• Some 10 percent of the student population is international.

  • Recently opened rapid transit system

  • In a prestigious competition, phase one of the development of the new St. Peter's Campus was named best new University Building in the UK.

Sunderland, England (pop. 300,000)
Language of instruction: English
Academic year & semester exchanges

Profile

The origins of higher education in Sunderland can be traced back to 1860 when the School of Science and Art was founded. Over the years, various mergers took place increasing the size of the institution. The award of university status coincided with the designation of Sunderland as Britain's newest city. The University of Sunderland has more than 15,000 students, and welcomes over 1,000 international students from nearly 60 countries. A wide range of courses is offered, from diplomas to bachelors and masters degrees; postgraduate and PhD research programs. Taught programs in the University are based upon a modular structure allowing most students scope to tailor their degree to their exact requirements.

Location

Sunderland is located on the northeast coast of England with easy access to the nearby coast and countryside. There is a large indoor shopping centre, two theatres, cinema and a lively nightscene. Nearby Newcastle International airport is within easy reach and has regular flights to the major hubs of Heathrow/Gatwick and Amsterdam. London is approximately 3.5 hours by train.

Divisions

  • Arts, Design, Media and Culture (ceramics, dance, drama, glass, music, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, visual design, American studies, art history, communications and media studies, English literature, European studies, history, journalism, politics, tourism, Victorian studies)

  • Business (accounting, business, economics, European business, international business, finance, law, management, marketing, psychology);

  • Computing and Technology (automotive communications, business computing, combined sciences, computer-aided, computing, digital systems, information technology, material sciences, manufacturing management, mathematics, technology management)

  • Education and Lifelong Learning (business studies, teaching studies [5-13 year group, languages, mathematics, music, physics, science for all ages, technology, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish])

  • Health, Natural and Social Sciences (biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, combined arts and social sciences, ecology, environmental management, environmental studies, gemology, gender studies, geography, geology, health studies, pharmacology, pharmacy, physiology, social work, sociology, sports sciences, waste management, youth and community work)

Academic Notes

Highly flexible modular structure gives students a wide range of classes to choose from in the two-semester year. The program is modeled on American lines.

Room and Board

The University provides a choice of high-quality, purpose-built halls of residence alongside refurbished older properties with over 3,000 places in University-managed properties. Most rooms are single study-bedrooms. There are some rooms suitable for families, and students with special needs. The cost of living in Sunderland is generally lower that in other parts of the UK. A fully staffed Student Services department provides advice on: Health, Childcare, International issues, Careers, Finance, Special Needs and Counseling. There is a wide choice of student societies, and sports facilities include a 25-metre pool, two gymnasia, weights and fitness rooms, and floodlit outdoor facilities.

Application Process

If you would like to spend a semester or academic year at Sunderland University, please print out the following forms, fill them out and bring to the Center for International Programs.

Exchange Dates

  • Academic year: mid-September to June

  • Semester 1: mid-September to late January

  • Semester 2: late January to mid-June