University of Sunderland Review: A Complete Guide
The University of Sunderland is a modern public university based in the North East of England, with additional campuses in London and Hong Kong. It attracts a mix of local and international students, largely due to its lower tuition fees, strong student support services, and focus on career-ready courses. While it doesn’t rank highly in national league tables, it performs well in areas like graduate employability and student satisfaction. The university is especially known for courses in nursing, media, business, and engineering. For students looking for a more affordable and practical study option in the UK, Sunderland may be worth considering, especially if prestige isn’t your top priority.
University of Sunderland Summary
- City: Sunderland
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
93% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of the University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland was established in 1992 but has roots dating back to 1901 through its technical college. It has around 25,000 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with strengths in health sciences, business, engineering, computing, and media. It places strong emphasis on practical learning, industry links, and graduate employability. While its main campus is in a smaller, quieter city, the London campus gives students access to more career opportunities in the capital. Sunderland is also known for its inclusive atmosphere and strong support for international and mature students.
University of Sunderland Rankings 2026
Complete University Guide University Ranking 2026: 83rd
University of Sunderland Courses and Programmes
The BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing Practice is a three-year full-time degree designed to prepare students for a career as a registered adult nurse. Upon successful completion, graduates can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Students train in mock hospital wards, interact with actual patients and carers through the university’s Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) initiative, and undertake clinical placements with regional NHS Trusts. There’s also a unique partnership with 251 Medical Squadron, offering hands-on simulation and leadership training.
Tuition fees are £9,535 for UK students and £16,500 for international students. The next start date is 15 September 2025.
The programme consistently ranks well for teaching quality and student satisfaction. It is currently:
- Top 30 in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 1st in the North East for teaching quality (The Times & Sunday Times 2025)
The MBA at the University of Sunderland is a one-year full-time course designed for those aiming to become confident and capable business leaders. It focuses on leadership, digital skills, sustainability, and global business.
Students can customise the programme by choosing optional modules or selecting a specialist pathway in Human Resource Management, Finance, or Marketing. There are also flexible formats, including a 12-month taught MBA, a 24-month MBA with placement, and a 24-month MBA with a Postgraduate Certificate.
The course is closely linked to industry. Modules are developed with employer input, and students benefit from guest lectures, site visits, networking events, and real-world business challenges. This helps students gain relevant experience and apply learning beyond the classroom.
Tuition fees are £18,000 for UK students and £19,000 for international students. The next intake starts on 13 October 2025.
University of Sunderland Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Sunderland Entry Requirements
| Course Type | Academic Requirements | English Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | A-levels: Typically BBB–CCC or equivalent | IELTS 6.0 overall (min 5.5 in each band) |
| International diploma: ~60–65% | TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and Cambridge English also accepted | |
| Medicine: AAA in sciences + strong GCSEs (including sciences) | IELTS 7.0 (for Medicine); higher standards may apply | |
| Postgraduate | UK 2:2 honours degree or equivalent | IELTS 6.0 overall (min 5.5 in each band) |
| Some courses require 2:1 or relevant work experience | Equivalent tests accepted; degree taught in English may be considered | |
| Pre-sessional English | For lower IELTS scores, EAP courses available: | |
| IELTS 4.0 → 20-week course | ||
| IELTS 4.5 → 15-week course | ||
| IELTS 5.0 → 10-week course | ||
| IELTS 5.5 → 5-week course |
University of Sunderland Fees
Fees vary by course, here are some of the 2025/2026 fees:
Accounting
UK
International
Computer Science
UK
International
University of Sunderland Scholarships
| University of Sunderland Scholarship |
| Robson Art & Design Scholarship (UG) |
| Sir Bob Murray Health (Psychology) Scholarship |
| Esports Scholarship |
| Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship |
| Elite Sports Scholarship (Basketball) |
| Elite Sports Scholarship (Women’s Football) |
| Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship |
| Postgraduate Alumni Loyalty Discount |
University of Sunderland Sports Facilities
The University of Sunderland offers a strong range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, mainly based at its CitySpace Fitness centre and St Peter’s Campus.
CitySpace Sports Hall
A large modern sports hall with spectator seating, used for both Team Sunderland fixtures and casual bookings. Students and members can play 5-a-side football, netball, table tennis, basketball, badminton, and short tennis.
| Hall Use | Member Price | Non-Member Price |
|---|---|---|
| Table Tennis | Free | £7 |
| Single Court | Free | £10 |
| Half Court | £35 | £40 |
Climbing Wall
A 7-metre climbing wall simulating natural rock. Suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
- Induction session: £20
- Ongoing use: £6.50 per session or free with CitySpace membership
- Auto-belay system allows solo climbing without a partner after induction
Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)
A 40m x 20m outdoor pitch at St Peter’s Campus, free for students and staff with a valid campus card. Great for casual games and outdoor practice.
University of Sunderland Notable Alumni
| Name | Field | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Scott | Film | Director of Top Gun, Crimson Tide, Man on Fire |
| Jordan North | Media | Radio DJ and presenter (Capital Breakfast, ex-BBC Radio 1) |
| Steve Cram | Sport | Olympic runner, former 1500m world record holder |
| Ross Pearson | Sport | UFC fighter, winner of The Ultimate Fighter |
| Ortis Deley | Media/TV | Host of The Gadget Show, actor and radio presenter |
| Terry Deary | Literature | Author of the Horrible Histories book series |
| Carl Ivar Hagen | Politics (Norway) | Former Vice President of the Norwegian Parliament |
| Mike Rumbles | Politics (Scotland) | Ex-Member of Scottish Parliament (Liberal Democrat) |
| Andrew Singleton | Science | Leading Alzheimer’s researcher, based at NIH |
| Peter McArdle | Visual Arts | Contemporary artist and Stuckists member |
Experience the City of Sunderland as a Student
Sunderland is a compact, affordable, and student-friendly city on the north-east coast of England. Compared to larger UK cities, living costs here are much lower, which makes day-to-day life more manageable for students.
The city offers a mix of coast and green space. Just minutes from campus, Roker and Seaburn beaches are ideal for walks, socialising, or relaxing after lectures. There are also riverside paths and parks for a change of pace.
When it comes to daily convenience, everything is close by. The city centre has shops, cafes, gyms, and places to eat, all within walking distance of university accommodation. The Bridges Shopping Centre and Empire Cinema are popular with students, along with a range of pubs and local events.
Getting around is easy. The Metro links Sunderland to Newcastle and the wider region, while local buses are regular and student-friendly. Most places within the city are walkable or bike-accessible.
How much does it cost to live in Sunderland as a Student
Accommodation
£350 – £600
Food and Groceries
£120 – £150
Transport
£20 – £60
Social and Leisure
£50 – £100
Opportunities in Sunderland as an International Student
Work Opportunities
International students on a student visa can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Many find part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or on campus. The university’s Careers and Employability Service regularly advertises student-friendly vacancies.
Graduate Route Visa
After completing a degree, international students are eligible to apply for the UK’s Graduate Route. This allows you to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD holders) to work or look for work without a sponsor.
Internships & Placements
Some courses include a year-long placement or short internships. The university works with local businesses, NHS trusts, schools, and creative industries to offer relevant opportunities.
Entrepreneurship Support
Sunderland Futures and the Enterprise Place offer advice and resources if you want to start your own business in the UK. Workshops, mentorship, and start-up funding competitions are available.
Events & Integration
There are regular social and networking events for international students, including career fairs, cultural celebrations, and skills workshops. Student societies also offer a chance to meet others from your home country and beyond.
University of Sunderland Contact
- Official website: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/
- General information for international students: +44 (0)191 515 2000
- Address: Edinburgh Building, City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland SR1 3SD
