University Guide
University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland is based in North East England, with two Sunderland campuses: City Campus and the riverside Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. Together, they offer subjects ranging from healthcare and sciences to media, engineering, business and law. Students have access to libraries, specialist teaching facilities and CitySpace’s sports facilities, with a free campus bus connecting teaching sites and university accommodation. The university also has campuses in London and Hong Kong.

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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the University of Sunderland .
Rankings
Sunderland is ranked 68th overall and seventh for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2027. Its subject results include second for Childhood and Youth Studies and ninth for Social Work. Explore the university’s latest achievements for further results and recognition.
Employability
Sunderland’s Employability and Enterprise Hub helps students and graduates prepare applications, improve CVs and practise interview techniques. Support includes individual career conversations, job opportunities, employer events and guidance on freelancing or starting a business. Depending on your course, you may also be able to gain experience through an accredited placement or placement year.
Fees
Standard full-time undergraduate tuition fees for students with Home fee status are £9,790 for 2026/27, with a published first-year fee of £10,050 for 2027/28. Fees are payable each year and may increase during your course. International and postgraduate fees vary by programme, so check your course and entry year alongside the university’s tuition fee information. Some courses also involve additional costs for materials, uniforms or trips.
Bursaries
Sunderland offers scholarships and bursaries based on achievement, potential and personal circumstances. For autumn 2027 entry, the Impact Scholarship offers selected eligible Home and Overseas Island undergraduates £1,000 in their first year. Selection considers how applicants demonstrate the university’s values in their UCAS personal statement. Conditions include applying by 13 January 2027, making Sunderland your firm choice by the relevant UCAS deadline and enrolling by 6 October 2027. No separate scholarship application is required, but eligibility does not guarantee an award.
Accommodation
Sunderland has three university-managed residences: Panns Bank, Scotia Quay and The Precinct. Current published prices include standard rooms at Panns Bank for £104 per week and standard en-suite rooms at Scotia Quay for £131. Both list 40- and 50-week contracts, with utilities, internet and personal possessions insurance included. All residences are self-catered. Check prices and the accommodation guarantee for your entry year. The published guarantee currently relates to September and October 2026 entrants, with eligibility conditions and deadlines; en-suite rooms and preferred residences are not guaranteed. You can also explore student accommodation in Sunderland through AFS, comparing total rent, bills and your journey to the correct campus.
Need a place to stay in Sunderland?
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Students' Union
Sunderland Students’ Union, known as Your SU, offers over 70 societies, events and opportunities to meet other students. Elected officers represent students and lead campaigns, while SU Buddies help newcomers settle in. Its independent advice service provides free, confidential support with academic issues and directs students towards other university services when needed.


Famous for
Notable alumni include BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan North, stand-up comedian Chris Ramsey and former captain of the England Rugby Union team Katy Daley-Mclean.
News
In October 2026, Sunderland celebrated ten years of its Accelerator Fund, which supports business ideas from students and recent graduates. An event at Hope Street Xchange brought together entrepreneurs whose ventures had benefited from the fund, including businesses in illustration, video production and specialist therapies.
Accommodation for Students says
"Sunderland has much to offer students. A busy city centre with a good cost of living, it is also close to some of the most attractive coastline in England"
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We have lots of great student properties available near the University of Sunderland .
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