I feel I've made the best decision in choosing Sunderland to complete my degree. All the staff regardless of position are brilliant. The facilities are to notch, computers are available throughout the campus. There is good catering facilities.
Overview
The University of Sunderland offers a great student experience, so much so that it was ranked 1st in the north east for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024). The university is proud to have a diverse international community, and its friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Sunderland itself is a city committed to building a sustainable, connected and innovative city. The council is investing in a City Plan to support the city and its residents through to 2030, meaning students can benefit from these improvement plans. Many students stay in Sunderland after graduation, so you might find your long-term home here!
The city sports a range of cafes, independent retailers and a bustling high street to cater to students’ needs. It also has plenty of bars and clubs to dance the night away, and with a large student population, you can rest assured that there’ll never be a dull night.
Sunderland is easily accessible from a range of UK and international destinations. There are direct trains from London and Edinburgh to the city centre rail station, and it’s also easily accessible by road from the A1(M), A184, A690 and A19. Internationally, both Newcastle Airport and Teesside Airport are both less than an hour’s drive away, and Newcastle Airport is reachable by metro.
Courses and lecturers
4.4Course rating
4.4Course content rating
4.2Lecturers and Teaching quality rating
The University of Sunderland offers some undergraduate courses on a part-time basis, and also offers foundation years for a lot of its subjects, allowing students to personalise their courses to suit their needs. They also offer a range of courses at Partner Centres, allowing for greater flexibility in the location of study.
Some subjects also offer you the chance to get work experience by undertaking a placement. This placement could be a short placement, or it could be the option to undertake a year-long placement, known as a year in industry.
As well as being able to tailor your mode and location of study, some courses at the University of Sunderland offer the chance to study abroad. Studying abroad with the University of Sunderland usually does not extend the time it would take to complete your degree. You may have the chance to study abroad for summer, one semester, or a year.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements at the University of Sunderland vary between courses. We’ve provided a sampling here to give you an idea of the typical offers, and whether they match up to your expectations.
LLB Law typically requires 112–120 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent qualification, and three passes (C/4 or above) in GCSE subjects, including maths and English language.
BSc Psychology states that applicants should have, or be predicted to receive, 104–120 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent and hold three passes (C/4 or above) at GCSE including maths and English language.
For BA English and Professional Writing, you should be expected to achieve 112 UCAS points from two A-levels or equivalent, alongside three GCSE passes (C/4 or above) including maths and English language. Students from non-traditional entry routes are welcomed and will be asked to supply a writing sample from previous experience.
Entry requirements are subject to change, and offers are made on the basis of a range of factors. Published entry requirements and typical offers are a guide only. Please contact the university if you have any questions.
Accommodation & facilities
3.9Halls rating
4.3Facilities rating
All University of Sunderland accommodation is inclusive of utility bills, internet, and personal possessions insurance. Prices in university-owned accommodation start from just £77.79 a week for a medium room or room in a two-person flat at Clanny House. Rooms here feature single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, bookshelf and washbasin. For students who wish to live with their partner, Scotia Quay offers one-bed flats for £132.39 a week. The university also has a limited number of family houses suitable for up to two adults and two children available for rent. These are £154.25 per week.
All halls at the University of Sunderland are self-catered, meaning students will have access to a kitchen equipped with cooker, sink, fridge/freezer to prepare and eat food. All accommodations also have access to a coin-operated laundry facility. In addition, there’s free transport between all accommodations and the two Sunderland campuses.
The University of Sunderland guarantees accommodation to all first-year students, subject to terms and conditions.
A wide range of private accommodation is available in the area for students who aren’t living in university-owned accommodation.
GGauravReviewed 24 Jan 24
Applied Cybersecurity MSc
The lecturers are helpful and keep finding new ways to engage the students.
The are of improvement is to ensure the...
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Job prospects
4.1Career prospects rating
The University of Sunderland offers its students ‘Sunderland Futures’, which is its umbrella term for all its assistance and support relating to careers. Sunderland Futures offers current students careers advice, CV and application support, interview guidance and masterclasses with industry experts. It also lists a range of vacancies including part-time jobs, summer jobs, paid and unpaid placements and internships, and graduate roles.
Sunderland Futures aims to help you get experience and skills to help you stand out from other graduates and applicants. Their latest opportunities, tips and events are all advertised on their social media accounts.
Support is available online as well as in-person, so students can access support around a busy lifestyle. Online, you can get information on jobs, CV support, ask questions, book events and access Sunderland Futures On Demand, which covers CV advice and also provides access to learning and training courses.
Scholarships and funding
The university has a range of scholarships and bursaries on offer for undergraduate students. Some are awarded automatically, while others must be applied for. Scholarships awarded automatically include the ‘Just Add You’ scholarship, supporting students from Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands and Islands of Scotland and the Off Campus Fee Waiver, offering a fee discount to any students studying a University of Sunderland course at a Partner College.
Scholarships and bursaries that undergraduate students can apply for include the University of Sunderland Scholarship for students who made a big improvement between GCSE and Level 3, the University of Sunderland Bursary for students from under-represented backgrounds, and the We Care bursary for estranged students or care-leavers.
As well as these, there are a range of subject-specific scholarships and bursaries available, and the university also has a Student Financial Guidance team who offer one-to-one support and advice on financial matters.
You'll be shocked by the number of clubs and societies on offer at University of Sunderland. There's something for everyone! As well as being able to pick different clubs and societies, most courses let you choose modules at different points through your degree.
As well as personalising your course through optional modules, you may have the chance to do a work placement during your studies. Developing your professional skills through work placements is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employability.
What can you do with a degree from University of Sunderland?
If you want a job you love (and who doesn't?), getting a job in a field you're passionate about is a great place to start. By studying a subject you really enjoy, you'll be qualified for a range of jobs relating to that subject, which you'll hopefully love.
For those who aren't ready to give up on education after an undergraduate degree, you'll have the opportunity to progress to postgraduate study such as a master's or even a PhD.
What accommodation does University of Sunderland offer?
University of Sunderland's accommodation is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. All your bills are included in your rent, you'll have free WiFi and your rent also includes security and maintenance.
You'll have access to communal areas like kitchen and dining facilities, where you can socialise with other students you're living with. Disabled students will find several rooms adapted in accessible halls to suit a range of access requirements.