The University of Sunderland

Address and Location

Based in Sunderland city centre, students at UoS also enjoy access to long stretches of coastline and endless countryside to wander in. Considerable investment in recent years has paid off for the university; more students are applying for a place at the institution than ever before.

 

 

Background and History

The university's roots go back to the early twentieth century and the founding of Sunderland Technical College. Departments of Pharmaceutical Research and Naval Architecture were subsequently founded, and the institution gained full university status in 1992.

Location and Accessibility

By rail: High-speed rail links connect Sunderland to the majority of UK towns and cities. Students travelling from Newcastle are advised to use the Nexus Metro light railway service.

By Road: Travelling from North or South, take the A1 until Junction 62, then follow the A690 directly to the university campus.

Accessibility: Students with disabilities are well catered for at Sunderland. Most facilities are wheelchair-accessible and accommodation is provided for those with mobility issues.

What's on Offer

BA, BEng, BSc. BTEC, HNC, MSc, Advanced Diploma, Advanced Professional Diploma, MA, Graduate Certificate, PGDip

Entry Requirements

Students are expected to achieve a minimum of 260 UCAS points for entry onto most undergraduate programmes.

University Accommodation

Clanny House is the university's main hall of residence and provides a variety of single and shared rooms. International students are often allocated a room in The Forge, while most postgraduate students choose to live in Panns Bank.

Private Accommodation

Rentals in Sunderland are inexpensive compared to cities further south. Most desirable is the Eden Vale area of the city, while Chester and Hylton roads provide a cheaper alternative.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Academic standards in the fields of pharmacy, health, sports science, education, media, art, computing and technology are all high at UoS. The university's research in computer science, history and automotive engineering has all been classed as 'world standard'.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost between £7,500 and £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.  

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the UoS website for more details.

Academic Facilities

Most learning resources are housed at the modern Murray and St Peter's libraries. Computing facilities across the university are good and wi-fi is provided at all sites.  

Other on-site Amenities

Students are able to use a variety of on-campus cafes and bars. The university also owns Chester Road Sports Centre, which features a 25-metre swimming pool and well-equipped fitness room.    

Medical and Social Care

All new students are encouraged to register with a local doctor and dentist. The university embraces all faiths and provides students with an on-site chaplaincy.

 

What's on in the Area

Sunderland is host to a wealth of evening entertainment, while students looking for retail therapy can enjoy the Bridges indoor shopping mall in the city centre. The Lake District and Yorkshire Moors are within travelling distance for day-trips, offering some of the finest scenery in the country.

Moving on

Staff at the university careers centre help students secure work placements and volunteering opportunities. Mock interviews and aptitude tests are also available and regular job fairs are held to give local employers the chance to meet graduate recruits.

The university's radio platform is Spark FM, previously nominated as best student radio station in the country. Notable Sunderland alumni include television presenter Ortis Deley, songwriter Eric Boswell - who wrote 'Little Donkey' - and film director Tony Scott.  

Is Sunderland University the place for you?

For studentsseeking a life by the sea, Sunderland makes an attractive choice, especially for those wanting a career in the media and the arts. The city is inexpensive to live in, moreover, but this has its downsides; for similar universities in more affluent surroundings, consider the Universities of Kent or Buckingham instead.