Throughout your studies, you'll have access to the student SharePoint, a central resource for all University policies, procedures, and key information. It’s also the best place to find contact details and support with specific queries or issues.
Navigation:
Managing your studies
Managing your studies covers information relevant to the academic aspects of your university experience, including key expectations and procedures.
You’ll also have a programme handbook and individual module guides you'll need to review, as they may include course-specific details or regulations that differ from standard University policies.
Academic Regulations are the rules that govern how you'll be assessed, progressed between stages, and given awards. You can find more information, including an explanation for key elements of the regulations, in the student guide to the Academic Regulations.
Purpose and scope
The purpose of this policy is to set out the requirement for all students to enrol with the University of Sunderland, each academic year, before commencing their course of study.
This policy applies to all students, all campuses whether in-country or overseas.
This policy describes the enrolment process, data capture provisions and use of that data, and the processes for raising invoices for student fees.
Please note the paragraphs annotated with an * are not applicable to those students studying the following provisions:
- Sunderland Online
- Transnational Education Centre
Key responsibilities
Responsibility for the management and implementation of this policy and procedure lies with the Assistant Director of Student Journey, who is also the Authorising Officer, with the day-to-day assistance of the Head of Admissions and Student Records.
Key principles
Any student who has accepted an offer and wishes to study at the University of Sunderland will be required to enrol on the course detailed within their offer.
Students will be required to enrol at the beginning of each academic year of their course using the enrolment task referred to below.
The fee status of each student will be determined by the application process.
Enrolment procedure and criteria
All students with either a Home (UK National or EU Settled / Pre-settled), European (EU Irish) or Channel Islands Fee Status), will be required to complete enrolment in the way stated below.
*In addition to completing enrolment, all students studying in the UK with an ‘Overseas Fee Status’ will also be required, prior to enrolment, to provide current immigration documentation detailing their right to study. The University will contact students via email to inform them of the method to do so. The University will be required to retain these documents for Home Office audit purposes.
*International students holding a visa which is due to expire, or who are completing a visa extension will be granted 7 days to provide their application documentation. Failure to meet this deadline may result in restricted access to university systems and facilities. Persistent failure to provide documentation when requested may result in withdrawal from the course and immediate visa curtailment.
Enrolment is completed using an online enrolment task. Students will be notified of the specific details of how and when to enrol with the University of Sunderland by email at least one week before their course start date.
Prior to enrolling on their first year of study, all students will be required to provide original qualification certificates if these have not been previously verified by the University. Admissions staff may ask you to take a photograph or scan original qualification certificates and upload these to a secure location.
To complete enrolment all students will be required to accept the University’s Terms and Conditions.
*Additionally, international students will be required to accept the University’s International Agreement. This includes that the student accepts the University’s rules and regulations and undertake to pay all fees due, by the dates specified by the University. It is important that the student reads and understand these conditions. If the students course lasts more than one academic year, they must re-enrol each year and will be notified of any changes to these regulations which they are of relevance to them.
Data Capture
As part of the enrolment process all students will be required to provide or, where previously submitted, confirm:
- Course title and route, level of study, NQF level and mode of attendance
- Personal information including title, name and date of birth
- Contact details including address, telephone and email
- Next of kin / emergency contact details
- Disability and ethnicity information where applicable
- Previous study location and qualifications
- Responsibility for payment of tuition fees and overall price
- Consent to disclose. Find out more information about Duty of Care.
Data submitted during the enrolment process will only be used for the following purposes (where applicable): internal/external audit purposes, statutory returns, student’s health and wellbeing and Home Office compliance.
The University will adhere to its data protection and information governance procedures in respect of data captured as part of the enrolment process.
Invoicing
On completion of enrolment, Home (UK National or EU Settled / Pre-settled), European (EU Irish) or Channel Islands students will be invoiced for their course fees. International students will be required to pay a predetermined amount of their fees, where applicable, prior to enrolment. International students will be advised of how to do this in their offer letter.
Students who will be paying part or all their own fees should refer to the Tuition Fees and Refunds Policy to determine how to pay. This policy will also provide additional information about fees and invoicing.
Students whose fees will be paid by a third party, will be responsible for payment of their fees until an official sponsor letter/purchase order has been submitted and accepted by the University.
Students submitting sponsor letters for part or full payment of their tuition fees should ensure that the letter from the sponsor, on company letterhead, contains the following details:
- Full name of student
- Academic year(s) of sponsorship
- Amount of sponsorship (e.g. £1,000) or statement of intended sponsorship (e.g. full amount or 50% of tuition fees)
- Purchase order / reference number (where applicable)
- Details and address of the invoicee, including email address
- Course title being studied
- Confirmation if the student is employed by the sponsor or if it is only sponsorship being received.
- - If you are an employee of the University this should also state the cost centre code / project code
For undergraduate students whose fees are being paid by SLC/SFE/SFW/SFNI/SAAS, invoices will be sent directly to those agencies for payment upon their notification to the University that an application has been approved.
For postgraduate students as the money from these agencies (expect SFNI and SAAS) are paid directly to the student you will be deemed responsible for payment.
For Sunderland Online, students must pay, in full, prior to enrolment and per module selection.
Successful Enrolment
A student successfully completing all aspects of enrolment will have their record updated accordingly and the student will receive an email confirming their enrolment.
On successful enrolment students will be granted standard access to University IT systems, library services, timetables, and attendance to lectures.
Late enrolment
New students unable to enrol and attend on the first day of their course should contact Admissions in advance to discuss options, including whether late arrival/enrolment is possible.
Returning students should contact the applicable Programme Administration team.
Failure to enrol
Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Taught and Research) students have a 3-week period from the official course start date (not including Welcome Week) to fully complete enrolment.
All Sunderland Online students have an 8-week period from the official course start date to fully complete enrolment.
If a new student fails to enrol, the facility to complete enrolment will be revoked and their formal offer may be withdrawn by the University.
If a returning student fails to enrol, Academic Registry (Programme Administration) will officially close the record of the student, removing the access to complete enrolment and University facilities.
For those students whose fees are paid by SLC/SFE/SFW/SFNI/SAAS, a notification will be sent directly to the governing body to inform them of their failure to enrol.
For those students who are in receipt of a Student Route Visa, the University will inform the Home Office regarding their failure to enrol.
Termination of Studies
You must notify the University promptly if you choose to withdraw from your course for any reason. You will remain enrolled, and liable for any fees, until the University has received the notification that you wish to withdraw.
If you fail to engage in your course of study, for example by failing to attend on a regular basis, and your Course Leader/Tutor believes that you will be unable to progress or complete successfully the course, OR you fail to respond adequately to the University’s attempts to seek your re-engagement with your course of study, the University will consider that you have withdrawn from the course, and will terminate your enrolment. This termination will be notified to you in writing to the most recent correspondence address you have given the University.
If you cease to be enrolled on the course for any reason, either because you have withdrawn or because the University has terminated your studies, you must:
a) Cease attending lectures or other classes, or undertaking research
b) Return all items and materials issued to you but owned by the University, including your University Student ID Card and any equipment you have borrowed (including Library books)
c) Pay any outstanding sums owed to the University
d) Move out of halls of residence (if applicable).
If your enrolment at the University is terminated as a result of disciplinary action taken against you, the termination will apply immediately and you will not be given any notice, unless the University confirms otherwise in writing. You should note that your studies may be terminated if you are dismissed or expelled from any other institution or organisation which you need to be a member of or able to access as part of the course.
If your enrolment with the University ends for whatever reason (whether you withdraw, or your studies are terminated), you will be liable for any fees or other outstanding debt which you owe to the University at the time your enrolment ends. If there is an outstanding debt, the University will usually refer this to a debt collection agency when necessary. Further details are given in the Tuition Fee and Refund Policy.
The attendance monitoring system allows us to regularly review your record to see if you're having any problems attending your classes. It's really important that you use the system and register your attendance at all teaching sessions you go to. This involves tapping your Campus Card against a reader when you go into class.
There'll be fixed card-readers on the wall of all main teaching rooms. Where no fixed reader is available, you may be asked to use a hand-held device.
Read more about attendance monitoring and the Learning Engagement Policy.
The extenuating circumstances policy and procedure is in place to help with events which affect your work, but aren't predictable and beyond your control, such as illness. Outcomes may include short-term extensions or deferral of a piece of work, allowing you to submit it at a later assessment point.
By submitting an assessment or sitting an exam, you’re confirming that you’re fit to do so. After this point, claims for extenuating circumstances won't be considered.
If extenuating circumstances are on medical grounds, medical evidence must be attached. If a claim is made on other grounds, appropriate documentary evidence must still be attached.
Supporting evidence is likely to be documentation from a professional (doctor, counsellor, member of the University’s Student Wellbeing Services, disability support adviser).
In some circumstances, you may need to take an authorised period of absence leave from your university studies. Further information about this can be found in our Leave of Absence Policy.
You may choose to leave the University for various reasons, such as medical, financial or personal.
Before making a final decision, we would encourage you to reach out to your student support services to fully discuss your options.
Support and wellbeing
Whatever you need during your studies, we offer a range of support and wellbeing services.
From wellbeing and financial support to academic guidance and specialist services, we're here to help and make you feel supported.
Our specialist support provision includes:
Student Enquiries is your first point of contact for any student related enquiries. Whether the issue is big or small, quick or complex, we're here to help. We'll work closely with a variety of different departments to get you the support and guidance you need.
You can expect a warm welcome when visiting either of the Student Enquiries desks located at both City Campus in the Gateway Building and the Prospect Building at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
Personal Academic Tutoring supports you to achieve your academic and personal aspirations. It's designed to help you develop skills and gain experience outside of your course.
The sessions aim to show that while your degree is important and opens doors to graduate jobs, it’s not enough on its own. Employers also look for evidence of initiative, real-world experience, key skills, and an understanding of how businesses work. Developing an understanding of these areas will help you stand out and improve your chances of securing a role.
Further information on Personal Academic Tutoring, including student responsibilities, can be found in the PAT Policy.
The University has a number of systems in place to ensure your safety, security, and wellbeing. The Campus Security team work closely with their colleagues in Northumbria Police.
Find out more about safety on campus.
Reporting an incident or crime
There are also procedures in place for any victim of crime, witness to an incident, or witness to suspicious or unusual activity to report their concerns to the University Security team.
This service is 24/7 and reports can be made:
- By calling the Security team on 0191 515 2028
- In-person with the Security team
- By making an anonymous report online.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Student life
Student life covers your general life as a student at the University outside your academic study and details many of the services and facilities that we offer.
If you're studying at the University’s London Campus or at one of our partner colleges in the UK or overseas, the services available to you or how you access them may differ. You should look to the local website, your programme handbook, college, or other information provided to you.
Alongside your studies you'll have the opportunity to build on your academic skills and experience by applying for a part-time job or undertaking a placement or volunteering opportunity.
The University’s free speech Code of Practice sets out how we promote free speech and academic freedom. The Code contains key information on what's meant by free speech and academic freedom, how this links to the University’s values, and how free speech and academic freedom is part of our admissions, appointment, and employment practices.
The Code was revised in response to those parts of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 which have been passed into law and associated Office for Students’ guidance. This version was approved by the Board of Governors in July 2025, to be implemented with immediate effect.
The University of Sunderland remains committed to working closely with the Students’ Union, who also have their own Code of Practice, to ensure a joined up approach to securing free speech on campus.
The University collects and holds personal data relating to its students for a variety of purposes. For further details on the way in which we process your personal data, including the legal basis for doing so, please see our Privacy Policy.
On-campus students (Sunderland and London)
The University has a duty of care to our student community. This is supported by our University Policies and Regulations within our legal framework of duty of care. This is informed by both the adult status of our students and the need to take reasonable steps to provide a safe, secure environment that supports positive wellbeing and good mental health for students who live and work in a shared community. The University should provide information, guidance, and support for students so they can make informed choices to shape their actions.
The particular care of students who are minors is addressed via specific policy under Safeguarding.
The University will always take reasonable steps to support students in difficulty but recognises a shared responsibility between student and University to assure both personal wellbeing and safety. The University recognises both the proportionate capacity of its Support Services and the role of wider NHS statutory services in the immediate and ongoing support of our students.
University of Sunderland – off-campus students (UK and overseas)
The University has a duty of care to our student community. This is supported by our University Policies and Regulations within our legal framework of duty of care. This is informed by both the adult status of our students and the need to provide a safe, secure environment which supports positive wellbeing and good mental health for students.
The University requires partner centres to provide appropriate student support for our students in their local context. The University has a responsibility to ensure that this support is in place via its established Quality Assurance procedures.
Our Student Protection Plan sets out what measures we have in place to protect you as our students in the event that a risk to the continuation of your studies should arise.
The type of event or changes which might cause such a risk are also detailed in the Plan. This plan has been approved by our regulator, the Office for Students.
The University of Sunderland values and celebrates the diversity of all its students and staff. Through our policies and practices, we work to ensure all students and staff are welcome in our community and don't face discrimination with regard to any aspect of their identity. This includes age, disability, gender (including gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, and maternity), ethnicity (including race, colour, or nationality), religion or belief (including non-belief), or sexual orientation.
Find out more about our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
If you're dissatisfied with a service provided by the University you should always raise any issue of complaint informally at a local level as soon as possible, and you'll receive a response which, most of the time, will resolve your complaint.
If you're still not happy with the response and any proposed solution, you can take your complaint further through the formal Student Complaints Policy.
Contact Student Casework, or the Students' Union for advice on the process, advocacy and support, or find out more about student casework and complaints.
Independent Online Learning
Many of our policies and procedures are shared, however, Sunderland Online courses have a number of Programme Specific Regulations to also be aware of. You can find these in your individual Programme Handbook, found within Canvas.
We'll use the virtual learning environment and your Student Success Coordinator to check how you’re getting on with your studies. To help us support you, make sure you use the system regularly and stay in touch with your Student Success Coordinator.
If you don’t register for two modules in a row and don’t respond to our attempts to contact you, you'll be withdrawn from your course. For courses lasting more than a year, you’ll also need to re-enrol each year. We'll get in touch when it's time to do this.
If you don’t complete re-enrolment, your place at the University could be withdrawn.
As an online learner, you'll work in a very different environment to the traditional classroom. This offers many benefits, such as flexibility, more independence, and the opportunity to work at your own pace. We recognise that you may also 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 Student Success Coordinator (SSC). The role of the SSC is to provide you with proactive encouragement and support throughout your online journey. We aim to ensure you're given the right level of support and that we recognise if you need any extra encouragement or guidance 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 Student Success Coordinator
- 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 any 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.
Your SSC can be contacted by email or telephone using the details below:
studentsuccess@online.sunderland.ac.uk
Freephone: +44 808 175 5684