Case Study

Before university, I worked as a manager in McDonalds, and then as a taxi driver for 11 years. I had always wanted to teach and when I lost my driving licence on medical grounds, I decided this was the opportunity for me to change my career path. I came to an Open Day at the University of Sunderland and I really liked the atmosphere; the lecturers seemed very approachable and the current students who were assisting on the day were very helpful.

I enjoy the lectures, but the discussions in the seminars are what I really love about the course. They combine an analysis of historical theory with discussions about current events in the socio-political world. The online content is great too – lots of recommended reading and very clear lecture and seminar slides.

During my second year, I was really struggling with my work-life balance. I was trying to juggle a full-time managerial post alongside my studies and it caused me a lot of stress, which resulted in me not finishing the second semester of my second year. The lecturers were all very helpful, and one tutor in particular took the time to meet up with me to offer advice and outline my options. They also steered me towards Student Services, who offered me some counselling sessions on campus. These were extremely helpful; soon I was feeling much happier and confident about things and I was able to resit the modules I had left unfinished the following year. I am now ready to begin my final undergraduate year in a much better frame of mind. I would also like to mention the level of support that my fellow students and I have received from the team during these recent times. My wife is a student at a different university and has received nowhere near the amount of support that I have. This regular contact with the University staff has been vital for me and other students I have spoken to.

I would absolutely recommend the University of Sunderland to other students. The facilities are modern, the lecturers are approachable and down-to-earth and are also extremely helpful with advice about assignments. The careers advice and support are also excellent; they are great with advice on CVs and job applications, providing you with skills to help you keep moving forwards once you’ve graduated. I would advise any prospective students to attend an Open Day and speak to as many lecturers and students as possible – gather as much information as you can.

The University of Sunderland has changed my life. The diversity of the students and lecturers has opened my eyes and really broadened my horizons, so much so that I'm hoping to become a lecturer in sociology in the not too distant future.”

Please note, this course is not currently recruiting.

Published 25 January 2021