University of Sunderland

What Our Students Say

Arts (Creative and Performing)

"I came to study here from Buckinghamshire in 1998 and have lived here ever since. Sunderland offered the most interesting and diverse course compared to other places - not surprising when you consider it's one of the birthplaces of English glass-making and where Thomas Swan first demonstrated the electric light bulb. The course not only provided an excellent grounding in glass-making and design, it also led directly to my first commission thus helping establish my company. It's been a totally life changing experience."

Claudia Phipps
Designer and Glass-maker
BA(Hons)Glass, Architectural Glass and Ceramics

"Sunderland is a stunning location with university facilities to match. St Peter's Campus has everything you need. Workshop and studio access is excellent. A quality location to live in while studying. "

Kate Batten
BA (Hons) Glass, Architectural Glass and Ceramics

"Sunderland University has offered me a great opportunity to meet new and interesting people, not only on my course but through social events, living arrangements and sports teams."

Lara Clarke
BA(Hons) Performing Arts

"Performing arts is not only a great course but I have made a lot of friends through it, especially as I come from outside the area."

Adam Collin
BA (Hons) Performing Arts

Business and Management

"Working for the Treasury's Office of Government Commerce as a Supplier Relations Manager, I'm responsible for ensuring the Government's relationship with large corporations such as IBM and BT run effectively. Communication and negotiating a good deal is a big part of my job today - and it's one of the many life changing skills I learnt at the University of Sunderland. The qualifications I gained from Sunderland have been vital to the success I've had in my career to date. None of this would have been possible without Sunderland University."

Karen Wilson
Supplier Relations Manager
BA (Hons) Accounting and Economics

"The St Peter's Campus is a modern up to date campus which is perfect for uni life."

Howard Stafstrom
BA (Hons) Business & Management

"I never thought I'd have time to be on a degree course after being a hairdresser and beauty therapist for years but found this course flexible and help widely available. I would recommend this course to anyone."

Stephanie Irwin
BA (Hons) Business & Enterprise Management

Computing

"From an early age I always knew I wanted a career in computers and computing. I had a plan to go to the University of Sunderland and I knew the course I wanted to take - so it couldn't have worked out much better for me. The University's Placement Office were absolutely brilliant and helped me get the right placement to set me on my way. I now work for Newcastle-based company Mancala Technology Limited where I'm Head of Software Development. So it's thanks to Sunderland I was able to fulfil my potential."

Paul Taylor
Head of Software Development
BEng in Computer Systems Engineering

"Going to the University of Sunderland, has changed my life a lot. As a overseas student, the staff have helped to improve my skills and I enjoy my life here.

Ka Lun Li
FdSc Multimedia timed

"The facilities in the computing school are excellent with lots of up to date technology. The university has been great for making new friends and having fun.

Lisa Potts
BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing

"The university has excellent resources for computing. Lecturers are always at hand to solve any problems, books are always available and the computers are excellent. The course has a great mix of technical and analysis modules giving a brilliant experience of everything from programming to planning."

Michael Storey
BSc (Hons) Computing

"Since coming to Sunderland I have learnt many new skills, and have been given opportunities that will help me when I leave."

Gary Frazer
FdSc Multimedia Computing

Design

"I've got nothing but good things to say about my time on Wearside and I've never regretted leaving my home in France to try my luck at Sunderland University. Getting a job as a graphic designer for Agency Republic in London was the result of having talented lecturers who taught me so much. I wouldn't have got my dream job without my Masters degree and I've got to thank Sunderland for that."

Olivier Laurelle
Graphic Designer
BA (Hons) & MA Electronic Media and Design

"I love the diversity of this place, not just in the styles of animation you learn but in the people too. You're never short of inspiration for characters!"

Sonja Halicki
BA (Hons) Animation & Design

"Since leaving school I wanted to pursue a career in graphic design and coming to Sunderland University has given me the best start. I've met new people, learnt new skills and the course has set me up for life."

Rebecca Carr
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication

"The facilities available to design students are fantastic, all of the latest top range software can be used for any projects. I wanted a course that compacts animation, video and sound production in one and I'm glad to say I found it."

William Stewart
BA (Hons) Design: Multimedia & Graphics

Education and Teacher Training

"Dyslexia should have set me back but my time at Sunderland really brought me out of my shell and boosted my confidence. I used that confidence to pursue a career in teaching and started training with a great local school, which the university sorted for me, and when I finished my studies I was lucky enough to get a job there teaching. My time at university changed my life completely. I have a rewarding career in front of me and I have Sunderland to thank for that."

Angela Lewis
School Teacher
BSc (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and Teacher Training

"I am part of an excellent programme and I'm really enthusiastic about becoming a business teacher and really enjoy being a part of this esteemed university."

Stephanie Payne
PGCE Business Education

"I came to Sunderland University as it is the A rated university in the North East for my particular course. The facilities they offer are excellent and the organisation and structure of the course is well designed."

Karen Maddock
PGCE (Secondary Education) Mathematics

"I have always had a passion to improve my life and the life of others. I can succeed with those aims through Sunderland University. I have a commitment to teach and the skills Sunderland have given me will benefit hundreds of children."

Kayleigh Simpson
BA (Hons) Primary Education

"I never believed that university life could be so fantastic. As I live in Newcastle I thought travelling to and from Sunderland would hinder me coming here but the course changed my views. It's an exciting and rewarding course to take!"

Victoria Hope
BA (Hons) Childhood Studies [0-11 Yrs]

"I found the experience really good! Everyone is very helpful which makes you feel comfortable. The course itself is brilliant and I feel as though I have been given the best opportunity for the future."

Kate Murray
PGCE (Secondary Education) Geography

English

"I came to Sunderland from Essex to study a mix of English language, literature and philosophy which was hard to find and Sunderland came up trumps. The fantastic grounding I was given there has stood me in good stead as I now work for English UK assessing the quality of language schools for overseas students and have done for the last 6 years. I would recommend university life to anybody who is considering it, it really is a life changing experience."

Penny McCarthy
International Fair & HR Officer
BA (Hons) English Studies

"The English course has various interesting aspects which I thoroughly enjoy. With a mixture of language and literature it provides many opportunities for the future."

Kayleigh Hughes
BA (Hons) English

"Being a mature student I found this course easily accessible after a six year break since my A-levels. The module choices allowed me to follow a path focusing on areas which interested me such as political or philosophical writers."

Steve Sanderson
BA (Hons) English

Geography

"My geography studies at the University of Sunderland led to the trip of a lifetime - a research project on the African island of Madagascar. I flew to the island to spend the summer of 2003 there. It was an amazing experience and everyone in the group led a very basic existence living most of the time in the open air. It also helped me focus on which career path to take and I'm now studying for a Masters Degree in Environmental Management for Business. I'd recommend student life for all young people. It's not just about the course but also about gaining life experience. It's that experience that you take into your adult life whatever you end up doing."

Laura Richardson
Postgraduate student
BSc (Hons) Geography

"My time here has been great on so many levels! My course depends on access to many different environments and the north east has everything from countryside in Northumberland to Moors in North Yorkshire."

Miriam Goldsmith
BA/BSc (Hons) Geography

History

"The course is fascinating, with enthusiastic lecturers. Each module is interesting and the people are great. I've made some excellent friends already."

Kathryn Carr
BA (Hons) History

"BA History is a highly interesting subject. The lecturers are very helpful and explain things fully. I've made loads of friends for the rest of my life."

James Bell
BA (Hons) History

Law

"Teaching support and the course material has surpassed my expectations. I have really enjoyed my time at Sunderland which has given me an excellent opportunity to do well in the future."

Amir Assadi
LL.B (Bachelor of Laws)

Media

"The reputation of the course at Sunderland led to me moving to the North East. The Media Studies course was very hands on and we learnt so much. After graduating in 1998 I went to MTV and before long I was producing full shows. The practical nature of the course at Sunderland really helped me hit the ground running. You need to have that experience to get into the business and Sunderland allowed me to do that. My life's very exciting and I've worked on some great projects - the Xtra Factor, MTV's TRL, American music channel Fuse and I've also filmed across the length and breath of America. I'd always dreamed of a career in TV and thanks to Sunderland I've made it."

James Longman
TV/Film Producer
BA (Hons) Media Studies

"My course offers many different routes such as TV, Radio or New Media. My course is coming to an end now and I find my skills are suited to radio. I would advise anyone who enjoys media to study at Sunderland University."

Oscar Kausar
BA (Hons) Media Production (TV & Radio)

"In my time here I have had the chance to run a TV studio, while doing live broadcasting, made a short film and a documentary."

Nicola Couley
BA (Hons) Film & Media Studies

"Sunderland has some of the best equipment and facilities around. It's well worth coming - you won't be disappointed!"

David Markey
BA (Hons) Media Production (Video & New Media)

"I came here for a visit and decided that the facilities were perfect for what I wanted and where I wanted to go.
I hope to take away an improved technical knowledge of my chosen field."

Andrew Hewitson
BA (Hons) Media Production (Video & New Media)

"This has been a great opportunity, as I have moved along way to be here, everyone is so helpful and friendly. The course is fascinating and facilities are excellent."

Natalie Arrowsmith
BA (Hons) Public Relations

Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences

"I chose pharmacy because the idea of helping others and making a difference to their health really appealed to me. I could have gone elsewhere but I knew Sunderland had an excellent reputation, so I was pleased I was able to do a really good quality and interesting course there. Now I'm a fully qualified pharmacist I know that Sunderland has not only changed my life, it's also changed the lives of the people I help too."

Marisa Arden
Pharmacist
MPharm in Pharmacy

"Coming here was the best decision I ever made. The teaching staff are friendly, approachable and really knowledgeable."

Julie Holmes
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

"The university is great with a really good social scene especially if you join a club. My course is really good with some great facilities and there is a real nice atmosphere among students in pharmacy."

Niall Byrne
MPharm in Pharmacy

"I enrolled on the MPharm (Pharmacy) course here because it has a great reputation and although it's hard work, I'm having a great time!"

Grace Pickles
MPharm in Pharmacy

Social Sciences and the Caring professions

"I came to come to Sunderland because it had a better mix of young and mature students than most universities, so I thought it would be more flexible for me as I have two children."

Rebecca Gorman
BA (Hons) Psychology

Sport and Exercise Sciences

"I feel very lucky that I've been able to turn my love of rock climbing into a full time profession and it's mostly thanks to my degree in Sports Science. The facilities at Sunderland helped me progress faster and because it has its own professional standard climbing wall, I was able to train there while studying. Now I travel all over the country to coach the national junior team and the job frequently takes me across Europe so it's fair to say that University helped changed my life and let me follow my true vocation."

Andrew Earle
Professional Rock Climber and Rock Climbing Coach
BSc (Hons) Sports Science

"Sport at Sunderland is great. Excellent brand new facilities to use and hundreds of sport clubs and societies to join. The course content is challenging and very interesting with something for everyone."

Liam Simpson
BSc (Hons) Sport Studies

Tourism

"I came all the way from China to study tourism at the University of Sunderland. So learning a new language and experiencing a new culture has been a journey in itself for me. But adding this to everything I've learnt on the course makes the experience even richer. I'm currently in my placement year, as Assistant House Manager at the National Trust's Stourhead in Wiltshire and enjoying every minute of it. I hope to take everything I've learnt and apply it to a career in tourism."

Yunshan Song
Assistant House Manager, National Trust properties.
BSc (Hons) Tourism Development Studies

"I've been to Berlin and Prague on field trips and I've loved the fact that my course has been really practical."

Melanie Jewsons
BA (Hons) Tourism Management

Combined Subjects

"Art, Politics and History may seem like and odd combination of subjects but if you think about my career today it makes perfect sense how I arrived here. Sunderland set me on a creative path that eventually led to me setting up my own marketing and communications agency Different. It taught me research, debating and presentation skills that I use to this day. It taught me the process of forming a robust argument and how to back it up. And it taught me life changing skills and a confidence that enabled me to do well in my chosen field."

Ben Quigley
Managing Director of a Marketing Communications Agency
BA (Hons) History & Politics

"There are so many good things about this university. The lectures are interesting, there's so much to learn academically and socially, and Sunderland is an amazing vibrant city - love it!"

Claire Moffat

BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology