University of Sunderland
Sunderland, United Kingdom • Founded 1969 • World Rank #2365
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1992, the University of Sunderland is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Sunderland (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North East England.
This institution also has a branch campus in London and Hong Kong. Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, University of Sunderland is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution.
University of Sunderland offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 32-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
University of Sunderland also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit University of Sunderland? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
The basic academic profile of University of Sunderland, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.
Academic Structures
University of Sunderland's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.
Unit 4 items
- Faculty of Applied Science
- Faculty of Arts, Design, Media
- Faculty of Business and Law
- Faculty of Education and Society
Degrees
The degree levels available at University of Sunderland — bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and others — are organised below. Each tier signals a different depth of specialisation and minimum study duration.
Doctoral 7 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Fine Arts
- Law
- Management
- Natural Sciences
- Tourism
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Applied Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Sports
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts, Design, and Media (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ceramic Art
- Dance
- Design
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Journalism
- Music
- Photography
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
- Theatre
- Video
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Law (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
- Human Resources
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education and Society (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- History
- Modern Languages
- Political Sciences
- Primary Education
- Religious Studies
- Secondary Education
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
University of Sunderland's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
156 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 100 programmes
Showing 10 of 100.
Master of Business Administration 5 programmes
Master of Philosophy 1 programme
Master's Degree 29 programmes
Showing 10 of 29.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Foundation 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
How to apply to University of Sunderland
Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Sunderland, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Research programmes at University of Sunderland
Use the programme finder to browse University of Sunderland's 156 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at University of Sunderland typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Lodge your application
University of Sunderland processes applications through www.sunderland.ac.uk. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (191) 515 2000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Sunderland
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting University of Sunderland as a study destination.
How old is University of Sunderland?
The institution opened in 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).
What city is University of Sunderland in?
University of Sunderland operates from Sunderland, United Kingdom.
Is University of Sunderland public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is University of Sunderland's student body?
University of Sunderland serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
How is University of Sunderland ranked?
It ranks #2365 globally and #111 in United Kingdom.
What qualification levels does University of Sunderland offer?
Programmes at University of Sunderland cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is University of Sunderland organised academically?
University of Sunderland is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises University of Sunderland?
The institution holds recognition from Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about University of Sunderland?
The institution's website is www.sunderland.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
International student mix at the United Kingdom's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Other European University Association (EUA) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with University of Sunderland. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Programme-level scholarships for Business & Management students vary substantially across the United Kingdom institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.
Universities Compared with University of Sunderland
Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around University of Sunderland on most of these signals.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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