The University of Sunderland’s modern roots lie with Sunderland Technical College which opened in 1901. The role of this institution was to develop high-quality vocational programmes to support the regional skills needs for the 20th Century. Pharmacy, a flagship area for the University was introduced in 1921, and in 1934, Sunderland Technical College was recognised for its exemplary Bachelor of Engineering programme, the first in the country to offer placements as an integral part of the curriculum. By 1959, ambitious plans for expansion were underway and in 1969 The Technical College, The School of Art, and Sunderland Teacher Training College were brought together and became Sunderland Polytechnic. In 1992, the Polytechnic was awarded university status and became the University of Sunderland.
The University operates from two campuses in Sunderland – one on the banks of the River Wear and another in the city; a campus near Canary Wharf in London and a campus in the Central District in Hong Kong.
The University is acknowledged as one of the UK’s top providers of transnational education with over 6,000 students studying for University of Sunderland academic awards with quality-assured partners in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Trinidad, Uzbekistan, and Tashkent.
Our enduring commitment to high-quality teaching is recognised by our Silver Teaching Excellence Framework award. Our teaching is informed by research and engagement with employers and ensures students are equipped with the skills required to succeed in a highly competitive graduate jobs market. We are adapting our curriculum to respond to employer demand for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in areas such as digital innovation, computer science, business management and leadership development.
The University has ambitious investment plans to ensure our facilities and academic programmes are delivering excellence for our students, partners and employers. Recent investments include the Hope Street Xchange which provides a focus for engagement with employers and investors, and is a catalyst for building an entrepreneurial culture amongst University staff and students. We have continued to invest in our Health Sciences facilities and our Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering mechanical and fluid laboratories, equipment and technology. These investments provide students with access to the industry level, high-tech facilities.
Building on well-established links with business and industry partners, we provide graduates and employers with the skills needed for future prosperity. The University is a lead partner in the University Technical College (UTC) in South Durham (along with Hitachi Rail Europe and Gestamp Tallent) and has a proven track record in supplying graduate skills to meet employer needs across all sectors.
The University has a sustainable and robust Strategic Plan and is well placed to take advantage of investment opportunities that will improve its offer for learners and partners, while enhancing its standing within its community, the North-East region, nationally, and as a global player.
Published: 1 April 2019