The university was formed in order to address the regional imbalance of medical education spaces across England and to provide access to the medical profession and was named as one of only five new medical schools in the UK in 2018.

In September 2019, the School of Medicine will welcome its initial class of students.

Sunderland Technical College was established in 1901 and became the University of Sunderland in 1992. It has four campuses: two on the northeast coast of England in Sunderland, one in London where business, tourism, and nursing degrees are taught, and a brand-new one in Hong Kong.

The University of Sunderland enjoys strong ties to business and industry as well as tight collaborations with numerous top blue-chip firms.

Many students complete internships with these businesses as part of their degrees, with engineering and media having particularly strong ties.

In their feedback from the Teaching Excellence Framework, assessors recognised the university's incorporated professional practice and the concrete contribution made by business and industry partners to program content.

The University of Sunderland places a high priority on its connections with business, and each faculty has its own cooperative business partners to help shape the content of the programs, work together on research projects or degree apprenticeships, give guest lectures, or offer internship opportunities to students and graduates.

The mission statement of the University of Sunderland is to become bold and inspirational in providing education, research, and creative practice. To transform the experiences of students, staff, communities, and business partners both in the UK and globally.

The university aims to make a positive difference in society through its commitment to widening participation, world-leading research, and strong public and private sector collaborations.

Since Benedict Bishop constructed St. Peter's Church and the monastery there in 674 AD, the University of Sunderland has been a significant centre for education. North of the Alps, the largest scriptorium was located in St. Peter's Church.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St. Peter's of the University of Sunderland has been built in this region.

Sunderland Technical College is the founding of Sunderland Technical Institution as a municipal training college in 1901, where the university's present roots may be found. Sandwich courses were introduced for the first time.

A total of four departments were present when it first started: Chemistry, Mechanical & Civil Engineering, Physics & Electrical Engineering, and Commerce & Languages. Other topics, such as Latin and navigation, were taught by part-time lecturers. More than three times as many students as anticipated—671 students enrolled in the first year.

Sunderland Polytechnic—the Technical College, the School of Art, and the Sunderland Teacher Training College were all incorporated into the new institution that became Sunderland Polytechnic on January 26, 1969. (Established in 1908).

Sunderland was one of the first of 30 Polytechnics, whose goal was to teach both academically rigorous and professionally relevant subjects. Polytechnics are also known as technology universities in other nations.

Their primary emphasis was on applied education for the workplace, and while their foundations were in engineering and applied science, they also established humanities-focused departments.

The University of Sunderland is certified by various programmatic accreditations.

1. Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
2. European University Association (EUA)
3. MillionPlus
4. Universities UK
5. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
6. BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
7. British Psychological Society (BPS)
8. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
9. Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
10. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
11. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
12. CPA Australia
13. Department for Education (DfE)
14. General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
15. Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
16. Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
17. National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
18. National Youth Agency (NYA)
19. Professional Publishers Association (PPA)
20. Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)

At University of Sunderland, there are two study campuses with a lively and supportive environment, consisting of all the necessary campus facilities for students, to make the most out of their student life. Campus facilities of the University of Sunderland include:

1. Sports and social clubs
2. Beautiful campus facilities
3. Awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status in 2022 for their cleanliness and facilities.
4. Dedicated Support services for students
5. Crime Prevention team
6. Provides UV pens and an engraving tool for marking property.
7. 50-meter-long swimming pool
8. Dry ski slope
9. An LTA-accredited tennis center
10. Athletics track
11. Health and Wellbeing service
12. Cafe and Gym service
13. Library facilities
14. Indoor facilities
15. The Sciences Complex
16. The David Goldman Technology Centre
17. Media Centre
18. Living Lab
19. Free airport pick-up service

Courses offered at the University of Sunderland include an extensive range of subjects on foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-based PhDs. All the currently offered courses for the year 2025/2026 are listed below.

Foundation:

1. International Year One
2. Trainee Pharmacist Programme

Undergraduate

1. Accounting and Finance (with Professional Exemptions)
2. Accounting and Financial Management (Top-Up)
3. Adult Nursing Practice
4. Animation and Games Art
5. Artist Designer Maker: Glass and Ceramics
6. Audiology
7. Automotive Engineering (Top-Up)
8. Banking and Finance (Top-Up)
9. Biochemistry
10. Biochemistry (with Placement Year)
11. Biomedical Science
12. Biopharmaceutical Science
13. Biopharmaceutical Science (with Placement Year)
14. Business and Financial Management
15. Business and Financial Management (with Placement Year)
16. Business and Human Resource Management
17. Business and Human Resource Management (with Placement Year)
18. Business and Management
19. Business and Management (3 Years)
20. Business and Management (Stage 3)
21. Business and Marketing Management
22. Business and Marketing Management (Stage 3)
23. Business and Marketing Management (with Placement Year)
24. Cardiac Physiology
25. Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up)
26. Childhood Studies
27. Clinical Psychology
28. Computer Science
29. Computer Science (with Placement Year)
30. Computer Systems Engineering (Top-Up)
31. Cosmetic Science
32. Cosmetic Science (with Placement Year)
33. Counselling (Top-Up)
34. Criminology
35. Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
36. Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics (with Placement Year)
37. Education Studies
38. Electronic and Electrical Engineering
39. Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Top-Up)
40. Electronic and Electrical Engineering (with Placement Year)
41. Engineering Technologies (Top-Up)
42. English: Creative and Professional Writing
43. Esports Event Management
44. Esports Event Management (with Placement Year)
45. Events Management
46. Events Management (with Placement Year)
47. Fashion Design and Promotion
48. Fashion Journalism
49. Film and Media
50. Film Production
51. Fine Art
52. Forensic Psychology
53. Game Development
54. Game Development (with Placement Year)
55. Graphic Design
56. Health, Wellbeing and Care in Society
57. Illustration and Design
58. International Tourism and Hospitality Management
59. International Tourism and Hospitality Management (Top-Up)
60. International Tourism and Hospitality Management (with Placement Year)
61. Journalism
62. Law
63. Manufacturing Engineering (Top-Up)
64. Mass Communications (Top-Up)
65. Mathematics Education (11-16 years) with QTS
66. Mechanical Engineering
67. Mechanical Engineering (Top-Up)
68. Mechanical Engineering (with Placement Year)
69. Media Production
70. Media, Culture and Communication
71. Mental Health Nursing Practice
72. Music (Top-Up)
73. Network Systems Engineering (Top-Up)
74. Nursing (Top-Up)
75. Occupational Therapy Accelerated
76. Performing Arts
77. Pharmacy
78. Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
79. Physical Education with QTS
80. Physiotherapy
81. Policing Studies (Top-Up)
82. Primary Education with QTS
83. Primary Education with SEND
84. Professional Policing
85. Psychology
86. Psychology with Counselling
87. Screen Performance
88. Social Media Management
89. Social Work
90. Sport and Exercise Sciences
91. Sport and Rehabilitation Therapy
92. Sports Coaching and Physical Education
93. Sports Journalism
94. Sustainable Design Engineering
95. Tourism and Aviation Management
96. Tourism and Aviation Management (with Placement Year)

Postgraduate:

1. Advanced Engineering Design
2. Advanced Legal Practice (SQE 1 and SQE 2)
3. Applied Computing (with Placement Year)
4. Applied Cybersecurity
5. Applied Cybersecurity (with Placement Year)
6. Applied Data Science
7. Applied Data Science (with Placement Year)
8. Applied Project Management
9. Childhood and Youth Studies
10. Commercial Law and International Trade
11. Computer Science Secondary Education
12. Computing
13. Cosmetic Science
14. Criminal Law and Procedure
15. Cybersecurity
16. Data Science
17. Design
18. Digital Marketing and Analytics
19. Drug Discovery and Development
20. Education
21. Engineering Management
22. Engineering Management (15 Months)
23. English Secondary Education
24. Extended Award
25. Finance and Management
26. Further Education and Skills (FES)
27. Human Resource Management (7 Months)
28. Human Resource Management (CIPD Accredited)
29. Inequality and Society
30. International Business Management
31. International Human Rights
32. Journalism / Journalism (Sports)
33. Law
34. Leadership in Criminal Justice and Policing
35. Management Studies (7 Months)
36. Marketing
37. Marketing (Professional Practice)
38. Mathematics Education—1 Year with QTS
39. MBA
40. MBA (24 Months)
41. MBA (Finance)
42. MBA (HRM)
43. MBA (Marketing)
44. MBA (Marketing) (London Compass)
45. MBA (Professional Practice)
46. MBA (Professional Practice) (with Placement Year)
47. MBA (Sports Management)
48. MBA (Supply Chain Management)
49. MBA (Sustainability)
50. MBA (Top-Up)
51. MBA (Chinese)
52. Media Production (Film and Television)
53. Medical Education
54. Medical Education (1 Year)
55. Medical Education (24 Months)
56. Nursing
57. Pharmaceutical and BioPharmaceutical Formulations
58. Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment
59. Pharmaceutical Sciences For The Overseas Pharmacist Assessment (1 Year)
60. Primary Education
61. Project Management
62. Psychology (Conversion)
63. Public Health
64. Public Relations
65. Radio, Audio and Podcasting
66. Science with Biology Secondary Education
67. Science with Chemistry Secondary Education
68. Science with Physics Secondary Education
69. Secondary History Education (11-16) with QTS
70. Social Work
71. Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion
72. Sport and Exercise Sciences
73. Sustainable Design and Manufacture
74. Sustainable Tourism
75. Terrorism and Cyber Warfare
76. Tourism and Aviation
77. Tourism and Events
78. Tourism and Hospitality
79. Visual Practice

Research/PhD:

1. Higher Doctorate
2. Philosophy
3. Philosophy (4 Years)
4. Published or Creative Work

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of departments and divisions, covering all major programmes that students can choose. Here are the highlights of all the departments of the University of Sunderland.

Departments:

1. School of Arts and Design
2. School of Health Sciences
3. School of Computing, Engineering, and Technology
4. School of Business, Law, and Tourism
5. School of Education and Social Sciences

Divisions:

1. Allied Health Professions and Public Health
2. Art and Design
3. Business and Management
4. Computer Science
5. Crime, Policing, and Investigation
6. Engineering
7. English
8. Health and Clinical Sciences
9. Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism
10. Integrated Foundation Year
11. Journalism and PR
12. Law
13. Media
14. Medicine
15. Nursing and Midwifery
16. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Sciences
17. Psychology
18. Social Sciences
19. Sport and Exercise Sciences
20. Teacher Training and Education
21. Healthcare apprenticeships
22. Engineering and Digital apprenticeships
23. Education and Social Care apprenticeships

1. Farooq Hakim, Chair of the Board of Governors
2. Louise Hunter, Governor and Deputy-Chair of the Board of Governors
3. Alison Thain OBE, Governor and Deputy-Chair of the Board of Governors
4. Prof. Liz Barnes, Governor.
5. Martin Brookes, Governor.
6. Mark Burdon, Governor.
7. Dola Dada, Governor.
8. Michael Butler, Governor.
9. Roisin Patton, Governor.
10. Dr Yvonne Dixon-Todd, Head of School – Business, Management and Tourism.
11. Dr Abbas Alkhidir, Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Leadership.
12. Adam McNall, Accreditations Manager.
13. Alina Mocanu, Lecturer in Accounting and Finance.
14. Professor John Murray, Academic Dean – Faculty of Technology.
15. Adam Robson, Lecturer in Computer Science.
16. Ashley Williamson, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (Data Science).
17. Dr Barnali Das, Lecturer in Computer Science (Robotics).
18. Dr Ben Middleton, Academic Dean of the Faculty of Education, Society and Creative Industries.
19. Dr Alexandra Moschovi, Professor of Photography/Curating, Research Student Manager.
20. Amanda Ritson, Manager – NEPN (North East Photography Network); Academic Tutor.
21. Dr Nicola Roberts, Associate Professor of Criminology.
22. Dr Lauren Doyle, Lecturer in Social Studies
23. .Dr Angie Wilcock, Programme Leader for BSc Criminology, Senior lecturer in Criminology
24. Alison McMaster, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for PGCE iQTS Primary Education.
25. Dr Abdu Shaalan, Electrical and Electronics Lecturer.
26. Professor Angela Smith, Professor of Language and Culture.
27. Andrew William Hibbitt, Programme Leader – Integrated Foundation Year in Business and Tourism.

Due to the strong employment prospects in Sunderland and the welcoming local culture, many of their students continue to attend after graduation.

There are student campuses located in the city centre and around the larger North East region that are open to both UK and foreign students, forming a focus of student activity that is moulded by our distinctive local identity.

With fantastic transportation options, readily available educational resources, and a fantastic nightlife, Sunderland is a bustling, dynamic city that makes a perfect centre for student life.

Sunderland is a fantastic city to explore on the weekends and in between semesters. Unique cafes, independent shops, a bustling high street, and countless more activities may be found there.

1. Female- 61%
2. Male- 39%
3. UK Students- 81%
4. EU Students- 5%
5. International Students- 14%
6. Full-time Students- 84%
7. Part-time Students- 16%
8. Postgraduate Students - 25%
9. Undergraduate Students - 75%
10. First-year- 52%
11. Other years- 48%

University employees and students who present a current Campus Card are entitled to free transportation on the Sunderland Connect Bus Service. This service is operated by Go North East, connecting the city campus with St Peter’s Campus.

The university-orientated minibus is operated and managed by Team Sunderland.  Operating a circular route during term time, stopping at key locations such as The Forge, City Campus, Travel Hub, and Murray Library. This service is only for the university of Sunderland’s students and its faculty members.

Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle (SAMS) is an autonomous, zero-emission shuttle that operates between Sunderland Interchange, Sunderland Royal Hospital, and the University of Sunderland City Campus.

It's part of a pilot project to test autonomous vehicle technology. With bus stops located right outside, the bus service passes by Clanny House. Every 15 minutes, the service shuttles between the campuses.Students are shuttled between the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St. Peter's and the City Campus.

Students can also take a bus from Park Lane Interchange, which is located near the university city campus, connecting various routes to Tyne and Wear Metro.

University personnel and students are permitted to park for free at the Stadium of Light and commute to the university via the 700/701 route thanks to cooperation with Sunderland AFC. The Sir Tom Cowie Campus is reached in about five minutes, and the City Campus in around 20 minutes.

Students living in Sunderland can also take a train ride from Sunderland Train Station. This station offers regular train services to all the major cities across the United Kingdom. Such as Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, London, and many other cities.

All first-year students in Sunderland are guaranteed an offer of housing in one of the university's five residential halls. More than 2,000 rooms are offered, with different options like private bathrooms, shared bathrooms, and sizes ranging from medium to extremely big. Flats with shared kitchens are where the rooms are located.

With fully functional kitchens and on-site laundry facilities, all halls are self-catered. WIFI and personal property insurance are both included in the rent, and a free campus bus service connects all residence halls to both campuses.

Housing prices for on- and off-campus living are mentioned below:

On-Campus

1. Panns Bank bedrooms: £85 to £130
2. Scotia Quay: Ranging from £108.50 to £166.50
3. The Precinct: Starting at £99 per week.

Off-Campus

1. Burdon House: Prices range from £100 to £120 per week.
2. G&A House: Prices start at £460 per month.

Private Housing

1. Private Rentals: £375 per to £550 per month.
2. Victorian Terrace House starts at £515 per month

The above living cost includes utility bills, such as water, electricity, Gas, Internet etc. There is laundry service, which students need to pay for. There are also cycle parking facilities and 24/7 CCTV surveillance covering all corners of the accommodation for maximum safety.

Besides academic studies, there are many extracurricular activities in which students can join or participate in groups to develop new skills, pass leisure time, and increase networking. Here are some of the extra-curricular activities that you can do at the University of Sunderland.

1. Sports clubs and societies: At Sunderland, there are over 30 clubs and teams you can choose from. There are clubs for basketball, table tennis, football, cricket, archery, cheerleading, climbing walls, etc.
2. Activities by student union: Most activities and events are organised by the student unions. This includes organising movie nights, leisure trips, cross-country tours, annual fairs, and other social events. The student union also conducts traditional, religious, and charitable programs to give students from all backgrounds a feeling of home.
3. Masterclasses and unique workshops: The university presents multiple workshops that are conducted by industry experts and professionals from various fields of work. The university authority also organises theatre visits, giving students the opportunity to watch professional performances and engage with guest speakers, helping them gain valuable information for future career establishment.
4. Skill development program: The University of Sunderland encourages their students to participate in activities like volunteering, societies, and work experience to change employability.  

The University of Sunderland is effectively maintaining new partnerships and collaborations both in the domestic market and on the international platform. Here is the list of companies that are directly or indirectly in partnership with the University of Sunderland.

1. Nissan.
2. Hitachi Rail Europe.
3. Graduate Placement and Internship Schemes.
4. AAS College, Greece
5. DEI College, Greece
6. Chevron Training, Ireland
7. MDIS, Singapore
8. HKCT, Hong Kong
9. IACT, Malaysia
10. Shelton College International, Singapore
11. CCAMT, Singapore

The University of Sunderland has been supporting research breakthroughs that date back to 1901, the year this academic institution got its recognition as Sunderland Technical College.

At present the university is offering applied research studies relating to various global challenges, such as:

1. Art and Design
2. Business and Tourism
3. Computer Science
4. Education
5. Engineering
6. Health Science and Nursing
7. Law
8. Media and Communication
9. Medicine
10. Psychology
11. Social Science

These above-mentioned research topics are done through postgraduate research degrees, mainly:

1. MPhil (Master of Philosophy): A research accomplishment that cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling individuals and society to engage in a deeper, more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
2. PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): If you are considering an academic career for the future, this program is recommended. Undertaking this study area is all about learning, researching, and investigating your chosen topic in greater depth.
3. PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work: This programme can convert your previous research outputs into a qualification.
4. Higher Doctorate: A research-based study for geniuses looking to make a very significant and sustained contribution to their subject.
5. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Equips individuals with advanced research and practical skills to drive innovation and strategic leadership, ultimately contributing to more effective and ethical business practices within society.
6. Professional Doctorate (DProf): Advances expert practice and research within a specific field, leading to enhanced professional capabilities and societal impact through applied knowledge.

Tuition fees:

The tuition fees for studying at the University of Sunderland may vary depending on the subject or programme they choose, as there are subjects that require additional support and materials that are needed to prepare students. Here is the updated tuition fee range of the University of Sunderland in 2025.

Scholarships:

The University of Sunderland offers multiple scholarships for both domestic and international students. Here is the list of scholarships that are currently available for candidates who intend to study at the University of Sunderland.

1. Alumni Loyalty Scheme: 20% waiver on the full cost of course fees to reward loyal alumni who return to study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Sunderland for international students.
2. Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship: Up to £1,200 waiver on first-year tuition fees for international students.
3. International Scholarship: Offering £5,000 for undergraduate courses and £4,500 tuition fee reduction for postgraduate courses.
4. Robson Art & Design Scholarship: £1,000 discounts in year one for students who are able to demonstrate a keen passion and quality for artistic fields.
5. Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship: Upto £1,000 discount on tuition fees   to support five eligible first-year undergraduate psychology students
6. University of Sunderland Bursaries: Up to £3,000 for any students who satisfy the eligibility mentioned on the university website. The deadline for applying this scholarship is Thursday, 31 July 2025
7. University of Sunderland Scholarship: Upto £3,000 for those with the largest increase in their academic achievement between their GCSE grades and their Level 3 qualification results
8. We Care Bursary: Up to £12,500 discount over the full tuition fee. £2,500 cash to eligible students for each year of full-time study, based on academic progression.

From international news presenter to head of the School of Nursing, the University of Sunderland has a long list of alumni networks, and these people have made significant contributions to society. Here is the list of some of the alumni members:

1. Mike Rumbles – Scottish Liberal Democrat politician
2. Andrew Zisserman – Computer Vision Researcher
3. Chris Ramsey – comedian, television presenter, podcaster and actor
4. Jonathan Morrell– English presenter and journalist currently employed by Channel 7
5. Jeanette Henderson - Author, academic, Specialist Lay Mental Health Tribunal judge, social worker, broadcaster
6. Ross Pearson – Professional Mixed Martial Artist, Lightweight for the UFC, Lightweight Winner of The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom
7. Assassin (deejay) – Jamaican Musician.
8. Andrew Singleton – British neurogeneticist currently working in the USA
9. Chris Stevenson – Author and professor of mental health nursing at Dublin City University, where she was also head of the School of Nursing.
10. Mike Rumbles – Scottish Liberal Democrat politician.
11. Katy McLean – Rugby player, captain of England Women's National Rugby Union team
12. Carl Ivar Hagen – Norwegian politician and former vice president of the Norwegian Parliament.
13. Terry Deary – British children's author of over 200 books, selling over 25 million copies in over 40 languages.
14. Richard Billingham – English photographer and artist who is best known for his photobook Ray's A Laugh which documents the life of his alcoholic father Ray, and obese, heavily tattooed mother, Liz

The University of Sunderland offers a comprehensive range of career services to help students and graduates achieve their professional goals. Here are some of the key services available.

1. Student Career and Skills Coaches: Provide dedicated one-to-one career developing assistance to students and help them prepare for CV writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
2. Careers Consultants: Offer one-on-one career consultations to help align academic pursuits with career goals.
3. Employability and Enterprise Hub: A separate student service department to help student learn and prepare for their work life by conducting workshops, masterclasses, and networking events.
4. Enterprise Place: Provides guidance on starting and managing a business or becoming a freelancer.
5. Entrepreneurial Development Team: Provides a platform to plan and initiate entrepreneurial ambitions.
6. Internships and Placements: The university has connections with multiple industry networks and recruiters, helping students learn about real-world work experience throughout their study period.
7. Fieldwork: University of Sunderland puts extra emphasis on integrating practical scenarios into students academic journey.
8. Continued Career Consultations: The university’s resourceful career service also provides access to career guidance and job opportunities even after the student completes their graduation.
9. SUPA Award: Recognises students who regularly participate in employability services and show significant growth in their work skills.
10. Industry Insights: The career service also includes specifically designed workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry experts and professionals in providing.
11. Networking Events: University career services provide opportunities to interact with potential employers and build a professional network.

The University of Sunderland has received numerous accolades for its academic support to students around the world. Here are some of the notable awards of the University of Sunderland from 2020 to 2025.

1. Top 40 UK University in the Guardian University Guide 2025 for overall performance.
2. 1st in the North-East for Student Satisfaction: According to The Complete University Guide 2025.
3. Recognised by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024 as University of the Year for Student Support.
4. Shortlisted for University of the Year: In the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.
5. Awarded as the Top 10 Universities in the UK for Career Prospects. According to the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2023.
6. Received five stars for teaching, inclusiveness, employability, and facilities under QS World University Rankings 2023.
7. Sunderland has been awarded as a Top 50 University in the Guardian University Guide 2022. Ranked for its quality teaching and student experience.
8. Awarded Times/Sunday Times University of the Year 2021 for Social Inclusion. Received acknowledgement for the university’s commitment to widening participation.
9. Achieved the Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Progression) Award in 2020. Also recognised by the NEON Awards for the We Care programme.

33rd in the Guardian University Guide 2025

105th in the Times University Guide 2025

75th by University League Table 2025

143rd in Europe University Ranking 2025

101-150 position in QS WUR Ranking 2025 By Subject

Sunderland, in Tyne and Wear, Northeast England, is situated on the coast of the North Sea. The place offers scenic beaches like Roker and Seaburn. Attractions at Sunderland include the National Glass Centre, showcasing glass art, and the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.

Students can shop for their groceries from major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, and Sainsbury's. The traditional food of this region includes a popular dish called ‘Panaculty’ (a beef stew) and stottie cake (a large, flat bread).

Halal food can be found in various restaurants and takeaways, particularly around the city centre. Shopping is centred in the Bridges Shopping Centre, featuring a variety of high-street brands such as Primark, Zara, Next and Sports Direct.

Historical sites at Sunderland include Hylton Castle and the Penshaw Monument, providing glimpses into the region's past and its rich history. Sunderland's maritime heritage is also evident along its historic docks.

Students can spend leisure time and do physical activities at Thompson Park, Roker Park, Seaburn Park, and Blackhouse Park, all situated within short walking distance within the Sunderland city area. Overall, the lifestyle in Sunderland is also cheap compared to other cities. It currently ranks as the 7th cheapest city to reside in the UK.