Online and Distance Learning

Study an online distance learning course from anywhere in the world. Learn alongside an existing job or commitment, or use the increased flexibility to pursue personal interests. Benefit from our high-quality teaching and support without the need to come onto campus.

What is distance learning?

Our online and distance learning courses offer a truly flexible means of studying, as they allow you to learn from anywhere in the world that has internet access. We offer a range of courses taught by this method, all of which benefit from high-quality resources and great support throughout.

Learning materials will consist of e-books, online journal papers, and other online resources, so there is never a requirement to come onto campus. You’ll interact with other students in online discussion forums and your tutors will guide and support you via email, phone, and the University’s e-learning portal, Canvas.

An online distance learning degree is a qualification that's recognised internationally, and you'll develop the skills, experience, and knowledge you need to pursue a career wherever you choose to go in the world. You can share and benefit from being a member of a global ‘community of learning and educational practice’ in each of your modules.

Distance learning courses in Education

Our Education courses are at the forefront of our distance learning provision, having initially commenced over 20 years ago with the PGCE Education course in Dubai. We now operate in over 60 countries across the world with a wide range of courses.

All of our courses enable you to share and benefit from being a member of a global community of learning and educational practice. You're able to study in a flexible, independent, and well-supported manner, allowing you to achieve a recognised professional and academic qualification. Find out more about the benefits of studying one of our distance learning courses in Education.

Our Online and Distance Learning courses

Take a look below to find the right course for you.

Undergraduate courses

Student sitting at a laptop
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up)

The 100% online BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up has been specifically designed for ambitious registered nurses who want to top up their existing academic qualification to a BSc with Honours degree, unlocking progression into more senior roles and higher pay bands.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up)
A nursing student working with a manikin in a bed on the mock hospital ward
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Blended)

The course has been designed for individuals who want to launch a rewarding career in nursing and make a real difference to people’s lives, every day. You will learn the knowledge and skills required of a Registered Nurse, and your learning will be directly aligned with the needs of the NHS and other health care employers.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Blended)

Postgraduate courses

Two students in class smiling and laughing sitting at their desk
Full-time

MBA Top-Up (DL)

The MBA degree is one of the most prestigious and sought-after postgraduate degrees in the field of management and leadership. The applied nature of our MBA course will build on your previous managerial experience while moving you forward on a journey of practical professional development. 

Find out more about MBA Top-Up (DL)
A student sitting cross-legged on the ground with a laptop, outside next to a leafy plant
Full-time

PGCE Education (DL)

Do you want to gain an academic teaching qualification from a respected UK university? The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over 100 years. Take advantage of our teaching expertise as we equip you with the skills to improve your teaching, while working towards a Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Find out more about PGCE Education (DL)
A student looking at something off camera
Full-time

PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)

Do you want to develop a specialism in teaching young children up to the age of five without leaving your home country? Then this course is for you. We’ve been teaching education for over 100 years, and this course builds on the University of Sunderland’s expertise in teacher training. You’ll explore how to assess development and how to lead Early Years provision, while working toward a PGCE in Early Years Teaching.

Find out more about PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)
A student independently studying on a laptop
Full-time

PGCE iQTS (DL)

Qualify as a teacher with iQTS from anywhere in the world with this DfE (UK) recognised International Initial Teacher Training course. The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over 100 years.

Find out more about PGCE iQTS (DL)
A student sitting at a table studying
Part-time

PgCert National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (DL)

Develop the skills and knowledge you need to lead colleagues in meeting needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This independent distance learning course can be studied from anywhere in the world.

Find out more about PgCert National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (DL)
A student teacher helping two school pupils with an activity
Part-time

PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL)

Study from anywhere in the world. Enhance learning and teaching for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Develop your communication with colleagues, other professionals, parents and carers.

Find out more about PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL)
A trainee teacher sitting with primary school children while doing a maths activity
Part-time

MA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL)

Study for the MA SEND from anywhere in the world and explore issues surrounding Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities via flexible distance learning.

Find out more about MA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL)
A student sitting at a laptop
Full-time/Part-time

MA Education (DL)

Are you a Teacher or Educationalist? Do you want to develop your professional practice? This distance learning programme provides the opportunity to continue your professional development and acquire advanced research and study skills whether you are in the UK or Overseas. Combine study with paid work or family commitments, and enhance your skills and understanding to equip you for various roles including teaching and educational management.

Find out more about MA Education (DL)
A student sitting at a table reading a book
Part-time

MA International Education (DL)

Are you a teacher in an international school? Would you like to develop your professional practice? If so, this distance learning programme is for you. We will support your career development with a tight focus on the international school system and its challenges and opportunities. Enhance your employability, while working towards a masters qualification.

Find out more about MA International Education (DL)
A male teacher standing at the front of a primary school classroom with children's hands in the air
Part-time

PgCert in Professional Development for International Early Career Teachers (DL)

This Postgraduate Certificate will help you develop your professional skills, knowledge, and pedagogy to make an effective transition from novice to expert teacher. Study from anywhere in the world via flexible distance learning and accelerate your career and expertise.

Find out more about PgCert in Professional Development for International Early Career Teachers (DL)
Students chatting and smiling
Part-time

Mentoring and Coaching (DL)

This Level 7 course is ideal for teachers or other educational professionals who want to develop their careers with a Mentoring and Coaching qualification. You will gain knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills that you can apply to your own teaching position to enhance your career.

Find out more about Mentoring and Coaching (DL)
A student using a desktop computer
Part-time

MSc Psychology

Our BPS-accredited 100% online MSc Psychology course is designed for professionals seeking career advancement and individuals without a psychology background looking to embark on a career in this fascinating field. The course offers a unique, integrated approach to core topics, applying a 360-degree psychological perspective to real-world issues.

Find out more about MSc Psychology
A male student using a laptop computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management

This MSc Management course will help you to shape your leadership and management skills to become an effective manager and leader in the 21st century business environment.You will gain a deep understanding of the core business subjects, enabling you to put theory and contemporary thinking into practice. It is delivered entirely online, with a flexible learning model that delivers academic content on demand.

Find out more about MSc Management
A student using a smartphone
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management with Marketing

This MSc Management with Marketing course helps you to develop your leadership and management skills, examining how aspiring marketing leaders can become effective managers and leaders in the modern world of work. With a focus on leadership in marketing, you will gain a deep understanding of international marketing, marketing management, and global integrated marketing communications. This course enables you to benefit from an entirely flexible online format.

Find out more about MSc Management with Marketing
A male student using a laptop computer showing graphs
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management with Finance

Our online MSc Management with Finance course has been specifically built to provide busy working professionals with the opportunity to learn how to successfully manage, lead, strategise and innovate within the Finance discipline – without having to give up the day job. The course is delivered entirely online with a flexible learning model.

Find out more about MSc Management with Finance
A student using a desktop computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management with HR

With a specific focus on the organisational and people aspects of business and management, you will gain a deep understanding of international human resource management, organisational development, resourcing and talent management. The course’s flexible learning model delivers academic content on demand, meaning that you can study for your Masters degree from anywhere in the world, on mobile or desktop, and can fit your studies around your work and family life.

Find out more about MSc Management with HR
Male student using a laptop
Full-time/Part-time

International MBA

This MBA equips you for strategic, cross-cultural and international roles in organisations where decision-making involves evaluation and analysis of challenging and fast-changing environments and the exploration of opportunities to implement change at a strategic level.

Find out more about International MBA
Historic buildings of a city at night
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Hospitality Management

Lead the way in hospitality management with our 100% online MBA with Hospitality Management.

Find out more about MBA with Hospitality Management
Male student using a laptop
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Project Management

Delivering projects on time, on budget and in line with stakeholder expectations requires effective management across the project lifecycle. The 100% online MBA with Project Management provides you with the tools to do so, developing skills in scoping, planning, resource management and project delivery.

Find out more about MBA with Project Management
Student sitting at a laptop
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Healthcare Management

The MBA with Healthcare Management will help grow your confidence as a leader, develop your data analysis, problem solving and innovation skills, and equip you to guide strategic direction in the healthcare sector. You'll explore leadership in national and global health and social care settings with a critical appreciation of the issues, trends and ethical and diversity perspectives that impact on decision making.

Find out more about MBA with Healthcare Management
Female student with book using computer
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Supply Chain Management

The 100% online MBA with Supply Chain Management has been created for ambitious professionals who want to advance into and succeed in senior and strategic positions in supply chain and logistics. It provides you with an in-depth understanding of global logistics and supply chain management and the design of sustainable integrated supply chains, in addition to developing enhanced leadership skills.

Find out more about MBA with Supply Chain Management
Student sat at a desk looking at computer screen
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Computer Science

This 100% online MSc Computer Science has been designed for ambitious individuals who aren’t from a computer science background and who want to launch a new career in computer science or want to incorporate computer science expertise and knowledge into their current field as a means of accelerating their career progression. This online Computer Masters is also open to professionals who work in computer science roles and want to gain an academic qualification to enhance their credentials and career prospects.

Find out more about MSc Computer Science
Two students using a computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Computer Science with Data Science

100% online MSc Computer Science with Data Science is ideal for professionals who want to develop data science skills to apply to their current role as a means of progressing their career and is open to professionals who work in computer science roles and want to gain an academic qualification to enhance their credentials and career prospects. Studying the course, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to succeed in one of the numerous and high demand data scientist roles in today’s employment market.

Find out more about MSc Computer Science with Data Science
A student using a smartphone
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity

This 100% online MSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity has been designed to provide individuals who don’t have an academic or professional background in IT or cybersecurity with the specialist knowledge and skills to launch an exciting new career in cybersecurity. The course represents an excellent opportunity for you to develop cyber skills to apply to your current role as a means of progressing your career. You'll learn to effectively specify, design, implement and support secure computing systems in the real world.

Find out more about MSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity
A student using a desktop computer
Full-time/Part-time

LLM Master of Laws

This 100% online LLM has been designed for lawyers and non-lawyers alike to provide a comprehensive legal education that can help you to succeed in legal practice, academia or a wide range of business and management career paths. Whether you want to learn the legal skills to support your pathway to becoming a lawyer, are currently practicing law and are looking to specialise, or are looking to develop a legal profile in a role to accelerate your career progression, this course will provide you with the knowledge, insights and skills to help you achieve your goals.

Find out more about LLM Master of Laws
A male student using a laptop computer
Full-time/Part-time

LLM Commercial Law

This 100% online LLM Commercial Law has been created for both lawyers and non-lawyers at all stages of their careers who have an interest in the commercial dimension of international legal issues and who want to gain a robust legal understanding of the global business environment. Whether you want to learn commercial legal skills, are currently practicing and looking to specialise in commercial or trade law, or are looking to develop a legal profile in the business world, this online LLM provides you with the knowledge, insights and skills to help you achieve your goals.

Find out more about LLM Commercial Law
Student sat at a desk looking at computer screen
Full-time/Part-time

LLM International Law

This 100% online LLM International Law is ideally suited to professionals wanting to specialise in public international law and provides you with a firm foundation in the fundamentals of the international legal system and international relations. Open to both lawyers and non-lawyers, this online course develops a comprehensive understanding of international law that will prepare you for, or further your career in a wide range of sectors both nationally and internationally, including government, trade, law firms, businesses, industry associations and non-governmental organisations.

Find out more about LLM International Law
A student using a desktop computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Nursing Studies

The 100% online MSc Nursing Studies has been designed to equip ambitious healthcare practitioners in the UK and across the world with the knowledge, skills and network to succeed in senior Nursing, midwifery and healthcare roles and to advance to higher pay bands, or develop greater depth and understanding within their current roles and scope of practice.

Find out more about MSc Nursing Studies
MA Design student work on display during the MA Degree Show
Part-time

MDes Design

Designers work to enhance and enrich a wide variety of projects, enhancing the appeal and function of objects, processes, and systems. Release your inner creative and help businesses engage their users with our 100% online MDes Design.

Find out more about MDes Design
An animation student working on a design on a Wacom Cintiq screen
Part-time

MDes Design with Animation

Animators use the power of motion to inspire audiences and breathe life into a wide variety of design projects. Help businesses take their creative outputs to the next level and realise your imaginative ambitions with our 100% online MDes Design with Animation.

Find out more about MDes Design with Animation
A student showing another student something on a computer screen
Part-time

MDes Design with Graphic Design

Graphic designers combine colour, shape, and form to convey meaning and create designs that motivate, inspire, and engage. Use your imagination and creativity to help employers develop and deliver their brands to a wide range of audiences with our 100% online MDes Design with Graphic Design.

Find out more about MDes Design with Graphic Design
Student cutting fabric
Part-time

MDes Design with Fashion Design

Careers in fashion combine art, aesthetics, and versatility to support the creative world around what we wear. Put your business nous and artistic flair to good use in this exciting and enduring industry with our 100% online MDes Design with Fashion Design.

Find out more about MDes Design with Fashion Design

Research courses

Partner Centres

Online

Two students in class smiling and laughing sitting at their desk
Full-time

MBA Top-Up (DL)

The MBA degree is one of the most prestigious and sought-after postgraduate degrees in the field of management and leadership. The applied nature of our MBA course will build on your previous managerial experience while moving you forward on a journey of practical professional development. 

Find out more about
A student using a desktop computer
Part-time

MSc Psychology

Our BPS-accredited 100% online MSc Psychology course is designed for professionals seeking career advancement and individuals without a psychology background looking to embark on a career in this fascinating field. The course offers a unique, integrated approach to core topics, applying a 360-degree psychological perspective to real-world issues.

Find out more about
A male student using a laptop computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management

This MSc Management course will help you to shape your leadership and management skills to become an effective manager and leader in the 21st century business environment.You will gain a deep understanding of the core business subjects, enabling you to put theory and contemporary thinking into practice. It is delivered entirely online, with a flexible learning model that delivers academic content on demand.

Find out more about
A student using a smartphone
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management with Marketing

This MSc Management with Marketing course helps you to develop your leadership and management skills, examining how aspiring marketing leaders can become effective managers and leaders in the modern world of work. With a focus on leadership in marketing, you will gain a deep understanding of international marketing, marketing management, and global integrated marketing communications. This course enables you to benefit from an entirely flexible online format.

Find out more about
A male student using a laptop computer showing graphs
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management with Finance

Our online MSc Management with Finance course has been specifically built to provide busy working professionals with the opportunity to learn how to successfully manage, lead, strategise and innovate within the Finance discipline – without having to give up the day job. The course is delivered entirely online with a flexible learning model.

Find out more about
A student using a desktop computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Management with HR

With a specific focus on the organisational and people aspects of business and management, you will gain a deep understanding of international human resource management, organisational development, resourcing and talent management. The course’s flexible learning model delivers academic content on demand, meaning that you can study for your Masters degree from anywhere in the world, on mobile or desktop, and can fit your studies around your work and family life.

Find out more about
Male student using a laptop
Full-time/Part-time

International MBA

This MBA equips you for strategic, cross-cultural and international roles in organisations where decision-making involves evaluation and analysis of challenging and fast-changing environments and the exploration of opportunities to implement change at a strategic level.

Find out more about
Historic buildings of a city at night
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Hospitality Management

Lead the way in hospitality management with our 100% online MBA with Hospitality Management.

Find out more about
Male student using a laptop
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Project Management

Delivering projects on time, on budget and in line with stakeholder expectations requires effective management across the project lifecycle. The 100% online MBA with Project Management provides you with the tools to do so, developing skills in scoping, planning, resource management and project delivery.

Find out more about
Student sitting at a laptop
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Healthcare Management

The MBA with Healthcare Management will help grow your confidence as a leader, develop your data analysis, problem solving and innovation skills, and equip you to guide strategic direction in the healthcare sector. You'll explore leadership in national and global health and social care settings with a critical appreciation of the issues, trends and ethical and diversity perspectives that impact on decision making.

Find out more about
Female student with book using computer
Full-time/Part-time

MBA with Supply Chain Management

The 100% online MBA with Supply Chain Management has been created for ambitious professionals who want to advance into and succeed in senior and strategic positions in supply chain and logistics. It provides you with an in-depth understanding of global logistics and supply chain management and the design of sustainable integrated supply chains, in addition to developing enhanced leadership skills.

Find out more about
Student sat at a desk looking at computer screen
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Computer Science

This 100% online MSc Computer Science has been designed for ambitious individuals who aren’t from a computer science background and who want to launch a new career in computer science or want to incorporate computer science expertise and knowledge into their current field as a means of accelerating their career progression. This online Computer Masters is also open to professionals who work in computer science roles and want to gain an academic qualification to enhance their credentials and career prospects.

Find out more about
Two students using a computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Computer Science with Data Science

100% online MSc Computer Science with Data Science is ideal for professionals who want to develop data science skills to apply to their current role as a means of progressing their career and is open to professionals who work in computer science roles and want to gain an academic qualification to enhance their credentials and career prospects. Studying the course, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to succeed in one of the numerous and high demand data scientist roles in today’s employment market.

Find out more about
A student using a smartphone
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity

This 100% online MSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity has been designed to provide individuals who don’t have an academic or professional background in IT or cybersecurity with the specialist knowledge and skills to launch an exciting new career in cybersecurity. The course represents an excellent opportunity for you to develop cyber skills to apply to your current role as a means of progressing your career. You'll learn to effectively specify, design, implement and support secure computing systems in the real world.

Find out more about
A student using a desktop computer
Full-time/Part-time

LLM Master of Laws

This 100% online LLM has been designed for lawyers and non-lawyers alike to provide a comprehensive legal education that can help you to succeed in legal practice, academia or a wide range of business and management career paths. Whether you want to learn the legal skills to support your pathway to becoming a lawyer, are currently practicing law and are looking to specialise, or are looking to develop a legal profile in a role to accelerate your career progression, this course will provide you with the knowledge, insights and skills to help you achieve your goals.

Find out more about
A male student using a laptop computer
Full-time/Part-time

LLM Commercial Law

This 100% online LLM Commercial Law has been created for both lawyers and non-lawyers at all stages of their careers who have an interest in the commercial dimension of international legal issues and who want to gain a robust legal understanding of the global business environment. Whether you want to learn commercial legal skills, are currently practicing and looking to specialise in commercial or trade law, or are looking to develop a legal profile in the business world, this online LLM provides you with the knowledge, insights and skills to help you achieve your goals.

Find out more about
Student sat at a desk looking at computer screen
Full-time/Part-time

LLM International Law

This 100% online LLM International Law is ideally suited to professionals wanting to specialise in public international law and provides you with a firm foundation in the fundamentals of the international legal system and international relations. Open to both lawyers and non-lawyers, this online course develops a comprehensive understanding of international law that will prepare you for, or further your career in a wide range of sectors both nationally and internationally, including government, trade, law firms, businesses, industry associations and non-governmental organisations.

Find out more about
A student using a desktop computer
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Nursing Studies

The 100% online MSc Nursing Studies has been designed to equip ambitious healthcare practitioners in the UK and across the world with the knowledge, skills and network to succeed in senior Nursing, midwifery and healthcare roles and to advance to higher pay bands, or develop greater depth and understanding within their current roles and scope of practice.

Find out more about
Student sitting at a laptop
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up)

The 100% online BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up has been specifically designed for ambitious registered nurses who want to top up their existing academic qualification to a BSc with Honours degree, unlocking progression into more senior roles and higher pay bands.

Find out more about
A nursing student working with a manikin in a bed on the mock hospital ward
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Blended)

The course has been designed for individuals who want to launch a rewarding career in nursing and make a real difference to people’s lives, every day. You will learn the knowledge and skills required of a Registered Nurse, and your learning will be directly aligned with the needs of the NHS and other health care employers.

Find out more about
MA Design student work on display during the MA Degree Show
Part-time

MDes Design

Designers work to enhance and enrich a wide variety of projects, enhancing the appeal and function of objects, processes, and systems. Release your inner creative and help businesses engage their users with our 100% online MDes Design.

Find out more about
An animation student working on a design on a Wacom Cintiq screen
Part-time

MDes Design with Animation

Animators use the power of motion to inspire audiences and breathe life into a wide variety of design projects. Help businesses take their creative outputs to the next level and realise your imaginative ambitions with our 100% online MDes Design with Animation.

Find out more about
A student showing another student something on a computer screen
Part-time

MDes Design with Graphic Design

Graphic designers combine colour, shape, and form to convey meaning and create designs that motivate, inspire, and engage. Use your imagination and creativity to help employers develop and deliver their brands to a wide range of audiences with our 100% online MDes Design with Graphic Design.

Find out more about
Student cutting fabric
Part-time

MDes Design with Fashion Design

Careers in fashion combine art, aesthetics, and versatility to support the creative world around what we wear. Put your business nous and artistic flair to good use in this exciting and enduring industry with our 100% online MDes Design with Fashion Design.

Find out more about