University of Sunderland
Sunderland, United Kingdom • Founded 1969 • World Rank #2365
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.
Master's Degree
25 programmes
These 25 programmes form University of Sunderland's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
MA Education Education & Teaching
MA Marketing Marketing
MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Special Education
MA International Education (Distance Learning) Education & Teaching
MA Visual Practice
MA Investigative Management Business & Management
MA Childhood and Youth Studies
MA Advancing Counselling Practice Counselling & Psychotherapy
MSc Computing Information Systems & Technology
MSc Psychology (Conversion) Psychology
MSc Data Science Data Science & Analytics
MSc Cybersecurity Cyber Security
MSc Drug Discovery and Development
MSc Digital Marketing and Analytics Marketing
MSc Project Management Business & Management
MSc International Business Management International Business
MSc Inequality and Society
MSc Public Health Public Health
MSc Human Resource Management (CIPD Accredited) Human Resource Management
MNurse (Adult)
LLM Law Law
LLM Commercial Law and International Trade Business Law
Master of Education (Higher Education) Education & Teaching
Master of Education (Health Professions) Education & Teaching
Master of Medical Education Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
5 programmes
These 5 programmes form University of Sunderland's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
MBA (Professional Practice) Business & Management
MBA Top-Up Business & Management
MBA (Marketing) Marketing
MBA Master of Business Administration (with PgCert) Business & Management
MBA (Sports Management) Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Philosophy
1 programme
These 1 programme form University of Sunderland's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
MPhil Master of Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
2 programmes
There are 2 programmes to choose from at University of Sunderland for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
PhD Doctor of Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
123 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, University of Sunderland runs 123 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
PGCert Medical Education Education & Teaching
PGCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (Distance Learning) Special Education
PGCert Leadership and Change
PGDip Medical Education Education & Teaching
PGDip Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme Pharmacy
PGCE Education (Distance Learning) Education & Teaching
PGCE iQTS (Distance Learning)
PGCE Early Years Teaching (Distance Learning) Education & Teaching
PGCE Higher Education Education & Teaching
PGCE Health Professions
PGCE Primary Education with QTS Education & Teaching
PGCE Secondary Education with QTS (School Based) Education & Teaching
PGCE Further Education and Skills Education & Teaching
School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) Education & Teaching
Games Development Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computer Science Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Pharmacy Medicine & Health 4 years On-campus
Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Psychology with Counselling Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Sport and Exercise Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Animation and Games Art Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Fine Art Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Illustration and Design Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Performing Arts Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Photography Video and Digital Imaging Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Fashion Journalism Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Film and Media Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Journalism Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Sports Journalism Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Law Law 3 years On-campus
Accounting and Finance Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Business and Financial Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Business and Management Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Business and Marketing Management Business & Management 4 years On-campus
International Tourism and Hospitality Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Primary Education with QTS Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Childhood Studies Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Criminology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Social Work Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Biomedical Science Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Business and Human Resource Management Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Graphic Design Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Education Studies Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Cosmetic Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Adult Nursing Practice Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Media Production Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Psychology with Counselling with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Criminology with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Childhood Studies with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Law with Integrated Foundation Year Law 4 years On-campus
Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Game Development with Integrated Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics with Integrated Foundation Year Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Business and Management with Integrated Foundation Year Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Business and Human Resource Management with Integrated Foundation Year Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Business and Marketing Management with Integrated Foundation Year Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Business and Financial Management with Integrated Foundation Year Business & Management 4 years On-campus
International Tourism and Hospitality Management with Integrated Foundation Year Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year Journalism & Media 4 years On-campus
Sports Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year Journalism & Media 4 years On-campus
Film & Media with Integrated Foundation Year Journalism & Media 4 years On-campus
Media Production with Integrated Foundation Year Journalism & Media 4 years On-campus
Performing Arts with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Social Media Management Journalism & Media 3 years On-campus
Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Screen Performance Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Biochemistry Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Mental Health Nursing Practice Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Forensic Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery Medicine & Health 5 years On-campus
International Tourism and Aviation Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Forensic Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Tourism and Aviation Management with Integrated Foundation Year Business & Management 4 years On-campus
Film Production Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Health and Social Care Social Sciences & Education 2 years On-campus
Community and Youth Work Studies with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Graphic Design with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Illustration and Design with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Fashion Design and Promotion with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Fine Art with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Photography Video and Digital Imaging with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Animation and Games Art with Integrated Foundation Year Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Physiotherapy Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Cosmetic Science with Integrated Foundation Year Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Business and Management Business & Management 2 years On-campus
Physical Education with QTS Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Professional Policing Law 3 years On-campus
Sport and Rehabilitation Therapy Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Tourism and Events Management Business & Management 2 years On-campus
Professional Policing (Accelerated) Law 2 years On-campus
Clinical Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Clinical Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
English: Creative and Professional Writing Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Education Studies with Integrated Foundation Year Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Childrens and Young Peoples Nursing Practice Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Modern Music Industries Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
English: Creative and Professional Writing with Integrated Foundation Year Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Professional Policing with Integrated Foundation Year Law 4 years On-campus
Sports Coaching and Physical Education Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Midwifery Practice Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Primary Education with SEND QTS Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Esports Events Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Occupational Therapy (Accelerated) Medicine & Health 2 years On-campus
Nursing Associate Medicine & Health 2 years On-campus
Sustainable Design Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Mathematics Education Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Pharmaceutical Sciences Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Pharmaceutical Sciences Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Biochemistry Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Counselling Medicine & Health 2 years On-campus
Electronic and Electrical Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Sustainable Design Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Law (Canadian Route) Law 3 years On-campus
Accounting and Financial Systems Business & Management 3 years On-campus
No programmes match your filter in this level.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Often 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.
