About the University Named as one of the UK's Top 30 universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026, the life-changing University of Sunderland had almost 29,500 students in 2025/26 in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and in institutions that form part of its global partnership arrangements across 16 countries. A city on the rise The University is proud to be located in the heart of Sunderland, a city undergoing a bold and transformative regeneration. Once defined by its shipbuilding heritage and spirit of innovation, Sunderland is now embracing a new era of growth, creativity, and opportunity. From the University’s cutting-edge facilities and buildings to Riverside Sunderland – which is reshaping the city centre with new homes, cultural spaces, and infrastructure – Sunderland is evolving into a vibrant, future-facing urban environment. History A predecessor body to the current Sunderland City Council approved the plans for a technical college in Sunderland in 1894, and, in 1896, a site was purchased on Green Terrace. Sunderland Technical College opened in 1901 with a Principal and four full-time lecturers overseeing four departments: Chemistry, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Physics; along with departments for Commerce and Languages, supported by part-time lecturers in other subjects, including Navigation and Naval Architecture. In 1992, Sunderland Polytechnic gained university status and became the University of Sunderland — an integral part of the city and region. Today, the institution offers life-changing opportunities to students worldwide on its main campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, as well as through partner universities and colleges across the globe Our campuses City Campus sits close to the heart of Sunderland’s vibrant centre, offering students an outstanding blend of academic excellence and city living. The campus is a hub for creativity and innovation, hosting the University’s renowned health sciences courses, including the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, as well as Living Labs, all designed to support hands-on learning and world-class research. It is also home to art and design courses, university galleries, lecture theatres, and the impressive YourSU@CitySpace, a great student and sports complex. Address: University of Sunderland Edinburgh Building City Campus Chester Road Sunderland SR1 3SD St Peter’s Campus is a riverside environment for learning, innovation, and student life . Situated on the banks of the Wear, it is home to key academic areas including business, law, tourism, education, and social sciences, as well as the University’s main hub for computing and engineering. Students benefit from exceptional resources in buildings including the David Puttnam Media Centre, which features a state-of-the-art cinema, industry-standard TV and radio studios, modern lecture theatres, and the University’s award-winning community radio station, Spark . The Northern Centre of Photography provides specialist facilities for aspiring photographers, while the David Goldman Technology Centre offers a high-tech computing environment with strong industry links, fostering collaboration and real-world experience. Address: University of Sunderland Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's St Peter's Campus St Peter's Way Sunderland SR6 0DD The University of Sunderland in London , situated in Harbour Exchange, next to the Canary Wharf business district, is in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the world. As well as professionally-focused courses in business, finance, hospitality, and tourism, it also offers health-related courses, including nursing, health and social care. Students have the unique opportunity to live, work and study in an internationally diverse city steeped in rich culture and history. Address: University of Sunderland in London 4 Harbour Exchange Square London E14 9GE Based on Gloucester Road, the University of Sunderland in Hong Kong sits in the vibrant neighbourhood of Wan Chai – a stone's throw away from the MTR station. The campus offers a wide range of academic programmes, including undergraduate bachelor’s degrees, as well as postgraduate and doctoral degrees. Address: 1/F, Centre Point 181-185 Gloucester Road Wan Chai Hong Kong The 2025–2030 Strategy reinforces the University’s mission to be life-changing, with the underpinning ambitions to be a student-focused, professions-facing and society-shaping institution. The Strategy has five supporting plans covering the areas of student success, research and innovation, student recruitment, infrastructure, and people. Our student statistics 2025/26 Total number of students at the University: 29,414 *A Home student is based on their fee status being a Home type. An International student has a fee status of EU or Overseas. **UK-based includes students based at Sunderland Campus, London Campus, further education partner colleges, and independent distance learning students where the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) return defines them as part of the UK return. ***Non-UK-based includes students based at TNE partners, Hong Kong Campus, and independent distance learning students where the HESA return defines them as part of the Overseas return. Total number of nationalities: 154 Related content