Panel will conduct a paper-based review of the CCP’s decision. In most cases, the Panel will not need to meet with the student, unless there are exceptional circumstances (such as this being required as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010). Depending on the grounds of appeal, the Appeal Panel may choose to conduct an additional risk assessment, but is not obliged to and may rely on the CCP’s risk assessment.

    7.6. Appeal outcomes

    Following its review, the Appeal Panel may:

    • uphold the original decision
    • uphold the decision but impose different conditions
    • overturn the decision and/or remove any conditions.

    7.7. Final decision and completion of procedures

    The Appeal Panel’s decision is final and will usually be communicated in writing to the student, including the reasons for the decision, within seven days of the appeal meeting. This will be the completion of the University’s own procedures.

    If an enrolled student is dissatisfied with the outcome, they may submit a complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).


    8. General guidance

    8.1. Transparency and fairness

    All processes must be conducted in a fair manner in accordance with the published Policy and Guidance, which is available to all Applicants and Students.

    8.2. Data protection and confidentiality

    When processing personal data, the CCP will comply with the University’s Data Protection Policy. Any processing of criminal conviction data will typically follow the individual’s consent and will adhere to the University’s Appropriate Policy Document.

    If reporting conditions are imposed with external agencies (e.g., to support a student who is on licence, including a temporary licence from a prison), a channel of communication will be set up at the CCP between nominated University staff and the external agency.

    8.4. Support services

    Students will have the benefit of the University support services, including wellbeing, counselling and Students’ Union advice, at all stages of the process.

    Applicants can request directions to support services available outside the University.

    The University provides consultation services for both Students and Applicants seeking guidance on alternative educational pathways. These consultations should be scheduled promptly to allow for timely decision-making. Any student who is refused admission or withdrawn can be referred to these services.

    8.5. Continuous review

    The CCP’s Terms of Reference and procedures will be periodically reviewed to ensure they remain relevant, effective and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.

    8.6. Training

    CCP and Appeal Panel members must familiarise themselves with relevant materials and guidance concerning criminal convictions, as outlined in section 3.


    9. Records, monitoring and compliance

    9.1. Follow-up procedures

    Where appropriate, the CCP shall instruct the Director of the Student Experience Division to implement measures to monitor compliance with any conditions imposed for admission or continued registration. This may include the establishment of communication channels with external agencies, including, but not limited to, the Prison, Police and Probation Services.

    9.2. Record keeping

    All discussions and decisions will be documented, including:

    • a summary of the case and the completed risk assessment form
    • considerations and rationale for the decision
    • any conditions imposed (if applicable)
    • any dissenting opinions
    • minutes of the CCP meeting.

    Records will be processed and stored in accordance with the University’s Records Management Policy and the associated Master Records Retention Schedule, which outlines retention periods for different categories of records.


    10. Feedback mechanism

    The CCP will endeavour to periodically collect feedback from applicants and students regarding their experience with the process. This feedback will be used to improve the criminal convictions policy, procedures and support services.


    11. Breach of conditions of admission or continued registration

    If a student breaches any conditions of their admission or continued registration, this will be addressed in accordance with the Student Discipline Regulation 2.


    12. Course fees and refunds

    If a student is withdrawn, any tuition fee or accommodation refunds will be processed in line with the University's fee refund policies.

What are relevant, unspent convictions?

“Relevant” convictions are:

  • any kind of violence including (but not limited to) threatening behaviour, offences concerning the intention to harm or offences which resulted in actual bodily harm
  • offences listed in the Sex Offences Act 2003
  • the unlawful supply of controlled drugs or substances, where the conviction concerns commercial drug dealing or trafficking
  • offences involving firearms
  • offences involving arson
  • offences listed in the Terrorism Act 2006.

Where a conviction for an equivalent offence has been received outside England & Wales, the conviction from that other jurisdiction is also considered to be ‘relevant’ and must be disclosed if it is not ‘spent’.

Convictions that are ‘spent’ – as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended) – or will be spent at the point of starting the course of study do not need to be declared. If you are uncertain as to whether your conviction is spent, please seek independent advice.

How do I self-declare?

In your offer letter, you will be alerted to the fact that the University asks about relevant, unspent criminal convictions at registration and that, under our Terms and Conditions, you need to declare these.

If you have a relevant, unspent conviction then, after you receive your offer, you should complete the self-declaration form. You can provide us with details of your situation, and this will then be considered by our Criminal Convictions Panel.

The Panel will write to you after it has considered your case in order to tell you of any implications that your conviction will have on your registration at Sussex.

You can then make an informed decision about whether to accept or decline our academic offer of a place.

Processing of your personal data will be carried out in accordance with our data protection policy [PDF 213KB] and privacy notice.

complete self-declaration form

What if my course has a Disclosing and Barring Service (DBS) check already?

Some of our courses in the School of Education and Social Work require all students to complete an enhanced Disclosing and Barring Service (DBS) check as a condition of entry.

For these courses (in Education or Social Work), our application process for those who are academically qualified includes a requirement for a full declaration of all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are held on the Police National Computer and would appear in an enhanced Disclosing and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you look suitable based on your application, you’ll need to complete a criminal convictions declaration form, which must be completed and returned. As these courses work with children and vulnerable adults, the selection and interview process includes consideration of any convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.

Any recommendations for an offer will be considered by the Criminal Convictions Panel for approval. Any offer made will then be conditional on a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

At registration, you would still be asked the same question about relevant, unspent criminal convictions as all other students (despite the separate DBS requirement).

Can I still apply for housing?

All applicants who are eligible to apply for University-managed accommodation under our housing guarantee will be sent details of our online housing application at the appropriate point in the admissions cycle.

You can still apply for housing, but the housing application includes the same declaration about relevant, unspent criminal convictions. The Panel will need to consider your housing application, and certain convictions may result in the University not being able to offer you accommodation (or there may be conditions placed on your access to University-managed housing).

Read the University housing convictions policy [PDF 157KB].

What if I need to apply for a visa to study in the UK?

Regardless of the decision made by the University, if you are applying for a visa to study in the UK, you will be asked by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if you have any criminal convictions (including traffic convictions) obtained in any country.

Any information provided will be considered by UKVI as part of your visa application and certain convictions can lead to a visa refusal.

This is entirely separate to the University’s own consideration of relevant, unspent criminal convictions.

Find visa advice on the Student Hub.

What if I get a conviction before I start?

If you acquire a relevant, unspent criminal conviction at any stage after your offer, you should email criminal-convictions@sussex.ac.uk immediately in order to make a self-declaration which will be considered by the Criminal Convictions Panel.

If you have any questions, contact:

complete self-declaration form

What if I get a conviction during my studies?

If you acquire a relevant, unspent criminal conviction at any stage of your studies, you should email criminal-convictions@sussex.ac.uk immediately in order to make a self-declaration which will be considered by the Criminal Convictions Panel.

See more from Registration for new students