About University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland is a modern, career-focused university with campuses on the River Wear and in London, noted for strong pharmacy, nursing, business, media and engineering programmes and extensive support for international students.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 20,000 total students
- • 7,000 international students
- • 100 student societies
Location
- • Located in Sunderland
- • Public university
- • Established 1901
Subject Rankings
Media and Film (2024)
50Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, Top-up
Popular Subjects
PharmacyNursingBusinessMediaEngineering
Student-Staff Ratio
17 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing
Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology
Faculty of Technology
Engineering, Computer Science, Automotive and Manufacturing
Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism
Sunderland Business School, Law, Hospitality and Tourism
Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries
Media, Design, Performance
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: Typical offers range from BBC–CCC; alternative entry via integrated foundation year available.
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 80
Interview for nursing and health programmes • Portfolio for design and media
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK 2:2 honours degree or equivalent professional experience
GPA: 0
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 90
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £14,000
- Postgraduate: £14,000
- Foundation: £12,500
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: N/A
- Food: £170
- Transport: £45
- Entertainment: £70
- Other: £55
- Total: £12,000
Campus & Facilities
City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland SR1 3SD
Split between City Campus by the Wear and Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's with stunning riverside views
Size: 35 acres
Facilities
Academic
Murray Library, Sciences Complex, National Glass Centre, Media Centre
Sports
City Space fitness centre, CitySpace sports hall
Accommodation
En-suite room
Riverside en-suite rooms at Panns Bank and Scotia Quay within walking distance of City Campus
Cost: £120 - £155 (per week)
Wi-Fi • Bills included • On-site laundry
Distance: 10-15 minute walk
Contract: 40-51 weeks
Standard shared bathroom
Budget rooms in shared flats near St Peter's campus
Cost: £95 - £120 (per week)
Shared kitchen • Common room
Distance: Short walk
Contract: 40 weeks
Accommodation applications open after accepting an offer; earlier applications have greater choice of residences.
Airport pickup periods, welcome events and private housing advice provided by the International Office.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 100
Teams: 35
Cultural Activities
- Live music at The Fire Station, Sunderland Airshow, and student media through Spark Sunderland radio
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international.office@sunderland.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)191 515 2028
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
96
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 74%
Further study: 13%
Unemployed: 7%
Average Salary
£25,000
annual
Top Employers
NHS North EastNissan UKSunderland City CouncilPort of TyneBBC
Career Services
- Careers and Employability Service: CV reviews, interview coaching, placement support and graduate job search guidance
- Enterprise Place: Support for student start-ups with mentoring, co-working space and business plan development
- Professional Mentoring Programme: One-to-one mentoring with alumni and industry professionals in pharmacy, engineering and media
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Newcastle International Airport
20 km • 30 minutes by Metro and shuttle
Public Transport
- Metro: Tyne and Wear Metro connects campus to Newcastle city centre and the coast • £2-4 per journey, weekly passes available
- Train: Sunderland station with direct services to Newcastle, York and London • £5-20 one way depending on destination
- Bus: Go North East buses connect university campuses with residential areas and city centre • Student day rider £3.50
Local Area
Sunderland is a coastal city on the River Wear with proud industrial heritage, affordable living, stunning beaches and proximity to Newcastle
Cost of Living: Low
Attractions: National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Roker and Seaburn Beaches, Stadium of Light
Shopping: The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland City Centre markets, Metro Centre (Gateshead)
Entertainment: The Fire Station live music venue, Empire Theatre, Newcastle nightlife (20 mins by Metro), Roker seafront cafés
Additional Information
Accreditation
General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for MPharm Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for nursing programmes, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Partnerships
- Industry: Nissan UK — Engineering placements and research collaboration at the Sunderland manufacturing plant
- Community: Foundation of Light (SAFC) — Sports coaching and community health projects with Sunderland AFC's charitable arm
- Clinical: NHS North East — Nursing, pharmacy and allied health placements across regional hospitals
Research Highlights
- Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre — Collaborative research with Nissan and regional manufacturers on automotive innovation and Industry 4.0 (2024)
- Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing — Research addressing health inequalities in the North East region (2023)
Notable Alumni
- Dame Alison Saunders — Former Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales (2013-2018) (1983)
- Kate Adie OBE — Award-winning BBC war correspondent and journalist (1966)
- Sir Dave Chapman — Former CEO of Sunderland AFC and business leader (1978)
Metadata
Source: University of Sunderland 2025 course pages, accommodation 2024/25 tariffs, Careers and Employability Service updates, and Nexus/Metro travel guidance
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: international.office@sunderland.ac.uk