University of Sunderland

United Kingdom

University of Sunderland

University of Sunderland was founded in 1901. It is a public research university in Sunderland in the North East of England. University has campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, and it facilitates nearly 20,000 students.  

University History

In 1901 University of Sunderland was founded. It initially began as a Sunderland Technical College, which was a municipal training college. The university was named as University of Sunderland in 1992. It started with four departments- Chemistry, Mechanical & Civil Engineering, Physics & Electrical Engineering and Commerce & Languages. Part-time lecturers were given for other subjects, ranging from Latin to navigation. The university began with 671 students in the first year. The physicist VA Mundella was longest-serving Principal of the institution and he was appointed in 1908 and served until his retirement in 1932. On 23 May 2008, the former Olympic athlete Steve Cram was appointed as Chancellor. on 10 July 2019, Singer and songwriter, Emeli Sandé was officially appointed as the University of Sunderland's new Chancellor.  In September 2019, the medical school was opened at university. On 24 September 2018, Sir David Bell became Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland.

University Programs, Courses and Schools

University of Sunderland has 21 schools and colleges located in its 4 campuses- City Campus, Sunderland, The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, Sunderland, University of Sunderland in London and University of Sunderland in Hong Kong. The campuses offer wide learning opportunities and challenges to the students. The 21 schools and colleges of the University of Sunderland are;

• Integrated Foundation Degrees
• Arts
• Business
• Computing
• Design
• Teacher Training and Education
• Engineering
• English
• Health and Clinical Sciences
• Journalism and PR
• Law
• Media
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Performing Arts
• Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Sciences
• Psychology
• Allied Health Professions and Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Sport and Exercise Sciences
• Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism

University Achievements

University of Sunderland is a well-known university in the UK. It was named University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 and We Care programme picked up the Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Progression) Award at the 2020 NEON awards. Times Higher Education ranked it #115 in the list. The University was recognised at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Awards 2008 in the field of Equality & Diversity in the Workplace.

University USP

University of Sunderland is famous as it is a world-leading in several areas of research, including pharmacy, engineering, sports and exercise sciences, education and social work. It was the first educational institution in the area to install a digital computer in the university.

University Notable Alumni

University of Sunderland’s alumni has expert alumni from different backgrounds who are there to serve based on their common passion and responsibility towards the university. Some of the alumni members of University of Sunderland are-

• Griselda Allan – English artist
• Mark Aslett - Public Company CEO
• Richard Billingham – English photographer and artist who is best known for his photobook Ray's A Laugh which documents the life of his alcoholic father Ray, and obese, heavily tattooed mother, Liz.
• Kerry Ann Christiansen – British actress who began her career in the popular British children's TV series Byker Grove.
• Steve Cram – Retired track and field athlete. Along with fellow Britons Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett, he was one of the world's dominant middle-distance runners during the 1980s.
• Terry Deary – British children's author of over 200 books, selling over 25 million copies in over 40 languages.
• Ortis Deley – English television presenter, radio DJ and actor.
• Carl Ivar Hagen – Norwegian politician and former Vice-President of the Norwegian Parliament.
• Goldie Harvey – Nigerian professional singer and a Big Brother Africa star.
• Jeanette Henderson - Author, academic, Specialist Lay Mental Health Tribunal judge, social worker, broadcaster.

University infrastructure & services

Campuses

City Campus, Sunderland-

Sunderland has a rich history and one of the United Kingdom’s lowest costs of living. City Campus at University of Sunderland is at the center of modern city. The university is home to main administration and support services, library, lecture halls, and excellent sport facilities at City Space. It is also a hub for the University’s Arts and Design courses and the Northern Centre of Photography. The Campus also houses the main Sciences provision, world-famous Pharmacy School, Living Labs, School of Nursing and the newly built School of Medicine.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, Sunderland-

The University of Sunderland’s riverside campus is just a few miles away from beautiful beaches.  The university is home to Business, Law, Tourism, Education and Social Sciences departments.  It is the university's main center for Computing and Engineering. The David Puttnam Media Centre on-campus houses a cinema, industry-standard TV studios, lecture halls and radio station. The place is also known for National Glass Centre, a famous center for glass design and innovation and the David Goldman Technology Centre which provides a high-tech computing environment.

University of Sunderland in London-

The University of Sunderland situated in London, is located near the Canary Wharf financial district. The campus provides courses in Business, Finance and Tourism, a health-related programme which includes Nursing, Health and Social Care courses. The students on this campus get the unique opportunity to live, work and study in an internationally-diverse city that is rich in culture and history. 

University of Sunderland in Hong Kong

University of Sunderland Hong Kong campus is located in Wyndham Street, overlooking Victoria Harbor. The university is home to various courses like- Business, Finance and Tourism.

Libraries-

The Murray Library (City Campus) and St. Peter's Library (Sir Tom Cowie Campus) at University of Sunderland is an important part of the educational experience and an invaluable resource for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but also for the broad community. The libraries offer a wide range of books and other materials and services to support academic studies and enhance research work at University of Sunderland. The library has a vast collection of books, e-journals and e-books etc. University libraries are focused to provide high-quality library resources, programs, and services to the students. The library provides flexible and well-equipped surroundings to everyone’s research and learning needs. The libraries support the student learning experience, creation and administration of knowledge, and also contribute to advancements in teaching and research programs.

Housing services-

On-campus-

University of Sunderland offers residential communities, where students from all over the country and the world live, learn and grow together. Students have an option to reside in the residential suites, the residence halls and selected apartments. There are 3 housing places present on campus are- Clanny House, Panns Bank and Scotia Quay. The University of Sunderland’s residential halls and apartments offer support and convenience, as well as opportunities for personal growth, cultural exploration, and interaction with all facilities and staff. The university’s residence halls are perfect for comfortable housing.  Students can select the room of their choice based on costs, hall facilities, location, availability. Through university’s affinity housing students can live in groups of like-minded students who share the same love for sports, literature, film and course. The various services offered in university’s residence halls are-

• Fully furnished rooms
• Large lounges with kitchens
• All-inclusive utilities
• Free Wi-Fi and cable TV
• Free laundry facilities
• Residence Life staff support
• Programming created around a residential curriculum
• 24-hour security and on-call housing staff

Off-campus- 

University of Sunderland assists students in finding off-campus housing near university’s campus. They provide convenient housing to students, faculty and staff nearby universities.

Medical services-

University of Sunderland provides medical services to students. The Health Services encourage students to live a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve their personal, academic and career goals. They also maintain an emergency response team which responds immediately to any accidents or injuries involving any person on campus. Primary and urgent healthcare, health clearances, routine women’s healthcare, emergency response and wellness education are all part of the services provided. The staff consists of certified physicians and nurses who are dedicated towards their work and provide high quality medical care to students.

Student’s clubs-

University of Sunderland offers more than 30 students’ clubs and organization which provide wide range of opportunities for students to engross themselves. The university offers everything students need to stay active on campus. Some of the clubs at University of Sunderland are-

• Archery
• Adventure
• Airsoft
• American Football
• Athletics
• Badminton
•  Basketball
• Cricket
• Dance
• Dodgeball
• Fencing
• Futsal
• Golf

These are just a few clubs and organizations listed above. There are many other options available to choose from and engross yourself in.

University location

• University of Sunderland, City Campus- Edinburgh Building, Chester Rd, Sunderland SR1 3SD
• University of Sunderland, Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s- Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's SR6 0DD
• University of Sunderland in London- 197 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SG
• The University of Sunderland in Hong Kong- 1 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong

Top Landmarks-

• Stadium of Light. Address: Millennium Way / Stadium Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 1SU, England, UK
• Hylton Castle
• Washington Old Hall
• Elephant Tea Rooms
• University of Sunderland
• Wearmouth Bridge.

International student’s info

Courses Offered-

University of Sunderland offers Undergraduate programs and Graduate programs. Some of the courses are-

• Graphic Design
• Forensic Psychology
• Law
• Journalism
• Computer Science
• Business Administration
• Data Science
• Nursing
• Cyber Security
• Foreign Languages
• Pharmacy
• Sociology

Student Support-

 The International Student Support Services Team at University of Sunderland provides international educational exchange via its services. It serves as the primary administrative, programming, and advising office for the international community. The office provides various services like-

• Immigration assistance and support to international students and exchange visitors through advising, programs, workshops and events.
• Serve as a guide for academic and administrative units in the collaboration, hiring and sponsorship of international students and exchange visitors.
• Provides on-going orientation and support services in a welcoming environment designed to help students in cultural adjustment.

Visa and Immigration Support-

There are two types of Visas for which students can apply if they want to study in United Kingdom UK-

Student Visa (SV)

This visa is for students over 16 years old who have been offered a place on a course that is longer than six months in length.

Short Term Study Visa (STSV)

This is the visa to use for short term courses such as an English Language course. It is not designed for doing research as part of a degree. These visas are normally valid for a period of either six months or eleven months.

International Student Contact-

Office address- University of Sunderland
Edinburgh Building
City Campus
Chester Road
Sunderland
SR1 3SD
United Kingdom

E-mail- [email protected] 

Phone- +44 (0)191 515 3000

Student life

Student society-

University of Sunderland’s student organizations or clubs are one of the best ideas to get involved in the campus. Organizations are assembled under an arrangement of causes, identities, and interests. Student organizations at the University of Sunderland put on some of the most highly awaited campus events and offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement and leadership every year. The University of Sunderland has over 30 student organizations, so there is something for each student.

Sports and fitness-

University of Sunderland provides activities that promote healthy lifestyles and fitness for a huge population of students, faculty and staff. The university provides various sports activities and fitness rooms to keep students fit and healthy.

Health & Wellbeing-

Health and Wellness at the University of Sunderland is to highlight the active process of change and growth that involves building resilience, persistence, and positivity in the phase of provocations. It is the initiative dedicated to help students incorporate in an overall well-being experience across campus. They allow students to actively indulge in well-being activities that provide support to a holistic lifestyle. Through this initiative, students will learn and understand resources and they will also learn how to help others in need.

Residential Life-

On-campus housing at the University of Sunderland can easily accommodate a huge population of students. The residence halls include Clanny House, Panns Bank and Scotia Quay. The on-campus housing offers Residential Based Learning Communities on designated floors, areas or buildings where students request to live near others that share an interest in a particular social cause or academic area.

Food & drink-

University of Sunderland provides a dining hall in the heart of the two campuses. The Studio is our main eatery on City Campus and The Riverside is our main eatery at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.  Dining is open to students, faculty, and staff. Dining plan offers different dining options which includes special dietary menus such as vegetarian and low-fat food. The plans are designed to fit the busy schedule of students, the plan assists all dietary preferences by providing a wide range of dining options and healthy food options. There are a number of cafes and restaurants available on-campus which provides a huge variety to students.

Short term getaways, weekend getaways

There are many short-term getaways near the University of Sunderland to have fun like-

• Roker Beach and Downey's Fish & Chips
• St Peter's Church
• National Glass Center
• Stadium of Light
• Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
• Mowbray Park
• Serendipity
• The Bridges Shopping Center and there are many other options also available to spend holidays and weekends.

Part time jobs

The Student Employment Services at University of Sunderland provides employment opportunities to students who want to earn money while studying to pay their expenses. The Office of Student Employment helps students find part-time work that not only builds their bank account, it is also on or near campus, and gives them a relevant and meaningful career experience which enhances their resume.

Student Safety

Crime Around the area-

University of Sunderland keeps safety at priority. University’s Police Department provides 24/7 assistance to deter crime, and to increase personal safety and building security. A security desk is located in the lobby of each residence hall, which assists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure the safety and identification of those entering and leaving the campus buildings. Students can call an officer to escort them anywhere on campus 24/7. The University is committed towards providing a safe, secure living and learning environment for all students, faculty and staff.

Famous courses

The famous courses at University of Sunderland are-

• arts and creative
• sciences
• computing
• engineering
• manufacturing
• sport education
• law
• tourism 

Campus recruitment

Process-

The Career and Placement Team at University of Sunderland has an award-winning placement team that is dedicated to supporting students throughout their placement search. The university hosts recruitment events and fairs to provide jobs to students.

Application Requirements

• Create a new account
• Completed Application Form
• Submit required support documents
• Academic Records
• Pay the application fee 
• Statement of Purpose
• Recommendations
• Standardized Test Scores