Why Sunderland for Social Sciences

The Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme gives students on selected courses the chance to volunteer as an appropriate adult for someone in police custody. It’s a great opportunity to gain real-world experience that can boost your future career prospects. Plus, you’ll have the option to work towards an additional accredited qualification while you volunteer.

Find out more about the scheme.

If you're studying social work, childhood studies, or health and social care, you’ll benefit from our close partnerships with all 12 local authorities across the region – from Northumberland in the north to North Yorkshire in the south. These relationships are key to ensuring our teaching is grounded in current practice, informed by real-world experience, and responsive to the evolving needs of the profession.

We collaborate with a wide range of public and voluntary sector organisations, giving you the chance to engage with the challenges and priorities shaping social work and related professions. Our partners include organisations working in areas such as homelessness, domestic abuse, substance misuse, education, and youth and community work.

Our Childhood Studies course also offers the opportunity to engage with and work on challenging issues with organisations such as NE Youth, Emmaus North East, Together for Children, and Smile for Life.

These connections can enhance your learning, helping you build the skills, confidence, and insight needed for a meaningful career.

We maintain strong and long-standing links with NHS trusts across the region, giving you access to valuable insight and experience in a range of settings. These connections enhance your opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, particularly in areas such as mental health, community care, and integrated services.