As a Sunderland Online student, this handbook is a useful guide to your university experience. It explains key regulations, procedures, support and services available to you, with links to full policies and guidance. You’ll also learn about the resources available to you throughout your studies.
Once you’ve logged in to Canvas, you’ll work through an orientation module in the Virtual Learning Environment. This will introduce you to online learning, module content, and the range of support available to you.
The module includes reading and video activities to help you familiarise yourself with the University. There’s a lot of information here, and you’re not expected to remember it all. You can return to the module anytime you want to revisit something.
Virtual Learning Environment
Canvas is the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing a single online space where you can access the resources and activities for your online course.
Through Canvas, you can access module content, lecture recordings, reading materials, assessments, discussion forums, announcements, and tutor feedback. As you progress through your studies, you’ll use Canvas regularly to engage with learning materials, submit assignments, participate in collaborative activities with classmates, track your progress, and communicate with teaching staff.
Canvas is your central hub for managing and supporting your online learning, so it's important to log in regularly and check for announcements, updates, and communications from your online instructors.
Student Success Coordinators
As an online learner, you can shape your learning around your individual needs and circumstances. This offers many benefits, such as flexibility, more independence, and the opportunity to work at your own pace.
We recognise that you may be concerned about getting the support you need, maintaining your self-motivation, or feeling isolated.
We aim to combat these concerns by providing our online learners with a named SSC. The role of the SSC is to provide you with proactive encouragement and support throughout your online journey. We aim to provide the right level of support and recognise when you may need additional guidance or encouragement to succeed.
Your SSC will get in touch to welcome you once you're fully enrolled on your course. In this initial welcome call, your SSC will:
Introduce themselves and offer congratulations on starting your student journey
Explain the role of the SSC
Emphasise the importance of undertaking the orientation module
Direct you to the Student Handbook and Programme Handbook
Check you can access Canvas, your online learning environment
Advise on how to access other university support and resources
Explain the importance of engaging throughout the module
Revisit any concerns you expressed during your application process and reconfirm any planned absences/events
Discuss processes around submission deadlines, the withdrawal/refund process, study breaks (formal/informal), and how these impact on your overall course trajectory and student financing
Advise on future registration expectations and deadlines
Set a precedent for future communications with you.
Your SSC should always be your first point of contact for any queries or concerns. The SSC won't provide academic advice or guidance but will direct you to the appropriate member of the academic team if an academic issue is identified. Should assistance be required from another department, the SSC will advise you to contact the relevant student services department.
Many of our policies and procedures are shared; however, Sunderland Online courses have several programme-specific regulations to be aware of. You can find these in your individual Programme Handbook on Canvas(opens in new tab).
Managing your studies
If you're considering taking a study break, leave of absence, transferring course or withdrawing from your course, you're strongly advised to contact your Student Success Coordinator as soon as possible.
During your studies, you may wish to take a study break. This means that you will not register for a module in your next study period (semester), and your studies will pause for that period.
You are not permitted to take a study break during your first module(s). You must successfully engage with and complete the start of your course before being eligible for a study break.
You can take a maximum of two consecutive study breaks. If you do not register for a module following two consecutive study breaks, or do not respond to any attempts we make to contact you, you may be withdrawn from your course.
It's important to note that if you are withdrawn from your course due to non-engagement, you will not be eligible to reapply for the course.
We recommend discussing a study break with your Student Success Coordinator (SSC), who can explain any implications and the support available to you.
Taking a study break may extend the duration of your course, depending on when the missed module is next offered. Your SSC will be able to advise you on this.
You cannot take a study break once you have started a module unless you withdraw from the module before the refund deadline.
You may request an authorised leave of absence from your studies before or in addition to a study break. A leave of absence can last up to one academic year, excluding study breaks.
We recommend discussing your plans with your Student Success Coordinator, who can advise on any impact on your maximum course duration. Your return date should align with an intake start date so you can rejoin your course at the appropriate point.
If you’re studying a module when your leave begins, you’ll be withdrawn from it and won’t be charged.
We understand that your personal, professional, or financial circumstances may change during your studies. As a result, you may find that your current mode of study no longer suits your needs. You may wish to change from full-time to part-time study, or from part-time to full-time study. You may also change your route of study, where permitted.
Before making a decision, it's important to consider how this may affect your study plan, module availability, course duration, and expected completion date. You should also discuss any changes with your Student Success Coordinator (SSC) in the first instance. Your SSC can discuss your options, explain any implications for your studies, and guide you through the transfer process. You'll need to complete a short transfer request form.
Please note that all transfer requests are subject to approval and may depend on course requirements, module availability, and academic regulations.
You may withdraw from a module within 14 days of the payment deadline and receive a full refund. To withdraw, please read our Voluntary Withdrawal Policy and submit the appropriate form.
After the 14-day window, you cannot withdraw from the module. Please contact your Student Success Coordinator to discuss your options. You must withdraw from any modules you don’t wish to study within this period; otherwise, you’ll be considered not to have submitted and referred when the module is considered by the Assessment Board.
You can withdraw from your course and the University at any time. Before deciding, we encourage you to explore the support services and transfer options available. Your Student Success Coordinator can discuss your options and support you in making an informed decision.
Please read our policy on student withdrawals carefully and seek advice if you’re unsure about any aspect. Your withdrawal date will be the date you submit your withdrawal request to your Student Success Coordinator, and any fees owed will be calculated accordingly.
To notify the University, you must submit a request to voluntarily withdraw using the appropriate form.
For modules already paid for, you’ll be eligible for a refund if you withdraw within 14 calendar days of the payment deadline. After this period, you won’t be eligible for a refund for that module, but you can receive a refund for any paid modules you haven’t yet started. Please refer to our Tuition Fee and Refund Policies.
If you have any questions, please contact your Student Success Coordinator.
