University of Sunderland

Guide to our programmes

Undergraduate Degrees

We offer a full range of flexible honours degree programmes. The programmes usually start in September and take 3 years of full-time study to complete, or four years if it includes a sandwich industrial or commercial placement element.

Postgraduate Degrees

A wide range of postgraduate programmes are available leading to masters, postgraduate degree, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate. Programmes begin in September/October and a small number also begin in January/February. Most programmes run for 50 weeks so if you complete the programme successfully you could gain your postgraduate degree in less than one year. Programmes in Computing and Engineering run for 60 weeks and include an 8 week summer vacation.

International Foundation Programme

If you do not have the necessary qualifications to study at degree level then you could study on a one year foundation or pre-degree programme and then move on to your chosen undergraduate degree. The International Foundation Programme is a preparation year for an undergraduate degree in Business or Computing. The programme features the study of English Language, study skills and specialist modules in preparation of your chosen degree programme. 

Pre-Degree Programme

If you do not have the necessary skills or knowledge to begin a degree programme at the University you could study a pre-degree programme  at the City of Sunderland College. These courses help you prepare for university and your chosen degree programme.

Foundation Degrees

Foundation Degrees lead to a FdA or FdSc qualification. All foundation degrees take two years to complete and are vocational courses that have been designed in conjunction with industry, commerce and public sector providers to equip learners with the skills demanded by today's employers. On successful completion you can opt for further study to convert your foundation degree to an undergraduate degree.

Study Abroad and Exchange Programmes

We also offer a wide range of flexible semester and year long programmes for non-degree seeking students who wish to gain academic credit. If you are currently studying at a university outside of the United Kingdom and would like to come to Sunderland for one or two semesters then one of these programmes is for you. Take a look at the Study Abroad pages for more information.

Postgraduate Research and Distance Delivery Research Programmes

The University of Sunderland is an acknowledged leader in linking research to industrial and commercial needs, and offers postgraduate research degrees leading to either a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualifications. We also offer distance delivery research opportunities to study in your home country if you cannot come to the University regularly.  We are currently developing areas of research in Europe, the Far East, Middle East and Latin America. Students have already successfully carried out research in China, Greece, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and USA