Why Sunderland for Business and Management

We’ve made sure that, where it matters, our courses are accredited by leading industry bodies. This means you’ll be studying a course that’s recognised by professionals in the field – and in some cases, you could even get exam exemptions or access to exclusive resources that aren’t available to non-members.

Some of the professional bodies we’re connected with include:

• CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing)
• CMI (Chartered Management Institute)
• CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).

We strongly encourage you to undertake a placement during your studies. It’s a great way to gain real-world experience, boost your CV, and build confidence. Our dedicated placements team will support you every step of the way – with help on applications, interviews, and finding the right opportunity for you.

Some students find their time in industry not only valuable for learning but also a stepping stone to a job offer after the placement ends.

Every year, we host an exciting programme of guest speakers who share their insights and experiences with our staff and students.

You’ll hear directly from top industry professionals, whose advice is inspiring and incredibly useful. Past speakers have included the Head of Sales and Marketing at Divine Chocolate; the CEO of Sunderland AFC; Mike Johnson (CEO of Castrol and Executive Vice President at BP); and Neil Stephenson, former CEO of ONYX – alongside other leaders from some of the region’s biggest employers.

We also love welcoming back our graduates to give guest lectures and share their career journeys, thanks to the continued connections we maintain through our alumni team.

Project ChangeMaker is an exciting opportunity to undertake a six-week virtual placement within a local business to help tackle a real organisational challenge.

This starts with guest lectures and reflection sessions to help you prepare. Then, working closely with the business, you’ll dive into a specific issue they’re facing and come up with practical recommendations based on your experience. It’s a great way to apply what you’ve learned, gain hands-on experience, and make a real impact.

Our academic staff come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including human resources, marketing, and finance. They bring their specialisms straight into the classroom, using them to shape both their teaching and research. This means you'll learn from people who really know the industry and who can offer valuable career advice to help you reach your goals.

Many of our lecturers maintain strong links with industry, and some still work as consultants. This connection to the professional world can open doors for you –whether you’re looking for a placement or support as you start your career after graduation.