Skip to main content

Strategic plan 2025-2030

Our Strategy 2030 sets out where we’re heading as a university and how we’ll get there. It brings together our plans for our people, our students, our research and our campuses, all with a shared focus on delivering a life-changing experience.

An Occupational Therapy lecturer helping a student with their assignment on a laptop
Top 30

Guardian University Guide 2026

We’re a top 30 UK university

Graduates seated in caps and gowns

University Strategy and supporting plans

Our University Strategy outlines our core values and ambitions, building on the University's purpose to be a life-changing institution.

At its heart, our Strategy 2030 is about building on what we do best; supporting our students to succeed, contributing to our region and staying relevant in a fast-changing world.

Supporting plans

The Strategy has five key supporting plans:

success
People Strategic Plan 2030: Our People Plan focuses on creating a supportive, inclusive and high-performing working environment where colleagues feel valued and empowered to do their best work. By investing in leadership, development and wellbeing, we'll build a strong culture that enables our staff to deliver an outstanding experience for our students.
success
Research and Innovation Strategic Plan 2030: Our Research and Innovation Plan sets out how we'll deliver impactful, applied research that makes a real difference to people’s lives. By strengthening our research culture and working closely with partners, we'll grow our reputation for research that informs practice, supports communities and shapes society.
success
Student Recruitment Strategic Plan 2030: Our Student Recruitment Plan outlines how we'll connect with and inspire students from all backgrounds to choose Sunderland. Through a strong brand, meaningful engagement and a student-focused approach, we'll continue to grow sustainably while staying true to our commitment to access, inclusion and opportunity.
success
Student Success Strategic Plan 2030: Our Student Success Plan focuses on helping every student achieve their potential. Through high-quality teaching, personalised support and a focus on employability, we'll ensure our students graduate with the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed in their future careers.
success
Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2030: Our Infrastructure Plan sets out how we'll develop the spaces, systems and digital environment that support our students and staff. By creating flexible, sustainable and modern environments, we'll enable innovation in teaching, learning and research and provide the foundation for future growth.
An aerial view of several buildings at St Peter's Campus, with the sea in the distance

Our values

Inspiring

We provide a supportive empowering and enriching experience for our staff and students.

Innovative

We value people for their creativity and update our knowledge and practice to enhance the student experience.

Collaborative

We work together as a community with our partners and build lasting relationships to achieve our shared ambitions.

Inclusive

We celebrate our diverse culture, which welcomes and values everyone's contribution.successSeeking excellence: We strive for the highest quality in academic delivery, research and service standards.