University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a global higher education institution that identifies itself through providing life changing postgraduate opportunities to students of all backgrounds. It’s an international university, with campuses across Sunderland, London and Hong Kong. It’s an active research institution, and placed 75th in the UK overall according to the 2024 Complete University Guide league table. 

The university has an educational heritage stretching back to 1901, when the institution began as Sunderland Technical College. It was the first college to offer sandwich courses, paving the way for this popular approach to professionally focused education. After becoming a polytechnic in 1969, it gained university status in 1992. Today it is a progressive institution that leverages its global influence and business links to cultivate desirable graduate students. 

The university’s main campus is in Sunderland, a city located on the North East coast of England. With a strong history, friendly locals and easy access to Northumberland National Park, the North Pennines and miles of impressive coastline just minutes from campus, it’s a great choice for postgraduate students. Students may also find postgraduate study options based out of its London or Hong Kong campuses, placing them in the heart of some of the world’s hubs for commerce, tech and creativity. 

Postgraduate students at Sunderland will be able to study through one of the university’s five faculties: 

• Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries 
• Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism 
• Faculty of Education and Society 
• Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing 
• Faculty of Technology 

The University of Sunderland provides postgraduate study options for a range of students, wherever they’re coming from and wherever they want to go. From boosting career prospects to starting a successful academic career, or making a change in direction, the university’s courses are supported by expert staff and world-class facilities. 

Postgraduate programmes are delivered through outstanding teaching spaces, research facilities and support services. These include the Living Lab, the National Glass Centre, Marketing Hub and Law Clinic. With specialised learning environments, students can reach the top of their potential and immerse themselves in industry-standard processes. 

Courses at Sunderland are developed with graduate success in mind, and are co-created in partnership with relevant professional bodies and leading employers. Lecturers often come from professional or academic backgrounds, and continue to contribute to their fields through research, consultancy and more.  

Sunderland prides itself on offering a wide variety of flexible study options. Conversion courses allow students to pursue a new career quickly and effectively, while part-time and distance study patterns allow students to learn and grow around their existing commitments. 

The University of Sunderland applies admissions criteria to its postgraduate programmes to ensure that successful applicants can get the most out of their course, achieving their academic potential. 

For example, students applying for the MA in English Studies will need to have a 2:1 grade or above at undergraduate level (honours), typically in English or a related subject. 

Applicants for the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) should demonstrate achievement of a 2:2 or higher grade at undergraduate honours level. Applicants typically do not already have Graduate Basis for Charted Membership of the British Psychological Society. 

Students applying to the LLM in Criminal Law and Procedure will usually need to have a 2:2 or higher grade at undergraduate honours level, in law or a related subject. 

Applicants for the PhD in Public and Allied Health will usually need to have a 2:1 or first-class undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent master’s degree, in a relevant discipline. Applicants with alternative qualifications and evidence of academic ability, through publication, are also considered. 

Entry requirements may change over time, and will differ according to the subject and level of study. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Sunderland are well-placed for professional or academic success after their studies. The university seeks to embed employability enhancement opportunities throughout the student experience, from course content to extracurriculars and institutional links. 

The university maintains a committed Careers and Employability Service, who are on hand to cultivate students’ professional potential. They offer services including: 

• Help with key employability skills, including CV writing, interview technique and applying for jobs. 
• Help with finding jobs, whether on campus or locally, as well as an online jobs board that includes part-time, voluntary and graduate salaried opportunities. 
• Work experience opportunities, including placements and internships. 

Students at Sunderland are able to study courses that are regularly updated to reflect changes in research, industry and society. Through the support and tuition of passionate, experienced staff, students are able to build knowledge and skills that are sought-after by employers, and leave as confident, critical graduates ready to make a mark on their world. 

The university’s broad links to other universities, institutions and businesses opens up a range of sandwich year, internship and practical project opportunities. 

Accommodation

Sunderland is a popular city for students, with over 16,000 students at the university making it a vibrant and dynamic community to live in. That’s not to mention the welcoming local population, coastal scenery and fun nightlife. 

The University of Sunderland provides students with a great choice of living arrangements. There are three halls of residence to choose from, all of which are self-catered and include all bills in one easy to manage price. 

Halls of residence are all well-connected to the university campus, and benefit from free transport between them and the city centre. Each residence is well-equipped with kitchens, laundry services and fast internet throughout. Scotia Quay and Panns Bank also offer riverside views, while Clanny House is located a spacious, relaxing neighbourhood. 

Some postgraduate students might prefer to rent private accommodation around Sunderland. The city is very affordable compared to the rest of the UK, and is relatively compact in size. As a result, students will be able to choose from a range of student lets – ranging from modern apartments in the city centre to townhouses or flats with a view of the river or sea. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Sunderland can make use of a range of scholarships and bursaries during their time there. These funding options range from discounts to tuition fees to direct cash scholarships that can help students cover their living costs or access new opportunities. 

Available scholarships and bursaries include: 

• The Sunderland Alumni Loyalty Scheme, which provides a 20% waiver to tuition costs for postgraduate students who have already graduated from a degree at the university. 
• The Skills Boost North East Discount, which provides a 20% waiver to tuition costs for MA, MSc, MBA and LLM students who have recently graduated from a degree in the North East and/or has been impacted by redundancy or other business issues. 
• The Robson Art and Design Masters Awards, which provides a £1,000 bursary to students on master’s courses in fine art, design, photography, glass or ceramics. 
• The AI and Data Science Scholarship, which provides a number of awards worth £10,000 to students from underrepresented backgrounds on the MSc in Applied Data Science. 

Students can explore the full range of scholarships, bursaries and other awards on the university’s website.