University of Sunderland

Why you should study part-time at Sunderland

In a busy world, juggling work and family commitments means it is often difficult to opt for full-time study.

Here at Sunderland we have a range of flexible, part-time study options at all levels, from short courses through to research degrees that can offer just the right learning environment - whatever your circumstances. We try to combine different modes of study that can fit with your particular needs. You may be able to attend at certain times during the day or prefer to look at distance learning options or perhaps choose a course delivered at one of our partner colleges closer to where you live.

All of our courses are high quality and teaching is informed by academics at the leading edge in their field, and our network of student support is available to students studying on a part-time basis. We also have childcare facilities that many part-time students find invaluable.

Many of our part-time learners come from the local area, however if you are from the wider region you may be surprised to see how Sunderland has changed over recent years. here are a few other interesting reasons to choose Sunderland...

• Visit the Stadium of Light. Get a bit of Irish on Wearside with Roy Keane's Premiership team in one of Europe's newest football stadiums.
• Hit the beach. Sunderland has some of the cleanest, unspoilt beaches in Europe. Roker, Seaburn, Whitburn, South Shields - you can literally walk all day and never run out of golden sands.
• Catch a West End Show. The Sunderland Empire is one of the only venues outside of London with the capacity to show West End Shows - from Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang to We Will Rock You to AbbaMania!
• Lift a glass to Sunderland history. Visit the National Glass Centre, the home of the University's glass students alongside some of the best glass designers in the world - and it's free! And while you're there visit St Peter's Church, home of Europe's first stained glass windows.
• Take a dip. Spring 2008 sees the opening of Sunderland's Olympic-sized swimming pool - right next to the Stadium of Light.
• Go shopping. Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, HMV, Waterstones, Costa Coffee - all the shops and café culture you expect in a major city is right on your doorstep.
• Discover the roots of America. Washington Old Hall in Sunderland is home to the ancestors of the USA's first president.
• Hit the heights. Discover the Sunderland Wall - Europe's biggest indoor climbing wall.
• Let's eat. Sunderland and the North East region have some great restaurants - try sea views at the Tavistock Thai China in Roker, or Little Italy at Seaburn, where you can eat literally on the beach - or why not try one of Sunderland's new city restaurants such as Hollathons or the Thai Manor - both just a short walk away from the Empire Cinema multiplex.